Tay & Partners is a full-service commercial law firm with offices in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. The firm is particularly known for its competition strength and is active in both contentious and advisory matters. The firm also boasts expertise in the aviation and real estate sectors. Nicole Leong and Weng Yew Wong are key partners. Managing partner Beng Chai Tay retired on 30 June 2021.
Client feedback
“They are very responsive, knowledgeable and their fees are mostly reasonable.” – Intellectual property
Work highlights
Acted for AirAsia in the first ever airlines’ competition case in Malaysia involving the country’s two major carriers, Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia after the enactment of the Competition Act 2010. The landmark decision of the Court of Appeal will be instrumental in shaping the jurisprudence of competition law in Malaysia since it will provide clarity on the interpretation of the deeming provision.
Acted for AerCap Ireland, the world's largest aircraft leasing company based in Dublin, in a cross-border international aviation dispute involving a Boeing 777 aircraft. This is the first aircraft arrest case that ever happened in Malaysia. This case has also attracted immense attention from the international media and the aviation industry as it involves the national flag carrier of Pakistan and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Key clients
Financial Products Group, MC Aviation Partners
Highly regarded firm Zaid Ibrahim & Co (a member of ZICO Law) has a sound reputation in the market, particularly for financing, capital markets and corporate work. The firm also provides strong expertise on energy and infrastructure projects, including road, rail and airport developments as well as petrochemical plants and local and offshore renewable energy projects. Lilian Liew, Gilbert Gan, Kee Hooi Wong, Amin Abdul Majid and Boo Seng Ong are key figures for banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A, energy, infrastructure, and IP, respectively.
Client feedback
“Partners are experienced, hands on and accessible and give attention to their clients.” – Capital markets
“Practical, responsive, flexible and prompt.” – Construction
“Good response time, sound legal knowledge, meticulousness and willingness to go the extra mile without asking.” – Intellectual property
Tat King Loo
“Very helpful in dealing our issues. Strong technical knowledge.”
Lillian Liew
“Responsive, knowledgeable, available, and friendly. She is a problem-solver.”
“Top of field service/advice from partner Lilian Liew.”
Caera Lee
“She is knowledgeable in her field, thorough and provides practical solutions. Added plus is that she is also very pleasant to work with.”
Linda Wang
“Sound legal knowledge. You can be assured that she has considered all aspects of the problem before offering a solution.”
Lillian Liew and Sook Kwan Chin
“Experienced on the subject matter, advisory and client management.”
Work highlights
Acted for UK Export Finance and BNP Paribas (Singapore branch) on the restructuring of instalment sale agreements Involving 2 Airbus A330 Aircraft operated by a Malaysian airline.
Comprising over 100 lawyers, Albar & Partners primarily focuses on banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A. It is known for its breadth of experience in banking and finance transactions, including corporate and syndicated lending, Islamic finance and sukuk issuances, asset finance and project finance. The firm represents both local and international financial institutions including investment banks, commercial banks, insurance companies, as well as borrowers across various industry sectors. In addition, the firm is also active in M&A, IPOs, joint ventures, private equity and regulatory matters. Swee Loong Chung and Lily Chea Li Tan are key partners at the firm.
Client feedback
“Very insightful and sound feedback and fast delivery.” – Banking and finance
Swee Loong Chung
“Highly experienced and knowledgeable.”
Work highlights
Acted for Maybank Islamic on a commodity murabahah term financing-i facility granted to Puspakom.
Acted for RHB Bank on a RM450 million term loan facility granted to LG Petronas Chemicals Malaysia, to part finance the construction cost of the development, construction and operation of the NBL Project.
Key clients
CIMB Investment Bank, MIDF Amanah Investment Bank, RHB Bank
HL Lee & Co focuses on corporate and M&A with a wide range of industry sector expertise including consumer goods and services, manufacturing, real estate, plantation, education and insurance. King Koe Ng and Lay San Ng are key contacts.
Work highlights
Advised a major Islamic financial institution in Malaysia on its RM82 million Islamic banking facilities granted to the largest packaging company in the ASEAN region.
Since its inception in 1976, Kadir Andri & Partners has etched itself a formidable niche in the Malaysian legal landscape with its concentration in banking and financial services, energy and infrastructure sectors, while specialising in banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A. Kong Yam Tan and Julian Hashim are key contacts.
Work highlights
Acted as counsel for Federal Land Development Authority on all Malaysian legal and regulatory matters relating to the financing and security arrangement for acquisition of the remaining ordinary shares in the target company.
Acted as legal counsel for Malayan Banking as lender in connection with a term loan facility granted to Kwantas Corporation, for the purpose of financing its privatisation.
Key clients
CIMB Bank
A staple of the Malaysia market, legal powerhouse Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill elicits prestige owing to its rich history and earns plaudits based on its novel solutions; the firm’s bench is stocked top-to-bottom with talent ranging from senior statesmen to up-and-comers, all of whom elicit praise from peers and clients. The firm has distinguished practices in banking and finance, construction, dispute resolution, employment and tax. It counts many international corporations among its clients and offers in-depth expertise across various sectors including real estate and technology.
Client feedback
“Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill (LHAG) provides professional services, immediate responses and always meets clients’ needs.” – Construction
“My comments below are generally based on my dealing with Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill for one adjudication and expected arbitration for a huge construction project in Malaysia. LHAG’s positive attributes and what makes the firm excellent are its strengths and key capabilities as follows: It has good lawyers specialised in various fields such as specialists in adjudication including under the Malaysian Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act, in arbitration for construction contracts etc; it is a sizeable company and is able to take on big jobs; they are very knowledgeable and able to think out of the box in providing sound strategies and advice; and they are client-oriented or customer-focussed and negotiable.” – Construction
“Client-focus is excellent; they take timelines very seriously and are never tardy; advice is always strategic and well-thought through; they go the extra mile for the client.” – Construction
“They are very knowledgeable and provide better advisory in terms of strategy. Their advisory is very informative and relatable to the current era.” – Dispute resolution
“Effective delivery of services, prompt update and high-quality legal services.” – Dispute resolution
“Cooperative and provide lots of resources and information on dispute resolution.” – Dispute resolution
“Extensive knowledge and experience in Malaysia contract law; excellent understanding of client needs and interest; attention to details in contract drafting; good explanations in layman terms on contractual matters; proactive in assisting client to expedite the contract execution process; quick turnaround with queries and draft amendment.” – Real estate
Mun Yew Chan
“He is very responsive when we seek advice on the issues. His knowledge is undeniable. When he addressed advice, the advice given addressed the issues that we raised with him.”
“Knowledgeable and easy to reach. He has given lots of advice on dispute resolution and strategies on managing the matter.”
“Knowledgeable and responsive to enquiry.”
Shariffullah Majeed
“Advises clearly on guidelines for any industrial relation cases.”
Darshendev Singh
“Darshendev Singh's positive attributes and what makes him exceptional, stand out and different from competitors are his qualities, as below: He is very knowledgeable in his fields; he is very detailed or meticulous in covering all issues of contention/all angles/all arguments; he always endeavours his best for the clients; he is able to think out of the box in forming strategies and giving his professional opinion.”
Zhen Ning Soh
“Very attentive and has in-depth knowledge in relevant jurisdictions. Professional services provided and always meets expectation of clients.”
Steven Tee
“Client management skills are excellent. He has deep knowledge of the subject matter he handles. Strong but diplomatic negotiation skills. He is solution-driven and can adjust strategies and drafting according to fluid circumstances.”
“Good communication skills; quick turnaround and accessible; strong knowledge of Malaysia contract and industrial laws.”
Wai Chin (Crystal) Wong
“She is such a nice person and such a great lawyer. My judgement is based on the cooperation with her for nearly two years. She helps our company a lot with her legal professionalism.”
Work highlights
Advised OSK in respect of the development of various Shariah-compliant financing products offered by OSK Syariah Capital, a wholly owned subsidiary of OSK Holdings.
Naqiz & Partners is adept in handling acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures, project finance, private banking and syndicated facilities. The firm services clients from a range of sectors including energy, real estate and technology and telecommunications. Key individuals include Shamshul Iskandar Zulkifli for corporate commercial work and Brian Lew for technology.
Client feedback
“Responsive, fast and approachable.” – Intellectual property
“Accessible and fair price.” – Intellectual property
“What stands out the most about Naqiz & Partners team is their evident and vast knowledge and experience in the matters. The team is able to deliver the output exceeding our expectations within the stipulated timeframe, amongst others, providing constructive solutions and alternatives as opposed to not just agreeing on the client’s ideas and needs. The team members also showed passion and dedication throughout the entire projects. The team is very accessible, diligent and dependable in meeting clients’ needs and requirements. Looking forward to working together again in the future.” – Regulatory
Khai Yi Lo
“Responsive and provide cost effective solutions.”
“Accessible, smart.”
“Evident and vast knowledge and experience; passionate; accessible”
Work highlights
Acted for Bank Pembangunan Malaysia in all matters relating to Islamic banking facilities to part finance the construction, commissioning and completion of a new membrane bio reactor Sewerage Treatment Plan Facility in Kuala Lumpur.
Advised Malayan Banking on its banking facility granted to Zen Bestari for the purposes of funding a housing development project.
Raja Darryl & Loh is frequently sought out by technology start-ups and other established companies for its extensive expertise in financial technology and digital banking. It is also experienced in various transactions including aviation finance, M&A, joint ventures and equity capital markets. With its robust disputes practice, the firm is active in various contentious matters, including antitrust, construction, employment and tax cases. Phye Keat Chew, Choon Hon Leng, Raja Eileen Soraya, Ravindra Kumar Rengasamy, Vijey Mohana Krishnan and Tong Lai Ling are recommended for competition, construction, dispute resolution, employment, tax and technology, respectively.
Client feedback
“Solution-oriented, industry knowledge, analysis of grey areas.” – Banking and finance
“They were able to provide well rounded advice aside from the documentation as well.” – Banking and finance
“Optimistic and professional in handling issues and people.” – Construction
“Raja Darryl & Loh (RDL) drafted thoroughly on terms of the contracts and in such a way protecting our rights and interest and raised considerations which had not been foreseen by us.” – Corporate and M&A
“Very professional.” – Dispute resolution
“Experienced firm to give advice on competition law issues, tactical to deal with shareholders, provide good, practical and sound advice.” – Insurance
“Prompt response and sound advice.” – Intellectual property
“Experience and able to provide a wide range of advice.” – Intellectual property
“Prompt response and attention to detail.” – Labour and employment
“I find them to be extremely knowledgeable as well as always responsive to our requirements. They are able to quickly grasp the requirements and provide their viewpoints with supporting legal basis.” – Labour and employment
“Expert in the area of medicolegal and confident when it comes to handling the regulatory affairs.” – Regulatory
Phye Kiat Chew
“Experienced, responsive and provide sound advice.”
Mei Mei Chong
“Problem solver with industry knowledge and firm grasp of law and regulations required for this.”
“Her ability to understand our requirements comprehensively enabled us to complete our product development in a timely manner.”
“She has provided legal opinions and good guidelines on legal issues for laymen.”
Hon Leng Choon
“Professional with excellent communication skills.”
“Deep knowledge of the TMT industry coupled with years of litigation experience particularly in giving insight to strategising and ultimately problem solving.”
Himin Ng
“She is always actively engaging in her works and follows up closely with the client proactively. Deadlines of filing and submission of documents are always adhered to.”
Yvonne Ong
“Prompt response and sound advice.”
“Very commercially minded and good innovative solutions.”
Raja Eileen Soraya
“She is very humble despite being very knowledgeable. Listens well and provides constructive feedback and solutions.”
Chu Wei Tai
“Professional, pleasant, competent and responsive.”
Li Vyen Tham
“Sharp and accommodating. Willing to explore solution with business and spend time understanding operation.”
“Li Vyen is very client centric and always makes herself available at short notice. If she is caught up with another engagement, she manages our expectation and will have another support assigned with her working in the background. She is also creative and always provides a balanced perspective.”
“She is able to position and structure our interests based on feedback provided.”
William Wong
“William Wong is sharp, approachable and provides sound advice even before the client asks for it. Meetings won't run overtime and objectives are always achieved. His time management is impeccable, in a sense that we always know we are a priority despite him having other files at hand.”
Vijey Mohana Krishnan and William Wong
“They are experts in tax matters and often provide sound commercial and tactical advice in maneuvering the case, foreseeing and preparing for the next 10 steps ahead in all possible avenues.”
Work highlights
Represented a bank on the provision of RM60 million facilities granted to two borrowers that are subsidiaries of a well-known public-listed real property developer.
Key clients
Maybank Islamic, MUFG Bank Malaysia, RHB Bank
Shearn Delamore & Co is respected for its strength in advising clients from the financial services, energy, real estate and technology sectors. The firm comprises of renowned practice groups with exceptional capabilities across a whole range of practice areas including banking, corporate and M&A, construction, employment, intellectual property, competition and tax. Key individuals include Anand Raj for competition and tax, Grace Yeoh for corporate and M&A, Rabindra Nathan for dispute resolution, Karen Abraham for IP, Sivabalah Nadarajah for employment and Ka Im Goh for tax.
Client feedback
“Competence as well as the breadth and depth of ability in the firm. The lawyers that we deal with are good at keeping us briefed/updated and responsive.” – Competition/antitrust
“Ability to identify crucial issues and providing workable solutions to address such issues to the mutual benefit of both parties leading to the successful completion of the acquisition.” – Corporate and M&A
“Experienced senior partners. Thorough and very detailed. Sound and sensible legal advice after digesting the documents and exhibits presented as evidence. Very few errors in the production documents with well written arguments in the contents.” – Dispute resolution
“Quick response and accurate in advice.” – Dispute resolution
“Delivers consistently good service, which brings depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic, and overall, just great to work with.” – Dispute resolution
“They provide efficient, cost-effective business advice. They are prompt, provide clear and concise legal counsel. And their rates are extremely reasonable.” – Intellectual property
“Clear legal thinking; good teamwork; proactive; and client friendly.” – Intellectual property
“Shearn Delamore is able to provide a professional legal service.” – Intellectual property
“Accessibility, prompt response and professional advice.” – Intellectual property
“They gave practical advice and sought to think outside of the box.” – Intellectual property
“Respond very quickly to inquiries, advice, review of drafts, clear and easy to understand opinions, provides honest advice on repercussions/weakness and clear strategic advice also. Lawyers are friendly easy to discuss matters and value company's views and opinions also. Accepts all cases regardless of the rank of claimant and a senior lawyer provides the advice, does not delegate to a junior lawyer to do so.” – Labour and employment
“Shearn Delamore & Co provides pragmatic solutions to complex legal issues. Especially on employment matters.” – Labour and employment
“Always on top of the matter and able to provide solutions.” – Restructuring and insolvency
“Clear, concise and practical advice, responsive and attentive to needs.” – Tax
“Commercially sensitive solutions and good turnaround time. Good connectivity with other law firms in the region. competitive pricing and quality legal opinion.” – Technology and telecommunications
Karen Abraham
“Karen Abraham is a trail blazer. Vast knowledge, practical and great social skills!”
“Karen is an excellent TM and IP attorney. She is extremely knowledgeable in Malaysian IP law. She is an acknowledged dean of the Malaysian IP Bar. A terrific attorney....”
“Karen is able to provide good insights on enforcement work.”
“She managed the matter well and I felt she was ‘on top of things’. Energetic.”
Rodney Gomez
“Delivers consistently good service, with depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic and overall, just great to work with. Often goes above and beyond the call of duty.”
Datin Jeyanthini
“Patient and a good listener.”
Jimmy Liew
“Attentive, very experienced and has deep knowledge of the law.”
TC (Raymond) Low
“Very experienced, very sound legal knowledge, always quick to revert with advice or comments, always available and very approachable. Pleasant and emphatic.”
Jyeshta Mahendran
“She is accessible, extremely prompt in her responses, professional and very knowledgeable.”
Ned Segaram
“He is proactive and has good knowledge of the facts.”
Indran Shanmuganathan
“Superb advocational skills.”
N Sivabalah
“He explains the position of the law and weighs in the pros and cons before giving his advice on any issues.”
Nicholas Tan
“Quick turnaround time and ability to analyse the issues and providing workable solutions.”
Yoong San (Janet) Toh
“Professional and delivers rapid responses.”
“Experienced IP lawyer with strong commercial acumen.”
Irene Yong
“Clear, concise and practical advice. Responsive and attentive to needs.”
Work highlights
Acted as Malaysian counsel for the lenders in respect of a green term loan facility granted to South Beach Consortium, a joint venture between City Developments (CDL) and IOI Properties Group, one of Malaysia’s leading property developers and listed on the main market of Bursa Malaysia, whereby the proceeds from the green loan will be used for the refinancing of the South Beach development in alignment with CDL's sustainable finance framework.
Key clients
Malaysia Aviation Group
With over 100 years of history, Shook Lin & Bok has a strong presence in the areas of banking and finance, competition, dispute resolution, intellectual property and labour and employment. The firm is valued for its expertise in providing guidance to clients across the financial services and technology and telecommunications sectors. Among many notable practitioners, key partners include Jalalullail Othman for banking and finance, Sin Min Yoong for disputes and Michael Soo for intellectual property. Syed Adam Alhabshi, specialised in banking and finance, joined the firm as partner in April 2022.
Client feedback
“Shook Lin & Bok has professional lawyers who are able to give sound legal advice to the bank in a timely and professional way to assist the bank in defending all legal suits effectively.” – Banking and finance
“Administrative support, a team of paraprofessional or legal assistants who work collaboratively with partners.” – Dispute resolution
“Very thorough in their research and able to give practical solutions.” – Dispute resolution
“Able to provide practical advice and solutions.” – Restructuring and insolvency
Kok Keong Chan
“Knowledgeable, professional and helpful.”
Tien Fen (Victoria) Loi
“Able to set good strategies, very detailed in her research and provide good advice and practical solutions.”
Hooi Huang Ng
“Staying passionate and knowledgeable, act fast and creatively.”
“Hooi Huang is smart but very approachable. Always willing to go extra miles during her course of the matter.”
Work highlights
Advised a Malaysian financial institution on the financing of the development, design, engineering, procurement, construction, installation, testing and commissioning of a solar photovoltaic plant and five airports in different cities in Malaysia.
With long-standing practices and an established reputation in the market, Skrine maintains a robust track record across most practice areas and sectors. The firm’s client base includes state-owned enterprises and major companies from the TMT, financial services, energy, infrastructure and real estate industries. The firm is particularly savvy and active in handling cross-border transactions and disputes across the region. Ivan Loo, Janet Lai Heng Looi, Guan Huat Khoo, Charmayne Poh Yin Ong and Selvamalar Alagaratnam are recommended for construction, corporate and M&A, disputes, intellectual property and technology, and employment law, respectively. Dispute partner Leong Wai Hong departed to the bench as judicial commissioners of the High Court of Malaysia in January 2022.
Client feedback
“Impressed with the depth of knowledge and how the matter was handled.” – Aviation
“Dedicated, responsible and efficient.” – Banking and finance
“Experienced and skilled.” – Banking and finance
“Professional, knowledgeable, efficient, and high quality of work.” – Banking and finance
“Fast and efficient. Provide valuable legal advice.” – Banking and finance
“Good team leaders. Able to provide quick answers and communicate it well to our team.” – Competition/antitrust
“They provided us with thorough advice on the subject matter.” – Corporate and M&A
“They are usually a one-stop centre in terms of any other areas that we may have issues that needs legal advice on. More importantly, they provide very prompt and solid legal advice which is extremely important to us.” – Dispute resolution
“Skrine is an excellent law firm with very good and experienced lawyers. They were very prompt in their responses and proactive in handling the entire matter. The team was knowledgeable and experienced.” – Dispute resolution
“They have demonstrated the expected highest level of expertise, proficiency, skills including availability and ability to meet extremely tight deadlines.” – Dispute resolution
“Skrine consistently structure their advice in a comprehensive and clear manner.” – Intellectual property
“They are very responsive, and very clear communicators. Competent in all ways.” – Intellectual property
“Skrine has exhibited deep transaction experience, mastery of the Malaysian market and high levels of professionalism during the course of the deal. They were also responsive and on the ball, often identifying potential pitfalls pre-emptively. We also benefitted from their familiarity with the local regulatory environment which allowed us to arrive at a structure which closed the gap and enabled the deal to close.” – Private equity
“Out of the box thinking, doesn't follow the herd.” – Regulatory
Kumar Mahadev Ashok
“Very sharp, highly intuitive, responsible and perhaps one of the most important things to say about him is that he is reachable even when he is away on his holidays, should there be an urgent need to consult him. We are most grateful for that.”
Claudia Cheah
“Professional, knowledgeable and efficient.”
Ariel Paul Francine
“She provided thorough advice on the subject matter.”
Sheba Gumis
“Sheba was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and a joy to work with.”
Hafidah Hashim
“Experienced and skilled.”
Guan Huat Khoo
“Attentive, calm, and responsive.”
Ai Hsien Lee
“Ai Hsien is dedicated, responsible and concise in her advice.”
Peh Fern Loo
“Loo is very knowledgeable and experienced and knows her stuff. Loo was very prompt in replying to emails and handled the legal matter very well.”
“She was very professional, prompt and extremely fast on the uptake in terms of the question and scope that we were consulting Skrine on.”
Poh Yin (Charmayne) Ong
“Excellent case management and delivery.”
“She is very responsive, and also has broad knowledge of many legal areas. She has a deep team of specialists and can quickly get the right lawyer you need on a case.”
Aufa Binti Radzi
“Radzi has strong ability to examine thoroughly complex issues and find a solution in a timely, efficient manner. She uses clear, logical steps to understand an issue from all angles before advice. She is also detail-oriented and therefore is capable to foresee areas of difficulties or challenges and address them proactively. Radzi never confuses observations with inferences, and she always separates facts and conjectures. Her advice is always based on clear understanding about the facts. Her advice is generally based on reliable legal doctrine, in-depth knowledge of legal cases and sound understanding of the banking industry legal and regulatory environment. Also, she has the ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively.”
Vijay Raj
“Attentive, efficient, knowledgeable and professional.”
Karen Tan
“Easily accessible.”
Shi Wen Tan
“Able to provide quick solutions and clear information on the topic. Can foresee potential risk management which she was able to assist us in things we would not know about. Her training sessions with our staff were long however it was not very dry allowing our staff to absorb the information during this training sessions.”
“Thinks out of the box and is very knowledgeable about the sector.”
Work highlights
Acted for CIMB Bank on a RM100 million sustainability-linked loan (SLL) in the form of a revolving credit facility to Sarawak Energy, for its youth education sustainability programmes.
Highly regarded firm Zaid Ibrahim & Co (a member of ZICO Law) has a sound reputation in the market, particularly for financing, capital markets and corporate work. The firm also provides strong expertise on energy and infrastructure projects, including road, rail and airport developments as well as petrochemical plants and local and offshore renewable energy projects. Lilian Liew, Gilbert Gan, Kee Hooi Wong, Amin Abdul Majid and Boo Seng Ong are key figures for banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A, energy, infrastructure, and IP, respectively.
Client feedback
“Partners are experienced, hands on and accessible and give attention to their clients.” – Capital markets
“Practical, responsive, flexible and prompt.” – Construction
“Good response time, sound legal knowledge, meticulousness and willingness to go the extra mile without asking.” – Intellectual property
Tat King Loo
“Very helpful in dealing our issues. Strong technical knowledge.”
Lillian Liew
“Responsive, knowledgeable, available, and friendly. She is a problem-solver.”
“Top of field service/advice from partner Lilian Liew.”
Caera Lee
“She is knowledgeable in her field, thorough and provides practical solutions. Added plus is that she is also very pleasant to work with.”
Linda Wang
“Sound legal knowledge. You can be assured that she has considered all aspects of the problem before offering a solution.”
Lillian Liew and Sook Kwan Chin
“Experienced on the subject matter, advisory and client management.”
Work highlights
Acted for the joint lead managers in the Malaysian government’s $800 million 10-year and $500 million 30-year sustainability sukuk (Islamic bond),which was issued via a special purpose vehicle, Malaysia Wakala Sukuk.
Key clients
MIDF Amanah Investment Bank
Founded in 1970 by Zain Azahari Zainal Abidin, full-service firm Zain & Co is actively involved in many transactions and projects in the country. It has a diverse corporate and banking and finance practice, assisting clients on a range of M&A, private equity and financing mandates. The firm is also well versed in the energy, infrastructure and real estate sectors. Salwah Abdul Shukor is a key corporate partner at the firm. Since 2018, the firm is a member of Dentons and has access to its support network across 170 locations in over 70 countries.
Client feedback
“Zain & Co is reactive, flexible, and efficient which makes it the perfect firm for international clients.” – Banking and finance
“The senior partner and team are always reachable, the advice given is clear and easily understood. It can be seen that the firm really cares about protecting its client's interests.” – Construction
“They were astute, highly strategic and very approachable.” – Dispute resolution
“Zain & Co provides comprehensive legal advice. They are extremely prompt and provide practical legal advice. They take the time to understand the client's business model and practical concerns and needs before giving the legal advice. They are subject matter experts and have always been our go-to legal advisor in the country. Very reasonable and competitive legal fees.” – Labour and employment
“Good knowledge in PE/VC related laws.” – Private equity
Sharmini Durai
“She provides very practical legal advice and is extremely responsive. She has strong knowledge of the law, industry and the client's business.”
Sze Ngiam (Pauline) Poi
“Responsive, knowledgeable and speedy.”
Vatsala Ratnasabapathy
“Very fluent in the field of law, able to strategise and advise in the best interest of the client.”
“Vatsala Ratnasabapathy is one astute strategist with strong ability to bridge the technical/commercial elements and the legal aspects behind every issue in achieving the best possible outcomes. She would actively engage with our relevant business units and each issue would be presented in a big picture with myriad of options and the expected (legal and commercial) consequences of each, which then helped to facilitate our decision-making process. The experience she has and the way she managed our issues exuded confidence that we were in good hands, and in most (if not all) instances, resulted in favourable outcomes to us. She made sure that every other aspect of the dispute is well taken care of -from being responsive and attentive to queries and providing regular and timely updates that helped us to apprise our management and obtain relevant decisions expeditiously. Without hesitation, she is perhaps the best construction and dispute resolution lawyer in town that provides the combination of excellent legal solutions as well as great customer experience.”
“Vatsala Ratnasabapathy quickly understood the complex issues at hand and provided exemplary advice in the various disputes. She has a deep wealth of knowledge and an ability to resolve urgent matters effectively. Her ability to see many steps ahead was incredibly impressive, problems that would have otherwise arisen were nipped straightaway in the bud. In summary, I found her to be indisputably the best litigation lawyer in Malaysia.”
“Senior counsel Vatsala Ratnasabapathy's positive attributes are that she was extremely quick to grasp complex concepts that arose and was able to give the best possible advice in the various disputes. Her knowledge base is vast, which resulted in a quick and efficient resolution of urgent matters. She is able to pre-empt problems by seeing the various potential outcomes and taking action before any problems actually arose. She is the best litigation lawyer I have had the good fortune to deal with.”
“She is hardworking and an experienced lawyer. She articulates the legal position and facts well in the submission with her experiences and knowledge on the subject matter.”
Anita Sockalingam
“Anita Sockalingam is a very competent and reactive professional. She was always responsive and available. She took the time to explain the specificities of Malaysian law. She goes the extra mile for her clients, and this had a positive impact on the outcome of our case.”
Work highlights
Advised THSC Investments and its group of companies in respect of financing facilities from a Malaysian law perspective including the review of Malaysian law security documents.
Advised a Singaporean group of companies involved in crane rentals and specifically the group’s Malaysian obligors in respect of Malaysian law governed security documentation as well as Malaysian law compliance matters in connection with the refinancing of the group’s existing facilities.
Since its establishment in 1975, Adnan Sundra & Low has maintained a solid reputation in the areas of banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A. The firm is a popular choice of counsel for banks and financial institutions to handle financial and corporate structures, securitisations and regulatory capital instruments. It has a large market share of the debt capital markets deals in Malaysia. Key individuals include Deepak Sadasivan and Adrian Chee for banking and finance and capital markets, Edward Foo Yuen Ng for capital markets, and Adrian Chair and Chin Chin Wong for corporate and M&A.
Work highlights
Advised RHB Investment Bank, AmInvestment Bank, CIMB Investment Bank, and Maybank Investment Bank on Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank (SME Bank) Malaysia’s issuance of inaugural Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) Sukuk Wakalah (Islamic bond agency contract) programmes, consisting of Islamic Commercial Papers (ICPs) and Medium-Term Notes (IMTNs), for the purpose of funding its Environmental Social Governance (ESG) initiatives. This is the first ESG issuance in Malaysia for a Development Finance Institution, and a first for the SME banking sector.
Advised Malaysia Wakala Sukuk and the government of Malaysia on the issuance of the world’s first sovereign US dollar sustainability sukuk (Islamic bond). As the first sovereign issuance with such assets in a sukuk structure, this issuance sets a new benchmark and showcases Malaysia’s global leadership in Islamic finance, reinforcing the country’s position as the world’s largest sukuk market.
Advised CTOS Digital on its IPO. This is the biggest IPO of Malaysia in 2021. It is also the only IPO that surpassed the billion-ringgit threshold of 2021.
Key clients
CIMB Investment Bank, Maybank Investment Bank, RHB Investment Bank
Comprising over 100 lawyers, Albar & Partners primarily focuses on banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A. It is known for its breadth of experience in banking and finance transactions, including corporate and syndicated lending, Islamic finance and sukuk issuances, asset finance and project finance. The firm represents both local and international financial institutions including investment banks, commercial banks, insurance companies, as well as borrowers across various industry sectors. In addition, the firm is also active in M&A, IPOs, joint ventures, private equity and regulatory matters. Swee Loong Chung and Lily Chea Li Tan are key partners at the firm.
Client feedback
“Very insightful and sound feedback and fast delivery.” – Banking and finance
Swee Loong Chung
“Highly experienced and knowledgeable.”
Work highlights
Acted for CIMB Investment Bank on the issuance of a RM270 million perpetual sukuk (Islamic bond) programme.
Key clients
BIMB Holdings, Hong Leong Investment Bank, Sapura TMC
In June 2018, Chooi & Company and Cheang & Ariff merged to form a firm well recognised and lauded for its wide-ranging offering including corporate, finance, dispute resolution and IP practices. Its expertise in cross-border disputes attracts a variety of work from state-owned enterprises and multinationals. The firm is particularly active in serving clients in the consumer goods and services sector including food and beverage, fashion brands and electronics. Key partners include Ming Li Tan for capital markets and corporate and M&A, Christopher Leong for dispute resolution and Joo Seong (Cindy) Goh for IP.
