In a recent interview with Top 10 of Asia, Shashi Kumarao Subbarow, the CEO of TAV Facility and Property Management, talks about his journey in the industry and the groundbreaking innovations he has introduced to transform the sector.
A little kid with a big dream, Shashi started working from a young age, taking up part-time jobs at just 13 years old. After completing his secondary school education, he ventured into various organisations, gradually building his experience. His turning point came when he worked for Seagate Technologies, where he was introduced to the concept of facilities management (FM) services. This exposure inspired him to bring the concept back home.
After returning to Malaysia in 2010, Shashi’s career trajectory took him into property management. He worked in several related fields in FM before establishing TAV Facility and Property Management in November 2016.
“In Asia, we don’t practically hear about FM services, so this is where we come in handy,” says Shashi.
With nearly fifteen years of experience covering cleaning, FM services and property management, Shashi had a clear vision for TAV. Recognising Malaysia’s urban landscape—filled with high-rise buildings, offices, factories, and stratified residences, he saw an opportunity to streamline FM into an integrated model. By combining various support services under one roof, clients could save up to 25% in costs. TAV offers a comprehensive range of services, including cleaning, property management, landscaping, pest control, swimming pool maintenance and third-party lift maintenance. The company also employs skilled civil, structural, mechanical and electrical teams to ensure every aspect of a building is covered, from rooftop to basement.
A key principle at TAV is cost conservatism and industry education. “Our vision when we started, we wanted to use all the technologies that were available at that point of time to actually reduce costs,” says Shashi who believes in shifting the mindset from fragmented service outsourcing to a holistic FM approach. Although many industry players were hesitant at first, certain developers embraced this model, particularly in new developments.
Technology has been at the forefront of TAV’s operations. The company introduced the TAV Facility app, an innovative solution that allows residents and property managers to handle various tasks efficiently. “Through the app, users can pay service charges, file complaints, communicate with property owners, receive delivery notifications and monitor security patrols,” explains Sashi. “The facility manager can track whether cleaning teams have completed their schedules, ensuring accountability. One of the app’s most significant advantages is its ability to generate comprehensive daily reports automatically, reducing administrative burdens and eliminating the time-consuming manual report preparations that were previously necessary.”
Shashi’s commitment to transparency sets TAV apart from competitors. “Transparency is what matters,” he says. Clients can request reports at any time and the company operates on an open-book policy. Every financial detail, process and budget is openly shared with clients, fostering trust and accountability.
“We always dream big,” says Shashi. Looking ahead, he envisions TAV becoming a publicly listed company on Bursa Malaysia within the next five years. While other FM companies are already listed, TAV’s fully integrated model distinguishes it from the rest. With a strong advisory team and a CFO onboard, the company is diligently preparing for this milestone. Additionally, international expansion is on the horizon, with plans to establish TAV as a global brand within the next five to six years.
For Shashi, his greatest achievement is the recognition TAV has garnered in the industry. When the company bids for tenders, it is consistently selected, a testament to the quality and efficiency of its services. Competitors acknowledge TAV’s presence and methodologies, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in the field.
To aspiring entrepreneurs, Shashi has this to say, “Set your dreams and remain unwavering in your pursuit of them.” He emphasises the importance of discipline and dedication, citing the old Chinese proverb, “The early bird gets the worm.” Success, he asserts, requires sacrifice—eschewing late-night parties and distractions in favour of commitment to one’s goals. Hard work, focus and perseverance are the keys to long-term success.
With his visionary leadership, Shashi Kumarao continues to reshape the facilities and property management industry, paving the way for greater innovation and excellence.