Interview with New Law pioneer Kirsty Dougan, Vario’s Asia MD
Dougan is NewLaw’s pioneer in Asia Kirsty Dougan co-founded NewLaw in Asia in late 2009 and last month, after almost a decade in the sector, she joined Pinsent Masons flexible NewLaw unit Vario as Managing Director for Asia. Dougan will be based in a new office […]
Hong Kong and Mainland authorities sign new arrangement on interim measures in aid of arbitration
This article was co-authored by José-Antonio Maurellet SC and Ellen Pang of Des Voeux Chambers and Yanhua Lin of Fangda Partners On 2 April 2019, the Hong Kong Government and the Supreme People’s Court of China signed the Arrangement Concerning Mutual Assistance in Court-ordered Interim Measures in Aid of Arbitral Proceedings by the […]
Vietnam: Proposed New Solar Feed-In-Tariff
The Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam publicized a draft Decision that will replace Decision No. 11/2017/QD-TTg issued by the Prime Minister of Vietnam dated 11 April 2017 on mechanisms to encourage the development of solar power projects in Vietnam. The Draft Decision is expected […]
Mixed Forecast for India’s Economic Growth
There were mixed forecasts for India’s growth in reports issued by Fitch and Moody’s. While one showed a continuous decline the other one appeared stable. There is a proposal to liberalise foreign direct investment in foreign portfolio investments. India and South Korea came together to create […]
Book Review: “SMARTER Law: Transforming busy lawyers into business leaders” – by Trevor Faure
“I cannot say this too strongly: Do not compare yourself to others. Be true to who you are, and continue to learn with all your might.” Daisaku Ikeda, Buddhist Philosopher, as quoted by Trevor Faure. Trevor Faure, self-defined as ‘part-translator-part-interlocutor’ between the legal and performance improvement […]
CTL Strategies to host Seminar on Recent Developments in BPT and WHT, 13 April 2019 in Male’, Maldives
CTL Strategies is conducting a full-day seminar on Recent Developments in BPT and WHT. The seven-hour seminar is designed to give participants an in-depth understanding of the BPT and WHT regimes, including the recent updates to those regimes via Tax Rulings and other decisions made by […]
Mah Weng Kwai Lunch Talk: Corporate Law: Mergers and Acquisitions 21 March 2019. Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
OVERVIEW Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) continue to redefine Malaysian businesses, both publicly listed companies and small-medium enterprises (SMEs). There are various corporate structures and transactions that may be used for the consolidation and transfer of corporate interests. Hence it is important for business owners and corporate […]
Hong Kong Dispute Resolution: What’s Ahead in 2019 and Beyond?
Here, we take a look at market trends and emerging best practices in the dispute resolution space to offer a guide as to what could be top of mind for practitioners in 2019 and beyond Arbitration What’s on the horizon? We’ve seen key changes in the […]
Insolvency Laws in Myanmar
This article has been published in IBA Banking Law Committee Publications. Insolvency laws in Myanmar Myanmar insolvency legislation is interspersed with and revolves around the Rangoon Insolvency Act 1910 (‘Rangoon Act’), the Burma Insolvency Act 1920 (‘Burma Act’) and the Myanmar Companies Law 2017 (MCL). Like […]
Dip in India’s FDI While It Climbs Highest in IP Index
India reported reduction in its foreign direct investments. The draft national e-commerce policy has been introduced and currently available for submission of comments by stakeholders. The news to cheer was India’s climb in global intellectual property index. The RBI’s forecast on India’s GDP growth was announced […]
Manila – A City Guide for Lawyers and Legal Professionals
Known as the “pearl of the orient” during Spanish rule, the City of Manila withstood many natural disasters, colonial occupations and war, is now a thriving metropolis. While it may still be a stopover for most tourists before heading to the islands, Manila has become a […]
Latest Employment Law Trends in Australia
2018 was a busy time period for proposed reform to the employment law regime in Australia, as multiple bills are currently being discussed at both federal and state parliaments. This article will summarise the progress made in the reform process over the past year in Australia. […]
Your Business Personality – and why it matters
When people think of personality types in relation to business, many think of the Myers-Briggs test – a self-report questionnaire which was developed by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers during World War II, primarily to help women entering the workforce for the […]
Interview with AIIB GC on Asian Infrastructure and Legal Services
Gerard Sanders, General Counsel of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), is working to deepen ties between AIIB and Asia-Pacific regional arbitral hubs and other legal institutions to help facilitate coordination to promote infrastructure development. In anticipation of his upcoming visit to the Hong Kong International […]
Latest Employment Trends in Mainland China: More Foreigners May Need to Pay Individual Income Tax in China?