Client feedback
“Good opinions and arguments for litigation cases.” – Dispute resolution
“Very responsive and provides prompt updates, strong commercial understanding, consistently provide high quality service.” – Dispute resolution
“The firm understands the nature of the client's business and is able to provide solutions that enable the business. Their speed and accuracy in rendering legal advice is one of their strongest attributes.” – Dispute resolution
“Highly skilled with invaluable in-depth knowledge of IP litigation laws and practice. Provides excellent, sound and honest advice, which is what a client needs to hear.” – Intellectual property
“The firm scores high in terms of responsiveness as well as strategising the matter at hand, to the best of our interest as its client.” – Intellectual property
“Meticulous and thorough in preparation for cases.” – Real estate
“Understanding the client's needs and thinking out of the box for solutions. They have a wide depth of knowledge.” – Real estate
Pei Ying (Janet) Chai
“When Janet handles our matters, we know that the outcome would be a positive outcome. Advice is rendered quickly, always available to answer the client's queries and always meets the deadlines.”
Andrew Fernandez
“Thorough and meticulous.”
Brian Foong
“Good and experienced litigation lawyer. Good in court procedures and advocacy in court.”
Joo Seong (Cindy) Goh
“Very responsive and accommodating. Strong business acumen and provides business-oriented solutions. Good communication skills and is always able to understand our needs. Firm grasp of the law.”
“Very professional. Leading lawyer in this field.”
“Highly skilled with invaluable in-depth knowledge of IP litigation laws and practice. Provides excellent, sound and honest advice - what a client needs to hear.”
“Cindy is very personable and is dedicated to ensuring that she allocates time to engage in a discussion on legal issues/concerns that you may have, and this has always been done with a sense of urgency, a virtue which we appreciate very much.”
Work highlights
Advised a consortium of financial institutions as domestic underwriters’ counsel on CTOS Digital’s RM1.2 billion IPO on the main market of Bursa Malaysia Securities. This is one of the largest initial public offerings on Bursa Malaysia Securities in 2021.
Key clients
HPP Holdings, Swift Haulage, Tuju Setia
Since its inception in 1976, Kadir Andri & Partners has etched itself a formidable niche in the Malaysian legal landscape with its concentration in banking and financial services, energy and infrastructure sectors, while specialising in banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A. Kong Yam Tan and Julian Hashim are key contacts.
Work highlights
Acted as local counsel for Petronas Capital and Petroliam Nasional on its issuance and update of the Multi-currency Global Medium Term Note Programme through the accession of a company incorporated in Canada as the issuer.
Acted for the joint coordinators and underwriters on Farm Fresh’s IPO on the main market of Bursa Malaysia Securities. This is Malaysia’s largest initial public offering since June 2021.
A staple of the Malaysia market, legal powerhouse Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill elicits prestige owing to its rich history and earns plaudits based on its novel solutions; the firm’s bench is stocked top-to-bottom with talent ranging from senior statesmen to up-and-comers, all of whom elicit praise from peers and clients. The firm has distinguished practices in banking and finance, construction, dispute resolution, employment and tax. It counts many international corporations among its clients and offers in-depth expertise across various sectors including real estate and technology.
Client feedback
“Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill (LHAG) provides professional services, immediate responses and always meets clients’ needs.” – Construction
“My comments below are generally based on my dealing with Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill for one adjudication and expected arbitration for a huge construction project in Malaysia. LHAG’s positive attributes and what makes the firm excellent are its strengths and key capabilities as follows: It has good lawyers specialised in various fields such as specialists in adjudication including under the Malaysian Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act, in arbitration for construction contracts etc; it is a sizeable company and is able to take on big jobs; they are very knowledgeable and able to think out of the box in providing sound strategies and advice; and they are client-oriented or customer-focussed and negotiable.” – Construction
“Client-focus is excellent; they take timelines very seriously and are never tardy; advice is always strategic and well-thought through; they go the extra mile for the client.” – Construction
“They are very knowledgeable and provide better advisory in terms of strategy. Their advisory is very informative and relatable to the current era.” – Dispute resolution
“Effective delivery of services, prompt update and high-quality legal services.” – Dispute resolution
“Cooperative and provide lots of resources and information on dispute resolution.” – Dispute resolution
“Extensive knowledge and experience in Malaysia contract law; excellent understanding of client needs and interest; attention to details in contract drafting; good explanations in layman terms on contractual matters; proactive in assisting client to expedite the contract execution process; quick turnaround with queries and draft amendment.” – Real estate
Mun Yew Chan
“He is very responsive when we seek advice on the issues. His knowledge is undeniable. When he addressed advice, the advice given addressed the issues that we raised with him.”
“Knowledgeable and easy to reach. He has given lots of advice on dispute resolution and strategies on managing the matter.”
“Knowledgeable and responsive to enquiry.”
Shariffullah Majeed
“Advises clearly on guidelines for any industrial relation cases.”
Darshendev Singh
“Darshendev Singh's positive attributes and what makes him exceptional, stand out and different from competitors are his qualities, as below: He is very knowledgeable in his fields; he is very detailed or meticulous in covering all issues of contention/all angles/all arguments; he always endeavours his best for the clients; he is able to think out of the box in forming strategies and giving his professional opinion.”
Zhen Ning Soh
“Very attentive and has in-depth knowledge in relevant jurisdictions. Professional services provided and always meets expectation of clients.”
Steven Tee
“Client management skills are excellent. He has deep knowledge of the subject matter he handles. Strong but diplomatic negotiation skills. He is solution-driven and can adjust strategies and drafting according to fluid circumstances.”
“Good communication skills; quick turnaround and accessible; strong knowledge of Malaysia contract and industrial laws.”
Wai Chin (Crystal) Wong
“She is such a nice person and such a great lawyer. My judgement is based on the cooperation with her for nearly two years. She helps our company a lot with her legal professionalism.”
Work highlights
Advised Bank Pembangunan Malaysia on the issuance of the Sustainable Development Sukuk (Islamic bond)tranche (ESG Tranche) under the Islamic medium-term notes programme of up to RM5 billion in nominal value based on the Shariah principle of Sustainability Sukuk Programme.
Acted for Lim Seong Hai Capital on its proposed listing on the LEAP Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities.
Key clients
OSK Holdings
Mah-Kamariyah & Philip Koh has provided legal representation and services to a wide range of corporate and individual clients since 1975. Its areas of expertise include capital markets and corporate and M&A. Philip Koh and Adrian Koh are key partners at the firm.
Client feedback
“The firm is knowledgeable and possesses the right balance of client centricity and regulatory framework. Provides solution-based advice to the table.” – Corporate and M&A
“Quick and commercial minded with a lot of patience on small complications. Also, they are able to carry through the work in spite of the total of six months of movement control order imposed by the Government of Malaysia due to Covid-19 pandemic.” – Corporate and M&A
Yeow York (Adrian) Koh
“Adrian is the ‘go to’ person of the firm for corporate and M&A. Highly knowledgeable and experienced.”
“Very responsive, solution driven and not obsessed with increasing fees. Good at handling difficult people.”
Jia Hui Yip
“Very commercial and responsive. Great value for money.”
Work highlights
Advised Pappajack on its IPO on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia, making it the first pawnshop operator to be listed on Bursa Malaysia.
Key clients
AirAsia Group, Grand Hoover, Yinson Holdings
Wei Chien & Partners has extensive experience in both debt and equity capital markets transactions. During the research period, the firm was actively involved in various fund, asset management and general capital markets advisory work. Wei Chien Lim, Ooi Syn Chieh and Mae Khee Chong are key figures.
Client feedback
“Wei Chien & Partners has been vital in providing sound advice on structures with regards to our asset management business. Always able to meet tight timelines with minimal to no errors margin.” – Investment funds
“Quick response times, able to revert on turnaround time with regards to the scope of work required to be done, overall impressive standards of service given to us.” – Real estate
“Prompt action and spot-on advice.” – Regulatory
Wei Chien Lim
“Able to relate to the business well and respect timelines. Easy to work with.”
Jeannie Goon
“Very responsive and quick with the turnaround of work. Always very communicative of the timelines that she is able to commit to. Even though when she is in meetings and unable to attend immediately, she still keeps the client informed of her availability.”
“Attentive, responsive and easily reachable.”
Work highlights
Advised Asia File Corporation on the establishment of an employees’ share option scheme of up to 10% of the total number of its issued ordinary shares.
Key clients
Coastal Contracts, Dolphin International, Prolexus
Established in 2002, Wong Beh & Toh is particularly known for equity capital markets transactions. It is active in IPOs and transfer listings. Besides, the firm also advises clients on general corporate and M&A matters including inbound and outbound investments. Wong Tat Chung, Patricia Toh and Cynthia Toh are key partners.
Client feedback
“Experienced with sound knowledge.” – Corporate and M&A
Cynthia Toh
“She comes across as competent and also friendly. Matter of fact and gets the message to the client.”
Work highlights
Acted for Audience Analytics on its IPO on the Catalist board of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading.
Acted for Mercury Securities, CIMB Investment Bank and AmInvestment Bank on SenHeng New Retail’s IPO on the main market of Bursa Malaysia Securities.
Key clients
Alliance Investment Bank, Aurelius Technologies, CIMB Investment Bank, Ecofirst Consolidated
Highly regarded firm Zaid Ibrahim & Co (a member of ZICO Law) has a sound reputation in the market, particularly for financing, capital markets and corporate work. The firm also provides strong expertise on energy and infrastructure projects, including road, rail and airport developments as well as petrochemical plants and local and offshore renewable energy projects. Lilian Liew, Gilbert Gan, Kee Hooi Wong, Amin Abdul Majid and Boo Seng Ong are key figures for banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A, energy, infrastructure, and IP, respectively.
Client feedback
“Partners are experienced, hands on and accessible and give attention to their clients.” – Capital markets
“Practical, responsive, flexible and prompt.” – Construction
“Good response time, sound legal knowledge, meticulousness and willingness to go the extra mile without asking.” – Intellectual property
Tat King Loo
“Very helpful in dealing our issues. Strong technical knowledge.”
Lillian Liew
“Responsive, knowledgeable, available, and friendly. She is a problem-solver.”
“Top of field service/advice from partner Lilian Liew.”
Caera Lee
“She is knowledgeable in her field, thorough and provides practical solutions. Added plus is that she is also very pleasant to work with.”
Linda Wang
“Sound legal knowledge. You can be assured that she has considered all aspects of the problem before offering a solution.”
Lillian Liew and Sook Kwan Chin
“Experienced on the subject matter, advisory and client management.”
Work highlights
Acted for HSBC Amanah Malaysia and Maybank Investment Bank on an Islamic notes issuance programme of up to an aggregate limit of RM5 billion in nominal value for the issuance of senior Sukuk Wakalah (Islamic bond agency contract) and subordinated perpetual Islamic notes.
Advising Top Glove Corporation, the world’s largest manufacturer of gloves, on its proposed dual primary listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. This is the first proposed dual primary listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange by a Malaysian incorporated public listed company.
Key clients
Advent International, Maybank Investment Bank, Dialog Group, Tenaga Nasional
Zul Rafique & Partners maintains a sweet spot in the market for its banking and finance, capital markets, construction and employment expertise. It has a standout banking practice, highly respected for its handling of complex debt restructuring, asset-backed securities, Islamic and project finance. The firm is also skilled in debt capital markets work, particularly with sukuks. Mei Mei Loh and Jayasingam Poopalasingam are key partners for banking and finance and labour and employment respectively. Partner Ai Leen Tang departed to Wong & Partners in December 2020.
Client feedback
“They complete the transaction efficiently and effectively. Always deliver high quality standard work and are very professional. Deliver responses swiftly and within expectations.” – Capital markets
“We are very pleased with their performance.” – Construction
“Good advice and strategy.” – Dispute resolution
“Very professional with impressive analytical skill, resources to research, flexibility. They are also approachable.” – Labour and employment
“Very quick response with detailed advice.” – Labour and employment
Kwan Hoe Chan
“Good quality of deliverables and professionalism.”
Shu Shuen (Susan) Tan
“Concise and positive.”
Keat Ching Wong
“Knowledgeable, fast thinking, and thorough.”
Thavaselvi Pararajasingam
“Very knowledgeable in industrial relations matters, prompt response and very professional.”
Thavaselvi Pararajasingam and P Jayasingam
“Knowledgeable, experienced, detailed and professional.”
Work highlights
Advised HSBC Amanah Malaysia on Yinson Holdings’ Islamic medium term notes programme of up to RM1 billion and issuance of sustainability linked sukuk (Islamic bond). The deal represents Malaysia’s first sustainability linked sukuk.
Key clients
RHB Investment Bank, Maybank Investment Bank
Raja Darryl & Loh is frequently sought out by technology start-ups and other established companies for its extensive expertise in financial technology and digital banking. It is also experienced in various transactions including aviation finance, M&A, joint ventures and equity capital markets. With its robust disputes practice, the firm is active in various contentious matters, including antitrust, construction, employment and tax cases. Phye Keat Chew, Choon Hon Leng, Raja Eileen Soraya, Ravindra Kumar Rengasamy, Vijey Mohana Krishnan and Tong Lai Ling are recommended for competition, construction, dispute resolution, employment, tax and technology, respectively.
Client feedback
“Solution-oriented, industry knowledge, analysis of grey areas.” – Banking and finance
“They were able to provide well rounded advice aside from the documentation as well.” – Banking and finance
“Optimistic and professional in handling issues and people.” – Construction
“Raja Darryl & Loh (RDL) drafted thoroughly on terms of the contracts and in such a way protecting our rights and interest and raised considerations which had not been foreseen by us.” – Corporate and M&A
“Very professional.” – Dispute resolution
“Experienced firm to give advice on competition law issues, tactical to deal with shareholders, provide good, practical and sound advice.” – Insurance
“Prompt response and sound advice.” – Intellectual property
“Experience and able to provide a wide range of advice.” – Intellectual property
“Prompt response and attention to detail.” – Labour and employment
“I find them to be extremely knowledgeable as well as always responsive to our requirements. They are able to quickly grasp the requirements and provide their viewpoints with supporting legal basis.” – Labour and employment
“Expert in the area of medicolegal and confident when it comes to handling the regulatory affairs.” – Regulatory
Phye Kiat Chew
“Experienced, responsive and provide sound advice.”
Mei Mei Chong
“Problem solver with industry knowledge and firm grasp of law and regulations required for this.”
“Her ability to understand our requirements comprehensively enabled us to complete our product development in a timely manner.”
“She has provided legal opinions and good guidelines on legal issues for laymen.”
Hon Leng Choon
“Professional with excellent communication skills.”
“Deep knowledge of the TMT industry coupled with years of litigation experience particularly in giving insight to strategising and ultimately problem solving.”
Himin Ng
“She is always actively engaging in her works and follows up closely with the client proactively. Deadlines of filing and submission of documents are always adhered to.”
Yvonne Ong
“Prompt response and sound advice.”
“Very commercially minded and good innovative solutions.”
Raja Eileen Soraya
“She is very humble despite being very knowledgeable. Listens well and provides constructive feedback and solutions.”
Chu Wei Tai
“Professional, pleasant, competent and responsive.”
Li Vyen Tham
“Sharp and accommodating. Willing to explore solution with business and spend time understanding operation.”
“Li Vyen is very client centric and always makes herself available at short notice. If she is caught up with another engagement, she manages our expectation and will have another support assigned with her working in the background. She is also creative and always provides a balanced perspective.”
“She is able to position and structure our interests based on feedback provided.”
William Wong
“William Wong is sharp, approachable and provides sound advice even before the client asks for it. Meetings won't run overtime and objectives are always achieved. His time management is impeccable, in a sense that we always know we are a priority despite him having other files at hand.”
Vijey Mohana Krishnan and William Wong
“They are experts in tax matters and often provide sound commercial and tactical advice in maneuvering the case, foreseeing and preparing for the next 10 steps ahead in all possible avenues.”
Work highlights
Advised a leading manufacturer of consumer products on competition law matters arising from a potential collaboration with a competitor.
Shearn Delamore & Co is respected for its strength in advising clients from the financial services, energy, real estate and technology sectors. The firm comprises of renowned practice groups with exceptional capabilities across a whole range of practice areas including banking, corporate and M&A, construction, employment, intellectual property, competition and tax. Key individuals include Anand Raj for competition and tax, Grace Yeoh for corporate and M&A, Rabindra Nathan for dispute resolution, Karen Abraham for IP, Sivabalah Nadarajah for employment and Ka Im Goh for tax.
Client feedback
“Competence as well as the breadth and depth of ability in the firm. The lawyers that we deal with are good at keeping us briefed/updated and responsive.” – Competition/antitrust
“Ability to identify crucial issues and providing workable solutions to address such issues to the mutual benefit of both parties leading to the successful completion of the acquisition.” – Corporate and M&A
“Experienced senior partners. Thorough and very detailed. Sound and sensible legal advice after digesting the documents and exhibits presented as evidence. Very few errors in the production documents with well written arguments in the contents.” – Dispute resolution
“Quick response and accurate in advice.” – Dispute resolution
“Delivers consistently good service, which brings depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic, and overall, just great to work with.” – Dispute resolution
“They provide efficient, cost-effective business advice. They are prompt, provide clear and concise legal counsel. And their rates are extremely reasonable.” – Intellectual property
“Clear legal thinking; good teamwork; proactive; and client friendly.” – Intellectual property
“Shearn Delamore is able to provide a professional legal service.” – Intellectual property
“Accessibility, prompt response and professional advice.” – Intellectual property
“They gave practical advice and sought to think outside of the box.” – Intellectual property
“Respond very quickly to inquiries, advice, review of drafts, clear and easy to understand opinions, provides honest advice on repercussions/weakness and clear strategic advice also. Lawyers are friendly easy to discuss matters and value company's views and opinions also. Accepts all cases regardless of the rank of claimant and a senior lawyer provides the advice, does not delegate to a junior lawyer to do so.” – Labour and employment
“Shearn Delamore & Co provides pragmatic solutions to complex legal issues. Especially on employment matters.” – Labour and employment
“Always on top of the matter and able to provide solutions.” – Restructuring and insolvency
“Clear, concise and practical advice, responsive and attentive to needs.” – Tax
“Commercially sensitive solutions and good turnaround time. Good connectivity with other law firms in the region. competitive pricing and quality legal opinion.” – Technology and telecommunications
Karen Abraham
“Karen Abraham is a trail blazer. Vast knowledge, practical and great social skills!”
“Karen is an excellent TM and IP attorney. She is extremely knowledgeable in Malaysian IP law. She is an acknowledged dean of the Malaysian IP Bar. A terrific attorney....”
“Karen is able to provide good insights on enforcement work.”
“She managed the matter well and I felt she was ‘on top of things’. Energetic.”
Rodney Gomez
“Delivers consistently good service, with depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic and overall, just great to work with. Often goes above and beyond the call of duty.”
Datin Jeyanthini
“Patient and a good listener.”
Jimmy Liew
“Attentive, very experienced and has deep knowledge of the law.”
TC (Raymond) Low
“Very experienced, very sound legal knowledge, always quick to revert with advice or comments, always available and very approachable. Pleasant and emphatic.”
Jyeshta Mahendran
“She is accessible, extremely prompt in her responses, professional and very knowledgeable.”
Ned Segaram
“He is proactive and has good knowledge of the facts.”
Indran Shanmuganathan
“Superb advocational skills.”
N Sivabalah
“He explains the position of the law and weighs in the pros and cons before giving his advice on any issues.”
Nicholas Tan
“Quick turnaround time and ability to analyse the issues and providing workable solutions.”
Yoong San (Janet) Toh
“Professional and delivers rapid responses.”
“Experienced IP lawyer with strong commercial acumen.”
Irene Yong
“Clear, concise and practical advice. Responsive and attentive to needs.”
Work highlights
Assisted an international airline company in filing a notice and application for an anticipated merger in what is considered to be the first merger control notification case under the new Malaysian Aviation Commission Act 2015.
Key clients
Pacific & Orient Insurance, Shopee Mobile Services
With over 100 years of history, Shook Lin & Bok has a strong presence in the areas of banking and finance, competition, dispute resolution, intellectual property and labour and employment. The firm is valued for its expertise in providing guidance to clients across the financial services and technology and telecommunications sectors. Among many notable practitioners, key partners include Jalalullail Othman for banking and finance, Sin Min Yoong for disputes and Michael Soo for intellectual property. Syed Adam Alhabshi, specialised in banking and finance, joined the firm as partner in April 2022.
Client feedback
“Shook Lin & Bok has professional lawyers who are able to give sound legal advice to the bank in a timely and professional way to assist the bank in defending all legal suits effectively.” – Banking and finance
“Administrative support, a team of paraprofessional or legal assistants who work collaboratively with partners.” – Dispute resolution
“Very thorough in their research and able to give practical solutions.” – Dispute resolution
“Able to provide practical advice and solutions.” – Restructuring and insolvency
Kok Keong Chan
“Knowledgeable, professional and helpful.”
Tien Fen (Victoria) Loi
“Able to set good strategies, very detailed in her research and provide good advice and practical solutions.”
Hooi Huang Ng
“Staying passionate and knowledgeable, act fast and creatively.”
“Hooi Huang is smart but very approachable. Always willing to go extra miles during her course of the matter.”
Work highlights
Represented a service provider of ro-ro vessels in Langkawi in defending a competition law infringement claim issued by the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) in respect of a potential fixing of fares for ro-ro vessels.
Representing one of the eight IT companies in relation to an alleged bid rigging case. The outcome of this matter pertains to the first ever investigation and decision by the MyCC into bid-rigging.
Representing Great Eastern General Insurance in an appeal against the MyCC's decision in relation to an alleged price-fixing case at the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
With long-standing practices and an established reputation in the market, Skrine maintains a robust track record across most practice areas and sectors. The firm’s client base includes state-owned enterprises and major companies from the TMT, financial services, energy, infrastructure and real estate industries. The firm is particularly savvy and active in handling cross-border transactions and disputes across the region. Ivan Loo, Janet Lai Heng Looi, Guan Huat Khoo, Charmayne Poh Yin Ong and Selvamalar Alagaratnam are recommended for construction, corporate and M&A, disputes, intellectual property and technology, and employment law, respectively. Dispute partner Leong Wai Hong departed to the bench as judicial commissioners of the High Court of Malaysia in January 2022.
Client feedback
“Impressed with the depth of knowledge and how the matter was handled.” – Aviation
“Dedicated, responsible and efficient.” – Banking and finance
“Experienced and skilled.” – Banking and finance
“Professional, knowledgeable, efficient, and high quality of work.” – Banking and finance
“Fast and efficient. Provide valuable legal advice.” – Banking and finance
“Good team leaders. Able to provide quick answers and communicate it well to our team.” – Competition/antitrust
“They provided us with thorough advice on the subject matter.” – Corporate and M&A
“They are usually a one-stop centre in terms of any other areas that we may have issues that needs legal advice on. More importantly, they provide very prompt and solid legal advice which is extremely important to us.” – Dispute resolution
“Skrine is an excellent law firm with very good and experienced lawyers. They were very prompt in their responses and proactive in handling the entire matter. The team was knowledgeable and experienced.” – Dispute resolution
“They have demonstrated the expected highest level of expertise, proficiency, skills including availability and ability to meet extremely tight deadlines.” – Dispute resolution
“Skrine consistently structure their advice in a comprehensive and clear manner.” – Intellectual property
“They are very responsive, and very clear communicators. Competent in all ways.” – Intellectual property
“Skrine has exhibited deep transaction experience, mastery of the Malaysian market and high levels of professionalism during the course of the deal. They were also responsive and on the ball, often identifying potential pitfalls pre-emptively. We also benefitted from their familiarity with the local regulatory environment which allowed us to arrive at a structure which closed the gap and enabled the deal to close.” – Private equity
“Out of the box thinking, doesn't follow the herd.” – Regulatory
Kumar Mahadev Ashok
“Very sharp, highly intuitive, responsible and perhaps one of the most important things to say about him is that he is reachable even when he is away on his holidays, should there be an urgent need to consult him. We are most grateful for that.”
Claudia Cheah
“Professional, knowledgeable and efficient.”
Ariel Paul Francine
“She provided thorough advice on the subject matter.”
Sheba Gumis
“Sheba was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and a joy to work with.”
Hafidah Hashim
“Experienced and skilled.”
Guan Huat Khoo
“Attentive, calm, and responsive.”
Ai Hsien Lee
“Ai Hsien is dedicated, responsible and concise in her advice.”
Peh Fern Loo
“Loo is very knowledgeable and experienced and knows her stuff. Loo was very prompt in replying to emails and handled the legal matter very well.”
“She was very professional, prompt and extremely fast on the uptake in terms of the question and scope that we were consulting Skrine on.”
Poh Yin (Charmayne) Ong
“Excellent case management and delivery.”
“She is very responsive, and also has broad knowledge of many legal areas. She has a deep team of specialists and can quickly get the right lawyer you need on a case.”
Aufa Binti Radzi
“Radzi has strong ability to examine thoroughly complex issues and find a solution in a timely, efficient manner. She uses clear, logical steps to understand an issue from all angles before advice. She is also detail-oriented and therefore is capable to foresee areas of difficulties or challenges and address them proactively. Radzi never confuses observations with inferences, and she always separates facts and conjectures. Her advice is always based on clear understanding about the facts. Her advice is generally based on reliable legal doctrine, in-depth knowledge of legal cases and sound understanding of the banking industry legal and regulatory environment. Also, she has the ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively.”
Vijay Raj
“Attentive, efficient, knowledgeable and professional.”
Karen Tan
“Easily accessible.”
Shi Wen Tan
“Able to provide quick solutions and clear information on the topic. Can foresee potential risk management which she was able to assist us in things we would not know about. Her training sessions with our staff were long however it was not very dry allowing our staff to absorb the information during this training sessions.”
“Thinks out of the box and is very knowledgeable about the sector.”
Work highlights
Represented AIA, AIG Malaysia Insurance, AXA Affin General Insurance and Zurich Insurance Malaysia in the investigation brought by the MyCC on an agreement to fix the parts trade discount at 25% for six vehicle makes. This matter is the largest fine proposed by the MyCC to date.
Represented the majority of container operators in the shipping industry in response to MyCC’s request of information and documents on container deposit charges in Malaysia.
Dispute resolution specialist firm Gan Partnership is a new entrant to the asialaw ranking tables. Apart from general disputes, the firm also has substantial strength in construction, IP, and in labour and employment. Key figures include Khong Aik Gan for commercial disputes and Joon Liang Foo for construction.
Client feedback
“Proactive, quick response. Partner is knowledgeable. Associate is efficient and decisive in handling.” – Construction
“Very focused, closely communicated and effectively obtained information, facts and evidence from me. Clear direction and I am well informed! Well prepared in court and deliver precisely!” – Dispute resolution
“Responsive, very reasonably priced, approachable with excellent results.” – Intellectual property
“Team player; fast with responses; efficient and understands our global business.” – Intellectual property
“Clear and effective legal advice. Timely and responsive to all inquiries. Helpful in explaining Malaysian employment and labour laws.” – Labour and employment
Khong Aik Gan
“Khong Aik is a very knowledgeable lawyer who provides clear and effective legal advice on all matters presented. He is a trusted advisor of our company and knows our business.”
Khong Aik Gan and Mei Yee Kang
“Very focused and attentive; clear direction and well informed; vast knowledge and experience! Effectively understands the problem.”
Zhi Jian Lim
“Thinks on his feet with good problem-solving skills.”
Min Lee Tan
“Knowledgeable, proactive, and customer focused.”
Bahari Yeow
“The go-to lawyer in Malaysia for IP work.”
Work highlights
Represented Masenang, the main contractor of a project, in a complex million-dollar construction disputes involved jurisdictional disputes between courts in East and West Malaysia over a Kuala Lumpur-seated arbitration.
Represented Tuck Sin Engineering & Construction in a series of disputes against KL Eco City arising from a bridge collapse in Malaysia.
Harold & Lam Partnership enjoys a sterling reputation for its construction group as part of its wider dispute resolution offering. Partner Wai Loon Lam is universally acknowledged as a leading figure in the construction adjudication circuit. He has been involved as counsel in numerous reported construction decisions and has been asked as amicus curiae where novel questions of construction law are involved. The main partners helming the disputes practice are Wai Loon Lam, Serene Hiew, Harold Tan and Rohan Jeyabalah.
Client feedback
“Personal attention of partners. Available on short notice.” – Construction
“Good team of qualified lawyers with active engagement by the partners.” – Dispute resolution
Lynn Foo
“In depth analysis on the clauses. Brief risk and interest of client in an articulate manner.”
Wai Loon Lam
“Honest advice; friendly demeanour; excellent presentation skills.”
Harold Lam
“Very knowledgeable, always accessible and innovative.”
Work highlights
Representing Econpile in resisting a Fortuna Injunction application filed by ASM Development in relation to a statutory demand premised on an adjudication decision which was subsequently enforced by the High Court.
Key clients
Ahmad Zaki, BCEG International (Malaysia), Sinbery Corporation
Raja Darryl & Loh is frequently sought out by technology start-ups and other established companies for its extensive expertise in financial technology and digital banking. It is also experienced in various transactions including aviation finance, M&A, joint ventures and equity capital markets. With its robust disputes practice, the firm is active in various contentious matters, including antitrust, construction, employment and tax cases. Phye Keat Chew, Choon Hon Leng, Raja Eileen Soraya, Ravindra Kumar Rengasamy, Vijey Mohana Krishnan and Tong Lai Ling are recommended for competition, construction, dispute resolution, employment, tax and technology, respectively.
Client feedback
“Solution-oriented, industry knowledge, analysis of grey areas.” – Banking and finance
“They were able to provide well rounded advice aside from the documentation as well.” – Banking and finance
“Optimistic and professional in handling issues and people.” – Construction
“Raja Darryl & Loh (RDL) drafted thoroughly on terms of the contracts and in such a way protecting our rights and interest and raised considerations which had not been foreseen by us.” – Corporate and M&A
“Very professional.” – Dispute resolution
“Experienced firm to give advice on competition law issues, tactical to deal with shareholders, provide good, practical and sound advice.” – Insurance
“Prompt response and sound advice.” – Intellectual property
“Experience and able to provide a wide range of advice.” – Intellectual property
“Prompt response and attention to detail.” – Labour and employment
“I find them to be extremely knowledgeable as well as always responsive to our requirements. They are able to quickly grasp the requirements and provide their viewpoints with supporting legal basis.” – Labour and employment
“Expert in the area of medicolegal and confident when it comes to handling the regulatory affairs.” – Regulatory
Phye Kiat Chew
“Experienced, responsive and provide sound advice.”
