Pavo Tan
Founder & Principal, HGR Consulting (Shanghai) Ltd
Director, China Desk – Chur Associates
Where the traditionally trained accountant meets the entrepreneur.
Based in Kuala Lumpur, Pavo Tan is a senior professional with deep experience and knowledge in navigating the regulatory landscape in both China and Malaysia. As Malaysia puts in place new policies to attract foreign investment, Pavo is well placed to support and advise Chinese investors looking for opportunities and support in navigating the tax, tariff and accounting landscape in Malaysia. Offering a unique combination of accountancy and entrepreneurial expertise, Pavo understands the importance of having clear guidance so that business leaders can focus on their key driver: growth.
Approach:
Pavo’s approach combines deep regulatory knowledge with a practical, entrepreneurial mindset. His guiding principles — “practice what you preach and preach what you practice”— define his leadership and style. For companies and HNWIs navigating the China-Malaysia corridor, Pavo offers strong consulting capabilities and advice based on extensive experience, insight, and a grounded approach to getting results. Pavo combines thorough regulatory knowledge with a pragmatic, entrepreneurial mindset. This philosophy shapes his consulting practice, which is dedicated to empowering companies, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals navigating the China-Malaysia corridor.
Pavo graduated from Bond University, Australia in 1999 with a degree in Business (majoring in accounting) and started his career at Horwath (2000–2002) before joining his family’s business (2002–2006), where he worked hands-on in corporate restructuring, listed company compliance, and turnaround management.
In 2006, driven by China’s rising economic potential, Pavo relocated to Shanghai in a bid to build bridges between China and Malaysia. Immersing himself in the Chinese market from the ground up he saw the need for practical, on-the-ground expertise for companies navigating the complex regulatory and cultural landscape between these two dynamic economies.
He spent four years managing a local accounting firm and then became Partner at Tenet Business Consulting (2010–2012). In 2012, he founded HGR Consulting, which quickly became a trusted advisor to foreign companies operating in China. Built without marketing or advertising, HGR grew organically, peaking at a 20-person team that served over 50 foreign-invested enterprises—including well-known global brands—across sectors such as trade, architecture, retail, and design.
Pavo Tan remains committed to fostering economic collaboration between China and Malaysia, advocating for compliance, transparency, and sustainable growth in the region.
Target Market:
- Chinese investors seeking opportunities in Malaysia.
- Foreign companies operating in China.
- Home/family offices and high-net-worth individuals looking for cross-border investment and consulting expertise.
- Guidance on new market entry and operational challenges. Malaysian investors seeking opportunities in China.
- Malaysian investors seeking opportunities in China.