Datuk Jema Khan graduated from the City University, London with a Bsc. (Hons) in Economics and Accountancy in 1985. He was the Managing Director of Jawala Corporation Sdn Bhd, a company involved mainly in the trading of wood and palm oil products, from 1988 to 2004. He also served as Chairman of Progressive Insurance Bhd, a company owned by the State Government of Sabah, from 1995 to 2000. He has also been active in politics having been elected to the national UMNO Youth EXCO (1993 – 2000) as well as head of UMNO Youth Sabah (1996 – 1999). He has travelled extensively and has vast experience in the international arena especially in non-traditional markets in North Africa and the Middle East.
Datuk Jema Khan was formerly Executive Deputy Chairman of Jaycorp Berhad (2006 – 2011), a furniture manufacturing company listed in the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia in which Jawala Corporation Sdn Bhd is one of the major shareholders.
Datuk Jema Khan is also currently the Chairman of Jawala Inc.