Mei Mei Chong
“Problem solver with industry knowledge and firm grasp of law and regulations required for this.”
“Her ability to understand our requirements comprehensively enabled us to complete our product development in a timely manner.”
“She has provided legal opinions and good guidelines on legal issues for laymen.”
Hon Leng Choon
“Professional with excellent communication skills.”
“Deep knowledge of the TMT industry coupled with years of litigation experience particularly in giving insight to strategising and ultimately problem solving.”
Himin Ng
“She is always actively engaging in her works and follows up closely with the client proactively. Deadlines of filing and submission of documents are always adhered to.”
Yvonne Ong
“Prompt response and sound advice.”
“Very commercially minded and good innovative solutions.”
Raja Eileen Soraya
“She is very humble despite being very knowledgeable. Listens well and provides constructive feedback and solutions.”
Chu Wei Tai
“Professional, pleasant, competent and responsive.”
Li Vyen Tham
“Sharp and accommodating. Willing to explore solution with business and spend time understanding operation.”
“Li Vyen is very client centric and always makes herself available at short notice. If she is caught up with another engagement, she manages our expectation and will have another support assigned with her working in the background. She is also creative and always provides a balanced perspective.”
“She is able to position and structure our interests based on feedback provided.”
William Wong
“William Wong is sharp, approachable and provides sound advice even before the client asks for it. Meetings won't run overtime and objectives are always achieved. His time management is impeccable, in a sense that we always know we are a priority despite him having other files at hand.”
Vijey Mohana Krishnan and William Wong
“They are experts in tax matters and often provide sound commercial and tactical advice in maneuvering the case, foreseeing and preparing for the next 10 steps ahead in all possible avenues.”
Work highlights
Successfully represented a main contractor in the Court of Appeal in three appeals that arose from an arbitration against a developer.
Advising a government-owned entity on the construction of the new MRT3 Circle line. The MRT3 line, together with the existing MRT1 and MRT2 lines, are part of the Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit Project, established with the goal to transform accessibility within the Greater Klang Valley.
Key clients
KL Eco City
With long-standing practices and an established reputation in the market, Skrine maintains a robust track record across most practice areas and sectors. The firm’s client base includes state-owned enterprises and major companies from the TMT, financial services, energy, infrastructure and real estate industries. The firm is particularly savvy and active in handling cross-border transactions and disputes across the region. Ivan Loo, Janet Lai Heng Looi, Guan Huat Khoo, Charmayne Poh Yin Ong and Selvamalar Alagaratnam are recommended for construction, corporate and M&A, disputes, intellectual property and technology, and employment law, respectively. Dispute partner Leong Wai Hong departed to the bench as judicial commissioners of the High Court of Malaysia in January 2022.
Client feedback
“Impressed with the depth of knowledge and how the matter was handled.” – Aviation
“Dedicated, responsible and efficient.” – Banking and finance
“Experienced and skilled.” – Banking and finance
“Professional, knowledgeable, efficient, and high quality of work.” – Banking and finance
“Fast and efficient. Provide valuable legal advice.” – Banking and finance
“Good team leaders. Able to provide quick answers and communicate it well to our team.” – Competition/antitrust
“They provided us with thorough advice on the subject matter.” – Corporate and M&A
“They are usually a one-stop centre in terms of any other areas that we may have issues that needs legal advice on. More importantly, they provide very prompt and solid legal advice which is extremely important to us.” – Dispute resolution
“Skrine is an excellent law firm with very good and experienced lawyers. They were very prompt in their responses and proactive in handling the entire matter. The team was knowledgeable and experienced.” – Dispute resolution
“They have demonstrated the expected highest level of expertise, proficiency, skills including availability and ability to meet extremely tight deadlines.” – Dispute resolution
“Skrine consistently structure their advice in a comprehensive and clear manner.” – Intellectual property
“They are very responsive, and very clear communicators. Competent in all ways.” – Intellectual property
“Skrine has exhibited deep transaction experience, mastery of the Malaysian market and high levels of professionalism during the course of the deal. They were also responsive and on the ball, often identifying potential pitfalls pre-emptively. We also benefitted from their familiarity with the local regulatory environment which allowed us to arrive at a structure which closed the gap and enabled the deal to close.” – Private equity
“Out of the box thinking, doesn't follow the herd.” – Regulatory
Kumar Mahadev Ashok
“Very sharp, highly intuitive, responsible and perhaps one of the most important things to say about him is that he is reachable even when he is away on his holidays, should there be an urgent need to consult him. We are most grateful for that.”
Claudia Cheah
“Professional, knowledgeable and efficient.”
Ariel Paul Francine
“She provided thorough advice on the subject matter.”
Sheba Gumis
“Sheba was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and a joy to work with.”
Hafidah Hashim
“Experienced and skilled.”
Guan Huat Khoo
“Attentive, calm, and responsive.”
Ai Hsien Lee
“Ai Hsien is dedicated, responsible and concise in her advice.”
Peh Fern Loo
“Loo is very knowledgeable and experienced and knows her stuff. Loo was very prompt in replying to emails and handled the legal matter very well.”
“She was very professional, prompt and extremely fast on the uptake in terms of the question and scope that we were consulting Skrine on.”
Poh Yin (Charmayne) Ong
“Excellent case management and delivery.”
“She is very responsive, and also has broad knowledge of many legal areas. She has a deep team of specialists and can quickly get the right lawyer you need on a case.”
Aufa Binti Radzi
“Radzi has strong ability to examine thoroughly complex issues and find a solution in a timely, efficient manner. She uses clear, logical steps to understand an issue from all angles before advice. She is also detail-oriented and therefore is capable to foresee areas of difficulties or challenges and address them proactively. Radzi never confuses observations with inferences, and she always separates facts and conjectures. Her advice is always based on clear understanding about the facts. Her advice is generally based on reliable legal doctrine, in-depth knowledge of legal cases and sound understanding of the banking industry legal and regulatory environment. Also, she has the ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively.”
Vijay Raj
“Attentive, efficient, knowledgeable and professional.”
Karen Tan
“Easily accessible.”
Shi Wen Tan
“Able to provide quick solutions and clear information on the topic. Can foresee potential risk management which she was able to assist us in things we would not know about. Her training sessions with our staff were long however it was not very dry allowing our staff to absorb the information during this training sessions.”
“Thinks out of the box and is very knowledgeable about the sector.”
Work highlights
Representing Hunza Properties, Beachfront Services, and one of the major property developers in Penang, in a civil suit brought by the joint management body of the Gurney Paragon Residential.
Representing Mudajaya Corporation in relation to civil engineering and building construction in a civil suit against Crest Worldwide Resources.
Newly established firm Vin Carmen Cheng provides a comprehensive and diverse array of legal services that ranges from construction, dispute resolution, corporate, intellectual property, real estate to family and probate. Partner Chun Yee (Kelvin) Ng, former co-founder of Vin & Isaac Lee, heads the firm’s construction team. Another partner to note is Sze Ying Lee, who coheads the construction team along with three other lawyers.
Client feedback
“Knowledgeable and thoughtful.” – Construction
Work highlights
Acting for RZH Setia Jaya, a main contractor, in a RM5 million dispute against their subcontractor involving the beautification and rehabilitation of the Malacca River project.
Acting for a specialist design and build contractor against the main contractor in a RM37 million dispute involving the design and construction of the automated storage and retrieval system for the Ministry of Defence, Malaysia.
Acting for the subcontractor in a dispute against the main contractor involving a mixed development project with a claim sum in excess of RM6 million.
Abdullah Chan & Co is noted for its ability to handle financing work for major banks and financial institutions, including regular mandates in project finance. The firm is also experienced in the aviation sector, advising on aviation-related financing and acquisitions. Vincent Chan and Gopal Sundaram are key names in the team.
Work highlights
All deals submitted remain confidential, however, the firm kept busy working on various acquisitions, joint ventures, disposals and divestments.
Comprising over 100 lawyers, Albar & Partners primarily focuses on banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A. It is known for its breadth of experience in banking and finance transactions, including corporate and syndicated lending, Islamic finance and sukuk issuances, asset finance and project finance. The firm represents both local and international financial institutions including investment banks, commercial banks, insurance companies, as well as borrowers across various industry sectors. In addition, the firm is also active in M&A, IPOs, joint ventures, private equity and regulatory matters. Swee Loong Chung and Lily Chea Li Tan are key partners at the firm.
Client feedback
“Very insightful and sound feedback and fast delivery.” – Banking and finance
Swee Loong Chung
“Highly experienced and knowledgeable.”
Work highlights
Acted for MMC Corporation on its privatisation through selective capital reduction and repayment exercise pursuant to the rules on takeovers, mergers and compulsory acquisitions, and the main market listing requirements of Bursa Securities.
Key clients
Bank Islam Malaysia, Icon Offshore, MMC Land
Corporate law firm Azmi & Associates is active in sizeable domestic mergers and investments, representing both private companies and state-owned enterprises (SOEs). It is also able to advise on joint ventures, capital raisings, delistings and setting up new business operations. Azmi Mohd Ali is a key contact. In late 2021, Sheh Ting Lim and Wan Nor Nadia Ramli joined the firm as partners. The firm lost partner Farizal Farhan to Rosli Dahlan Saravana Partnership.
Client feedback
“The firm under-promises and over-delivers. They have a very experienced shipping lawyer (Philip Teoh) and a team more than able to accommodate short turnarounds. All in all, the shipping team is dependable and capable of achieving the right outcome to protect my entity's interest and providing sound advice.” – Shipping
Philip Teoh
“Very experienced and qualified. He has published numerous textbooks on shipping and maritime law and is considered a 'guru' in the industry; insightful and solution driven; professional.”
Work highlights
Advised Stellantis on its acquisition of a minority interest in Naza Automotive Manufacturing.
In June 2018, Chooi & Company and Cheang & Ariff merged to form a firm well recognised and lauded for its wide-ranging offering including corporate, finance, dispute resolution and IP practices. Its expertise in cross-border disputes attracts a variety of work from state-owned enterprises and multinationals. The firm is particularly active in serving clients in the consumer goods and services sector including food and beverage, fashion brands and electronics. Key partners include Ming Li Tan for capital markets and corporate and M&A, Christopher Leong for dispute resolution and Joo Seong (Cindy) Goh for IP.
Client feedback
“Good opinions and arguments for litigation cases.” – Dispute resolution
“Very responsive and provides prompt updates, strong commercial understanding, consistently provide high quality service.” – Dispute resolution
“The firm understands the nature of the client's business and is able to provide solutions that enable the business. Their speed and accuracy in rendering legal advice is one of their strongest attributes.” – Dispute resolution
“Highly skilled with invaluable in-depth knowledge of IP litigation laws and practice. Provides excellent, sound and honest advice, which is what a client needs to hear.” – Intellectual property
“The firm scores high in terms of responsiveness as well as strategising the matter at hand, to the best of our interest as its client.” – Intellectual property
“Meticulous and thorough in preparation for cases.” – Real estate
“Understanding the client's needs and thinking out of the box for solutions. They have a wide depth of knowledge.” – Real estate
Pei Ying (Janet) Chai
“When Janet handles our matters, we know that the outcome would be a positive outcome. Advice is rendered quickly, always available to answer the client's queries and always meets the deadlines.”
Andrew Fernandez
“Thorough and meticulous.”
Brian Foong
“Good and experienced litigation lawyer. Good in court procedures and advocacy in court.”
Joo Seong (Cindy) Goh
“Very responsive and accommodating. Strong business acumen and provides business-oriented solutions. Good communication skills and is always able to understand our needs. Firm grasp of the law.”
“Very professional. Leading lawyer in this field.”
“Highly skilled with invaluable in-depth knowledge of IP litigation laws and practice. Provides excellent, sound and honest advice - what a client needs to hear.”
“Cindy is very personable and is dedicated to ensuring that she allocates time to engage in a discussion on legal issues/concerns that you may have, and this has always been done with a sense of urgency, a virtue which we appreciate very much.”
Work highlights
Advised the parent company of Tealive, Malaysia’s largest made-to-order beverage provider and a large food and beverage chain business in Malaysia on a proposed divestment of a 30% strategic stake in its business.
Advised Fraser and Neave, a leading Southeast Asian consumer group listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange, on its acquisition of 100% equity interest in the first vending company in Malaysia.
Key clients
TSA Industries
HL Lee & Co focuses on corporate and M&A with a wide range of industry sector expertise including consumer goods and services, manufacturing, real estate, plantation, education and insurance. King Koe Ng and Lay San Ng are key contacts.
Work highlights
Advised the liquidator in the sale of cinema assets of one of the cinema operators in Malaysia for a purchase price of approximately RM94.5 million.
Established in 2013 by founding partner Ronald HL Tan, HL Tan Lim & Partners is particularly active in capital markets and corporate and M&A.
Work highlights
Advised a Malaysian-based global mobile and digital gaming company on its 100% divestment to an Australian Stock Exchange-listed media and digital entertainment giant.
Founded by Hsian Siong Yong in April 2021, Hsian & Co focuses on work in the corporate and M&A and real estate space. Hsian’s clients range from multinationals, funds, property owners and developers, hotels and asset users.
Work highlights
Advising a Singaporean multinational technology company on its acquisition of 100% equity in a group of companies providing POS services in the food and beverages space in Malaysia.
Advised a German global automobile manufacturer in respect of its tender for the construction and long-term lease of their SEA Logistics Hub.
Advised a self-storage solutions provider on its acquisition of a majority stake in a Malaysian self-storage facilities operator, to enable the growth of its business within Malaysia.
Key clients
Farm to Fork, SC Food Manufacturing
Since its inception in 1976, Kadir Andri & Partners has etched itself a formidable niche in the Malaysian legal landscape with its concentration in banking and financial services, energy and infrastructure sectors, while specialising in banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A. Kong Yam Tan and Julian Hashim are key contacts.
Work highlights
Advised Bank Pembangunan Malaysia on its acquisition of the entire issued and paid-up shares in Danajamin Nasional.
Key clients
CVC Asia Pacific, Sunway Healthcare Holdings, UMW Corporation
Lee & Poh Partnership has four specialisations including corporate and M&A, commercial advisory, cybersecurity and technology as well as corporate compliance and governance. The firm has been founded by two partners Yong Cieh Lee and Zuan Yin Poh.
Work highlights
All deals submitted for the research remain strictly confidential. However, it is noted that the firm has worked on matters including strategic investments, acquisitions, due diligence and compliance.
A staple of the Malaysia market, legal powerhouse Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill elicits prestige owing to its rich history and earns plaudits based on its novel solutions; the firm’s bench is stocked top-to-bottom with talent ranging from senior statesmen to up-and-comers, all of whom elicit praise from peers and clients. The firm has distinguished practices in banking and finance, construction, dispute resolution, employment and tax. It counts many international corporations among its clients and offers in-depth expertise across various sectors including real estate and technology.
Client feedback
“Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill (LHAG) provides professional services, immediate responses and always meets clients’ needs.” – Construction
“My comments below are generally based on my dealing with Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill for one adjudication and expected arbitration for a huge construction project in Malaysia. LHAG’s positive attributes and what makes the firm excellent are its strengths and key capabilities as follows: It has good lawyers specialised in various fields such as specialists in adjudication including under the Malaysian Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act, in arbitration for construction contracts etc; it is a sizeable company and is able to take on big jobs; they are very knowledgeable and able to think out of the box in providing sound strategies and advice; and they are client-oriented or customer-focussed and negotiable.” – Construction
“Client-focus is excellent; they take timelines very seriously and are never tardy; advice is always strategic and well-thought through; they go the extra mile for the client.” – Construction
“They are very knowledgeable and provide better advisory in terms of strategy. Their advisory is very informative and relatable to the current era.” – Dispute resolution
“Effective delivery of services, prompt update and high-quality legal services.” – Dispute resolution
“Cooperative and provide lots of resources and information on dispute resolution.” – Dispute resolution
“Extensive knowledge and experience in Malaysia contract law; excellent understanding of client needs and interest; attention to details in contract drafting; good explanations in layman terms on contractual matters; proactive in assisting client to expedite the contract execution process; quick turnaround with queries and draft amendment.” – Real estate
Mun Yew Chan
“He is very responsive when we seek advice on the issues. His knowledge is undeniable. When he addressed advice, the advice given addressed the issues that we raised with him.”
“Knowledgeable and easy to reach. He has given lots of advice on dispute resolution and strategies on managing the matter.”
“Knowledgeable and responsive to enquiry.”
Shariffullah Majeed
“Advises clearly on guidelines for any industrial relation cases.”
Darshendev Singh
“Darshendev Singh's positive attributes and what makes him exceptional, stand out and different from competitors are his qualities, as below: He is very knowledgeable in his fields; he is very detailed or meticulous in covering all issues of contention/all angles/all arguments; he always endeavours his best for the clients; he is able to think out of the box in forming strategies and giving his professional opinion.”
Zhen Ning Soh
“Very attentive and has in-depth knowledge in relevant jurisdictions. Professional services provided and always meets expectation of clients.”
Steven Tee
“Client management skills are excellent. He has deep knowledge of the subject matter he handles. Strong but diplomatic negotiation skills. He is solution-driven and can adjust strategies and drafting according to fluid circumstances.”
“Good communication skills; quick turnaround and accessible; strong knowledge of Malaysia contract and industrial laws.”
Wai Chin (Crystal) Wong
“She is such a nice person and such a great lawyer. My judgement is based on the cooperation with her for nearly two years. She helps our company a lot with her legal professionalism.”
Work highlights
Advised Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia on its disposal of 50% equity interest in Danajamin to Bank Pembangunan Malaysia. The disposal is significant as it was part of the government of Malaysia’s plan to consolidate the development financial institutions, and to strengthen and align the mandates of these institutions to improve the national development finance ecosystem.
Acted for Verticom in a disposal of 50 of its telecommunications towers together with basic infrastructure to the purchaser, GTP Network.
Key clients
WCI Regional Management
Mah-Kamariyah & Philip Koh has provided legal representation and services to a wide range of corporate and individual clients since 1975. Its areas of expertise include capital markets and corporate and M&A. Philip Koh and Adrian Koh are key partners at the firm.
Client feedback
“The firm is knowledgeable and possesses the right balance of client centricity and regulatory framework. Provides solution-based advice to the table.” – Corporate and M&A
“Quick and commercial minded with a lot of patience on small complications. Also, they are able to carry through the work in spite of the total of six months of movement control order imposed by the Government of Malaysia due to Covid-19 pandemic.” – Corporate and M&A
Yeow York (Adrian) Koh
“Adrian is the ‘go to’ person of the firm for corporate and M&A. Highly knowledgeable and experienced.”
“Very responsive, solution driven and not obsessed with increasing fees. Good at handling difficult people.”
Jia Hui Yip
“Very commercial and responsive. Great value for money.”
Work highlights
Advised Teng Yew Huat and Timbang Perkasa on the disposal of Jaya Grocer Holdings to a subsidiary company of Grab Holdings. This is one of the largest M&A deals in Malaysia thus far in 2022.
Key clients
Amazing Parade, Eller Axis, Sunway Holdings
Murad Yee Partnership’s core focus areas include banking and finance, corporate and M&A and private equity. It regularly assists government-linked corporations, foreign entities and subsidiaries of multinational companies. With its associate firm, Murad & Foo based in Pulau Pinang, the firm’s combined professional strength totals 20 fee earners. Fook Weng Yee and Ken Nie Kuay are key contacts.
Client feedback
“Good business advice and tightness plus meticulous legal binding.” – Corporate and M&A
“They are solution oriented, responsive and quick.” – Corporate and M&A
“Experienced lawyers who are able to provide holistic legal advice with quick turnaround time.” – Dispute resolution
Fook Weng Yee
“Best corporate and business-centric lawyers that I have come across.”
“He is very solution focused, and practical. Very easy to work with.”
Joanne Loke
“Diligent, quick turnaround time, personal attention, intelligent.”
Work highlights
Acted as the Malaysian counsel to the subsidiary of Hibiscus Petroleum on its acquisition of Fortuna International Petroleum Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Repsol Exploración, for a purchase consideration of more than $200 million.
Advised the operator and manager of a one-stop wellness solution centre on the legal documentation of a joint-venture transaction.
Naqiz & Partners is adept in handling acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures, project finance, private banking and syndicated facilities. The firm services clients from a range of sectors including energy, real estate and technology and telecommunications. Key individuals include Shamshul Iskandar Zulkifli for corporate commercial work and Brian Lew for technology.
Client feedback
“Responsive, fast and approachable.” – Intellectual property
“Accessible and fair price.” – Intellectual property
“What stands out the most about Naqiz & Partners team is their evident and vast knowledge and experience in the matters. The team is able to deliver the output exceeding our expectations within the stipulated timeframe, amongst others, providing constructive solutions and alternatives as opposed to not just agreeing on the client’s ideas and needs. The team members also showed passion and dedication throughout the entire projects. The team is very accessible, diligent and dependable in meeting clients’ needs and requirements. Looking forward to working together again in the future.” – Regulatory
Khai Yi Lo
“Responsive and provide cost effective solutions.”
“Accessible, smart.”
“Evident and vast knowledge and experience; passionate; accessible”
Work highlights
Acted for MX Global on its 30% stake sale to Binance Capital Management.
Advised M1, one of the major telco companies in Singapore, on its acquisition of up to 70% stake in Malaysia-based digital solutions provider Glocomp Systems for a total purchase consideration of up to RM111 million.
Key clients
Maybank Asset Management, OUD Asset Management, TransUnion
Raja Darryl & Loh is frequently sought out by technology start-ups and other established companies for its extensive expertise in financial technology and digital banking. It is also experienced in various transactions including aviation finance, M&A, joint ventures and equity capital markets. With its robust disputes practice, the firm is active in various contentious matters, including antitrust, construction, employment and tax cases. Phye Keat Chew, Choon Hon Leng, Raja Eileen Soraya, Ravindra Kumar Rengasamy, Vijey Mohana Krishnan and Tong Lai Ling are recommended for competition, construction, dispute resolution, employment, tax and technology, respectively.
Client feedback
“Solution-oriented, industry knowledge, analysis of grey areas.” – Banking and finance
“They were able to provide well rounded advice aside from the documentation as well.” – Banking and finance
“Optimistic and professional in handling issues and people.” – Construction
“Raja Darryl & Loh (RDL) drafted thoroughly on terms of the contracts and in such a way protecting our rights and interest and raised considerations which had not been foreseen by us.” – Corporate and M&A
“Very professional.” – Dispute resolution
“Experienced firm to give advice on competition law issues, tactical to deal with shareholders, provide good, practical and sound advice.” – Insurance
“Prompt response and sound advice.” – Intellectual property
“Experience and able to provide a wide range of advice.” – Intellectual property
“Prompt response and attention to detail.” – Labour and employment
“I find them to be extremely knowledgeable as well as always responsive to our requirements. They are able to quickly grasp the requirements and provide their viewpoints with supporting legal basis.” – Labour and employment
“Expert in the area of medicolegal and confident when it comes to handling the regulatory affairs.” – Regulatory
Phye Kiat Chew
“Experienced, responsive and provide sound advice.”
Mei Mei Chong
“Problem solver with industry knowledge and firm grasp of law and regulations required for this.”
“Her ability to understand our requirements comprehensively enabled us to complete our product development in a timely manner.”
“She has provided legal opinions and good guidelines on legal issues for laymen.”
Hon Leng Choon
“Professional with excellent communication skills.”
“Deep knowledge of the TMT industry coupled with years of litigation experience particularly in giving insight to strategising and ultimately problem solving.”
Himin Ng
“She is always actively engaging in her works and follows up closely with the client proactively. Deadlines of filing and submission of documents are always adhered to.”
Yvonne Ong
“Prompt response and sound advice.”
“Very commercially minded and good innovative solutions.”
Raja Eileen Soraya
“She is very humble despite being very knowledgeable. Listens well and provides constructive feedback and solutions.”
Chu Wei Tai
“Professional, pleasant, competent and responsive.”
Li Vyen Tham
“Sharp and accommodating. Willing to explore solution with business and spend time understanding operation.”
“Li Vyen is very client centric and always makes herself available at short notice. If she is caught up with another engagement, she manages our expectation and will have another support assigned with her working in the background. She is also creative and always provides a balanced perspective.”
“She is able to position and structure our interests based on feedback provided.”
William Wong
“William Wong is sharp, approachable and provides sound advice even before the client asks for it. Meetings won't run overtime and objectives are always achieved. His time management is impeccable, in a sense that we always know we are a priority despite him having other files at hand.”
Vijey Mohana Krishnan and William Wong
“They are experts in tax matters and often provide sound commercial and tactical advice in maneuvering the case, foreseeing and preparing for the next 10 steps ahead in all possible avenues.”
Work highlights
Advised Mega First Corporation on its acquisition of a majority stake in a private company for RM205 million.
Acting as Malaysian counsel to Intersurgical in respect of its acquisition of Pulmodyne.
Key clients
Adidas, Nefab Group, Warisan TC Holdings
Shearn Delamore & Co is respected for its strength in advising clients from the financial services, energy, real estate and technology sectors. The firm comprises of renowned practice groups with exceptional capabilities across a whole range of practice areas including banking, corporate and M&A, construction, employment, intellectual property, competition and tax. Key individuals include Anand Raj for competition and tax, Grace Yeoh for corporate and M&A, Rabindra Nathan for dispute resolution, Karen Abraham for IP, Sivabalah Nadarajah for employment and Ka Im Goh for tax.
Client feedback
“Competence as well as the breadth and depth of ability in the firm. The lawyers that we deal with are good at keeping us briefed/updated and responsive.” – Competition/antitrust
“Ability to identify crucial issues and providing workable solutions to address such issues to the mutual benefit of both parties leading to the successful completion of the acquisition.” – Corporate and M&A
“Experienced senior partners. Thorough and very detailed. Sound and sensible legal advice after digesting the documents and exhibits presented as evidence. Very few errors in the production documents with well written arguments in the contents.” – Dispute resolution
“Quick response and accurate in advice.” – Dispute resolution
“Delivers consistently good service, which brings depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic, and overall, just great to work with.” – Dispute resolution
“They provide efficient, cost-effective business advice. They are prompt, provide clear and concise legal counsel. And their rates are extremely reasonable.” – Intellectual property
“Clear legal thinking; good teamwork; proactive; and client friendly.” – Intellectual property
“Shearn Delamore is able to provide a professional legal service.” – Intellectual property
“Accessibility, prompt response and professional advice.” – Intellectual property
“They gave practical advice and sought to think outside of the box.” – Intellectual property
“Respond very quickly to inquiries, advice, review of drafts, clear and easy to understand opinions, provides honest advice on repercussions/weakness and clear strategic advice also. Lawyers are friendly easy to discuss matters and value company's views and opinions also. Accepts all cases regardless of the rank of claimant and a senior lawyer provides the advice, does not delegate to a junior lawyer to do so.” – Labour and employment
“Shearn Delamore & Co provides pragmatic solutions to complex legal issues. Especially on employment matters.” – Labour and employment
“Always on top of the matter and able to provide solutions.” – Restructuring and insolvency
“Clear, concise and practical advice, responsive and attentive to needs.” – Tax
“Commercially sensitive solutions and good turnaround time. Good connectivity with other law firms in the region. competitive pricing and quality legal opinion.” – Technology and telecommunications
Karen Abraham
“Karen Abraham is a trail blazer. Vast knowledge, practical and great social skills!”
“Karen is an excellent TM and IP attorney. She is extremely knowledgeable in Malaysian IP law. She is an acknowledged dean of the Malaysian IP Bar. A terrific attorney....”
“Karen is able to provide good insights on enforcement work.”
“She managed the matter well and I felt she was ‘on top of things’. Energetic.”
Rodney Gomez
“Delivers consistently good service, with depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic and overall, just great to work with. Often goes above and beyond the call of duty.”
Datin Jeyanthini
“Patient and a good listener.”
Jimmy Liew
“Attentive, very experienced and has deep knowledge of the law.”
TC (Raymond) Low
“Very experienced, very sound legal knowledge, always quick to revert with advice or comments, always available and very approachable. Pleasant and emphatic.”
Jyeshta Mahendran
“She is accessible, extremely prompt in her responses, professional and very knowledgeable.”
Ned Segaram
“He is proactive and has good knowledge of the facts.”
Indran Shanmuganathan
“Superb advocational skills.”
N Sivabalah
“He explains the position of the law and weighs in the pros and cons before giving his advice on any issues.”
Nicholas Tan
“Quick turnaround time and ability to analyse the issues and providing workable solutions.”
Yoong San (Janet) Toh
“Professional and delivers rapid responses.”
“Experienced IP lawyer with strong commercial acumen.”
Irene Yong
“Clear, concise and practical advice. Responsive and attentive to needs.”
Work highlights
Acted as local counsel for Virtuozzo, a global leader in high efficiency virtualisation and hyperconverged software solutions, on its acquisition of OnApp, including advising on local corporate and employment issues related to the Malaysian subsidiary of OnApp.
Acted as the Malaysian counsel of Storskogen Schweiz in connection with its proposed acquisition of LNS Holding, a global market leader within automation peripherals and services based in Orvin, Switzerland.
Key clients
Jentayu Sustainables, Linatex Rubber Products, Scientex
With long-standing practices and an established reputation in the market, Skrine maintains a robust track record across most practice areas and sectors. The firm’s client base includes state-owned enterprises and major companies from the TMT, financial services, energy, infrastructure and real estate industries. The firm is particularly savvy and active in handling cross-border transactions and disputes across the region. Ivan Loo, Janet Lai Heng Looi, Guan Huat Khoo, Charmayne Poh Yin Ong and Selvamalar Alagaratnam are recommended for construction, corporate and M&A, disputes, intellectual property and technology, and employment law, respectively. Dispute partner Leong Wai Hong departed to the bench as judicial commissioners of the High Court of Malaysia in January 2022.