2018 was an eventful year for reform in Chinese employment law, as it seeks to open its labour market to foreigners and residents from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Some of the changes have significant ramifications to foreign enterprises operating in Mainland China. This article shall […]
Lawyers are from Mars: Marketing People are from Mercury OR the importance of cognitive diversity in law firms
“We always did feel the same we just saw it from a different point of view. Tangled up in blue.” Bob Dylan In preparation for taking on a new marketing and business development role at an international law firm (this was after I accepted the position […]
Cambodia Legal & Tax Alert: Fortnightly Payments in Effect
The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (“MLVT”) introduced “Prakas 442 – On the Payment of Wages” (Prakas 442) in September 2018. Prakas 442 provides that from January 2019 all enterprises and establishments covered by the provisions of the Labour Law shall prepare their payroll to […]
Barriers to funding arbitration in Hong Kong dismantled
Hong Kong’s lawmakers kicked off the process of permitting the third-party funding of arbitration as far back as 2013, even then recognising the anachronistic nature of the prohibition. It has taken nearly six years for us to reach this point, but from February 1st the funding […]
High Growth Forecast for India Amidst Some Concerns
India continued to receive high economic growth forecast, as per reports issued by the International Monetary Fund and United Nations (UN). However, the UN reported highlighted some concerns and worrisome factors. Government of India recently amended the external commercial borrowings rules to further enable ease of […]
A Year of Big Changes: Latest Employment Trends in Singapore and Japan
2018 saw the biggest changes in the employment law regimes of both Singapore and Japan. Both jurisdictions have recently gone through a fundamental change to the key legislation concerning employees’ rights. This includes a wider coverage of employees who are entitled to statutory benefits, and the […]
Elevate Acquires Cognatio Law, Launching Operations in Hong Kong
Flexible lawyering provider Cognatio extends Elevate’s global capabilities in Asia Pacific market
Yangon – A City Guide for Lawyers and Legal Services Professionals
Yangon, the former capital of Myanmar, is the largest city as well as the cultural and commercial centre of Myanmar. With the recent reforms, there has been a massive influx of foreign investment in the city. The city is still developing and has huge potential. A […]
Latest Employment Trends in Hong Kong: More Burden for Employers?
2018 witnessed the proposed introduction of a number of changes to the employment law regime in Hong Kong, with the Hong Kong Government taking the charge of implementing changes to gradually improve employee protections and employee benefits. This article shall revisit some of the key events […]
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners Participated in the Pre-Series A Funding of Justika.com
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners (AHP), one of the biggest law firms in Indonesia, recently participated in the Pre-Series A funding of Justika.com (Justika), the pioneer of legal services marketplace start-up in Indonesia. AHP’s Managing Partner, Bono Daru Adji, remarked that AHP’s participation in Justika is part […]
Tanner De Witt enhances its litigation practice with the appointment of Kevin Bowers as a Consultant
Tanner De Witt announces with great pleasure the appointment of Kevin Bowers as a Consultant in the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice. Kevin is a dual-qualified lawyer in England and Wales and Hong Kong and has practised as a commercial disputes lawyer and partner with three leading […]
Seyfarth Shaw promotes first Australian partner
We are excited to announce that Erin Hawthorne has been promote to partner. Although we have grown through lateral partner appointments over the past few years, Erin is the first promotion to partner from within the team since the Australian offices of Seyfarth Shaw opened in […]
Ho Chi Minh City – A City Guide for Lawyers and Legal Professionals
Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon, is a city with a rich culture and history. War relics from the devastating Vietnam War that lasted 20 years, and left a profound impact on the country’s economy, can still be found in the city. From a […]
M&A: Three easily mitigated but commonly overlooked pitfalls
New Delhi lawyers LexCounsel explore three of the most common mistakes made when it comes to Mergers & Acquisitions and their straight-forward solutions. Author Dimpy Mohanty Firm LexCounsel Mergers and Acquisitions (“M&A”) are an incredibly popular way to grow business inorganically. However, a failed M&A can have far-reaching consequences […]
Litigation Funding Agreements – do the Courts approve? Find out in Raafat Imam v. Life (China) Company Limited and Others [2018] HKCFI 1852
