Arjuna Tharmalingam
Kuala Lumpur
Summary
Former British Army officer and law graduate with a track record in finance, entrepreneurship, and social impact. Successfully founded and exited an e-commerce beauty startup during COVID-19 and now leads an edu-tech venture focused on student empowerment, shaped by tenure as a Buddhist monk in northern Thailand, which instilled resilience and a commitment to service. An international debate champion (ASEAN to Yale) and dedicated endurance athlete, has completed an Ironman Triathlon with just 10 days of training and is currently preparing for a first amateur Muay Thai fight—both tests of extreme mental and physical fortitude. Expertise spans investment analysis, strategic leadership, and high-stakes decision-making. Enterprising Financial Analyst with proven success in recommending appropriate financial plans based on accurate data collection, financial monitoring and business strategizing. Expertise includes financial analysis and reporting, contract management and forecasting. Develops and maintains high standards of quality and issue resolution through effective financial planning. Adept at utilizing top-of-the-line communication skills to build and foster long-term relationships.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Financial Analyst
AREA Group
07.2024 - Current
- Financial Modeling & Analysis: Built financial models for real estate investments worth MYR1B+, optimizing cash flow projections and risk-adjusted returns.
Investment Due Diligence: Conducted market research and feasibility studies on MYR10B+ in potential acquisitions, identifying high-yield opportunities.
Valuation & Deal Structuring: Assisted in valuing assets and structuring 3 major GLIC-backed REITs, contributing to successful capital raises and investor presentations.
Portfolio Management: Monitored and optimized asset performance, improving financial and operational efficiency.
Stakeholder Engagement: Supported negotiations with investors, banks, and developers to align financial and strategic objectives.
Market Research & Strategy: Analyzed industry trends, macroeconomic indicators, and regulatory shifts to refine investment strategies.
Army Officer (UOTC)
British Army
09.2023 - 06.2024
- Leadership & Team Management: Led 7-man sections and 30-man platoons in high-pressure wargames, making strategic decisions and managing operations effectively.
- Military Training & Tactical Skills: Completed 100+ hours of navigation, fieldcraft, section attacks, and command tasks, enhancing adaptability and problem-solving.
- Discipline & Resilience: Underwent rigorous military training, excelling in physical endurance, mental resilience, and operational planning.
- Communication & Decision-Making: Delivered mission briefings and coordinated with cross-functional teams to achieve strategic objectives.
Public Speaking & Instruction: Led training sessions for peers, honing clarity, confidence, and leadership presence. - Time Management & Multitasking: Balanced 600+ hours of intensive military training alongside academic and professional commitments.
Corporate Legal Intern
Skrine/Zaid Ibrahim & Co
04.2023 - 08.2023
- Case Analysis & Court Proceedings: Attended 15+ depositions and court proceedings, preparing detailed case summaries to support litigation strategy.
- Legal Research & Documentation: Reviewed 100+ legal documents, identifying key issues and ensuring accuracy in contracts, agreements, and proposals.
- Filing System Optimization: Restructured legal filing systems to improve efficiency, reducing retrieval time by 30%.
- Drafting & Correspondence: Authored 50+ memoranda, motions, petitions, and waivers, ensuring legal compliance and strategic alignment.
- Legislative & Case Law Analysis: Conducted in-depth research on state and federal laws, analyzing 20+ legal precedents to strengthen case arguments.
- Organized legal filing system to maximize efficiency.
B-40 Programme Director
Taman Muda Community Centre
09.2022 - 01.2023
- Community Empowerment & Leadership: Gathered and led a team of 20 professional volunteers to support 15 single mothers in Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam, providing training and mentorship.
- Entrepreneurship Program Development: Designed and launched a business development program, equipping participants with skills to launch sustainable ventures.
- Fundraising & Strategic Impact: Raised MYR 15,000 in seed capital to kick-start the program, securing essential funding for training and resources.
- Leadership & Collaboration: Negotiated partnerships and coordinated efforts between stakeholders, developing expertise in delegation, negotiation, and leadership.