Client feedback
“Impressed with the depth of knowledge and how the matter was handled.” – Aviation
“Dedicated, responsible and efficient.” – Banking and finance
“Experienced and skilled.” – Banking and finance
“Professional, knowledgeable, efficient, and high quality of work.” – Banking and finance
“Fast and efficient. Provide valuable legal advice.” – Banking and finance
“Good team leaders. Able to provide quick answers and communicate it well to our team.” – Competition/antitrust
“They provided us with thorough advice on the subject matter.” – Corporate and M&A
“They are usually a one-stop centre in terms of any other areas that we may have issues that needs legal advice on. More importantly, they provide very prompt and solid legal advice which is extremely important to us.” – Dispute resolution
“Skrine is an excellent law firm with very good and experienced lawyers. They were very prompt in their responses and proactive in handling the entire matter. The team was knowledgeable and experienced.” – Dispute resolution
“They have demonstrated the expected highest level of expertise, proficiency, skills including availability and ability to meet extremely tight deadlines.” – Dispute resolution
“Skrine consistently structure their advice in a comprehensive and clear manner.” – Intellectual property
“They are very responsive, and very clear communicators. Competent in all ways.” – Intellectual property
“Skrine has exhibited deep transaction experience, mastery of the Malaysian market and high levels of professionalism during the course of the deal. They were also responsive and on the ball, often identifying potential pitfalls pre-emptively. We also benefitted from their familiarity with the local regulatory environment which allowed us to arrive at a structure which closed the gap and enabled the deal to close.” – Private equity
“Out of the box thinking, doesn't follow the herd.” – Regulatory
Kumar Mahadev Ashok
“Very sharp, highly intuitive, responsible and perhaps one of the most important things to say about him is that he is reachable even when he is away on his holidays, should there be an urgent need to consult him. We are most grateful for that.”
Claudia Cheah
“Professional, knowledgeable and efficient.”
Ariel Paul Francine
“She provided thorough advice on the subject matter.”
Sheba Gumis
“Sheba was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and a joy to work with.”
Hafidah Hashim
“Experienced and skilled.”
Guan Huat Khoo
“Attentive, calm, and responsive.”
Ai Hsien Lee
“Ai Hsien is dedicated, responsible and concise in her advice.”
Peh Fern Loo
“Loo is very knowledgeable and experienced and knows her stuff. Loo was very prompt in replying to emails and handled the legal matter very well.”
“She was very professional, prompt and extremely fast on the uptake in terms of the question and scope that we were consulting Skrine on.”
Poh Yin (Charmayne) Ong
“Excellent case management and delivery.”
“She is very responsive, and also has broad knowledge of many legal areas. She has a deep team of specialists and can quickly get the right lawyer you need on a case.”
Aufa Binti Radzi
“Radzi has strong ability to examine thoroughly complex issues and find a solution in a timely, efficient manner. She uses clear, logical steps to understand an issue from all angles before advice. She is also detail-oriented and therefore is capable to foresee areas of difficulties or challenges and address them proactively. Radzi never confuses observations with inferences, and she always separates facts and conjectures. Her advice is always based on clear understanding about the facts. Her advice is generally based on reliable legal doctrine, in-depth knowledge of legal cases and sound understanding of the banking industry legal and regulatory environment. Also, she has the ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively.”
Vijay Raj
“Attentive, efficient, knowledgeable and professional.”
Karen Tan
“Easily accessible.”
Shi Wen Tan
“Able to provide quick solutions and clear information on the topic. Can foresee potential risk management which she was able to assist us in things we would not know about. Her training sessions with our staff were long however it was not very dry allowing our staff to absorb the information during this training sessions.”
“Thinks out of the box and is very knowledgeable about the sector.”
Work highlights
Acted for GIC (Ventures) on its investment in Sunway Healthcare Group. This deal marked a strategic partnership between Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund and a Malaysian group of private healthcare facilities.
Advising Setia HC Ventures, a wholly owned subsidiary of S P Setia, in a joint venture arrangement with Qualitas Medical Group to establish, develop and operate ambulatory care centre in Setia Alam.
Key clients
AIA, CGE Partners, Kwasa Logistics, Sumitomo Mitsui Construction
Tay & Partners is a full-service commercial law firm with offices in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. The firm is particularly known for its competition strength and is active in both contentious and advisory matters. The firm also boasts expertise in the aviation and real estate sectors. Nicole Leong and Weng Yew Wong are key partners. Managing partner Beng Chai Tay retired on 30 June 2021.
Client feedback
“They are very responsive, knowledgeable and their fees are mostly reasonable.” – Intellectual property
Work highlights
Acting as Malaysian counsel for a Singapore AI-driven technology company on its proposed subscription of shares in a company, which is in the business of providing financial risk technology services and developing intelligent risk solutions for the banking and electronic payments industry.
Acting as the Malaysian counsel for one of the largest sustainable packaging solutions providers in North America in its multi-jurisdictional acquisition of a xewaste and packaging solutions business.
Highly regarded firm Zaid Ibrahim & Co (a member of ZICO Law) has a sound reputation in the market, particularly for financing, capital markets and corporate work. The firm also provides strong expertise on energy and infrastructure projects, including road, rail and airport developments as well as petrochemical plants and local and offshore renewable energy projects. Lilian Liew, Gilbert Gan, Kee Hooi Wong, Amin Abdul Majid and Boo Seng Ong are key figures for banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A, energy, infrastructure, and IP, respectively.
Client feedback
“Partners are experienced, hands on and accessible and give attention to their clients.” – Capital markets
“Practical, responsive, flexible and prompt.” – Construction
“Good response time, sound legal knowledge, meticulousness and willingness to go the extra mile without asking.” – Intellectual property
Tat King Loo
“Very helpful in dealing our issues. Strong technical knowledge.”
Lillian Liew
“Responsive, knowledgeable, available, and friendly. She is a problem-solver.”
“Top of field service/advice from partner Lilian Liew.”
Caera Lee
“She is knowledgeable in her field, thorough and provides practical solutions. Added plus is that she is also very pleasant to work with.”
Linda Wang
“Sound legal knowledge. You can be assured that she has considered all aspects of the problem before offering a solution.”
Lillian Liew and Sook Kwan Chin
“Experienced on the subject matter, advisory and client management.”
Work highlights
Advised Telenor Asia on the proposed merger of Celcom and Digi. It is the largest telecommunications deal ever in Malaysia and the first merger to be subject to the merger control regime of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
Acted for Khazanah Nasional in the sale of Khazanah’s entire equity interest in semiconductor fabricating company SilTerra Malaysia to a consortium consisting of DNeX and CGP.
Key clients
Alibaba, Aurelius Healthcare, REA Group, STIC Investments
Founded in 2015, Ariff Rozhan & Co specialises in general commercial litigation and arbitration. The firm acts for large banks, power providers, and Malaysian conglomerates in the energy, gaming, logistics, automotive and infrastructure sectors. Managing partner Ariff Rozhan and founding partner William Lim are lawyers of note.
Client feedback
“The firm is small and niche, but the quality of the work outmatches the big firms. The advice is well thought through, practical and commercial. The team is commanding, authoritative and have the complete trust of their clients.” – Dispute resolution
“Excellent and hardworking senior partner who takes a hands-on approach and is experienced.” – Dispute resolution
William Lim
“Attentive to the case and knowledgeable of the law and procedures.”
Ariff Rozhan
“Displays impressive professionalism.”
“He is a fantastic advocate. Ariff is very calm, measured, approachable and responsive. He is an excellent lawyer who gains the trust of his clients.”
Work highlights
Representing Dar Al-Handasah Consultants, a member of the Dar Group of Companies, together with its subsidiaries, in a dispute relating to the design and construction of the Butterworth Outer Ring Road connected to the second Penang Bridge, Malaysia, before the High Court in Kuala Lumpur.
Key clients
Asia Insurance Company, Malayan Banking, JCT
Cecil Abraham & Partners is a leading boutique dispute resolution firm known for handling commercial disputes, especially cases heard before the Federal Court of Malaysia. Led by star litigator Cecil Abraham, the team has a strong track record acting on unprecedented and landmark litigation and arbitration matters, with a focus on corporate and commercial, administrative and white-collar crime. The firm often acts for Fortune 500 companies, media conglomerates, government-linked companies, high net-worth individuals, and not-for-profit entities and charities.
Client feedback
“Responsive and able to provide advice when asked.” – Dispute resolution
“Their advice is always clear, concise and thorough. They highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of our various cases. They are extremely responsive and take the time to explain all the scenarios to us. They have successfully won three major arbitrations and one judicial review for us.” – Dispute resolution
Aniz Ahmad Amirudin
“He is a construction law guru, and his construction law knowledge is second to none. He is detailed, patient and thorough and his court craft is excellent. He has successfully won three big ticket construction disputes for us. He is a leader in the area of high value and complex construction disputes.”
Muzalifah Binti Shabudin
“One thing worth mentioning about Muzalifah is that her drafts are organised, can tell she put in efforts in preparing them in a way that is easy for client to work on.”
Rishwant Singh
“Able to offer professional and optimum solutions; excellent communication skills; accurate and precise.”
Work highlights
Acting for Malaysian Resources Corporation in respect of four separate arbitrations relating to the Desaru Coast development.
Acting as counsel for Shopee Mobile Malaysia in defending copyright infringement claims instituted by two film production companies.
Acted for a gold-mining company known as Raub Australian Gold Mining in a defamation suit against one of the online-blogs in Malaysia known as Malaysiakini which is owned by MKini Dotcom, as well as against three of its journalists.
Key clients
Catajaya, Kining Exeton, Lynas Corporation, NRY Architects
In June 2018, Chooi & Company and Cheang & Ariff merged to form a firm well recognised and lauded for its wide-ranging offering including corporate, finance, dispute resolution and IP practices. Its expertise in cross-border disputes attracts a variety of work from state-owned enterprises and multinationals. The firm is particularly active in serving clients in the consumer goods and services sector including food and beverage, fashion brands and electronics. Key partners include Ming Li Tan for capital markets and corporate and M&A, Christopher Leong for dispute resolution and Joo Seong (Cindy) Goh for IP.
Client feedback
“Good opinions and arguments for litigation cases.” – Dispute resolution
“Very responsive and provides prompt updates, strong commercial understanding, consistently provide high quality service.” – Dispute resolution
“The firm understands the nature of the client's business and is able to provide solutions that enable the business. Their speed and accuracy in rendering legal advice is one of their strongest attributes.” – Dispute resolution
“Highly skilled with invaluable in-depth knowledge of IP litigation laws and practice. Provides excellent, sound and honest advice, which is what a client needs to hear.” – Intellectual property
“The firm scores high in terms of responsiveness as well as strategising the matter at hand, to the best of our interest as its client.” – Intellectual property
“Meticulous and thorough in preparation for cases.” – Real estate
“Understanding the client's needs and thinking out of the box for solutions. They have a wide depth of knowledge.” – Real estate
Pei Ying (Janet) Chai
“When Janet handles our matters, we know that the outcome would be a positive outcome. Advice is rendered quickly, always available to answer the client's queries and always meets the deadlines.”
Andrew Fernandez
“Thorough and meticulous.”
Brian Foong
“Good and experienced litigation lawyer. Good in court procedures and advocacy in court.”
Joo Seong (Cindy) Goh
“Very responsive and accommodating. Strong business acumen and provides business-oriented solutions. Good communication skills and is always able to understand our needs. Firm grasp of the law.”
“Very professional. Leading lawyer in this field.”
“Highly skilled with invaluable in-depth knowledge of IP litigation laws and practice. Provides excellent, sound and honest advice - what a client needs to hear.”
“Cindy is very personable and is dedicated to ensuring that she allocates time to engage in a discussion on legal issues/concerns that you may have, and this has always been done with a sense of urgency, a virtue which we appreciate very much.”
Work highlights
Successfully defended a housing developer in a suit brought by a purchaser to rescind the sale and purchase agreement for a property worth RM2.9 million.
Acting for Lysaght Corrugated Pipe and Lysaght Galvanized Steel, one of Asia’s eminent steel manufacturers and suppliers, in an arbitration proceeding concerning forged contracts before the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre. This is the first case in Malaysia dealing with anti-foreign arbitration injunction after the Arbitration Act had been amended.
Key clients
Malleng Enterprises
Since its founding in 2021, litigation boutique Daniel & Wong has developed a reputation for taking on complex civil, corporate and commercial work with a particular emphasis on fraud and liquidations. Partner Daniel Albert helms the firm’s dispute resolution practice.
Client feedback
“Daniel & Wong’s team are very experienced and knowledgeable. They will advise the clients the strength and weakness of the cases they have undertaken. They also ensure they take the opinion of the clients.” – Dispute resolution
“Pragmatic and commercially savvy.” – Dispute resolution
“Great team, incredibly bright, highly resourceful. A pleasure to work with.” – Dispute resolution
Daniel Albert
“He is very attentive, knowledgeable and cooperative. He ensures that he and his team manage the expectation of the clients and will personally attend all matters.”
“Highly intelligent, extremely tenacious and always very well prepared.”
Work highlights
Acted for international clients in litigation concerning a complex cross-jurisdictional claim for the recovery of approximately $76 million premised on fraud, breach of trust and breach of fiduciary duties.
Dispute resolution specialist firm Gan Partnership is a new entrant to the asialaw ranking tables. Apart from general disputes, the firm also has substantial strength in construction, IP, and in labour and employment. Key figures include Khong Aik Gan for commercial disputes and Joon Liang Foo for construction.
Client feedback
“Proactive, quick response. Partner is knowledgeable. Associate is efficient and decisive in handling.” – Construction
“Very focused, closely communicated and effectively obtained information, facts and evidence from me. Clear direction and I am well informed! Well prepared in court and deliver precisely!” – Dispute resolution
“Responsive, very reasonably priced, approachable with excellent results.” – Intellectual property
“Team player; fast with responses; efficient and understands our global business.” – Intellectual property
“Clear and effective legal advice. Timely and responsive to all inquiries. Helpful in explaining Malaysian employment and labour laws.” – Labour and employment
Khong Aik Gan
“Khong Aik is a very knowledgeable lawyer who provides clear and effective legal advice on all matters presented. He is a trusted advisor of our company and knows our business.”
Khong Aik Gan and Mei Yee Kang
“Very focused and attentive; clear direction and well informed; vast knowledge and experience! Effectively understands the problem.”
Zhi Jian Lim
“Thinks on his feet with good problem-solving skills.”
Min Lee Tan
“Knowledgeable, proactive, and customer focused.”
Bahari Yeow
“The go-to lawyer in Malaysia for IP work.”
Work highlights
Represented the employer of KL-Kuala Selangor Expressway, a major highway in Klang Valley, in applying for a Fortuna Injunction against a statutory notice issued under Section 466 of the Companies Act 2016.
Represented Intech PMSM in a corporate dispute arising from joint venture involving acquisition of German elevator technology.
Established in 2016, Joel & Co is a young, dynamic full-service firm that focuses primarily on corporate and commercial disputes. Its founding partner, Joel Kon, is experienced with contentious intellectual property matters as well. Clients range from multinational companies to local SMEs. Kon and partner Heng Yee Tan are the main contacts at the firm.
Work highlights
Successfully represented one of Malaysia’s largest face mask providers Neutrovis to obtain an injunction for counterfeit and striking out.
Lee & Koh is best known for its capability in dispute resolution. The firm focuses on construction and infrastructure disputes, corporate banking litigation, insolvency and family and probate matters. Managing partner Koh Yew Chong is a key contact. Justin Leong and Irwan Ismail are other lawyers to note.
Work highlights
Advising AmBank Islamic in filing a winding up petition against Prolink Marketing. This dispute is first of its kind as it relates to the power of the winding up courts to grant a winding up order that takes place later. This is a novel issue which has never been brought up before.
Advised Malaysian Highway Board and Lebuhraya Kajang-Seremban in a protracted suit arising from the acquisition of a piece of land owned by Semenyih Jaya.
Advised New Pantai Expressway in resisting a civil suit brought by an advertising company for declaration and injunction reliefs as well as damages.
Key clients
Besraya, Exquisite Mode, Malaysian Highway Board and West Coast Expressway
Lim Chee Wee Partnership generated immediate buzz upon its formation two years ago, and not without justification. The litigation boutique was founded by star litigators from Skrine. The well-versed team handles disputes across the full spectrum of commercial law, in addition to strong practices in insolvency, regulatory, and fraud and anti-corruption. Senior partner Lim Chee Wee, managing partner Lee Shih and partner Kwan Will Sen are key figures.
Client feedback
“User friendly; accurate and timely advice; personal touch.” – Dispute resolution
“Sound advice and strong research.” – Dispute resolution
“Lim Chee Wee Partnership provides practical legal advice. They are very attentive to its clients and reachable. Works well under pressure. Charges reasonably.” – Dispute resolution
“Highly responsive, commercial and reliable pair of hands in Malaysia.” – Restructuring and insolvency
“The firm has strong partner involvement in files and are very innovative in terms of approach. Furthermore, the partners are easily contactable and accessible if required for urgent advice.” – Restructuring and insolvency
“Good knowledge of law; great strategy and approach to tackle the legal issues; and deliverable.” – Restructuring and insolvency
Geraldine Goon
“Contactable where advise is required on an urgent basis.”
Nathalie Ker
“Receptive to feedback; attentive to client; easy to work with.”
Lee Shih
“Experts on Malaysian law; highly responsive; and familiar with the local market.”
“Very innovative and unafraid of trying new approaches. Strong legal knowledge as well.”
“Lee Shih is an up-and-coming restructuring name in Malaysia having worked on substantial deals and making new laws along the way.”
Will Sen Kwan and Chee Wee (Kelvin) Lim
“Direct and positive decision and approach. Research on similar cases and apply on in.”
Work highlights
Acting for Gumusut-Kakap Semi-Floating Production System Labuan, a wholly owned SPV of MISC in more than RM2 billion claim arbitration, adjudication proceedings and court litigation against Sabah Shell Petroleum Company. This is the largest ever arbitral claim in Malaysia.
Acting for AwanBiru Technology and its subsidiary Prestariang SKIN on a more than RM730 million claim against the government of Malaysia.
Acting for Toyota Tsusho (Malaysia), a subsidiary of a Japanese public company listed on both the Tokyo and Nagoya Stock Exchanges, in a cross-border RM179 million fraud claim.
Key clients
CTOS Insights, Top Glove
MahWengKwai & Associates represents a variety of corporations and individuals in its areas of expertise, which includes corporate and M&A and dispute resolution. Moreover, the firm is also active in advising on banking and finance, construction and employment matters. Raymond Mah and Christine Toh are key contacts. The firm promoted John Chan to partner in February 2022.
Client feedback
“Very thorough in their approach. They asked lots of questions to ensure they understood our request, provided a thorough and complete response, and provided additional information that was very useful to our project.” – Corporate and M&A
“They are generally strong in Human Resource advisory.” – Dispute resolution
“Very Efficient, knowledgeable, very understanding when dealing with new clients.” – Labour and employment
John Chan
“Very responsive and tries his best to give you the most appropriate solution.”
Chong Chieh Gan
“Very responsive, knowledgeable and organised.”
Tommy Wong
“Communicative.”
Work highlights
Successfully represented two individuals in a judicial review application to challenge the National Registration Department’s decision in registering their adopted son as a non-citizen.
Representing an Indian citizen in obtaining a declaration of citizenship by operation of law pursuant to being born overseas to a Malaysian mother.
Key clients
Jaya One Management Corporation, Kepong Industrial Park, Zurich General Insurance Malaysia
Navaratnam Chambers handles a variety of disputes including contractual, shareholders’ disputes, administrative and tax-related disputes. The firm is active in the energy and insurance sectors.
Client feedback
“Navaratnam Chambers is very efficient, highly adaptable and dynamic.” – Dispute resolution
Nahendran Navaratnam
“Highly knowledgeable and possesses the ability to advise parties on any areas of legal dispute, demonstrating impeccable legal knowledge and strategic thinking in formulating and framing claims. The firm is always willing to assist other legal counsel when dealing with complex legal issues.”
“He is extremely intelligent, incisive and committed to any brief he undertakes.”
Work highlights
Although all cases submitted during the research period remain confidential, it is noted that the firm has been active in regulatory, contract, land and insurance disputes over the past year.
Entering asialaw rankings for the first time this edition, Puchong-based firm Ng Zainurul Seke & Khoo is active in matters related to family law, employment, construction, corporate litigation, IP and recovery. Managing partner Ng Kee Way was with Zain Ibrahim & Co prior to setting up the firm.
Client feedback
“They are professional and really know what they are doing. Managed to help me win my case eventually.” – Dispute resolution
Ai Theng Khoo
“She is a really professional and smart lawyer who is really famous in the litigation field, especially in Klang Valley.”
Work highlights
Acting for the plaintiff suing a listed company for defamation.
Ooi & Ooi is a dispute resolution boutique handling a variety of matters, including contractual, banking and shareholder disputes alongside construction, infrastructure and real estate matters. It represents domestic clients as well as regional entities. The firm is led by partners Nicholas Ooi and Natalie Ooi.
Work highlights
Acted for 32 plaintiffs including Country Heights Damansara, Kuala Lumpur Residents’ Association (CHDRA) against the developers, MPSB and CHPSB. The suit arises out of developers’ failure to provide maintenance and security services and to handover water and basic infrastructures to public authorities.
Key clients
BCB, E-Pro, Tropicana Grande Management Corporation
Owee & Co is a specialist dispute resolution firm, focused on high-value, complex corporate and commercial disputes, civil and commercial fraud, and professional negligence. Its clients span multinationals and listed companies to high-net-worth individuals. Partner Owee Chia Ming helms the firm’s disputes group.
Client feedback
“Guides the client well with comprehensive advice including communication with policy holders.” – Insurance
Owee Chia Ming
“Provides comprehensive advice on legal matters. Communicates effectively with all relevant parties, including insurer, policyholder and adjuster.”
Work highlights
Acting for several substantial contributories of a wound-up public company in the real estate development sector in destitution, costs and remuneration disputes. This is one of the longest corporate dispute matters in Malaysia.
Acted for a public listed company in the real estate development sector and several of its directors in a claim brought by the company’s shareholder which seeks to nullify the company’s latest proposed fund-raising exercise.
Raja Darryl & Loh is frequently sought out by technology start-ups and other established companies for its extensive expertise in financial technology and digital banking. It is also experienced in various transactions including aviation finance, M&A, joint ventures and equity capital markets. With its robust disputes practice, the firm is active in various contentious matters, including antitrust, construction, employment and tax cases. Phye Keat Chew, Choon Hon Leng, Raja Eileen Soraya, Ravindra Kumar Rengasamy, Vijey Mohana Krishnan and Tong Lai Ling are recommended for competition, construction, dispute resolution, employment, tax and technology, respectively.
Client feedback
“Solution-oriented, industry knowledge, analysis of grey areas.” – Banking and finance
“They were able to provide well rounded advice aside from the documentation as well.” – Banking and finance
“Optimistic and professional in handling issues and people.” – Construction
“Raja Darryl & Loh (RDL) drafted thoroughly on terms of the contracts and in such a way protecting our rights and interest and raised considerations which had not been foreseen by us.” – Corporate and M&A
“Very professional.” – Dispute resolution
“Experienced firm to give advice on competition law issues, tactical to deal with shareholders, provide good, practical and sound advice.” – Insurance
“Prompt response and sound advice.” – Intellectual property
“Experience and able to provide a wide range of advice.” – Intellectual property
“Prompt response and attention to detail.” – Labour and employment
“I find them to be extremely knowledgeable as well as always responsive to our requirements. They are able to quickly grasp the requirements and provide their viewpoints with supporting legal basis.” – Labour and employment
“Expert in the area of medicolegal and confident when it comes to handling the regulatory affairs.” – Regulatory
Phye Kiat Chew
“Experienced, responsive and provide sound advice.”
Mei Mei Chong
“Problem solver with industry knowledge and firm grasp of law and regulations required for this.”
“Her ability to understand our requirements comprehensively enabled us to complete our product development in a timely manner.”
“She has provided legal opinions and good guidelines on legal issues for laymen.”
Hon Leng Choon
“Professional with excellent communication skills.”
“Deep knowledge of the TMT industry coupled with years of litigation experience particularly in giving insight to strategising and ultimately problem solving.”
Himin Ng
“She is always actively engaging in her works and follows up closely with the client proactively. Deadlines of filing and submission of documents are always adhered to.”
Yvonne Ong
“Prompt response and sound advice.”
“Very commercially minded and good innovative solutions.”
Raja Eileen Soraya
“She is very humble despite being very knowledgeable. Listens well and provides constructive feedback and solutions.”
Chu Wei Tai
“Professional, pleasant, competent and responsive.”
Li Vyen Tham
“Sharp and accommodating. Willing to explore solution with business and spend time understanding operation.”
“Li Vyen is very client centric and always makes herself available at short notice. If she is caught up with another engagement, she manages our expectation and will have another support assigned with her working in the background. She is also creative and always provides a balanced perspective.”
“She is able to position and structure our interests based on feedback provided.”
William Wong
“William Wong is sharp, approachable and provides sound advice even before the client asks for it. Meetings won't run overtime and objectives are always achieved. His time management is impeccable, in a sense that we always know we are a priority despite him having other files at hand.”
Vijey Mohana Krishnan and William Wong
“They are experts in tax matters and often provide sound commercial and tactical advice in maneuvering the case, foreseeing and preparing for the next 10 steps ahead in all possible avenues.”
Work highlights
Successfully represented an appellant in an appeal to the Court of Appeal based on medical negligence and breach of contract.
Acting for the lessor of two mobile offshore production units in its multiple claims against the lessee for monies due.
Full-service law firm Rosli Dahlan Saravana Partnership was established two years ago by five founders, whom of which are all former Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill partners. The firm is consistently referenced among market peers in the capacity of tax and commercial disputes. Peers unanimously acknowledge the tax litigation offering as first rate and one of the two new heavy-hitting players in the disputes space. Many of the firm’s submitted cases were high-profile and widely reported in the media. Dispute resolution head Rosli Dahlan helms the team that includes tax and litigation heavyweights DP Naban and Saravana Kumar.
Client feedback
“Very easy to deal with even from other side of the world. Clear explanation of local law to non-lawyers.” – Dispute resolution
“Very well organised and are honest with clients.” – Dispute resolution
“Advisory which led to successful litigation of the matter.” – Regulatory
Rishikessingam Rajakulasingam
“Easy to deal with, positive suggestions and outlook.”
“Straightforward, knowledgeable, helpful, care for clients.”
“Approachable, fast in responding and knowledgeable.”
“He is a genuine and trustworthy person. A man full of ethics and knowledge. He listens and studies the cases with 110% attention and his passion towards his cases are just remarkable.”
R Rishi
“He handled the case very well where the lawyer in charge Rishi advised us on all legal attributes and the case went on to a settlement as proposed by the opposite lawyers because Rosli Dahlan Saravana Partnership had gathered all the facts perfectly.”
Work highlights
Advising and commencing four civil suits on behalf of 1Malaysia Development and its subsidiaries against former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Najib Razak, fiduciaries as well as related local and international banks to recover misappropriated monies. This suit is often referred as the 1MDB scandal, where Malaysians losing billions of Ringgits to a government sovereign wealth fund used as a vehicle for corrupt gratification by certain government officials, private individuals and associated companies.
Key clients
Perikatan Nasional, Sapura Offshore, Sime Darby Plantation, SRC International
Established three years ago, Sanjay Mohan Advocates & Solicitors specialises in commercial and construction litigation and arbitration. Apart from appearing regularly in the Malaysian Courts, the firm also has a very active arbitration and adjudication practice. Partners Sanjay Mohanasundaram and Saheran Suhendran are key figures.
Client feedback
Sanjay Mohanasundaram
“Sanjay as the senior partner on the file was extremely hands-on and familiar with key details. He was client friendly, while remaining objective and firm throughout.”
“Accessible and always looking for good solutions.”
Work highlights
Representing Bludream City Development in a judicial review with regards to extension of time granted by the Minister of Housing and Local Government to complete the project.
Representing Sunway Construction in defending a suit for alleged trespass and nuisance in excess of RM650 million.
Representing Malaysia Building Society in defending a suit in excess of RM500 million in relation to issues of fraud and conspiracy.
Key clients
CRCC Malaysia
Shearn Delamore & Co is respected for its strength in advising clients from the financial services, energy, real estate and technology sectors. The firm comprises of renowned practice groups with exceptional capabilities across a whole range of practice areas including banking, corporate and M&A, construction, employment, intellectual property, competition and tax. Key individuals include Anand Raj for competition and tax, Grace Yeoh for corporate and M&A, Rabindra Nathan for dispute resolution, Karen Abraham for IP, Sivabalah Nadarajah for employment and Ka Im Goh for tax.
Client feedback
“Competence as well as the breadth and depth of ability in the firm. The lawyers that we deal with are good at keeping us briefed/updated and responsive.” – Competition/antitrust
“Ability to identify crucial issues and providing workable solutions to address such issues to the mutual benefit of both parties leading to the successful completion of the acquisition.” – Corporate and M&A
“Experienced senior partners. Thorough and very detailed. Sound and sensible legal advice after digesting the documents and exhibits presented as evidence. Very few errors in the production documents with well written arguments in the contents.” – Dispute resolution
“Quick response and accurate in advice.” – Dispute resolution
“Delivers consistently good service, which brings depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic, and overall, just great to work with.” – Dispute resolution
“They provide efficient, cost-effective business advice. They are prompt, provide clear and concise legal counsel. And their rates are extremely reasonable.” – Intellectual property
“Clear legal thinking; good teamwork; proactive; and client friendly.” – Intellectual property
“Shearn Delamore is able to provide a professional legal service.” – Intellectual property
“Accessibility, prompt response and professional advice.” – Intellectual property
“They gave practical advice and sought to think outside of the box.” – Intellectual property
“Respond very quickly to inquiries, advice, review of drafts, clear and easy to understand opinions, provides honest advice on repercussions/weakness and clear strategic advice also. Lawyers are friendly easy to discuss matters and value company's views and opinions also. Accepts all cases regardless of the rank of claimant and a senior lawyer provides the advice, does not delegate to a junior lawyer to do so.” – Labour and employment
“Shearn Delamore & Co provides pragmatic solutions to complex legal issues. Especially on employment matters.” – Labour and employment
“Always on top of the matter and able to provide solutions.” – Restructuring and insolvency
“Clear, concise and practical advice, responsive and attentive to needs.” – Tax
“Commercially sensitive solutions and good turnaround time. Good connectivity with other law firms in the region. competitive pricing and quality legal opinion.” – Technology and telecommunications
Karen Abraham
“Karen Abraham is a trail blazer. Vast knowledge, practical and great social skills!”
“Karen is an excellent TM and IP attorney. She is extremely knowledgeable in Malaysian IP law. She is an acknowledged dean of the Malaysian IP Bar. A terrific attorney....”
“Karen is able to provide good insights on enforcement work.”