By Clifford Smith SC, Sabrina Ho and Tommy Cheung Litigating in Hong Kong to enforce one’s rights and entitlements can be expensive. Against this backdrop, can a plaintiff of limited financial means enter into a third party civil action funding agreement to fund his civil case? […]
ASEAN Employment Legal Update 2018 Q.4
DFDL’s Employment Practice Group is dedicated to advising clients on employment and labour issues and preparing human resources documentation that is compliant with local laws. Our employment team’s in-depth knowledge of the law and practices in the countries where we operate allows us to provide specialized, […]
30 people to watch in the business of law in Asia in 2019
The Asia-Pacific legal markets in 2018 were characterized by trends including the exponential growth of technology deployment and innovation; the growing efforts of elite regional and local firms to adapt, innovate and compete; the potential limitations (and growth) in market access for foreign law firms; the […]
India Changes E-commerce FDI Rules
Government of India recently amended the FDI rules in the e-commerce sector. The amendment, though mentioned as a clarification, has made substantial changes to the regulations. Foreign portfolio investors’ registration has increased sharply during the year. The data protection bill appears to have been finalize. Fitch […]
Shanghai – A City Guide for Lawyers and Legal Professionals
Shanghai, China’s largest and most populated city is also its largest commercial and financial hub. Also known as as the New York of the east, this dynamic and cosmopolitan city is a bustling hive of activity. The city has had phenomenal growth and development in past […]
Axiom Appoints Yolanda Chan as General Manager of Asia Pacific
Axiom, a leading global alternative legal services provider, announced today a strategic hire to its Asia leadership team. Yolanda Chan joins as General Manager of the Asia Pacific region. Chan will play a critical role in Axiom’s ability to transform the legal industry through talent and technology […]
The 2019 US landscape for Japan’s corporate investors: An interview with Frank Aquila, Partner, Sullivan & Cromwell
“Japanese companies have embarked on the biggest overseas acquisition spree in more than 20 years, echoing the deal boom of the 1980s,” as Lina Saigol detailed in the Financial News yesterday. In this interview with Asia Law Portal, Frank Aquila, Partner with Sullivan & Cromwell, explains what […]
Mumbai – A City Guide for Lawyers and Legal Professionals
Mumbai is the financial and commercial capital of India and home to the largest entertainment industry activity in the country. Originally a group of seven islands, Mumbai has grown into a dynamic and cosmopolitan city that never sleeps. Also known as a city of extremes, Mumbai […]
The Competition Tribunal Exercising Firm Grip On Case Management Powers
The Competition Tribunal in the recent case of Competition Commission v. W. Hing Construction Company Limited & Ors [2018] HKCT 6 exercised robust case management power. It dismissed the 4th Respondent’s last-minute application at the PTR for what was “virtually a wholesale substitution” of the original plead […]
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and the Asia-Pacific Legal Industry
The Financial Times Innovative Lawyers report for the Asia-Pacific region substantiates a “sense of growing maturity among the region’s law firms”. It goes without saying that major projects in the corporate world, particularly projects including parties external to the Asia-Pacific, call for legal expertise. As a […]
Regulating E-Hailing In Malaysia. Is There Over-Regulation?
Since the launch of Uber, the e-hailing industry continued to grow and has become an undeniable force to be reckoned with. This has triggered major disruptions in the transportation industry, especially in the ride-hailing market which was traditionally monopolised by the taxi industry. In response, several […]
Thailand Tax Alert: New Law on Transfer Pricing
On 22 November 2018, the Thai Revenue Department (TRD) took another significant step towards tightening its transfer pricing compliance and enforcement regime with the release of “the Additional Revision of the Thai Revenue Code No.47 (TRC47)”. Over the past five years, based on the Base Erosion […]
Jakarta – A City Guide for Lawyers and Legal Professionals
Jakarta, the capital city of the Republic of Indonesia is a major commercial and financial hub of the country. Once a seaport district, Jakarta is now a vibrant and fast-growing metropolis. This bustling multicultural city is home to over 10 million people and the number increases […]
India Jumps in Doing Business Ranking
India shot up in the World Bank’s Doing Business ranking this year, marking a consistent rise in its performance in the last 4 years. The Government introduced a new initiative to keep the momentum going. India was also recognized as the second fastest innovator among major […]
Technology, NewLaw and Careers in the General Counsel’s Office: A View From Indonesia