Executive Product Designer
Moneytree Asia
12.2021 - 02.2022
- Algorithm Development & Innovation: Designed an AI-driven algorithm that cross-references 100+ client data points with lifestyle goals, generating a strategic, trackable framework for optimized personal development.
- Product Integration & Market Readiness: Partnered with Moneytree’s product team to refine and adapt the algorithm into a commercially viable solution, ensuring user-centric functionality.
- Strategic Negotiation & Business Development: Negotiated key adaptations to align technical innovation with market demand, contributing to a scalable product roadmap.
Start-up Founder
Butterbabe Beauty
02.2021 - 11.2021
- Revenue & Growth: Built and scaled an international B2C e-commerce brand, generating MYR 250,000+ in revenue through arbitrage, dropshipping, and targeted social media marketing.
- Global Supply Chain Management: Negotiated contracts and secured 3+ international fulfillment partnerships, optimizing logistics and delivery times.
- Successful Exit: Strategically exited the business, gaining hands-on experience in marketing conversion, contract negotiation, and valuation-based deal structuring.
- Customer & Operational Efficiency: Managed 1000+ customer transactions, ensuring a 99.99% fulfillment rate with timely and professional delivery.
Pro-bono Consultant
Kechara Kitchens
03.2021 - 09.2021
- Operational Efficiency: Managed logistics and distribution for food and health aid programs across Kuala Lumpur, ensuring timely delivery to 10,000+ beneficiaries.
- Strategic Impact: Advised on media and marketing strategies, increasing donor engagement and enhancing CSR partnerships.
- Leadership & Problem-Solving: Coordinated with relevant stakeholders, optimizing resource allocation and crisis management in high-impact community projects.
Education
LLB (Hons) - Law
Queens University Belfast
Belfast, Northern Ireland07-2024
Activation Entrepreneurship Incubator Program -
Sydney School of Entrepreneurship
Sydney, Australia11.2020
Skills
- Leadership & Strategic Decision-Making – Led teams under high-pressure environments, making critical decisions in corporate, military, and investment settings
- Financial Modeling & Investment Analysis – Expertise in financial modeling, assessing investment opportunities and risk in REITs and industrial real estate
- Private Equity & Deal Structuring – Conducted due diligence, asset valuation, and investment structuring in real estate and private equity
- Legal Analysis & Contract Negotiation – Strong foundation in corporate law, regulatory compliance, and contract drafting for business transactions
- Risk Assessment & Due Diligence – Evaluated financial, legal, and operational risks in investments and business deals
- Tactical & Crisis Management – Military-trained in high-pressure decision-making, operational planning, and problem-solving
- Public Speaking & Stakeholder Engagement – Skilled in persuasive communication, negotiation, and high-stakes presentations
- Research & Critical Thinking – Strong ability to analyze legal, financial, and strategic issues to drive informed decision-making
- Multitasking & High Performance – Proven ability to balance demanding roles in corporate, military, and academic settings
Hobbies and Interests
- Sports: Amateur Muay Thai Fighter, Surfing and Mountain Biking enthusiast.
- Creative: Pianist and Bachata dancer
- Intellect: Amateur Software Developer and Toastmasters Public Speaker
- Runway/Fashion/Commercial Model signed to Agencies in UK/Malaysia
Timeline
Financial Analyst
AREA Group
07.2024 - Current
Army Officer (UOTC)
British Army
09.2023 - 06.2024
Corporate Legal Intern
Skrine/Zaid Ibrahim & Co
04.2023 - 08.2023
B-40 Programme Director
Taman Muda Community Centre
09.2022 - 01.2023
Executive Product Designer
Moneytree Asia
12.2021 - 02.2022
Pro-bono Consultant
Kechara Kitchens
03.2021 - 09.2021
Start-up Founder
Butterbabe Beauty
02.2021 - 11.2021
LLB (Hons) - Law
Queens University Belfast
Activation Entrepreneurship Incubator Program -
Sydney School of Entrepreneurship
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