“She managed the matter well and I felt she was ‘on top of things’. Energetic.”
Rodney Gomez
“Delivers consistently good service, with depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic and overall, just great to work with. Often goes above and beyond the call of duty.”
Datin Jeyanthini
“Patient and a good listener.”
Jimmy Liew
“Attentive, very experienced and has deep knowledge of the law.”
TC (Raymond) Low
“Very experienced, very sound legal knowledge, always quick to revert with advice or comments, always available and very approachable. Pleasant and emphatic.”
Jyeshta Mahendran
“She is accessible, extremely prompt in her responses, professional and very knowledgeable.”
Ned Segaram
“He is proactive and has good knowledge of the facts.”
Indran Shanmuganathan
“Superb advocational skills.”
N Sivabalah
“He explains the position of the law and weighs in the pros and cons before giving his advice on any issues.”
Nicholas Tan
“Quick turnaround time and ability to analyse the issues and providing workable solutions.”
Yoong San (Janet) Toh
“Professional and delivers rapid responses.”
“Experienced IP lawyer with strong commercial acumen.”
Irene Yong
“Clear, concise and practical advice. Responsive and attentive to needs.”
Work highlights
Successfully acted for the Malaysian Highway Authority in judicial review proceedings in the Court of Appeal involving a challenge to the construction of a major urban highway and the related regulatory framework.
Representing Muehlbauer Technologies in defending proceedings for the enforcement of a RM140 million Indonesian judgment debt.
Acting for a public listed company in resisting an oppression suit filed by a dissenting shareholder who objected to a proposed merger to be undertaken by the public listed company.
Key clients
TMF Trustees Malaysia
With over 100 years of history, Shook Lin & Bok has a strong presence in the areas of banking and finance, competition, dispute resolution, intellectual property and labour and employment. The firm is valued for its expertise in providing guidance to clients across the financial services and technology and telecommunications sectors. Among many notable practitioners, key partners include Jalalullail Othman for banking and finance, Sin Min Yoong for disputes and Michael Soo for intellectual property. Syed Adam Alhabshi, specialised in banking and finance, joined the firm as partner in April 2022.
Client feedback
“Shook Lin & Bok has professional lawyers who are able to give sound legal advice to the bank in a timely and professional way to assist the bank in defending all legal suits effectively.” – Banking and finance
“Administrative support, a team of paraprofessional or legal assistants who work collaboratively with partners.” – Dispute resolution
“Very thorough in their research and able to give practical solutions.” – Dispute resolution
“Able to provide practical advice and solutions.” – Restructuring and insolvency
Kok Keong Chan
“Knowledgeable, professional and helpful.”
Tien Fen (Victoria) Loi
“Able to set good strategies, very detailed in her research and provide good advice and practical solutions.”
Hooi Huang Ng
“Staying passionate and knowledgeable, act fast and creatively.”
“Hooi Huang is smart but very approachable. Always willing to go extra miles during her course of the matter.”
Work highlights
Acting for the plaintiff, OCBC Bank (Malaysia), in a suit against 37 defendants for fraud, conspiracy, negligence and breach of fiduciary and contractual duties. The outcome of this case would affect the banking industries, particularly loan transactions with properties or assets charged as securities.
Represented two major banks in Malaysia in respect of various lawsuits filed by and against various parties which arose from the enforcement of their rights as the holders of the redeemable convertible secured notes to recover debts in the sum of approximately RM85 million.
With long-standing practices and an established reputation in the market, Skrine maintains a robust track record across most practice areas and sectors. The firm’s client base includes state-owned enterprises and major companies from the TMT, financial services, energy, infrastructure and real estate industries. The firm is particularly savvy and active in handling cross-border transactions and disputes across the region. Ivan Loo, Janet Lai Heng Looi, Guan Huat Khoo, Charmayne Poh Yin Ong and Selvamalar Alagaratnam are recommended for construction, corporate and M&A, disputes, intellectual property and technology, and employment law, respectively. Dispute partner Leong Wai Hong departed to the bench as judicial commissioners of the High Court of Malaysia in January 2022.
Client feedback
“Impressed with the depth of knowledge and how the matter was handled.” – Aviation
“Dedicated, responsible and efficient.” – Banking and finance
“Experienced and skilled.” – Banking and finance
“Professional, knowledgeable, efficient, and high quality of work.” – Banking and finance
“Fast and efficient. Provide valuable legal advice.” – Banking and finance
“Good team leaders. Able to provide quick answers and communicate it well to our team.” – Competition/antitrust
“They provided us with thorough advice on the subject matter.” – Corporate and M&A
“They are usually a one-stop centre in terms of any other areas that we may have issues that needs legal advice on. More importantly, they provide very prompt and solid legal advice which is extremely important to us.” – Dispute resolution
“Skrine is an excellent law firm with very good and experienced lawyers. They were very prompt in their responses and proactive in handling the entire matter. The team was knowledgeable and experienced.” – Dispute resolution
“They have demonstrated the expected highest level of expertise, proficiency, skills including availability and ability to meet extremely tight deadlines.” – Dispute resolution
“Skrine consistently structure their advice in a comprehensive and clear manner.” – Intellectual property
“They are very responsive, and very clear communicators. Competent in all ways.” – Intellectual property
“Skrine has exhibited deep transaction experience, mastery of the Malaysian market and high levels of professionalism during the course of the deal. They were also responsive and on the ball, often identifying potential pitfalls pre-emptively. We also benefitted from their familiarity with the local regulatory environment which allowed us to arrive at a structure which closed the gap and enabled the deal to close.” – Private equity
“Out of the box thinking, doesn't follow the herd.” – Regulatory
Kumar Mahadev Ashok
“Very sharp, highly intuitive, responsible and perhaps one of the most important things to say about him is that he is reachable even when he is away on his holidays, should there be an urgent need to consult him. We are most grateful for that.”
Claudia Cheah
“Professional, knowledgeable and efficient.”
Ariel Paul Francine
“She provided thorough advice on the subject matter.”
Sheba Gumis
“Sheba was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and a joy to work with.”
Hafidah Hashim
“Experienced and skilled.”
Guan Huat Khoo
“Attentive, calm, and responsive.”
Ai Hsien Lee
“Ai Hsien is dedicated, responsible and concise in her advice.”
Peh Fern Loo
“Loo is very knowledgeable and experienced and knows her stuff. Loo was very prompt in replying to emails and handled the legal matter very well.”
“She was very professional, prompt and extremely fast on the uptake in terms of the question and scope that we were consulting Skrine on.”
Poh Yin (Charmayne) Ong
“Excellent case management and delivery.”
“She is very responsive, and also has broad knowledge of many legal areas. She has a deep team of specialists and can quickly get the right lawyer you need on a case.”
Aufa Binti Radzi
“Radzi has strong ability to examine thoroughly complex issues and find a solution in a timely, efficient manner. She uses clear, logical steps to understand an issue from all angles before advice. She is also detail-oriented and therefore is capable to foresee areas of difficulties or challenges and address them proactively. Radzi never confuses observations with inferences, and she always separates facts and conjectures. Her advice is always based on clear understanding about the facts. Her advice is generally based on reliable legal doctrine, in-depth knowledge of legal cases and sound understanding of the banking industry legal and regulatory environment. Also, she has the ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively.”
Vijay Raj
“Attentive, efficient, knowledgeable and professional.”
Karen Tan
“Easily accessible.”
Shi Wen Tan
“Able to provide quick solutions and clear information on the topic. Can foresee potential risk management which she was able to assist us in things we would not know about. Her training sessions with our staff were long however it was not very dry allowing our staff to absorb the information during this training sessions.”
“Thinks out of the box and is very knowledgeable about the sector.”
Work highlights
Acting as counsel for the lender, Malayan Banking, in three interlinked lawsuits arising out of banking facilities exceeding RM300 million granted to Kumpulan Liziz.
Representing 1Malaysia Development and four of its subsidiaries in an action against the former prime minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, former board members and former senior employees.
Representing the Customs and Tax Administration of the Kingdom of Denmark in a civil suit against multiple Malaysian entities and its officers to recover approximately RM1 billion. This matter has been described as the largest tax fraud in Denmark.
Key clients
Bursa Malaysia Securities, Malaysia Airports Holdings, Maybank Islamic
Tay & Partners is a full-service commercial law firm with offices in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. The firm is particularly known for its competition strength and is active in both contentious and advisory matters. The firm also boasts expertise in the aviation and real estate sectors. Nicole Leong and Weng Yew Wong are key partners. Managing partner Beng Chai Tay retired on 30 June 2021.
Client feedback
“They are very responsive, knowledgeable and their fees are mostly reasonable.” – Intellectual property
Work highlights
Representing Country Garden Danga Bay, a subsidiary of Country Garden Holdings, against the purchasers of condominium units at Country Garden Danga Bay, alleging that the low quality of workmanship and materials used were not in accordance with the details stated in the sale and purchase agreement. The firm successfully overturned and reversed the decision of the Court of Appeal at the Federal Court, which was a landmark decision in Malaysia. New laws were created during the appeal at the Federal Court. The jurisdiction of the tribunal has been defined in this case and the law on estoppel has also been advanced.
Key clients
Green Steel, Grohe Malaysia, Lixil International
Tuang Chu & Co iis consistently referenced by market peers for its construction and dispute resolution work, areas where the firm has held a particular niche. The firm’s dispute resolution department has extensive experience in litigation, domestic and international arbitration, adjudication and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Its clientele range from preeminent local companies to foreign corporations, encapsulating a full spectrum of corporate and commercial matters. Its dispute resolution team is led by partner Ryan Soon Wei Chu. Litigators Zhong Yan Lau and Chee Weng Leong are also key figures to note. The firm has been on a noticeable growth kick in its headcount of late with notable hires include Ken Ming (Dominic) Ng from Albar & Partners, Muhammad Anas Bin Md Abdul Rashid from Cy Wong Ng & Partners, Chee Weng Leong from Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill, and Zhong Yan Lau from Chooi & Company + Cheang & Ariff.
Client feedback
“Concise advice with artful strategies and very reachable.” – Dispute resolution
“Highly responsive, very reachable and they offer tailored legal advice.” – Dispute resolution
Chee Weng Leong
“Amazing work. Very prompt, proactive and comprehensive.”
Ken Ming (Dominic) Ng
“Ken Ming (Dominic) Ng offers a lot of strategies in approaching a dispute and explains the reasons behind the tactical approaches and is very well-versed about the law.”
“Dominic sets out and eases our understanding of the legal solutions proposed. He offers excellent perspectives, especially in evaluating the facts and applying the law.”
“Dominic is representing our company in a complex fraud and misrepresentation dispute concerning several parties. He is very detailed in his advice and has set out every possible course of action and the consequential outcome for us to consider. He is also very reachable and responds very quickly to our queries.”
Victor Tuang
“Takes the initiative and provides a lot of helpful information.”
Work highlights
Advised a wholly owned subsidiary and the main contractor arm of Mahsing Group, Enrich Property Development, in the construction contract administration of all sub-contractors. The letter of award and conditions of sub-contract is the first of its kind, representing a distinct departure from all existing standard forms of contract in respect of construction contract administration of sub-contractors.
Representing Basco in a RM37.4 million court case against Amanahraya Development.
Representing Pathfinder in court proceedings against Dunham Bush Sales and Services and Dunham Bush Holding with a total dispute sum of RM15.5 million.
Key clients
Moonwork, Sandar Development, UEE Power
Founded in 1970 by Zain Azahari Zainal Abidin, full-service firm Zain & Co is actively involved in many transactions and projects in the country. It has a diverse corporate and banking and finance practice, assisting clients on a range of M&A, private equity and financing mandates. The firm is also well versed in the energy, infrastructure and real estate sectors. Salwah Abdul Shukor is a key corporate partner at the firm. Since 2018, the firm is a member of Dentons and has access to its support network across 170 locations in over 70 countries.
Client feedback
“Zain & Co is reactive, flexible, and efficient which makes it the perfect firm for international clients.” – Banking and finance
“The senior partner and team are always reachable, the advice given is clear and easily understood. It can be seen that the firm really cares about protecting its client's interests.” – Construction
“They were astute, highly strategic and very approachable.” – Dispute resolution
“Zain & Co provides comprehensive legal advice. They are extremely prompt and provide practical legal advice. They take the time to understand the client's business model and practical concerns and needs before giving the legal advice. They are subject matter experts and have always been our go-to legal advisor in the country. Very reasonable and competitive legal fees.” – Labour and employment
“Good knowledge in PE/VC related laws.” – Private equity
Sharmini Durai
“She provides very practical legal advice and is extremely responsive. She has strong knowledge of the law, industry and the client's business.”
Sze Ngiam (Pauline) Poi
“Responsive, knowledgeable and speedy.”
Vatsala Ratnasabapathy
“Very fluent in the field of law, able to strategise and advise in the best interest of the client.”
“Vatsala Ratnasabapathy is one astute strategist with strong ability to bridge the technical/commercial elements and the legal aspects behind every issue in achieving the best possible outcomes. She would actively engage with our relevant business units and each issue would be presented in a big picture with myriad of options and the expected (legal and commercial) consequences of each, which then helped to facilitate our decision-making process. The experience she has and the way she managed our issues exuded confidence that we were in good hands, and in most (if not all) instances, resulted in favourable outcomes to us. She made sure that every other aspect of the dispute is well taken care of -from being responsive and attentive to queries and providing regular and timely updates that helped us to apprise our management and obtain relevant decisions expeditiously. Without hesitation, she is perhaps the best construction and dispute resolution lawyer in town that provides the combination of excellent legal solutions as well as great customer experience.”
“Vatsala Ratnasabapathy quickly understood the complex issues at hand and provided exemplary advice in the various disputes. She has a deep wealth of knowledge and an ability to resolve urgent matters effectively. Her ability to see many steps ahead was incredibly impressive, problems that would have otherwise arisen were nipped straightaway in the bud. In summary, I found her to be indisputably the best litigation lawyer in Malaysia.”
“Senior counsel Vatsala Ratnasabapathy's positive attributes are that she was extremely quick to grasp complex concepts that arose and was able to give the best possible advice in the various disputes. Her knowledge base is vast, which resulted in a quick and efficient resolution of urgent matters. She is able to pre-empt problems by seeing the various potential outcomes and taking action before any problems actually arose. She is the best litigation lawyer I have had the good fortune to deal with.”
“She is hardworking and an experienced lawyer. She articulates the legal position and facts well in the submission with her experiences and knowledge on the subject matter.”
Anita Sockalingam
“Anita Sockalingam is a very competent and reactive professional. She was always responsive and available. She took the time to explain the specificities of Malaysian law. She goes the extra mile for her clients, and this had a positive impact on the outcome of our case.”
Work highlights
Acting for the Malaysian subsidiary of a large Chinese state-owned company in defending a suit brought by the employer of a land reclamation project in the State of Melaka, wherein the employer sought to expunge documents lodged by the client.
Acted for 11 former directors and shareholders of a private company in defending a RM4 million suit filed by the purchaser of their shares.
Key clients
Projek Lintasan Kota, Singapore Airlines, Turnpike Synergy
Highly regarded firm Zaid Ibrahim & Co (a member of ZICO Law) has a sound reputation in the market, particularly for financing, capital markets and corporate work. The firm also provides strong expertise on energy and infrastructure projects, including road, rail and airport developments as well as petrochemical plants and local and offshore renewable energy projects. Lilian Liew, Gilbert Gan, Kee Hooi Wong, Amin Abdul Majid and Boo Seng Ong are key figures for banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A, energy, infrastructure, and IP, respectively.
Client feedback
“Partners are experienced, hands on and accessible and give attention to their clients.” – Capital markets
“Practical, responsive, flexible and prompt.” – Construction
“Good response time, sound legal knowledge, meticulousness and willingness to go the extra mile without asking.” – Intellectual property
Tat King Loo
“Very helpful in dealing our issues. Strong technical knowledge.”
Lillian Liew
“Responsive, knowledgeable, available, and friendly. She is a problem-solver.”
“Top of field service/advice from partner Lilian Liew.”
Caera Lee
“She is knowledgeable in her field, thorough and provides practical solutions. Added plus is that she is also very pleasant to work with.”
Linda Wang
“Sound legal knowledge. You can be assured that she has considered all aspects of the problem before offering a solution.”
Lillian Liew and Sook Kwan Chin
“Experienced on the subject matter, advisory and client management.”
Work highlights
Advised Telekosang Hydro One and Telekosang Hydro Two on the development of two small hydro power plants with a cumulative capacity of 40MW located in Tenom, Sabah. The two power plants would be the largest of its kind in Malaysia and will help address Sabah’s electricity disruptions while driving the low carbon and sustainable aspirations of Malaysia.
Acting for a group of financing parties including Kerian Solar, BNP Paribas Malaysia, MUFG Bank (Malaysia) and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Malaysia on the project financing of the development of a 100MW large scale solar photovoltaic plant at Kerian, Perak, Malaysia. The large scale solar photovoltaic project significantly contributes towards the target of sourcing 31% of Malaysia’s power generation from renewable resources set by the government of Malaysia.
Key clients
CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive, Genting Utilities & Services, TNBX
A staple of the Malaysia market, legal powerhouse Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill elicits prestige owing to its rich history and earns plaudits based on its novel solutions; the firm’s bench is stocked top-to-bottom with talent ranging from senior statesmen to up-and-comers, all of whom elicit praise from peers and clients. The firm has distinguished practices in banking and finance, construction, dispute resolution, employment and tax. It counts many international corporations among its clients and offers in-depth expertise across various sectors including real estate and technology.
Client feedback
“Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill (LHAG) provides professional services, immediate responses and always meets clients’ needs.” – Construction
“My comments below are generally based on my dealing with Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill for one adjudication and expected arbitration for a huge construction project in Malaysia. LHAG’s positive attributes and what makes the firm excellent are its strengths and key capabilities as follows: It has good lawyers specialised in various fields such as specialists in adjudication including under the Malaysian Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act, in arbitration for construction contracts etc; it is a sizeable company and is able to take on big jobs; they are very knowledgeable and able to think out of the box in providing sound strategies and advice; and they are client-oriented or customer-focussed and negotiable.” – Construction
“Client-focus is excellent; they take timelines very seriously and are never tardy; advice is always strategic and well-thought through; they go the extra mile for the client.” – Construction
“They are very knowledgeable and provide better advisory in terms of strategy. Their advisory is very informative and relatable to the current era.” – Dispute resolution
“Effective delivery of services, prompt update and high-quality legal services.” – Dispute resolution
“Cooperative and provide lots of resources and information on dispute resolution.” – Dispute resolution
“Extensive knowledge and experience in Malaysia contract law; excellent understanding of client needs and interest; attention to details in contract drafting; good explanations in layman terms on contractual matters; proactive in assisting client to expedite the contract execution process; quick turnaround with queries and draft amendment.” – Real estate
Mun Yew Chan
“He is very responsive when we seek advice on the issues. His knowledge is undeniable. When he addressed advice, the advice given addressed the issues that we raised with him.”
“Knowledgeable and easy to reach. He has given lots of advice on dispute resolution and strategies on managing the matter.”
“Knowledgeable and responsive to enquiry.”
Shariffullah Majeed
“Advises clearly on guidelines for any industrial relation cases.”
Darshendev Singh
“Darshendev Singh's positive attributes and what makes him exceptional, stand out and different from competitors are his qualities, as below: He is very knowledgeable in his fields; he is very detailed or meticulous in covering all issues of contention/all angles/all arguments; he always endeavours his best for the clients; he is able to think out of the box in forming strategies and giving his professional opinion.”
Zhen Ning Soh
“Very attentive and has in-depth knowledge in relevant jurisdictions. Professional services provided and always meets expectation of clients.”
Steven Tee
“Client management skills are excellent. He has deep knowledge of the subject matter he handles. Strong but diplomatic negotiation skills. He is solution-driven and can adjust strategies and drafting according to fluid circumstances.”
“Good communication skills; quick turnaround and accessible; strong knowledge of Malaysia contract and industrial laws.”
Wai Chin (Crystal) Wong
“She is such a nice person and such a great lawyer. My judgement is based on the cooperation with her for nearly two years. She helps our company a lot with her legal professionalism.”
Work highlights
Represented Lebuhraya Borneo Utara (LBU) in relation to the novation of its rights, obligations and liabilities under 11 work package contracts on the development and upgrading of the Pan Borneo Highway to the Federal Government. The firm advised LBU in relation to its settlement agreement with the Federal Government.
Name partner Tunku Farik Ismail is key to the firm Azim Tunku Farik & Wong which occupies a unique niche exclusively dedicated to insurance. The firm has a particular specialty in general and commercial insurance and reinsurance advisory and disputes. Edmund Liew is another name to note.
Client feedback
“Strong affinity with industry developments given their vast experience and expertise in the insurance and reinsurance sphere. The lawyers are able to present very compelling arguments and clients stand effectively for suited purpose.” – Insurance
Tunku Farik Ismail
“Ability to understand complex issues and vast experience in insurance and reinsurance matters.”
Work highlights
Representing a general insurer in a large commercial fire insurance dispute involving allegation of arson committed by or in connivance of the insured.
In June 2018, Chooi & Company and Cheang & Ariff merged to form a firm well recognised and lauded for its wide-ranging offering including corporate, finance, dispute resolution and IP practices. Its expertise in cross-border disputes attracts a variety of work from state-owned enterprises and multinationals. The firm is particularly active in serving clients in the consumer goods and services sector including food and beverage, fashion brands and electronics. Key partners include Ming Li Tan for capital markets and corporate and M&A, Christopher Leong for dispute resolution and Joo Seong (Cindy) Goh for IP.
Client feedback
“Good opinions and arguments for litigation cases.” – Dispute resolution
“Very responsive and provides prompt updates, strong commercial understanding, consistently provide high quality service.” – Dispute resolution
“The firm understands the nature of the client's business and is able to provide solutions that enable the business. Their speed and accuracy in rendering legal advice is one of their strongest attributes.” – Dispute resolution
“Highly skilled with invaluable in-depth knowledge of IP litigation laws and practice. Provides excellent, sound and honest advice, which is what a client needs to hear.” – Intellectual property
“The firm scores high in terms of responsiveness as well as strategising the matter at hand, to the best of our interest as its client.” – Intellectual property
“Meticulous and thorough in preparation for cases.” – Real estate
“Understanding the client's needs and thinking out of the box for solutions. They have a wide depth of knowledge.” – Real estate
Pei Ying (Janet) Chai
“When Janet handles our matters, we know that the outcome would be a positive outcome. Advice is rendered quickly, always available to answer the client's queries and always meets the deadlines.”
Andrew Fernandez
“Thorough and meticulous.”
Brian Foong
“Good and experienced litigation lawyer. Good in court procedures and advocacy in court.”
Joo Seong (Cindy) Goh
“Very responsive and accommodating. Strong business acumen and provides business-oriented solutions. Good communication skills and is always able to understand our needs. Firm grasp of the law.”
“Very professional. Leading lawyer in this field.”
“Highly skilled with invaluable in-depth knowledge of IP litigation laws and practice. Provides excellent, sound and honest advice - what a client needs to hear.”
“Cindy is very personable and is dedicated to ensuring that she allocates time to engage in a discussion on legal issues/concerns that you may have, and this has always been done with a sense of urgency, a virtue which we appreciate very much.”
Work highlights
Represented Hovid, a well-known and prominent pharmaceutical company in Malaysia, in a patent infringement suit filed by Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp involving a medical compound used to treat disease caused by bone resorption.
Represented Tramontina SA Cutelaria, a well-known Brazilian kitchen cutleries and knives manufacturer, in a suit concerning trademark infringement and passing off, where the defendant owns a chain of Ace Hardware stores in Malaysia. The defendant was found to be selling knives bearing the client’s trademark and information.
Key clients
Inver House Distillers, Syarikat Perniagaan Lamzhuan
Best known for its competition and shipping expertise, Christopher & Lee Ong also delivers a consistent and respected dispute resolution offering across all major corporate and commercial practice areas and industries. The sizable team composed of 13 partners are well versed in banking litigation, corporate commercial disputes, construction disputes and adjudication, employment conflicts, shipping disputes and contentious insolvency matters. The firm enjoys strong relationships with the country’s regulators and is part of the Rajah & Tann network. Key contacts for disputes related work are commercial litigation partner John Mathew and intellectual property specialist Sri Sarguna Raj.
Work highlights
Successfully represented Jyothy Laboratories at the High Court for breach of contract and copyright infringement.
Represented China Vanke and Malola Garden City in a domain name dispute in relation to the registration of a domain name.
Represented the biggest budget airline in the world, Air Asia Group and its subsidiaries, in trademark audit clearance searches, filing strategies, and prosecution of trademark applications.
Key clients
Aberdeen Drilling School & Aberdeen Drilling International (Malaysia), Telekom Malaysia, Tenaga Nasional
Law Partnership provides a range of contentious and advisory IP services with a particular sector focus on technology and telecommunications. Besides IP, the firm is also building its expertise in the areas of labour and employment and commercial litigation. Key partners include Suaran Sidhu and Brian Law.
Client feedback
“Law Partnership is able to provide insight and perspective to the legal issues at hand with clarity and viable commercial solutions which are essential for corporations to move forward from any disputes.” – Intellectual property
Brian Law
“Brian is very good in client management and providing commercially viable solutions to any disputes. He is also able to provide insight into the matter that assists with any internal consideration.”
Suaran Singh
“Excellent problem-solving skills with commercial sense and strong understanding of client’s culture and business objectives. Strong litigation experience is a plus in deriving at advice and creative solutions and drafting agreements.”
Raphael Tay
“The corporate business in Law Partnership is led by Raphael Tay, a very experienced lawyer that my group of companies have been using since 1997. Raphael's strong legal knowledge plus business acumen has helped our business make the right decisions.”
“Raphael is very knowledgeable in the field of corporate, mergers and acquisitions. He has good business acumen which is very helpful in advising our businesses. He is also a good teacher and trains very good lawyers with him.”
Work highlights
Representing a software company in a suit against its former director and ex-employees for copyright infringement, breach of confidential information and trade secrets, as well as an unlawful interference with trade.
Representing a publishing company in a potential copyright litigation in relation to royalties’ distribution for an individual’s musical works.
A staple of the Malaysia market, legal powerhouse Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill elicits prestige owing to its rich history and earns plaudits based on its novel solutions; the firm’s bench is stocked top-to-bottom with talent ranging from senior statesmen to up-and-comers, all of whom elicit praise from peers and clients. The firm has distinguished practices in banking and finance, construction, dispute resolution, employment and tax. It counts many international corporations among its clients and offers in-depth expertise across various sectors including real estate and technology.
Client feedback
“Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill (LHAG) provides professional services, immediate responses and always meets clients’ needs.” – Construction
“My comments below are generally based on my dealing with Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill for one adjudication and expected arbitration for a huge construction project in Malaysia. LHAG’s positive attributes and what makes the firm excellent are its strengths and key capabilities as follows: It has good lawyers specialised in various fields such as specialists in adjudication including under the Malaysian Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act, in arbitration for construction contracts etc; it is a sizeable company and is able to take on big jobs; they are very knowledgeable and able to think out of the box in providing sound strategies and advice; and they are client-oriented or customer-focussed and negotiable.” – Construction
“Client-focus is excellent; they take timelines very seriously and are never tardy; advice is always strategic and well-thought through; they go the extra mile for the client.” – Construction
“They are very knowledgeable and provide better advisory in terms of strategy. Their advisory is very informative and relatable to the current era.” – Dispute resolution
“Effective delivery of services, prompt update and high-quality legal services.” – Dispute resolution
“Cooperative and provide lots of resources and information on dispute resolution.” – Dispute resolution
“Extensive knowledge and experience in Malaysia contract law; excellent understanding of client needs and interest; attention to details in contract drafting; good explanations in layman terms on contractual matters; proactive in assisting client to expedite the contract execution process; quick turnaround with queries and draft amendment.” – Real estate
Mun Yew Chan
“He is very responsive when we seek advice on the issues. His knowledge is undeniable. When he addressed advice, the advice given addressed the issues that we raised with him.”
“Knowledgeable and easy to reach. He has given lots of advice on dispute resolution and strategies on managing the matter.”
“Knowledgeable and responsive to enquiry.”
Shariffullah Majeed
“Advises clearly on guidelines for any industrial relation cases.”
Darshendev Singh
“Darshendev Singh's positive attributes and what makes him exceptional, stand out and different from competitors are his qualities, as below: He is very knowledgeable in his fields; he is very detailed or meticulous in covering all issues of contention/all angles/all arguments; he always endeavours his best for the clients; he is able to think out of the box in forming strategies and giving his professional opinion.”
Zhen Ning Soh
“Very attentive and has in-depth knowledge in relevant jurisdictions. Professional services provided and always meets expectation of clients.”
Steven Tee
“Client management skills are excellent. He has deep knowledge of the subject matter he handles. Strong but diplomatic negotiation skills. He is solution-driven and can adjust strategies and drafting according to fluid circumstances.”
“Good communication skills; quick turnaround and accessible; strong knowledge of Malaysia contract and industrial laws.”
Wai Chin (Crystal) Wong
“She is such a nice person and such a great lawyer. My judgement is based on the cooperation with her for nearly two years. She helps our company a lot with her legal professionalism.”
Work highlights
Advising Jardine Matheson Group and Nirvana Asia Group on all aspects of the protection and management of IP portfolios within Malaysia and internationally across the full range of contentious and non-contentious matters.
Key clients
Asian Football Confederation, Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Malaysia, Khazanah Nasional
Another debut entry into this edition of asialaw, boutique IP firm Mirandah Asia, led by name partner Patrick Mirandah, specialises in the full spectrum of IP. The firm handles patent prosecution matters for major multinational clients at the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia. On the contentious side, it works closely with Miranda & Samuel for contentious matters and has been involved in numerous proceedings involving both patent revocations and IP infringement actions at the Malaysian Court.
Work highlights
Acted for a framework specialist and manufacturer in patent prosecution, including drafting patent specification and filing in Malaysia.
Raja Darryl & Loh is frequently sought out by technology start-ups and other established companies for its extensive expertise in financial technology and digital banking. It is also experienced in various transactions including aviation finance, M&A, joint ventures and equity capital markets. With its robust disputes practice, the firm is active in various contentious matters, including antitrust, construction, employment and tax cases. Phye Keat Chew, Choon Hon Leng, Raja Eileen Soraya, Ravindra Kumar Rengasamy, Vijey Mohana Krishnan and Tong Lai Ling are recommended for competition, construction, dispute resolution, employment, tax and technology, respectively.