Ario Rachman is Legal Counsel of deugro Indonesia, a highly specialized freight forwarder with a strong focus on turnkey logistics solutions for industrial projects. In this Q&A interview with Asia Law Portal, Ario provides his perspective on NewLaw and Legal Technology and their impact on the […]
30 People to Watch in Business Law Asia 2019: Nominations Open
In January of 2015 Asia Law Portal published the inaugural annual: 30 people to watch in the business of law in Asia in 2015 and in 2016 published: 30 people to watch in the business of law in Asia in 2016. In 2017: business of law in Asia in 2017. In […]
Bangkok – A City Guide for Lawyers and Legal Professionals
Bangkok, the capital and commercial hub of Thailand is an enigmatic city. From ancient temples, palaces, a floating market, a unique cultural experience to huge shopping malls, skyscrapers and a bustling nightlife — this city of contrasts has something to offer everyone. It also is the […]
Opportunities for Foreign Investors in Indonesia: An interview with Denny Rahmansyah, Managing Partner of SSEK Legal Consultants in Jakarta
As the Gulf Times reported this week, Indonesia is set to open more sectors to foreign investors. In this Q&A interview with Asia Law Portal, Denny Rahmansyah, Managing Partner of SSEK Legal Consultants in Jakarta, provides a detailed analysis of current opportunities and challenges for foreign […]
Competition Conduct Rules: Key Findings from Teaching Petroleum v. Meyer Aluminium (2018)
By Richard Leung JP, John Hui and Jonathan Chan The recent case of Taching Petroleum Co Ltd v. Meyer Aluminium Ltd creates a new precedent. This decision is at the vanguard of raising contravention of conduct rules as a defence in civil proceedings. A shield not […]
Law As A Process: How Process Design Defines Value, Delivers Efficiency, and Drives Business Strategy
KorumLegal’s proprietary Korum Process Methodology (KPM) focuses on helping law departments “do more with less” by applying the best practices of Lean, Six Sigma, and Agile methods to the delivery of legal services in the APAC region. Legal process management approach in North America vs APAC […]
International Bar Association (IBA) Annual Conference set for Seoul, September 22-27, 2019
The 2019 International Bar Association (IBA) Annual Conference will be held in Seoul, South Korea, a thriving metropolis that mixes the traditional with the modern – from skyscrapers, high-tech subways, K-pop culture and K-beauty to Buddhist temples, palaces and street markets and a history going back […]
Hong Kong – A City Guide for Lawyers and Legal Professionals
Hong Kong is a beautiful city of islands and skyscrapers that can only be experienced and not described in words. This thriving metropolis is a unique fusion of eastern and western culture, stunning harbour, mountains, sandy beaches, rural getaways, endless skyscrapers and buzzing nightlife. This vibrant […]
Promoting women’s progress in law from the UK to Singapore
Next year the UK will celebrate 100 years since women were allowed to become solicitors. In 1919 the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act was enforced meaning women were no longer prevented from training for and joining professions such as veterinary and accountancy, as well as law. Amongst […]
India Recovers Slightly in Global Competitiveness Rankings
India climbed five places to reach rank 58 in the Global Competitive Index recovering from the huge dip last year, after stellar performances in 2015 and 2016. India’s economic growth forecast by the IMF remained slightly lower that its April forecast. The current royalty norms for […]
The Thai Government Announces New International Business Center Incentives and the Cancellation of the IHQ Program
On 10 October 2018, the Thai government announced the cessation of the International Headquarters (“IHQs”) program (which also included Regional Operating Headquarters or “ROHs” and International Trading Centers or “ITCs”) and the creation of a replacement initiative; International Business Centers (“IBCs”). The move is part the OECD […]
The significance of Artificial Intelligence in unlocking innovation for legal practice
Almost all over the world, scholars believe that future business growth will happen only if data is used intelligently. The handling of significant volumes of data, the requirement of extra resources and the need for speed to conduct business have all helped increased the demand for […]
The Future of the Sun Continues to Shine in Malaysia: Outlook and Prospects on the Solar Photovoltaic Industry
The new Government is committed to push forward sustainable and economic growth by promoting green technology developments and renewable energy. Wong Kee Hooi, who heads our Projects, Infrastructure & Utilities Practice Group at Zaid Ibrahim & Co. (a member of ZICO Law) in Malaysia, shares her […]
Seoul – A City Guide for Lawyers and Legal Professionals
Home to large international companies like Samsung, LG and Hyundai, the South Korean capital city of Seoul has transformed economically in just a few years. Indeed, South Korea has risen rapidly to become one of Asia’s most advanced economies. Seoul is a fashion-forward city with cutting-edge […]
Litigation Funding in Asia – Where are we now?