Client feedback
“Solution-oriented, industry knowledge, analysis of grey areas.” – Banking and finance
“They were able to provide well rounded advice aside from the documentation as well.” – Banking and finance
“Optimistic and professional in handling issues and people.” – Construction
“Raja Darryl & Loh (RDL) drafted thoroughly on terms of the contracts and in such a way protecting our rights and interest and raised considerations which had not been foreseen by us.” – Corporate and M&A
“Very professional.” – Dispute resolution
“Experienced firm to give advice on competition law issues, tactical to deal with shareholders, provide good, practical and sound advice.” – Insurance
“Prompt response and sound advice.” – Intellectual property
“Experience and able to provide a wide range of advice.” – Intellectual property
“Prompt response and attention to detail.” – Labour and employment
“I find them to be extremely knowledgeable as well as always responsive to our requirements. They are able to quickly grasp the requirements and provide their viewpoints with supporting legal basis.” – Labour and employment
“Expert in the area of medicolegal and confident when it comes to handling the regulatory affairs.” – Regulatory
Phye Kiat Chew
“Experienced, responsive and provide sound advice.”
Mei Mei Chong
“Problem solver with industry knowledge and firm grasp of law and regulations required for this.”
“Her ability to understand our requirements comprehensively enabled us to complete our product development in a timely manner.”
“She has provided legal opinions and good guidelines on legal issues for laymen.”
Hon Leng Choon
“Professional with excellent communication skills.”
“Deep knowledge of the TMT industry coupled with years of litigation experience particularly in giving insight to strategising and ultimately problem solving.”
Himin Ng
“She is always actively engaging in her works and follows up closely with the client proactively. Deadlines of filing and submission of documents are always adhered to.”
Yvonne Ong
“Prompt response and sound advice.”
“Very commercially minded and good innovative solutions.”
Raja Eileen Soraya
“She is very humble despite being very knowledgeable. Listens well and provides constructive feedback and solutions.”
Chu Wei Tai
“Professional, pleasant, competent and responsive.”
Li Vyen Tham
“Sharp and accommodating. Willing to explore solution with business and spend time understanding operation.”
“Li Vyen is very client centric and always makes herself available at short notice. If she is caught up with another engagement, she manages our expectation and will have another support assigned with her working in the background. She is also creative and always provides a balanced perspective.”
“She is able to position and structure our interests based on feedback provided.”
William Wong
“William Wong is sharp, approachable and provides sound advice even before the client asks for it. Meetings won't run overtime and objectives are always achieved. His time management is impeccable, in a sense that we always know we are a priority despite him having other files at hand.”
Vijey Mohana Krishnan and William Wong
“They are experts in tax matters and often provide sound commercial and tactical advice in maneuvering the case, foreseeing and preparing for the next 10 steps ahead in all possible avenues.”
Work highlights
Representing an IT solution provider in suing another company for copyright infringement of the client’s computer programs.
Represented a luxury fashion house in commencing a trademark revocation action against a registered trademark on the ground of non-use.
Shearn Delamore & Co is respected for its strength in advising clients from the financial services, energy, real estate and technology sectors. The firm comprises of renowned practice groups with exceptional capabilities across a whole range of practice areas including banking, corporate and M&A, construction, employment, intellectual property, competition and tax. Key individuals include Anand Raj for competition and tax, Grace Yeoh for corporate and M&A, Rabindra Nathan for dispute resolution, Karen Abraham for IP, Sivabalah Nadarajah for employment and Ka Im Goh for tax.
Client feedback
“Competence as well as the breadth and depth of ability in the firm. The lawyers that we deal with are good at keeping us briefed/updated and responsive.” – Competition/antitrust
“Ability to identify crucial issues and providing workable solutions to address such issues to the mutual benefit of both parties leading to the successful completion of the acquisition.” – Corporate and M&A
“Experienced senior partners. Thorough and very detailed. Sound and sensible legal advice after digesting the documents and exhibits presented as evidence. Very few errors in the production documents with well written arguments in the contents.” – Dispute resolution
“Quick response and accurate in advice.” – Dispute resolution
“Delivers consistently good service, which brings depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic, and overall, just great to work with.” – Dispute resolution
“They provide efficient, cost-effective business advice. They are prompt, provide clear and concise legal counsel. And their rates are extremely reasonable.” – Intellectual property
“Clear legal thinking; good teamwork; proactive; and client friendly.” – Intellectual property
“Shearn Delamore is able to provide a professional legal service.” – Intellectual property
“Accessibility, prompt response and professional advice.” – Intellectual property
“They gave practical advice and sought to think outside of the box.” – Intellectual property
“Respond very quickly to inquiries, advice, review of drafts, clear and easy to understand opinions, provides honest advice on repercussions/weakness and clear strategic advice also. Lawyers are friendly easy to discuss matters and value company's views and opinions also. Accepts all cases regardless of the rank of claimant and a senior lawyer provides the advice, does not delegate to a junior lawyer to do so.” – Labour and employment
“Shearn Delamore & Co provides pragmatic solutions to complex legal issues. Especially on employment matters.” – Labour and employment
“Always on top of the matter and able to provide solutions.” – Restructuring and insolvency
“Clear, concise and practical advice, responsive and attentive to needs.” – Tax
“Commercially sensitive solutions and good turnaround time. Good connectivity with other law firms in the region. competitive pricing and quality legal opinion.” – Technology and telecommunications
Karen Abraham
“Karen Abraham is a trail blazer. Vast knowledge, practical and great social skills!”
“Karen is an excellent TM and IP attorney. She is extremely knowledgeable in Malaysian IP law. She is an acknowledged dean of the Malaysian IP Bar. A terrific attorney....”
“Karen is able to provide good insights on enforcement work.”
“She managed the matter well and I felt she was ‘on top of things’. Energetic.”
Rodney Gomez
“Delivers consistently good service, with depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic and overall, just great to work with. Often goes above and beyond the call of duty.”
Datin Jeyanthini
“Patient and a good listener.”
Jimmy Liew
“Attentive, very experienced and has deep knowledge of the law.”
TC (Raymond) Low
“Very experienced, very sound legal knowledge, always quick to revert with advice or comments, always available and very approachable. Pleasant and emphatic.”
Jyeshta Mahendran
“She is accessible, extremely prompt in her responses, professional and very knowledgeable.”
Ned Segaram
“He is proactive and has good knowledge of the facts.”
Indran Shanmuganathan
“Superb advocational skills.”
N Sivabalah
“He explains the position of the law and weighs in the pros and cons before giving his advice on any issues.”
Nicholas Tan
“Quick turnaround time and ability to analyse the issues and providing workable solutions.”
Yoong San (Janet) Toh
“Professional and delivers rapid responses.”
“Experienced IP lawyer with strong commercial acumen.”
Irene Yong
“Clear, concise and practical advice. Responsive and attentive to needs.”
Work highlights
Acted for Hermes International and filed a domain name dispute complaint with the Asian International Arbitration Centre (ADNDRC) sitting at Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC).
Acted for Munchy Food Industries on trademark infringement and passing-off. This case restates the principles of law applicable in an action for trademark infringement and passing-off and consequently, reverses a trend of jurisprudence which had been introduced in a few prior cases in the Court of Appeal.
Key clients
Monash University Malaysia, Nippon Paint, Reckitt Benckiser, Sinowaja (Malaysia)
With over 100 years of history, Shook Lin & Bok has a strong presence in the areas of banking and finance, competition, dispute resolution, intellectual property and labour and employment. The firm is valued for its expertise in providing guidance to clients across the financial services and technology and telecommunications sectors. Among many notable practitioners, key partners include Jalalullail Othman for banking and finance, Sin Min Yoong for disputes and Michael Soo for intellectual property. Syed Adam Alhabshi, specialised in banking and finance, joined the firm as partner in April 2022.
Client feedback
“Shook Lin & Bok has professional lawyers who are able to give sound legal advice to the bank in a timely and professional way to assist the bank in defending all legal suits effectively.” – Banking and finance
“Administrative support, a team of paraprofessional or legal assistants who work collaboratively with partners.” – Dispute resolution
“Very thorough in their research and able to give practical solutions.” – Dispute resolution
“Able to provide practical advice and solutions.” – Restructuring and insolvency
Kok Keong Chan
“Knowledgeable, professional and helpful.”
Tien Fen (Victoria) Loi
“Able to set good strategies, very detailed in her research and provide good advice and practical solutions.”
Hooi Huang Ng
“Staying passionate and knowledgeable, act fast and creatively.”
“Hooi Huang is smart but very approachable. Always willing to go extra miles during her course of the matter.”
Work highlights
Representing Sims Capital in an action for the expungement of its registered mark which was instituted by Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy (Group) Company. This case is perhaps the first case which involved a determination of well-known mark provisions under the Trademarks Act 2019.
Represented DJ Auto Manufacturing in a trademark infringement matter and passing off against FBK Systems. The case sought to bring the question of whether a trademark can be assigned without any liabilities or encumbrances before the Federal Court.
Key clients
Mewah Dairies, Powerscan Company, Sika
With long-standing practices and an established reputation in the market, Skrine maintains a robust track record across most practice areas and sectors. The firm’s client base includes state-owned enterprises and major companies from the TMT, financial services, energy, infrastructure and real estate industries. The firm is particularly savvy and active in handling cross-border transactions and disputes across the region. Ivan Loo, Janet Lai Heng Looi, Guan Huat Khoo, Charmayne Poh Yin Ong and Selvamalar Alagaratnam are recommended for construction, corporate and M&A, disputes, intellectual property and technology, and employment law, respectively. Dispute partner Leong Wai Hong departed to the bench as judicial commissioners of the High Court of Malaysia in January 2022.
Client feedback
“Impressed with the depth of knowledge and how the matter was handled.” – Aviation
“Dedicated, responsible and efficient.” – Banking and finance
“Experienced and skilled.” – Banking and finance
“Professional, knowledgeable, efficient, and high quality of work.” – Banking and finance
“Fast and efficient. Provide valuable legal advice.” – Banking and finance
“Good team leaders. Able to provide quick answers and communicate it well to our team.” – Competition/antitrust
“They provided us with thorough advice on the subject matter.” – Corporate and M&A
“They are usually a one-stop centre in terms of any other areas that we may have issues that needs legal advice on. More importantly, they provide very prompt and solid legal advice which is extremely important to us.” – Dispute resolution
“Skrine is an excellent law firm with very good and experienced lawyers. They were very prompt in their responses and proactive in handling the entire matter. The team was knowledgeable and experienced.” – Dispute resolution
“They have demonstrated the expected highest level of expertise, proficiency, skills including availability and ability to meet extremely tight deadlines.” – Dispute resolution
“Skrine consistently structure their advice in a comprehensive and clear manner.” – Intellectual property
“They are very responsive, and very clear communicators. Competent in all ways.” – Intellectual property
“Skrine has exhibited deep transaction experience, mastery of the Malaysian market and high levels of professionalism during the course of the deal. They were also responsive and on the ball, often identifying potential pitfalls pre-emptively. We also benefitted from their familiarity with the local regulatory environment which allowed us to arrive at a structure which closed the gap and enabled the deal to close.” – Private equity
“Out of the box thinking, doesn't follow the herd.” – Regulatory
Kumar Mahadev Ashok
“Very sharp, highly intuitive, responsible and perhaps one of the most important things to say about him is that he is reachable even when he is away on his holidays, should there be an urgent need to consult him. We are most grateful for that.”
Claudia Cheah
“Professional, knowledgeable and efficient.”
Ariel Paul Francine
“She provided thorough advice on the subject matter.”
Sheba Gumis
“Sheba was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and a joy to work with.”
Hafidah Hashim
“Experienced and skilled.”
Guan Huat Khoo
“Attentive, calm, and responsive.”
Ai Hsien Lee
“Ai Hsien is dedicated, responsible and concise in her advice.”
Peh Fern Loo
“Loo is very knowledgeable and experienced and knows her stuff. Loo was very prompt in replying to emails and handled the legal matter very well.”
“She was very professional, prompt and extremely fast on the uptake in terms of the question and scope that we were consulting Skrine on.”
Poh Yin (Charmayne) Ong
“Excellent case management and delivery.”
“She is very responsive, and also has broad knowledge of many legal areas. She has a deep team of specialists and can quickly get the right lawyer you need on a case.”
Aufa Binti Radzi
“Radzi has strong ability to examine thoroughly complex issues and find a solution in a timely, efficient manner. She uses clear, logical steps to understand an issue from all angles before advice. She is also detail-oriented and therefore is capable to foresee areas of difficulties or challenges and address them proactively. Radzi never confuses observations with inferences, and she always separates facts and conjectures. Her advice is always based on clear understanding about the facts. Her advice is generally based on reliable legal doctrine, in-depth knowledge of legal cases and sound understanding of the banking industry legal and regulatory environment. Also, she has the ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively.”
Vijay Raj
“Attentive, efficient, knowledgeable and professional.”
Karen Tan
“Easily accessible.”
Shi Wen Tan
“Able to provide quick solutions and clear information on the topic. Can foresee potential risk management which she was able to assist us in things we would not know about. Her training sessions with our staff were long however it was not very dry allowing our staff to absorb the information during this training sessions.”
“Thinks out of the box and is very knowledgeable about the sector.”
Work highlights
Representing Nokia in a patent litigation involving standard essential patents (SEPs) for mobile devices against two local entities of the China headquartered Vivo technology corporation.
Representing Pirelli, an Italian-based multinational and one of the largest tyre manufacturers in the world, in a passing off suit against a local company over the iconic yellow and red Pirelli trademark.
Key clients
Huasin Food Industries, NanoMalaysia, Radical Galaxy
Tay & Partners is a full-service commercial law firm with offices in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. The firm is particularly known for its competition strength and is active in both contentious and advisory matters. The firm also boasts expertise in the aviation and real estate sectors. Nicole Leong and Weng Yew Wong are key partners. Managing partner Beng Chai Tay retired on 30 June 2021.
Client feedback
“They are very responsive, knowledgeable and their fees are mostly reasonable.” – Intellectual property
Work highlights
Advising Kingtime International on alleged infringement of its Malaysian patents by Petronas Carigali through its use of a mobile offshore production unit, which utilises a detachable wellhead support structure.
Key clients
Costa Express Malaysia, Perodua
Intellectual property boutique Wong Jin Nee & Teo provides the full spectrum of services to clients in the creation, protection, portfolio management, enforcement and exploitation of IP and technology. The firm represents many multinational companies in various litigations involving trademark, copyright, designs, patent, confidential information and trade secrets. It also regularly provides compliance advice for clients in the electronics, financial services and consumer goods sectors. Wong Jin Nee, Teo Bong Kwang and Lim Yean Yean are key figures.
Client feedback
“Experienced, knowledgeable, and professional. Also efficient, reliable and expeditious.” – Intellectual property
“They work speedy, and its advice is very helpful.” – Intellectual property
“Wong Jin Nee & Teo is professional, proactive, and highly experienced with IP enforcement solutions throughout Malaysia.” – Intellectual property
Bong Kwang Teo
“Humble, gentle, and decisive.”
Jin Nee Wong
“Experienced, professional, reliable and responsive.”
“Jin Nee is a pro. She is passionate about her work and always delivers. She is the benchmark IP professional.”
Work highlights
Representing Nippon Paint (Malaysia) in defending an alleged claim of trademark and copyright infringement, passing off and unlawful interference with trade.
Advising on the franchise and area development agreements of Loob Holding.
Key clients
Luxottica Group, Shell International and Castrol, Virbac
Highly regarded firm Zaid Ibrahim & Co (a member of ZICO Law) has a sound reputation in the market, particularly for financing, capital markets and corporate work. The firm also provides strong expertise on energy and infrastructure projects, including road, rail and airport developments as well as petrochemical plants and local and offshore renewable energy projects. Lilian Liew, Gilbert Gan, Kee Hooi Wong, Amin Abdul Majid and Boo Seng Ong are key figures for banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A, energy, infrastructure, and IP, respectively.
Client feedback
“Partners are experienced, hands on and accessible and give attention to their clients.” – Capital markets
“Practical, responsive, flexible and prompt.” – Construction
“Good response time, sound legal knowledge, meticulousness and willingness to go the extra mile without asking.” – Intellectual property
Tat King Loo
“Very helpful in dealing our issues. Strong technical knowledge.”
Lillian Liew
“Responsive, knowledgeable, available, and friendly. She is a problem-solver.”
“Top of field service/advice from partner Lilian Liew.”
Caera Lee
“She is knowledgeable in her field, thorough and provides practical solutions. Added plus is that she is also very pleasant to work with.”
Linda Wang
“Sound legal knowledge. You can be assured that she has considered all aspects of the problem before offering a solution.”
Lillian Liew and Sook Kwan Chin
“Experienced on the subject matter, advisory and client management.”
Work highlights
Acted for Biocon patent infringement and validity analysis prior to filing of the court action to invalidate Sanofi’s patent. The action seeks invalidation of Sanofi’s patent for lacking novelty and inventiveness.
Managing and handling the worldwide patent and trademark portfolios of KLK Oleo, a public listed company in Malaysia.
Advising the PT Wings Surya group on trademark and regulatory matters.
Key clients
ANT Group, Asahi Group Holdings Southeast Asia, Diageo, Nestle
Founded in 1970 by Zain Azahari Zainal Abidin, full-service firm Zain & Co is actively involved in many transactions and projects in the country. It has a diverse corporate and banking and finance practice, assisting clients on a range of M&A, private equity and financing mandates. The firm is also well versed in the energy, infrastructure and real estate sectors. Salwah Abdul Shukor is a key corporate partner at the firm. Since 2018, the firm is a member of Dentons and has access to its support network across 170 locations in over 70 countries.
Client feedback
“Zain & Co is reactive, flexible, and efficient which makes it the perfect firm for international clients.” – Banking and finance
“The senior partner and team are always reachable, the advice given is clear and easily understood. It can be seen that the firm really cares about protecting its client's interests.” – Construction
“They were astute, highly strategic and very approachable.” – Dispute resolution
“Zain & Co provides comprehensive legal advice. They are extremely prompt and provide practical legal advice. They take the time to understand the client's business model and practical concerns and needs before giving the legal advice. They are subject matter experts and have always been our go-to legal advisor in the country. Very reasonable and competitive legal fees.” – Labour and employment
“Good knowledge in PE/VC related laws.” – Private equity
Sharmini Durai
“She provides very practical legal advice and is extremely responsive. She has strong knowledge of the law, industry and the client's business.”
Sze Ngiam (Pauline) Poi
“Responsive, knowledgeable and speedy.”
Vatsala Ratnasabapathy
“Very fluent in the field of law, able to strategise and advise in the best interest of the client.”
“Vatsala Ratnasabapathy is one astute strategist with strong ability to bridge the technical/commercial elements and the legal aspects behind every issue in achieving the best possible outcomes. She would actively engage with our relevant business units and each issue would be presented in a big picture with myriad of options and the expected (legal and commercial) consequences of each, which then helped to facilitate our decision-making process. The experience she has and the way she managed our issues exuded confidence that we were in good hands, and in most (if not all) instances, resulted in favourable outcomes to us. She made sure that every other aspect of the dispute is well taken care of -from being responsive and attentive to queries and providing regular and timely updates that helped us to apprise our management and obtain relevant decisions expeditiously. Without hesitation, she is perhaps the best construction and dispute resolution lawyer in town that provides the combination of excellent legal solutions as well as great customer experience.”
“Vatsala Ratnasabapathy quickly understood the complex issues at hand and provided exemplary advice in the various disputes. She has a deep wealth of knowledge and an ability to resolve urgent matters effectively. Her ability to see many steps ahead was incredibly impressive, problems that would have otherwise arisen were nipped straightaway in the bud. In summary, I found her to be indisputably the best litigation lawyer in Malaysia.”
“Senior counsel Vatsala Ratnasabapathy's positive attributes are that she was extremely quick to grasp complex concepts that arose and was able to give the best possible advice in the various disputes. Her knowledge base is vast, which resulted in a quick and efficient resolution of urgent matters. She is able to pre-empt problems by seeing the various potential outcomes and taking action before any problems actually arose. She is the best litigation lawyer I have had the good fortune to deal with.”
“She is hardworking and an experienced lawyer. She articulates the legal position and facts well in the submission with her experiences and knowledge on the subject matter.”
Anita Sockalingam
“Anita Sockalingam is a very competent and reactive professional. She was always responsive and available. She took the time to explain the specificities of Malaysian law. She goes the extra mile for her clients, and this had a positive impact on the outcome of our case.”
Work highlights
Acting on behalf of Straits Interactive in relation to providing advice in respect of securing local registration of their trademark portfolio.
In June 2018, Chooi & Company and Cheang & Ariff merged to form a firm well recognised and lauded for its wide-ranging offering including corporate, finance, dispute resolution and IP practices. Its expertise in cross-border disputes attracts a variety of work from state-owned enterprises and multinationals. The firm is particularly active in serving clients in the consumer goods and services sector including food and beverage, fashion brands and electronics. Key partners include Ming Li Tan for capital markets and corporate and M&A, Christopher Leong for dispute resolution and Joo Seong (Cindy) Goh for IP.
Client feedback
“Good opinions and arguments for litigation cases.” – Dispute resolution
“Very responsive and provides prompt updates, strong commercial understanding, consistently provide high quality service.” – Dispute resolution
“The firm understands the nature of the client's business and is able to provide solutions that enable the business. Their speed and accuracy in rendering legal advice is one of their strongest attributes.” – Dispute resolution
“Highly skilled with invaluable in-depth knowledge of IP litigation laws and practice. Provides excellent, sound and honest advice, which is what a client needs to hear.” – Intellectual property
“The firm scores high in terms of responsiveness as well as strategising the matter at hand, to the best of our interest as its client.” – Intellectual property
“Meticulous and thorough in preparation for cases.” – Real estate
“Understanding the client's needs and thinking out of the box for solutions. They have a wide depth of knowledge.” – Real estate
Pei Ying (Janet) Chai
“When Janet handles our matters, we know that the outcome would be a positive outcome. Advice is rendered quickly, always available to answer the client's queries and always meets the deadlines.”
Andrew Fernandez
“Thorough and meticulous.”
Brian Foong
“Good and experienced litigation lawyer. Good in court procedures and advocacy in court.”
Joo Seong (Cindy) Goh
“Very responsive and accommodating. Strong business acumen and provides business-oriented solutions. Good communication skills and is always able to understand our needs. Firm grasp of the law.”
“Very professional. Leading lawyer in this field.”
“Highly skilled with invaluable in-depth knowledge of IP litigation laws and practice. Provides excellent, sound and honest advice - what a client needs to hear.”
“Cindy is very personable and is dedicated to ensuring that she allocates time to engage in a discussion on legal issues/concerns that you may have, and this has always been done with a sense of urgency, a virtue which we appreciate very much.”
Work highlights
Representing MM Hotels in an unfair dismissal claim at the Industrial Court.
Key clients
Agoda International Malaysia, Aureumaex Industries (M), Damai Laut Golf Resort, International General Insurance
Donovan Cheah and Shawn Ho head labour and employment specialist firm Donovan & Ho. It is recognised by the market for its work for both employees and employers on issues relating to employment contracts, compliance, termination, management of employees and unfair dismissal claims. The firm is also noted for its expertise in corporate and M&A.
Client feedback
“They are very grounded and have always managed my expectations well.” – Labour and employment
Work highlights
Advised a business in hospitality and tourism on its business sale transaction whereby a majority of employees had been offered re-employment with the buyer.
Acted for an employer in a suit filed against them by an ex-employee.
Advised an international retailer on pandemic related employment issues, in particular employee vaccination.
Dispute resolution specialist firm Gan Partnership is a new entrant to the asialaw ranking tables. Apart from general disputes, the firm also has substantial strength in construction, IP, and in labour and employment. Key figures include Khong Aik Gan for commercial disputes and Joon Liang Foo for construction.
Client feedback
“Proactive, quick response. Partner is knowledgeable. Associate is efficient and decisive in handling.” – Construction
“Very focused, closely communicated and effectively obtained information, facts and evidence from me. Clear direction and I am well informed! Well prepared in court and deliver precisely!” – Dispute resolution
“Responsive, very reasonably priced, approachable with excellent results.” – Intellectual property
“Team player; fast with responses; efficient and understands our global business.” – Intellectual property
“Clear and effective legal advice. Timely and responsive to all inquiries. Helpful in explaining Malaysian employment and labour laws.” – Labour and employment
Khong Aik Gan
“Khong Aik is a very knowledgeable lawyer who provides clear and effective legal advice on all matters presented. He is a trusted advisor of our company and knows our business.”
Khong Aik Gan and Mei Yee Kang
“Very focused and attentive; clear direction and well informed; vast knowledge and experience! Effectively understands the problem.”
Zhi Jian Lim
“Thinks on his feet with good problem-solving skills.”
Min Lee Tan
“Knowledgeable, proactive, and customer focused.”
Bahari Yeow
“The go-to lawyer in Malaysia for IP work.”
Work highlights
Acting for a production engineer at Schlumberger on an unjust dismissal claim at the Industrial Court upon his termination on the ground of misconduct.
Key clients
Power Root Marketing, SKC Tours
A staple of the Malaysia market, legal powerhouse Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill elicits prestige owing to its rich history and earns plaudits based on its novel solutions; the firm’s bench is stocked top-to-bottom with talent ranging from senior statesmen to up-and-comers, all of whom elicit praise from peers and clients. The firm has distinguished practices in banking and finance, construction, dispute resolution, employment and tax. It counts many international corporations among its clients and offers in-depth expertise across various sectors including real estate and technology.
Client feedback
“Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill (LHAG) provides professional services, immediate responses and always meets clients’ needs.” – Construction
“My comments below are generally based on my dealing with Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill for one adjudication and expected arbitration for a huge construction project in Malaysia. LHAG’s positive attributes and what makes the firm excellent are its strengths and key capabilities as follows: It has good lawyers specialised in various fields such as specialists in adjudication including under the Malaysian Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act, in arbitration for construction contracts etc; it is a sizeable company and is able to take on big jobs; they are very knowledgeable and able to think out of the box in providing sound strategies and advice; and they are client-oriented or customer-focussed and negotiable.” – Construction
“Client-focus is excellent; they take timelines very seriously and are never tardy; advice is always strategic and well-thought through; they go the extra mile for the client.” – Construction
“They are very knowledgeable and provide better advisory in terms of strategy. Their advisory is very informative and relatable to the current era.” – Dispute resolution
“Effective delivery of services, prompt update and high-quality legal services.” – Dispute resolution
“Cooperative and provide lots of resources and information on dispute resolution.” – Dispute resolution
“Extensive knowledge and experience in Malaysia contract law; excellent understanding of client needs and interest; attention to details in contract drafting; good explanations in layman terms on contractual matters; proactive in assisting client to expedite the contract execution process; quick turnaround with queries and draft amendment.” – Real estate
Mun Yew Chan
“He is very responsive when we seek advice on the issues. His knowledge is undeniable. When he addressed advice, the advice given addressed the issues that we raised with him.”
“Knowledgeable and easy to reach. He has given lots of advice on dispute resolution and strategies on managing the matter.”
“Knowledgeable and responsive to enquiry.”
Shariffullah Majeed
“Advises clearly on guidelines for any industrial relation cases.”
Darshendev Singh
“Darshendev Singh's positive attributes and what makes him exceptional, stand out and different from competitors are his qualities, as below: He is very knowledgeable in his fields; he is very detailed or meticulous in covering all issues of contention/all angles/all arguments; he always endeavours his best for the clients; he is able to think out of the box in forming strategies and giving his professional opinion.”
Zhen Ning Soh
“Very attentive and has in-depth knowledge in relevant jurisdictions. Professional services provided and always meets expectation of clients.”
Steven Tee
“Client management skills are excellent. He has deep knowledge of the subject matter he handles. Strong but diplomatic negotiation skills. He is solution-driven and can adjust strategies and drafting according to fluid circumstances.”
“Good communication skills; quick turnaround and accessible; strong knowledge of Malaysia contract and industrial laws.”
Wai Chin (Crystal) Wong
“She is such a nice person and such a great lawyer. My judgement is based on the cooperation with her for nearly two years. She helps our company a lot with her legal professionalism.”
Work highlights
Representing TH Plantations in an unjust dismissal claim in the Industrial Court filed by its former chief financial officer.
Representing BASF (Malaysia), a member of the BASF SE group of companies, in a judicial review application filed by its former senior manager at the High Court against the Industrial Court’s decision that he had not been dismissed by the client without just cause or excuse.
Key clients
Maxis, Nova Beta Energy, Padiberas Nasional, Perodua Sales
Raja Darryl & Loh is frequently sought out by technology start-ups and other established companies for its extensive expertise in financial technology and digital banking. It is also experienced in various transactions including aviation finance, M&A, joint ventures and equity capital markets. With its robust disputes practice, the firm is active in various contentious matters, including antitrust, construction, employment and tax cases. Phye Keat Chew, Choon Hon Leng, Raja Eileen Soraya, Ravindra Kumar Rengasamy, Vijey Mohana Krishnan and Tong Lai Ling are recommended for competition, construction, dispute resolution, employment, tax and technology, respectively.
Client feedback
“Solution-oriented, industry knowledge, analysis of grey areas.” – Banking and finance
“They were able to provide well rounded advice aside from the documentation as well.” – Banking and finance
“Optimistic and professional in handling issues and people.” – Construction
“Raja Darryl & Loh (RDL) drafted thoroughly on terms of the contracts and in such a way protecting our rights and interest and raised considerations which had not been foreseen by us.” – Corporate and M&A
“Very professional.” – Dispute resolution
“Experienced firm to give advice on competition law issues, tactical to deal with shareholders, provide good, practical and sound advice.” – Insurance
“Prompt response and sound advice.” – Intellectual property
“Experience and able to provide a wide range of advice.” – Intellectual property
“Prompt response and attention to detail.” – Labour and employment
“I find them to be extremely knowledgeable as well as always responsive to our requirements. They are able to quickly grasp the requirements and provide their viewpoints with supporting legal basis.” – Labour and employment
“Expert in the area of medicolegal and confident when it comes to handling the regulatory affairs.” – Regulatory
Phye Kiat Chew
“Experienced, responsive and provide sound advice.”
Mei Mei Chong
“Problem solver with industry knowledge and firm grasp of law and regulations required for this.”
“Her ability to understand our requirements comprehensively enabled us to complete our product development in a timely manner.”
“She has provided legal opinions and good guidelines on legal issues for laymen.”
Hon Leng Choon
“Professional with excellent communication skills.”
“Deep knowledge of the TMT industry coupled with years of litigation experience particularly in giving insight to strategising and ultimately problem solving.”
Himin Ng
“She is always actively engaging in her works and follows up closely with the client proactively. Deadlines of filing and submission of documents are always adhered to.”
Yvonne Ong
“Prompt response and sound advice.”
“Very commercially minded and good innovative solutions.”
Raja Eileen Soraya
“She is very humble despite being very knowledgeable. Listens well and provides constructive feedback and solutions.”
Chu Wei Tai
“Professional, pleasant, competent and responsive.”
Li Vyen Tham
“Sharp and accommodating. Willing to explore solution with business and spend time understanding operation.”
“Li Vyen is very client centric and always makes herself available at short notice. If she is caught up with another engagement, she manages our expectation and will have another support assigned with her working in the background. She is also creative and always provides a balanced perspective.”
“She is able to position and structure our interests based on feedback provided.”
William Wong
“William Wong is sharp, approachable and provides sound advice even before the client asks for it. Meetings won't run overtime and objectives are always achieved. His time management is impeccable, in a sense that we always know we are a priority despite him having other files at hand.”
Vijey Mohana Krishnan and William Wong
“They are experts in tax matters and often provide sound commercial and tactical advice in maneuvering the case, foreseeing and preparing for the next 10 steps ahead in all possible avenues.”
Work highlights
Successfully defended a company against an unfair dismissal claim filed by its employee. This case reaffirmed that acts of dishonesty by an employee are adequate grounds for dismissal.
With over 100 years of history, Shook Lin & Bok has a strong presence in the areas of banking and finance, competition, dispute resolution, intellectual property and labour and employment. The firm is valued for its expertise in providing guidance to clients across the financial services and technology and telecommunications sectors. Among many notable practitioners, key partners include Jalalullail Othman for banking and finance, Sin Min Yoong for disputes and Michael Soo for intellectual property. Syed Adam Alhabshi, specialised in banking and finance, joined the firm as partner in April 2022.
Client feedback
“Shook Lin & Bok has professional lawyers who are able to give sound legal advice to the bank in a timely and professional way to assist the bank in defending all legal suits effectively.” – Banking and finance
“Administrative support, a team of paraprofessional or legal assistants who work collaboratively with partners.” – Dispute resolution
“Very thorough in their research and able to give practical solutions.” – Dispute resolution
“Able to provide practical advice and solutions.” – Restructuring and insolvency
Kok Keong Chan
“Knowledgeable, professional and helpful.”
Tien Fen (Victoria) Loi
“Able to set good strategies, very detailed in her research and provide good advice and practical solutions.”
Hooi Huang Ng
“Staying passionate and knowledgeable, act fast and creatively.”
“Hooi Huang is smart but very approachable. Always willing to go extra miles during her course of the matter.”
Work highlights
Advised the biggest authorised dealer of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia on unfair dismissal pursuant to the Industrial Relations Act 1967 before the Industrial Court.
With long-standing practices and an established reputation in the market, Skrine maintains a robust track record across most practice areas and sectors. The firm’s client base includes state-owned enterprises and major companies from the TMT, financial services, energy, infrastructure and real estate industries. The firm is particularly savvy and active in handling cross-border transactions and disputes across the region. Ivan Loo, Janet Lai Heng Looi, Guan Huat Khoo, Charmayne Poh Yin Ong and Selvamalar Alagaratnam are recommended for construction, corporate and M&A, disputes, intellectual property and technology, and employment law, respectively. Dispute partner Leong Wai Hong departed to the bench as judicial commissioners of the High Court of Malaysia in January 2022.
Client feedback
“Impressed with the depth of knowledge and how the matter was handled.” – Aviation
“Dedicated, responsible and efficient.” – Banking and finance
“Experienced and skilled.” – Banking and finance
“Professional, knowledgeable, efficient, and high quality of work.” – Banking and finance
“Fast and efficient. Provide valuable legal advice.” – Banking and finance
“Good team leaders. Able to provide quick answers and communicate it well to our team.” – Competition/antitrust
“They provided us with thorough advice on the subject matter.” – Corporate and M&A
“They are usually a one-stop centre in terms of any other areas that we may have issues that needs legal advice on. More importantly, they provide very prompt and solid legal advice which is extremely important to us.” – Dispute resolution
“Skrine is an excellent law firm with very good and experienced lawyers. They were very prompt in their responses and proactive in handling the entire matter. The team was knowledgeable and experienced.” – Dispute resolution
“They have demonstrated the expected highest level of expertise, proficiency, skills including availability and ability to meet extremely tight deadlines.” – Dispute resolution
“Skrine consistently structure their advice in a comprehensive and clear manner.” – Intellectual property
“They are very responsive, and very clear communicators. Competent in all ways.” – Intellectual property
“Skrine has exhibited deep transaction experience, mastery of the Malaysian market and high levels of professionalism during the course of the deal. They were also responsive and on the ball, often identifying potential pitfalls pre-emptively. We also benefitted from their familiarity with the local regulatory environment which allowed us to arrive at a structure which closed the gap and enabled the deal to close.” – Private equity
“Out of the box thinking, doesn't follow the herd.” – Regulatory
Kumar Mahadev Ashok
“Very sharp, highly intuitive, responsible and perhaps one of the most important things to say about him is that he is reachable even when he is away on his holidays, should there be an urgent need to consult him. We are most grateful for that.”
Claudia Cheah
“Professional, knowledgeable and efficient.”
Ariel Paul Francine
“She provided thorough advice on the subject matter.”
Sheba Gumis
“Sheba was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and a joy to work with.”
Hafidah Hashim
“Experienced and skilled.”
Guan Huat Khoo
“Attentive, calm, and responsive.”
Ai Hsien Lee
“Ai Hsien is dedicated, responsible and concise in her advice.”
Peh Fern Loo
“Loo is very knowledgeable and experienced and knows her stuff. Loo was very prompt in replying to emails and handled the legal matter very well.”
“She was very professional, prompt and extremely fast on the uptake in terms of the question and scope that we were consulting Skrine on.”
Poh Yin (Charmayne) Ong
“Excellent case management and delivery.”
“She is very responsive, and also has broad knowledge of many legal areas. She has a deep team of specialists and can quickly get the right lawyer you need on a case.”
Aufa Binti Radzi
“Radzi has strong ability to examine thoroughly complex issues and find a solution in a timely, efficient manner. She uses clear, logical steps to understand an issue from all angles before advice. She is also detail-oriented and therefore is capable to foresee areas of difficulties or challenges and address them proactively. Radzi never confuses observations with inferences, and she always separates facts and conjectures. Her advice is always based on clear understanding about the facts. Her advice is generally based on reliable legal doctrine, in-depth knowledge of legal cases and sound understanding of the banking industry legal and regulatory environment. Also, she has the ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively.”
Vijay Raj
“Attentive, efficient, knowledgeable and professional.”
Karen Tan
“Easily accessible.”
Shi Wen Tan
“Able to provide quick solutions and clear information on the topic. Can foresee potential risk management which she was able to assist us in things we would not know about. Her training sessions with our staff were long however it was not very dry allowing our staff to absorb the information during this training sessions.”
“Thinks out of the box and is very knowledgeable about the sector.”
Work highlights
Acting for Hess Exploration and Production Malaysia in a suit brought by a former contractor. The former contractor was an employee of one of Hess’ service providers.
Acting for Bank Pembangunan Malaysia, a development financial institution owned by the Malaysian government through the Minister of Finance Incorporated, in opposing a joinder application to join them as a party to an Industrial Court proceeding.
Successfully defended Petroleum Geo-Services Exploration (PGS) in an unjust dismissal action in the Industrial Court brought by an expatriate employee following a global reorganisation exercise carried out by the PGS group of companies.
Key clients
MISC, Nexperia, NGC Energy, Saipem (Malaysia)
Tay & Partners is a full-service commercial law firm with offices in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. The firm is particularly known for its competition strength and is active in both contentious and advisory matters. The firm also boasts expertise in the aviation and real estate sectors. Nicole Leong and Weng Yew Wong are key partners. Managing partner Beng Chai Tay retired on 30 June 2021.
Client feedback
“They are very responsive, knowledgeable and their fees are mostly reasonable.” – Intellectual property
Work highlights
Representing one of the largest telecommunication companies of Hong Kong in defending a wrongful dismissal claim at the Kuala Lumpur Industrial Court.
Key clients
Country Garden Pacificview, Saint Gobain Malaysia, SDP Packaging
Zul Rafique & Partners maintains a sweet spot in the market for its banking and finance, capital markets, construction and employment expertise. It has a standout banking practice, highly respected for its handling of complex debt restructuring, asset-backed securities, Islamic and project finance. The firm is also skilled in debt capital markets work, particularly with sukuks. Mei Mei Loh and Jayasingam Poopalasingam are key partners for banking and finance and labour and employment respectively. Partner Ai Leen Tang departed to Wong & Partners in December 2020.
Client feedback
“They complete the transaction efficiently and effectively. Always deliver high quality standard work and are very professional. Deliver responses swiftly and within expectations.” – Capital markets
“We are very pleased with their performance.” – Construction
“Good advice and strategy.” – Dispute resolution
“Very professional with impressive analytical skill, resources to research, flexibility. They are also approachable.” – Labour and employment
“Very quick response with detailed advice.” – Labour and employment
Kwan Hoe Chan
“Good quality of deliverables and professionalism.”
Shu Shuen (Susan) Tan
“Concise and positive.”
Keat Ching Wong
“Knowledgeable, fast thinking, and thorough.”
Thavaselvi Pararajasingam
“Very knowledgeable in industrial relations matters, prompt response and very professional.”
Thavaselvi Pararajasingam and P Jayasingam
“Knowledgeable, experienced, detailed and professional.”
Work highlights
Acted for Maxis Mobile Service and succeeded at the Court of Appeal in relation to an unfair dismissal claim originating from the Industrial Court. This is the first Industrial Court reported case on misconduct related to the use of WhatsApp at work, and the Industrial Court’s decision has been upheld by the Court of Appeal.
Successfully acted for Rhombus Food and Lifestyle in the Kuala Lumpur High Court in a judicial review action brought by the chief executive officer of Delicious Moments.
Key clients
Hengyuan Refining Company, Petroliam Nasional, Tenaga Nasional
A staple of the Malaysia market, legal powerhouse Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill elicits prestige owing to its rich history and earns plaudits based on its novel solutions; the firm’s bench is stocked top-to-bottom with talent ranging from senior statesmen to up-and-comers, all of whom elicit praise from peers and clients. The firm has distinguished practices in banking and finance, construction, dispute resolution, employment and tax. It counts many international corporations among its clients and offers in-depth expertise across various sectors including real estate and technology.
Client feedback
“Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill (LHAG) provides professional services, immediate responses and always meets clients’ needs.” – Construction
“My comments below are generally based on my dealing with Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill for one adjudication and expected arbitration for a huge construction project in Malaysia. LHAG’s positive attributes and what makes the firm excellent are its strengths and key capabilities as follows: It has good lawyers specialised in various fields such as specialists in adjudication including under the Malaysian Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act, in arbitration for construction contracts etc; it is a sizeable company and is able to take on big jobs; they are very knowledgeable and able to think out of the box in providing sound strategies and advice; and they are client-oriented or customer-focussed and negotiable.” – Construction
“Client-focus is excellent; they take timelines very seriously and are never tardy; advice is always strategic and well-thought through; they go the extra mile for the client.” – Construction
“They are very knowledgeable and provide better advisory in terms of strategy. Their advisory is very informative and relatable to the current era.” – Dispute resolution
“Effective delivery of services, prompt update and high-quality legal services.” – Dispute resolution
“Cooperative and provide lots of resources and information on dispute resolution.” – Dispute resolution
“Extensive knowledge and experience in Malaysia contract law; excellent understanding of client needs and interest; attention to details in contract drafting; good explanations in layman terms on contractual matters; proactive in assisting client to expedite the contract execution process; quick turnaround with queries and draft amendment.” – Real estate
Mun Yew Chan
“He is very responsive when we seek advice on the issues. His knowledge is undeniable. When he addressed advice, the advice given addressed the issues that we raised with him.”
“Knowledgeable and easy to reach. He has given lots of advice on dispute resolution and strategies on managing the matter.”
“Knowledgeable and responsive to enquiry.”
Shariffullah Majeed
“Advises clearly on guidelines for any industrial relation cases.”
Darshendev Singh
“Darshendev Singh's positive attributes and what makes him exceptional, stand out and different from competitors are his qualities, as below: He is very knowledgeable in his fields; he is very detailed or meticulous in covering all issues of contention/all angles/all arguments; he always endeavours his best for the clients; he is able to think out of the box in forming strategies and giving his professional opinion.”
Zhen Ning Soh
“Very attentive and has in-depth knowledge in relevant jurisdictions. Professional services provided and always meets expectation of clients.”
Steven Tee
“Client management skills are excellent. He has deep knowledge of the subject matter he handles. Strong but diplomatic negotiation skills. He is solution-driven and can adjust strategies and drafting according to fluid circumstances.”
“Good communication skills; quick turnaround and accessible; strong knowledge of Malaysia contract and industrial laws.”
Wai Chin (Crystal) Wong
“She is such a nice person and such a great lawyer. My judgement is based on the cooperation with her for nearly two years. She helps our company a lot with her legal professionalism.”
Work highlights
Representing Wawasan Rajawali, a subsidiary of OSK Property Holdings, in defending a suit over breach of contract brought by 122 homebuyers of a condominium project developed by WRSB in its mixed development in Cyberjaya.
Defending Newfields Property Management in an action brought by Maisson Residence for outstanding maintenance charges to sinking fund for its commercial parcel.
Key clients
Iskandar Investment, Tri-Acres Realty
Founded in 1970 by Zain Azahari Zainal Abidin, full-service firm Zain & Co is actively involved in many transactions and projects in the country. It has a diverse corporate and banking and finance practice, assisting clients on a range of M&A, private equity and financing mandates. The firm is also well versed in the energy, infrastructure and real estate sectors. Salwah Abdul Shukor is a key corporate partner at the firm. Since 2018, the firm is a member of Dentons and has access to its support network across 170 locations in over 70 countries.
Client feedback
“Zain & Co is reactive, flexible, and efficient which makes it the perfect firm for international clients.” – Banking and finance
“The senior partner and team are always reachable, the advice given is clear and easily understood. It can be seen that the firm really cares about protecting its client's interests.” – Construction
“They were astute, highly strategic and very approachable.” – Dispute resolution
“Zain & Co provides comprehensive legal advice. They are extremely prompt and provide practical legal advice. They take the time to understand the client's business model and practical concerns and needs before giving the legal advice. They are subject matter experts and have always been our go-to legal advisor in the country. Very reasonable and competitive legal fees.” – Labour and employment
“Good knowledge in PE/VC related laws.” – Private equity
Sharmini Durai
“She provides very practical legal advice and is extremely responsive. She has strong knowledge of the law, industry and the client's business.”
Sze Ngiam (Pauline) Poi
“Responsive, knowledgeable and speedy.”
Vatsala Ratnasabapathy
“Very fluent in the field of law, able to strategise and advise in the best interest of the client.”
“Vatsala Ratnasabapathy is one astute strategist with strong ability to bridge the technical/commercial elements and the legal aspects behind every issue in achieving the best possible outcomes. She would actively engage with our relevant business units and each issue would be presented in a big picture with myriad of options and the expected (legal and commercial) consequences of each, which then helped to facilitate our decision-making process. The experience she has and the way she managed our issues exuded confidence that we were in good hands, and in most (if not all) instances, resulted in favourable outcomes to us. She made sure that every other aspect of the dispute is well taken care of -from being responsive and attentive to queries and providing regular and timely updates that helped us to apprise our management and obtain relevant decisions expeditiously. Without hesitation, she is perhaps the best construction and dispute resolution lawyer in town that provides the combination of excellent legal solutions as well as great customer experience.”
“Vatsala Ratnasabapathy quickly understood the complex issues at hand and provided exemplary advice in the various disputes. She has a deep wealth of knowledge and an ability to resolve urgent matters effectively. Her ability to see many steps ahead was incredibly impressive, problems that would have otherwise arisen were nipped straightaway in the bud. In summary, I found her to be indisputably the best litigation lawyer in Malaysia.”
“Senior counsel Vatsala Ratnasabapathy's positive attributes are that she was extremely quick to grasp complex concepts that arose and was able to give the best possible advice in the various disputes. Her knowledge base is vast, which resulted in a quick and efficient resolution of urgent matters. She is able to pre-empt problems by seeing the various potential outcomes and taking action before any problems actually arose. She is the best litigation lawyer I have had the good fortune to deal with.”
“She is hardworking and an experienced lawyer. She articulates the legal position and facts well in the submission with her experiences and knowledge on the subject matter.”
Anita Sockalingam
“Anita Sockalingam is a very competent and reactive professional. She was always responsive and available. She took the time to explain the specificities of Malaysian law. She goes the extra mile for her clients, and this had a positive impact on the outcome of our case.”
Work highlights
Advising Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera on its disposal of two thousand parcels of individual apartment units housed in four building towers.
Zul Rafique & Partners maintains a sweet spot in the market for its banking and finance, capital markets, construction and employment expertise. It has a standout banking practice, highly respected for its handling of complex debt restructuring, asset-backed securities, Islamic and project finance. The firm is also skilled in debt capital markets work, particularly with sukuks. Mei Mei Loh and Jayasingam Poopalasingam are key partners for banking and finance and labour and employment respectively. Partner Ai Leen Tang departed to Wong & Partners in December 2020.
Client feedback
“They complete the transaction efficiently and effectively. Always deliver high quality standard work and are very professional. Deliver responses swiftly and within expectations.” – Capital markets
“We are very pleased with their performance.” – Construction
“Good advice and strategy.” – Dispute resolution
“Very professional with impressive analytical skill, resources to research, flexibility. They are also approachable.” – Labour and employment
“Very quick response with detailed advice.” – Labour and employment
Kwan Hoe Chan
“Good quality of deliverables and professionalism.”
Shu Shuen (Susan) Tan
“Concise and positive.”
Keat Ching Wong
“Knowledgeable, fast thinking, and thorough.”
Thavaselvi Pararajasingam
“Very knowledgeable in industrial relations matters, prompt response and very professional.”
Thavaselvi Pararajasingam and P Jayasingam
“Knowledgeable, experienced, detailed and professional.”
Work highlights
Acted for Khazanah Nasional on its disposal of a piece of land measuring approximately 403,466 square metres to Impeccable Vintage Properties.
Key clients
NST Properties, Perangsang Hotel, Temasya Development
Lim Chee Wee Partnership generated immediate buzz upon its formation two years ago, and not without justification. The litigation boutique was founded by star litigators from Skrine. The well-versed team handles disputes across the full spectrum of commercial law, in addition to strong practices in insolvency, regulatory, and fraud and anti-corruption. Senior partner Lim Chee Wee, managing partner Lee Shih and partner Kwan Will Sen are key figures.
Client feedback
“User friendly; accurate and timely advice; personal touch.” – Dispute resolution
“Sound advice and strong research.” – Dispute resolution
“Lim Chee Wee Partnership provides practical legal advice. They are very attentive to its clients and reachable. Works well under pressure. Charges reasonably.” – Dispute resolution
“Highly responsive, commercial and reliable pair of hands in Malaysia.” – Restructuring and insolvency
“The firm has strong partner involvement in files and are very innovative in terms of approach. Furthermore, the partners are easily contactable and accessible if required for urgent advice.” – Restructuring and insolvency
“Good knowledge of law; great strategy and approach to tackle the legal issues; and deliverable.” – Restructuring and insolvency
Geraldine Goon
“Contactable where advise is required on an urgent basis.”
Nathalie Ker
“Receptive to feedback; attentive to client; easy to work with.”
Lee Shih
“Experts on Malaysian law; highly responsive; and familiar with the local market.”
“Very innovative and unafraid of trying new approaches. Strong legal knowledge as well.”
“Lee Shih is an up-and-coming restructuring name in Malaysia having worked on substantial deals and making new laws along the way.”
Will Sen Kwan and Chee Wee (Kelvin) Lim
“Direct and positive decision and approach. Research on similar cases and apply on in.”
Work highlights
Acting for Boustead Naval Shipyard and a direct subsidiary of the public listed Boustead Holdings, a diversified Malaysian business conglomerate belonging to the Armed Forces Provident Fund, on the restructuring of its debts by way of a scheme of arrangement. This case concerns the restructuring of debts for the subsidiary of one of the leading government-linked companies in Malaysia, with the majority shareholding being the Armed Forces Provident Fund.
Key clients
Cryptopia, Prestariang SKIN
Raja Darryl & Loh is frequently sought out by technology start-ups and other established companies for its extensive expertise in financial technology and digital banking. It is also experienced in various transactions including aviation finance, M&A, joint ventures and equity capital markets. With its robust disputes practice, the firm is active in various contentious matters, including antitrust, construction, employment and tax cases. Phye Keat Chew, Choon Hon Leng, Raja Eileen Soraya, Ravindra Kumar Rengasamy, Vijey Mohana Krishnan and Tong Lai Ling are recommended for competition, construction, dispute resolution, employment, tax and technology, respectively.
Client feedback
“Solution-oriented, industry knowledge, analysis of grey areas.” – Banking and finance
“They were able to provide well rounded advice aside from the documentation as well.” – Banking and finance
“Optimistic and professional in handling issues and people.” – Construction
“Raja Darryl & Loh (RDL) drafted thoroughly on terms of the contracts and in such a way protecting our rights and interest and raised considerations which had not been foreseen by us.” – Corporate and M&A
“Very professional.” – Dispute resolution
“Experienced firm to give advice on competition law issues, tactical to deal with shareholders, provide good, practical and sound advice.” – Insurance
“Prompt response and sound advice.” – Intellectual property
“Experience and able to provide a wide range of advice.” – Intellectual property
“Prompt response and attention to detail.” – Labour and employment
“I find them to be extremely knowledgeable as well as always responsive to our requirements. They are able to quickly grasp the requirements and provide their viewpoints with supporting legal basis.” – Labour and employment
“Expert in the area of medicolegal and confident when it comes to handling the regulatory affairs.” – Regulatory
Phye Kiat Chew
“Experienced, responsive and provide sound advice.”
Mei Mei Chong
“Problem solver with industry knowledge and firm grasp of law and regulations required for this.”
“Her ability to understand our requirements comprehensively enabled us to complete our product development in a timely manner.”
“She has provided legal opinions and good guidelines on legal issues for laymen.”
Hon Leng Choon
“Professional with excellent communication skills.”
“Deep knowledge of the TMT industry coupled with years of litigation experience particularly in giving insight to strategising and ultimately problem solving.”
Himin Ng
“She is always actively engaging in her works and follows up closely with the client proactively. Deadlines of filing and submission of documents are always adhered to.”
Yvonne Ong
“Prompt response and sound advice.”
“Very commercially minded and good innovative solutions.”
Raja Eileen Soraya
“She is very humble despite being very knowledgeable. Listens well and provides constructive feedback and solutions.”
Chu Wei Tai
“Professional, pleasant, competent and responsive.”
Li Vyen Tham
“Sharp and accommodating. Willing to explore solution with business and spend time understanding operation.”
“Li Vyen is very client centric and always makes herself available at short notice. If she is caught up with another engagement, she manages our expectation and will have another support assigned with her working in the background. She is also creative and always provides a balanced perspective.”
“She is able to position and structure our interests based on feedback provided.”
William Wong
“William Wong is sharp, approachable and provides sound advice even before the client asks for it. Meetings won't run overtime and objectives are always achieved. His time management is impeccable, in a sense that we always know we are a priority despite him having other files at hand.”
Vijey Mohana Krishnan and William Wong
“They are experts in tax matters and often provide sound commercial and tactical advice in maneuvering the case, foreseeing and preparing for the next 10 steps ahead in all possible avenues.”
Work highlights
Represented aircraft lessors in the restructuring proceedings of Air Asia X under section 366 of the Companies Act 2016.
Acted as Malaysian counsel to the insolvency administrators of the Wirecard group of companies in respect of the court sanctioned sale of the Malaysian assets of the group, which included its 100% equity stake in Wirecard Payment Solutions Malaysia.
Shearn Delamore & Co is respected for its strength in advising clients from the financial services, energy, real estate and technology sectors. The firm comprises of renowned practice groups with exceptional capabilities across a whole range of practice areas including banking, corporate and M&A, construction, employment, intellectual property, competition and tax. Key individuals include Anand Raj for competition and tax, Grace Yeoh for corporate and M&A, Rabindra Nathan for dispute resolution, Karen Abraham for IP, Sivabalah Nadarajah for employment and Ka Im Goh for tax.
Client feedback
“Competence as well as the breadth and depth of ability in the firm. The lawyers that we deal with are good at keeping us briefed/updated and responsive.” – Competition/antitrust
“Ability to identify crucial issues and providing workable solutions to address such issues to the mutual benefit of both parties leading to the successful completion of the acquisition.” – Corporate and M&A
“Experienced senior partners. Thorough and very detailed. Sound and sensible legal advice after digesting the documents and exhibits presented as evidence. Very few errors in the production documents with well written arguments in the contents.” – Dispute resolution
“Quick response and accurate in advice.” – Dispute resolution
“Delivers consistently good service, which brings depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic, and overall, just great to work with.” – Dispute resolution
“They provide efficient, cost-effective business advice. They are prompt, provide clear and concise legal counsel. And their rates are extremely reasonable.” – Intellectual property
“Clear legal thinking; good teamwork; proactive; and client friendly.” – Intellectual property
“Shearn Delamore is able to provide a professional legal service.” – Intellectual property
“Accessibility, prompt response and professional advice.” – Intellectual property
“They gave practical advice and sought to think outside of the box.” – Intellectual property
“Respond very quickly to inquiries, advice, review of drafts, clear and easy to understand opinions, provides honest advice on repercussions/weakness and clear strategic advice also. Lawyers are friendly easy to discuss matters and value company's views and opinions also. Accepts all cases regardless of the rank of claimant and a senior lawyer provides the advice, does not delegate to a junior lawyer to do so.” – Labour and employment
“Shearn Delamore & Co provides pragmatic solutions to complex legal issues. Especially on employment matters.” – Labour and employment
“Always on top of the matter and able to provide solutions.” – Restructuring and insolvency
“Clear, concise and practical advice, responsive and attentive to needs.” – Tax
“Commercially sensitive solutions and good turnaround time. Good connectivity with other law firms in the region. competitive pricing and quality legal opinion.” – Technology and telecommunications
Karen Abraham
“Karen Abraham is a trail blazer. Vast knowledge, practical and great social skills!”
“Karen is an excellent TM and IP attorney. She is extremely knowledgeable in Malaysian IP law. She is an acknowledged dean of the Malaysian IP Bar. A terrific attorney....”
“Karen is able to provide good insights on enforcement work.”
“She managed the matter well and I felt she was ‘on top of things’. Energetic.”
Rodney Gomez
“Delivers consistently good service, with depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic and overall, just great to work with. Often goes above and beyond the call of duty.”
Datin Jeyanthini
“Patient and a good listener.”
Jimmy Liew
“Attentive, very experienced and has deep knowledge of the law.”
TC (Raymond) Low
“Very experienced, very sound legal knowledge, always quick to revert with advice or comments, always available and very approachable. Pleasant and emphatic.”
Jyeshta Mahendran
“She is accessible, extremely prompt in her responses, professional and very knowledgeable.”
Ned Segaram
“He is proactive and has good knowledge of the facts.”
Indran Shanmuganathan
“Superb advocational skills.”
N Sivabalah
“He explains the position of the law and weighs in the pros and cons before giving his advice on any issues.”
Nicholas Tan
“Quick turnaround time and ability to analyse the issues and providing workable solutions.”
Yoong San (Janet) Toh
“Professional and delivers rapid responses.”
“Experienced IP lawyer with strong commercial acumen.”
Irene Yong
“Clear, concise and practical advice. Responsive and attentive to needs.”
Work highlights
Acting as the Malaysian legal advisors for Malaysia Aviation Group in its group-wide restructuring exercise, which involves an English scheme of arrangement proceeding, and bilateral restructurings of key liabilities governed under the UK, Malaysian and other foreign laws.
With over 100 years of history, Shook Lin & Bok has a strong presence in the areas of banking and finance, competition, dispute resolution, intellectual property and labour and employment. The firm is valued for its expertise in providing guidance to clients across the financial services and technology and telecommunications sectors. Among many notable practitioners, key partners include Jalalullail Othman for banking and finance, Sin Min Yoong for disputes and Michael Soo for intellectual property. Syed Adam Alhabshi, specialised in banking and finance, joined the firm as partner in April 2022.
Client feedback
“Shook Lin & Bok has professional lawyers who are able to give sound legal advice to the bank in a timely and professional way to assist the bank in defending all legal suits effectively.” – Banking and finance
“Administrative support, a team of paraprofessional or legal assistants who work collaboratively with partners.” – Dispute resolution
“Very thorough in their research and able to give practical solutions.” – Dispute resolution
“Able to provide practical advice and solutions.” – Restructuring and insolvency
Kok Keong Chan
“Knowledgeable, professional and helpful.”
Tien Fen (Victoria) Loi
“Able to set good strategies, very detailed in her research and provide good advice and practical solutions.”
Hooi Huang Ng
“Staying passionate and knowledgeable, act fast and creatively.”
“Hooi Huang is smart but very approachable. Always willing to go extra miles during her course of the matter.”
Work highlights
Advising OCBC Bank (Malaysia), OCBC AL-Amin Bank and Malayan Banking on matters related to insolvency law and in litigation relating to the enforcement of their rights concerning a RM50 million debt owed to them by London Biscuit, a public listed company and one of the oldest and major confectionary manufacturers in Malaysia.
With long-standing practices and an established reputation in the market, Skrine maintains a robust track record across most practice areas and sectors. The firm’s client base includes state-owned enterprises and major companies from the TMT, financial services, energy, infrastructure and real estate industries. The firm is particularly savvy and active in handling cross-border transactions and disputes across the region. Ivan Loo, Janet Lai Heng Looi, Guan Huat Khoo, Charmayne Poh Yin Ong and Selvamalar Alagaratnam are recommended for construction, corporate and M&A, disputes, intellectual property and technology, and employment law, respectively. Dispute partner Leong Wai Hong departed to the bench as judicial commissioners of the High Court of Malaysia in January 2022.