Last year saw a swathe of reforms and proposed reforms in Asia in relation to litigation and arbitration funding. In January 2017, Singapore’s parliament passed the Civil Law Amendment Act and the Civil Law (Third Party Funding) Regulations 2017. Hot on Singapore’s heels, in June 2017, […]
The legal gig economy – what’s next?
In just three taps of your finger you could have a curry or burger winging its way to your home. With the rise of technology and the growing desire for ultimate convenience, it is no surprise that food delivery companies like Uber Eats and Deliveroo have […]
ASEAN’S Regulatory Environment for Cryptocurrencies and Initial Coin Offerings.
Initial coin offerings (ICOs) are gaining further momentum as an alternative form of crowdfunding globally. Yap Lian Seng, Managing Partner of ZICO Insights Law LLC (a member of ZICO Law) together with Senior Associate, Heng Jun Meng, share their views on the emergence of cryptocurrencies, exchanges, […]
New Offshore Business Structures Fueling Belt & Road International Partnerships
The Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) is truly one of the greatest endeavours in modern history. But to make something so bold and vast a reality, it is and will take international business cooperation on a scale never seen before. The BRI entails truly vast infrastructural […]
Implications of Syariah Laws in Brunei Darussalam
The term, “Syariah law” is often associated with harsh lashings and other similarly dated modes of punishment. In reality, however, the harsh punishment associated with Syariah law is often hugely exaggerated and has little impact on businesses in a Syariah-based State like Brunei. Mohamad Rozaiman Abdul […]
Third Annual Law Firm Management Forum Oct 19, 2018 Singapore: A Preview
The Australasian Legal Practice Management Association (ALPMA) along with the Law Council of Australia’s Law Management Group will hold the third annual Regional Law Firm Management Forum on October 19, 2018 in Singapore at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The Singapore Academy of Law is the event Knowledge Partner […]
Special Forum on e-sports: Kuala Lumpur Oct 13, 2018
We are pleased to inform that with the Stadium Board of Malaysia, Messrs MahWengKwai & Associates are co-organising a special Forum on esports. This will be held at the “Hari Sukan Negara” (National Sports Day). The Topic of the discussion revolves around the Regulation, Governance & […]
Tokyo – A City Guide for Lawyers and Legal Professionals
Tokyo, the capital of Japan is one of the largest, busiest and most populated metropolises in the world. This vibrant city is also called city of cities. You may think of it as several cities interlinked through an excellent public transport system. It also is a […]
Land Law: How Real Is My Estate under Thai Laws
Introduction This presentation will deal with Thailand’s law or Real Estate System and Procedures in Thailand in a comparative analysis of carrying out a land and property business under a reliable, predictable, efficient and secure Real Estate System and Procedures, with reference to Cambodia and Vietnam […]
20th D. M. Harish Memorial Government Law College International Moot Court Competition, 2019
It is our pleasure to announce the 20th edition of the D. M. Harish Memorial Government Law College International Moot Court Competition (“DMH”), hosted by Government Law College, Mumbai, India, in association with the D. M. Harish Foundation. DMH is India’s first International Moot Court Competition and […]
India’s High Trade Potential in South Asia
The World Bank released a report with startling study on how limited transport connectivity, onerous logistics and regulatory impediments, and lack of trust, it costs more to trade within South Asia than between South Asia and world’s other regions. To give an example – Its 20% […]
Myanmar – Tax Pocket Guide 2018 Edition
DFDL Myanmar is pleased to announce the publication of the 2018 edition of the Myanmar Tax Pocket Guide. Written by DFDL’s tax experts, this comprehensive guide offers clear and detailed insight into tax laws and practices in Myanmar. While tax law can be notoriously difficult to […]
Cross-Border Scheme of Arrangement for Secured Noteholders: Re Mongolian Mining Corporation
Re Mongolian Mining Corporation [2018] HKCFI 2035 – the latest case on restructuring foreign companies’ foreign law-governed debts involving DVC’s José-Antonio Maurellet SC, Yang-Wahn Hew and Jason Yu. Read on to find out whether there was a sufficient connection between the Scheme and Hong Kong. In Re Mongolian Mining Corporation [2018] HKCFI 2035, […]
Kuala Lumpur – A City Guide for Lawyers and Legal Professionals
Kuala Lumpur has a remarkable history of rising to become a major ASEAN region commercial hub, attracting investors from all over the world. It has been ranked one of the top 10 city destinations in the world according to Euromonitor International for over 5 years now. […]