Client feedback
“Impressed with the depth of knowledge and how the matter was handled.” – Aviation
“Dedicated, responsible and efficient.” – Banking and finance
“Experienced and skilled.” – Banking and finance
“Professional, knowledgeable, efficient, and high quality of work.” – Banking and finance
“Fast and efficient. Provide valuable legal advice.” – Banking and finance
“Good team leaders. Able to provide quick answers and communicate it well to our team.” – Competition/antitrust
“They provided us with thorough advice on the subject matter.” – Corporate and M&A
“They are usually a one-stop centre in terms of any other areas that we may have issues that needs legal advice on. More importantly, they provide very prompt and solid legal advice which is extremely important to us.” – Dispute resolution
“Skrine is an excellent law firm with very good and experienced lawyers. They were very prompt in their responses and proactive in handling the entire matter. The team was knowledgeable and experienced.” – Dispute resolution
“They have demonstrated the expected highest level of expertise, proficiency, skills including availability and ability to meet extremely tight deadlines.” – Dispute resolution
“Skrine consistently structure their advice in a comprehensive and clear manner.” – Intellectual property
“They are very responsive, and very clear communicators. Competent in all ways.” – Intellectual property
“Skrine has exhibited deep transaction experience, mastery of the Malaysian market and high levels of professionalism during the course of the deal. They were also responsive and on the ball, often identifying potential pitfalls pre-emptively. We also benefitted from their familiarity with the local regulatory environment which allowed us to arrive at a structure which closed the gap and enabled the deal to close.” – Private equity
“Out of the box thinking, doesn't follow the herd.” – Regulatory
Kumar Mahadev Ashok
“Very sharp, highly intuitive, responsible and perhaps one of the most important things to say about him is that he is reachable even when he is away on his holidays, should there be an urgent need to consult him. We are most grateful for that.”
Claudia Cheah
“Professional, knowledgeable and efficient.”
Ariel Paul Francine
“She provided thorough advice on the subject matter.”
Sheba Gumis
“Sheba was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and a joy to work with.”
Hafidah Hashim
“Experienced and skilled.”
Guan Huat Khoo
“Attentive, calm, and responsive.”
Ai Hsien Lee
“Ai Hsien is dedicated, responsible and concise in her advice.”
Peh Fern Loo
“Loo is very knowledgeable and experienced and knows her stuff. Loo was very prompt in replying to emails and handled the legal matter very well.”
“She was very professional, prompt and extremely fast on the uptake in terms of the question and scope that we were consulting Skrine on.”
Poh Yin (Charmayne) Ong
“Excellent case management and delivery.”
“She is very responsive, and also has broad knowledge of many legal areas. She has a deep team of specialists and can quickly get the right lawyer you need on a case.”
Aufa Binti Radzi
“Radzi has strong ability to examine thoroughly complex issues and find a solution in a timely, efficient manner. She uses clear, logical steps to understand an issue from all angles before advice. She is also detail-oriented and therefore is capable to foresee areas of difficulties or challenges and address them proactively. Radzi never confuses observations with inferences, and she always separates facts and conjectures. Her advice is always based on clear understanding about the facts. Her advice is generally based on reliable legal doctrine, in-depth knowledge of legal cases and sound understanding of the banking industry legal and regulatory environment. Also, she has the ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively.”
Vijay Raj
“Attentive, efficient, knowledgeable and professional.”
Karen Tan
“Easily accessible.”
Shi Wen Tan
“Able to provide quick solutions and clear information on the topic. Can foresee potential risk management which she was able to assist us in things we would not know about. Her training sessions with our staff were long however it was not very dry allowing our staff to absorb the information during this training sessions.”
“Thinks out of the box and is very knowledgeable about the sector.”
Work highlights
Represented two creditors in AirAsia X in their restructuring scheme that have both successfully intervened in the scheme of arrangement proceedings.
Representing See Song & Sons in opposing a judicial management application by Scomi Group. This is the first judicial management application filed by a public listed company in Malaysia. It is also an important case as it the first Malaysian case where the court is called upon to decide on the question of whether a public listed company can apply for a judicial management order.
Key clients
Agrobank, KPMG Deal Advisory, Naval Group Malaysia
Mah-Kamariyah & Philip Koh has provided legal representation and services to a wide range of corporate and individual clients since 1975. Its areas of expertise include capital markets and corporate and M&A. Philip Koh and Adrian Koh are key partners at the firm.
Client feedback
“The firm is knowledgeable and possesses the right balance of client centricity and regulatory framework. Provides solution-based advice to the table.” – Corporate and M&A
“Quick and commercial minded with a lot of patience on small complications. Also, they are able to carry through the work in spite of the total of six months of movement control order imposed by the Government of Malaysia due to Covid-19 pandemic.” – Corporate and M&A
Yeow York (Adrian) Koh
“Adrian is the ‘go to’ person of the firm for corporate and M&A. Highly knowledgeable and experienced.”
“Very responsive, solution driven and not obsessed with increasing fees. Good at handling difficult people.”
Jia Hui Yip
“Very commercial and responsive. Great value for money.”
Work highlights
Advised the lender in a financing facility of up to $16 million granted to a Malaysian conglomerate for the purchase of a newly built vessel.
Shearn Delamore & Co is respected for its strength in advising clients from the financial services, energy, real estate and technology sectors. The firm comprises of renowned practice groups with exceptional capabilities across a whole range of practice areas including banking, corporate and M&A, construction, employment, intellectual property, competition and tax. Key individuals include Anand Raj for competition and tax, Grace Yeoh for corporate and M&A, Rabindra Nathan for dispute resolution, Karen Abraham for IP, Sivabalah Nadarajah for employment and Ka Im Goh for tax.
Client feedback
“Competence as well as the breadth and depth of ability in the firm. The lawyers that we deal with are good at keeping us briefed/updated and responsive.” – Competition/antitrust
“Ability to identify crucial issues and providing workable solutions to address such issues to the mutual benefit of both parties leading to the successful completion of the acquisition.” – Corporate and M&A
“Experienced senior partners. Thorough and very detailed. Sound and sensible legal advice after digesting the documents and exhibits presented as evidence. Very few errors in the production documents with well written arguments in the contents.” – Dispute resolution
“Quick response and accurate in advice.” – Dispute resolution
“Delivers consistently good service, which brings depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic, and overall, just great to work with.” – Dispute resolution
“They provide efficient, cost-effective business advice. They are prompt, provide clear and concise legal counsel. And their rates are extremely reasonable.” – Intellectual property
“Clear legal thinking; good teamwork; proactive; and client friendly.” – Intellectual property
“Shearn Delamore is able to provide a professional legal service.” – Intellectual property
“Accessibility, prompt response and professional advice.” – Intellectual property
“They gave practical advice and sought to think outside of the box.” – Intellectual property
“Respond very quickly to inquiries, advice, review of drafts, clear and easy to understand opinions, provides honest advice on repercussions/weakness and clear strategic advice also. Lawyers are friendly easy to discuss matters and value company's views and opinions also. Accepts all cases regardless of the rank of claimant and a senior lawyer provides the advice, does not delegate to a junior lawyer to do so.” – Labour and employment
“Shearn Delamore & Co provides pragmatic solutions to complex legal issues. Especially on employment matters.” – Labour and employment
“Always on top of the matter and able to provide solutions.” – Restructuring and insolvency
“Clear, concise and practical advice, responsive and attentive to needs.” – Tax
“Commercially sensitive solutions and good turnaround time. Good connectivity with other law firms in the region. competitive pricing and quality legal opinion.” – Technology and telecommunications
Karen Abraham
“Karen Abraham is a trail blazer. Vast knowledge, practical and great social skills!”
“Karen is an excellent TM and IP attorney. She is extremely knowledgeable in Malaysian IP law. She is an acknowledged dean of the Malaysian IP Bar. A terrific attorney....”
“Karen is able to provide good insights on enforcement work.”
“She managed the matter well and I felt she was ‘on top of things’. Energetic.”
Rodney Gomez
“Delivers consistently good service, with depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic and overall, just great to work with. Often goes above and beyond the call of duty.”
Datin Jeyanthini
“Patient and a good listener.”
Jimmy Liew
“Attentive, very experienced and has deep knowledge of the law.”
TC (Raymond) Low
“Very experienced, very sound legal knowledge, always quick to revert with advice or comments, always available and very approachable. Pleasant and emphatic.”
Jyeshta Mahendran
“She is accessible, extremely prompt in her responses, professional and very knowledgeable.”
Ned Segaram
“He is proactive and has good knowledge of the facts.”
Indran Shanmuganathan
“Superb advocational skills.”
N Sivabalah
“He explains the position of the law and weighs in the pros and cons before giving his advice on any issues.”
Nicholas Tan
“Quick turnaround time and ability to analyse the issues and providing workable solutions.”
Yoong San (Janet) Toh
“Professional and delivers rapid responses.”
“Experienced IP lawyer with strong commercial acumen.”
Irene Yong
“Clear, concise and practical advice. Responsive and attentive to needs.”
Work highlights
Retained by the International Transport Workers’ Federation which is assisting the 202 members of the crew of the Panama flagged vessel, Oriental Dragon. The firm advised and provided representation of the crew in recovering their wages, which are in excess of $1.2million.
TS Oon & Partners specialises in all range of shipping work, with a strong bench of experienced lawyers advising on both wet and dry matters. The firm regularly advises insurance underwriters, shipowners, P&I clubs, financial institutions, commodity traders and other shipping interests. The firm is highly sought after for major casualties, cargo and contract disputes as well as ship collisions, oil pollution and ship arrests. Thian Seng Oon and Jessica Teng are key partners.
Work highlights
Instructed to act for COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Dalian) and Dalian Developer Drilling in a dispute against Osta Fleet concerning the de-registration of a vessel.
Represented Macsteel International Far East in defending a claim brought by Lysaght Corrugated Pipe and Lysaght Galvanized Steel alleging forgery and seeking declaratory relief and permanent anti-arbitration injunction.
Instructed by MMC Corporation and Johor Port to act on a recovery claim against the owners of vessel ‘APL Denver’ for oil spill clean-up costs.
Key clients
Dan-Bunkering (Singapore), Etiqa General Takaful, Gard HK, Jiang Xin Shipping Company
A staple of the Malaysia market, legal powerhouse Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill elicits prestige owing to its rich history and earns plaudits based on its novel solutions; the firm’s bench is stocked top-to-bottom with talent ranging from senior statesmen to up-and-comers, all of whom elicit praise from peers and clients. The firm has distinguished practices in banking and finance, construction, dispute resolution, employment and tax. It counts many international corporations among its clients and offers in-depth expertise across various sectors including real estate and technology.
Client feedback
“Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill (LHAG) provides professional services, immediate responses and always meets clients’ needs.” – Construction
“My comments below are generally based on my dealing with Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill for one adjudication and expected arbitration for a huge construction project in Malaysia. LHAG’s positive attributes and what makes the firm excellent are its strengths and key capabilities as follows: It has good lawyers specialised in various fields such as specialists in adjudication including under the Malaysian Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act, in arbitration for construction contracts etc; it is a sizeable company and is able to take on big jobs; they are very knowledgeable and able to think out of the box in providing sound strategies and advice; and they are client-oriented or customer-focussed and negotiable.” – Construction
“Client-focus is excellent; they take timelines very seriously and are never tardy; advice is always strategic and well-thought through; they go the extra mile for the client.” – Construction
“They are very knowledgeable and provide better advisory in terms of strategy. Their advisory is very informative and relatable to the current era.” – Dispute resolution
“Effective delivery of services, prompt update and high-quality legal services.” – Dispute resolution
“Cooperative and provide lots of resources and information on dispute resolution.” – Dispute resolution
“Extensive knowledge and experience in Malaysia contract law; excellent understanding of client needs and interest; attention to details in contract drafting; good explanations in layman terms on contractual matters; proactive in assisting client to expedite the contract execution process; quick turnaround with queries and draft amendment.” – Real estate
Mun Yew Chan
“He is very responsive when we seek advice on the issues. His knowledge is undeniable. When he addressed advice, the advice given addressed the issues that we raised with him.”
“Knowledgeable and easy to reach. He has given lots of advice on dispute resolution and strategies on managing the matter.”
“Knowledgeable and responsive to enquiry.”
Shariffullah Majeed
“Advises clearly on guidelines for any industrial relation cases.”
Darshendev Singh
“Darshendev Singh's positive attributes and what makes him exceptional, stand out and different from competitors are his qualities, as below: He is very knowledgeable in his fields; he is very detailed or meticulous in covering all issues of contention/all angles/all arguments; he always endeavours his best for the clients; he is able to think out of the box in forming strategies and giving his professional opinion.”
Zhen Ning Soh
“Very attentive and has in-depth knowledge in relevant jurisdictions. Professional services provided and always meets expectation of clients.”
Steven Tee
“Client management skills are excellent. He has deep knowledge of the subject matter he handles. Strong but diplomatic negotiation skills. He is solution-driven and can adjust strategies and drafting according to fluid circumstances.”
“Good communication skills; quick turnaround and accessible; strong knowledge of Malaysia contract and industrial laws.”
Wai Chin (Crystal) Wong
“She is such a nice person and such a great lawyer. My judgement is based on the cooperation with her for nearly two years. She helps our company a lot with her legal professionalism.”
Work highlights
Acting for Deloitte, the professional liquidators of the company, in judicial review proceedings against the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) of Malaysia. This is one of the largest tax disputes that started in 2021, where the taxes in dispute are approximately RM113 million.
Successfully represented Cash Band, a company under the Selangor State Government, in a landmark tax dispute before the Special Commissioners of Income Tax (SCIT). This is a landmark decision involving the taxability on gains arising from a joint venture development. It is also the first case of its kind in Malaysia.
Key clients
Dyson Manufacturing, HICOM Automotive Manufacturers
Raja Darryl & Loh is frequently sought out by technology start-ups and other established companies for its extensive expertise in financial technology and digital banking. It is also experienced in various transactions including aviation finance, M&A, joint ventures and equity capital markets. With its robust disputes practice, the firm is active in various contentious matters, including antitrust, construction, employment and tax cases. Phye Keat Chew, Choon Hon Leng, Raja Eileen Soraya, Ravindra Kumar Rengasamy, Vijey Mohana Krishnan and Tong Lai Ling are recommended for competition, construction, dispute resolution, employment, tax and technology, respectively.
Client feedback
“Solution-oriented, industry knowledge, analysis of grey areas.” – Banking and finance
“They were able to provide well rounded advice aside from the documentation as well.” – Banking and finance
“Optimistic and professional in handling issues and people.” – Construction
“Raja Darryl & Loh (RDL) drafted thoroughly on terms of the contracts and in such a way protecting our rights and interest and raised considerations which had not been foreseen by us.” – Corporate and M&A
“Very professional.” – Dispute resolution
“Experienced firm to give advice on competition law issues, tactical to deal with shareholders, provide good, practical and sound advice.” – Insurance
“Prompt response and sound advice.” – Intellectual property
“Experience and able to provide a wide range of advice.” – Intellectual property
“Prompt response and attention to detail.” – Labour and employment
“I find them to be extremely knowledgeable as well as always responsive to our requirements. They are able to quickly grasp the requirements and provide their viewpoints with supporting legal basis.” – Labour and employment
“Expert in the area of medicolegal and confident when it comes to handling the regulatory affairs.” – Regulatory
Phye Kiat Chew
“Experienced, responsive and provide sound advice.”
Mei Mei Chong
“Problem solver with industry knowledge and firm grasp of law and regulations required for this.”
“Her ability to understand our requirements comprehensively enabled us to complete our product development in a timely manner.”
“She has provided legal opinions and good guidelines on legal issues for laymen.”
Hon Leng Choon
“Professional with excellent communication skills.”
“Deep knowledge of the TMT industry coupled with years of litigation experience particularly in giving insight to strategising and ultimately problem solving.”
Himin Ng
“She is always actively engaging in her works and follows up closely with the client proactively. Deadlines of filing and submission of documents are always adhered to.”
Yvonne Ong
“Prompt response and sound advice.”
“Very commercially minded and good innovative solutions.”
Raja Eileen Soraya
“She is very humble despite being very knowledgeable. Listens well and provides constructive feedback and solutions.”
Chu Wei Tai
“Professional, pleasant, competent and responsive.”
Li Vyen Tham
“Sharp and accommodating. Willing to explore solution with business and spend time understanding operation.”
“Li Vyen is very client centric and always makes herself available at short notice. If she is caught up with another engagement, she manages our expectation and will have another support assigned with her working in the background. She is also creative and always provides a balanced perspective.”
“She is able to position and structure our interests based on feedback provided.”
William Wong
“William Wong is sharp, approachable and provides sound advice even before the client asks for it. Meetings won't run overtime and objectives are always achieved. His time management is impeccable, in a sense that we always know we are a priority despite him having other files at hand.”
Vijey Mohana Krishnan and William Wong
“They are experts in tax matters and often provide sound commercial and tactical advice in maneuvering the case, foreseeing and preparing for the next 10 steps ahead in all possible avenues.”
Work highlights
Acted successfully for a client in proceedings for judicial review of the decision of the Minister of Finance to direct the Director-General of Customs to issue a bill of demand to collect goods and services tax on service that was in fact zero-rated.
Full-service law firm Rosli Dahlan Saravana Partnership was established two years ago by five founders, whom of which are all former Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill partners. The firm is consistently referenced among market peers in the capacity of tax and commercial disputes. Peers unanimously acknowledge the tax litigation offering as first rate and one of the two new heavy-hitting players in the disputes space. Many of the firm’s submitted cases were high-profile and widely reported in the media. Dispute resolution head Rosli Dahlan helms the team that includes tax and litigation heavyweights DP Naban and Saravana Kumar.
Client feedback
“Very easy to deal with even from other side of the world. Clear explanation of local law to non-lawyers.” – Dispute resolution
“Very well organised and are honest with clients.” – Dispute resolution
“Advisory which led to successful litigation of the matter.” – Regulatory
Rishikessingam Rajakulasingam
“Easy to deal with, positive suggestions and outlook.”
“Straightforward, knowledgeable, helpful, care for clients.”
“Approachable, fast in responding and knowledgeable.”
“He is a genuine and trustworthy person. A man full of ethics and knowledge. He listens and studies the cases with 110% attention and his passion towards his cases are just remarkable.”
R Rishi
“He handled the case very well where the lawyer in charge Rishi advised us on all legal attributes and the case went on to a settlement as proposed by the opposite lawyers because Rosli Dahlan Saravana Partnership had gathered all the facts perfectly.”
Work highlights
Represented Malaysia’ s largest utility company, Tenaga Nasional, against the notices of assessment raised by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia. This is the largest tax dispute in Malaysia involving Malaysia’s electricity provider amounting to RM9 billion.
Represented Panasonic Homes Malaysia in a GST dispute with the Royal Malaysia Customs Department.
Key clients
Koito Malaysia, Lendlease Development Malaysia, Shell Malaysia Trading, Thomson Reuters Malaysia
Shearn Delamore & Co is respected for its strength in advising clients from the financial services, energy, real estate and technology sectors. The firm comprises of renowned practice groups with exceptional capabilities across a whole range of practice areas including banking, corporate and M&A, construction, employment, intellectual property, competition and tax. Key individuals include Anand Raj for competition and tax, Grace Yeoh for corporate and M&A, Rabindra Nathan for dispute resolution, Karen Abraham for IP, Sivabalah Nadarajah for employment and Ka Im Goh for tax.
Client feedback
“Competence as well as the breadth and depth of ability in the firm. The lawyers that we deal with are good at keeping us briefed/updated and responsive.” – Competition/antitrust
“Ability to identify crucial issues and providing workable solutions to address such issues to the mutual benefit of both parties leading to the successful completion of the acquisition.” – Corporate and M&A
“Experienced senior partners. Thorough and very detailed. Sound and sensible legal advice after digesting the documents and exhibits presented as evidence. Very few errors in the production documents with well written arguments in the contents.” – Dispute resolution
“Quick response and accurate in advice.” – Dispute resolution
“Delivers consistently good service, which brings depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic, and overall, just great to work with.” – Dispute resolution
“They provide efficient, cost-effective business advice. They are prompt, provide clear and concise legal counsel. And their rates are extremely reasonable.” – Intellectual property
“Clear legal thinking; good teamwork; proactive; and client friendly.” – Intellectual property
“Shearn Delamore is able to provide a professional legal service.” – Intellectual property
“Accessibility, prompt response and professional advice.” – Intellectual property
“They gave practical advice and sought to think outside of the box.” – Intellectual property
“Respond very quickly to inquiries, advice, review of drafts, clear and easy to understand opinions, provides honest advice on repercussions/weakness and clear strategic advice also. Lawyers are friendly easy to discuss matters and value company's views and opinions also. Accepts all cases regardless of the rank of claimant and a senior lawyer provides the advice, does not delegate to a junior lawyer to do so.” – Labour and employment
“Shearn Delamore & Co provides pragmatic solutions to complex legal issues. Especially on employment matters.” – Labour and employment
“Always on top of the matter and able to provide solutions.” – Restructuring and insolvency
“Clear, concise and practical advice, responsive and attentive to needs.” – Tax
“Commercially sensitive solutions and good turnaround time. Good connectivity with other law firms in the region. competitive pricing and quality legal opinion.” – Technology and telecommunications
Karen Abraham
“Karen Abraham is a trail blazer. Vast knowledge, practical and great social skills!”
“Karen is an excellent TM and IP attorney. She is extremely knowledgeable in Malaysian IP law. She is an acknowledged dean of the Malaysian IP Bar. A terrific attorney....”
“Karen is able to provide good insights on enforcement work.”
“She managed the matter well and I felt she was ‘on top of things’. Energetic.”
Rodney Gomez
“Delivers consistently good service, with depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic and overall, just great to work with. Often goes above and beyond the call of duty.”
Datin Jeyanthini
“Patient and a good listener.”
Jimmy Liew
“Attentive, very experienced and has deep knowledge of the law.”
TC (Raymond) Low
“Very experienced, very sound legal knowledge, always quick to revert with advice or comments, always available and very approachable. Pleasant and emphatic.”
Jyeshta Mahendran
“She is accessible, extremely prompt in her responses, professional and very knowledgeable.”
Ned Segaram
“He is proactive and has good knowledge of the facts.”
Indran Shanmuganathan
“Superb advocational skills.”
N Sivabalah
“He explains the position of the law and weighs in the pros and cons before giving his advice on any issues.”
Nicholas Tan
“Quick turnaround time and ability to analyse the issues and providing workable solutions.”
Yoong San (Janet) Toh
“Professional and delivers rapid responses.”
“Experienced IP lawyer with strong commercial acumen.”
Irene Yong
“Clear, concise and practical advice. Responsive and attentive to needs.”
Work highlights
Acted for Bridgestone Chemical Products in judicial review proceedings instituted before the High Court against the Minister of Finance (MOF) and the Director General of Customs to challenge the MOF’s refusal to grant a remission on sales tax, import duties and goods and services tax, purportedly payable by the company. This case is a landmark case as it established that tax authorities, including Customs, can be compelled to rectify their own errors and to grant the correct exemption even where such errors are vehemently denied.
Key clients
Pulai Springs Resort
Raja Darryl & Loh is frequently sought out by technology start-ups and other established companies for its extensive expertise in financial technology and digital banking. It is also experienced in various transactions including aviation finance, M&A, joint ventures and equity capital markets. With its robust disputes practice, the firm is active in various contentious matters, including antitrust, construction, employment and tax cases. Phye Keat Chew, Choon Hon Leng, Raja Eileen Soraya, Ravindra Kumar Rengasamy, Vijey Mohana Krishnan and Tong Lai Ling are recommended for competition, construction, dispute resolution, employment, tax and technology, respectively.
Client feedback
“Solution-oriented, industry knowledge, analysis of grey areas.” – Banking and finance
“They were able to provide well rounded advice aside from the documentation as well.” – Banking and finance
“Optimistic and professional in handling issues and people.” – Construction
“Raja Darryl & Loh (RDL) drafted thoroughly on terms of the contracts and in such a way protecting our rights and interest and raised considerations which had not been foreseen by us.” – Corporate and M&A
“Very professional.” – Dispute resolution
“Experienced firm to give advice on competition law issues, tactical to deal with shareholders, provide good, practical and sound advice.” – Insurance
“Prompt response and sound advice.” – Intellectual property
“Experience and able to provide a wide range of advice.” – Intellectual property
“Prompt response and attention to detail.” – Labour and employment
“I find them to be extremely knowledgeable as well as always responsive to our requirements. They are able to quickly grasp the requirements and provide their viewpoints with supporting legal basis.” – Labour and employment
“Expert in the area of medicolegal and confident when it comes to handling the regulatory affairs.” – Regulatory
Phye Kiat Chew
“Experienced, responsive and provide sound advice.”
Mei Mei Chong
“Problem solver with industry knowledge and firm grasp of law and regulations required for this.”
“Her ability to understand our requirements comprehensively enabled us to complete our product development in a timely manner.”
“She has provided legal opinions and good guidelines on legal issues for laymen.”
Hon Leng Choon
“Professional with excellent communication skills.”
“Deep knowledge of the TMT industry coupled with years of litigation experience particularly in giving insight to strategising and ultimately problem solving.”
Himin Ng
“She is always actively engaging in her works and follows up closely with the client proactively. Deadlines of filing and submission of documents are always adhered to.”
Yvonne Ong
“Prompt response and sound advice.”
“Very commercially minded and good innovative solutions.”
Raja Eileen Soraya
“She is very humble despite being very knowledgeable. Listens well and provides constructive feedback and solutions.”
Chu Wei Tai
“Professional, pleasant, competent and responsive.”
Li Vyen Tham
“Sharp and accommodating. Willing to explore solution with business and spend time understanding operation.”
“Li Vyen is very client centric and always makes herself available at short notice. If she is caught up with another engagement, she manages our expectation and will have another support assigned with her working in the background. She is also creative and always provides a balanced perspective.”
“She is able to position and structure our interests based on feedback provided.”
William Wong
“William Wong is sharp, approachable and provides sound advice even before the client asks for it. Meetings won't run overtime and objectives are always achieved. His time management is impeccable, in a sense that we always know we are a priority despite him having other files at hand.”
Vijey Mohana Krishnan and William Wong
“They are experts in tax matters and often provide sound commercial and tactical advice in maneuvering the case, foreseeing and preparing for the next 10 steps ahead in all possible avenues.”
Work highlights
Advised a major telecommunications and network equipment and services provider in the provision of a turnkey system to deploy a network.
Advised a new bank in respect of its procurement of a core digital banking solution and related services.
Shearn Delamore & Co is respected for its strength in advising clients from the financial services, energy, real estate and technology sectors. The firm comprises of renowned practice groups with exceptional capabilities across a whole range of practice areas including banking, corporate and M&A, construction, employment, intellectual property, competition and tax. Key individuals include Anand Raj for competition and tax, Grace Yeoh for corporate and M&A, Rabindra Nathan for dispute resolution, Karen Abraham for IP, Sivabalah Nadarajah for employment and Ka Im Goh for tax.
Client feedback
“Competence as well as the breadth and depth of ability in the firm. The lawyers that we deal with are good at keeping us briefed/updated and responsive.” – Competition/antitrust
“Ability to identify crucial issues and providing workable solutions to address such issues to the mutual benefit of both parties leading to the successful completion of the acquisition.” – Corporate and M&A
“Experienced senior partners. Thorough and very detailed. Sound and sensible legal advice after digesting the documents and exhibits presented as evidence. Very few errors in the production documents with well written arguments in the contents.” – Dispute resolution
“Quick response and accurate in advice.” – Dispute resolution
“Delivers consistently good service, which brings depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic, and overall, just great to work with.” – Dispute resolution
“They provide efficient, cost-effective business advice. They are prompt, provide clear and concise legal counsel. And their rates are extremely reasonable.” – Intellectual property
“Clear legal thinking; good teamwork; proactive; and client friendly.” – Intellectual property
“Shearn Delamore is able to provide a professional legal service.” – Intellectual property
“Accessibility, prompt response and professional advice.” – Intellectual property
“They gave practical advice and sought to think outside of the box.” – Intellectual property
“Respond very quickly to inquiries, advice, review of drafts, clear and easy to understand opinions, provides honest advice on repercussions/weakness and clear strategic advice also. Lawyers are friendly easy to discuss matters and value company's views and opinions also. Accepts all cases regardless of the rank of claimant and a senior lawyer provides the advice, does not delegate to a junior lawyer to do so.” – Labour and employment
“Shearn Delamore & Co provides pragmatic solutions to complex legal issues. Especially on employment matters.” – Labour and employment
“Always on top of the matter and able to provide solutions.” – Restructuring and insolvency
“Clear, concise and practical advice, responsive and attentive to needs.” – Tax
“Commercially sensitive solutions and good turnaround time. Good connectivity with other law firms in the region. competitive pricing and quality legal opinion.” – Technology and telecommunications
Karen Abraham
“Karen Abraham is a trail blazer. Vast knowledge, practical and great social skills!”
“Karen is an excellent TM and IP attorney. She is extremely knowledgeable in Malaysian IP law. She is an acknowledged dean of the Malaysian IP Bar. A terrific attorney....”
“Karen is able to provide good insights on enforcement work.”
“She managed the matter well and I felt she was ‘on top of things’. Energetic.”
Rodney Gomez
“Delivers consistently good service, with depth of local knowledge. Friendly, responsive, enthusiastic and overall, just great to work with. Often goes above and beyond the call of duty.”
Datin Jeyanthini
“Patient and a good listener.”
Jimmy Liew
“Attentive, very experienced and has deep knowledge of the law.”
TC (Raymond) Low
“Very experienced, very sound legal knowledge, always quick to revert with advice or comments, always available and very approachable. Pleasant and emphatic.”
Jyeshta Mahendran
“She is accessible, extremely prompt in her responses, professional and very knowledgeable.”
Ned Segaram
“He is proactive and has good knowledge of the facts.”
Indran Shanmuganathan
“Superb advocational skills.”
N Sivabalah
“He explains the position of the law and weighs in the pros and cons before giving his advice on any issues.”
Nicholas Tan
“Quick turnaround time and ability to analyse the issues and providing workable solutions.”
Yoong San (Janet) Toh
“Professional and delivers rapid responses.”
“Experienced IP lawyer with strong commercial acumen.”
Irene Yong
“Clear, concise and practical advice. Responsive and attentive to needs.”
Work highlights
Acting for Al Rajhi Banking & Investment Corporation (Malaysia) in the negotiation and drafting of various agreements with all its selected vendors, relating to the development of a cloud-based digital bank, which also involved the outsourcing by the bank of various functions concerning the digital bank’s operations.