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. […]
India’s Growth Forecast High Amidst Dollar Woes
India’s economic growth forecast remained stable with Moody’s predicting growth of 7.5%. This was close to the forecast of 7.6% by Reuters. The Government is aiming for a further jump in India’s ranking in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report. Finally, the demonetisation report […]
Tax Issues & Strategies For Successful Investments in Cambodia
VAT Refund process? Audits? Tax incentives? Profit repatriation? Transfer Pricing? Cambodia/China double tax agreement? You want to understand more about these terms? Watch our latest video where our tax expert, Clint O’Connell, discusses tax issues and strategies for successful investments in Cambodia. DFDL, in collaboration with […]
ASEAN workplace: Addressing diversity and intersectionality
In this column, I highlight issues and solutions that arise within the legal context of ASEAN and which impact the diversity of the region’s social, economic, cultural and political life. Human rights are a contentious subject for many, presenting a number of challenges to companies and […]
2018 ALPMA Summit – 1 month to go!
2018 ALPMA Summit — Shaping the future firm – it starts with you.
Law, Technology and Access to Justice in Asia-Pacific and the USA
There is a growing conversation within the legal profession globally about how technology can help people access justice. Legal assistance is often seen as too costly for many people, and the legal system can be difficult to navigate for people who try to represent themselves. […]
Third Regional Law Firm Management Forum set for Singapore, Oct 19, 2018
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 […]
Singapore – A City Guide for Lawyers and Legal Professionals
Singapore is a thriving multicultural home to some of the world’s most stunning architecture and landscapes, exquisite gardens, no traffic jams, lack of corruption, and a great history. It is a land of modern wonders, known for its rapid development and an attractive destination for business […]
Opportunities for law firms in the ASEAN region. An interview with Laurent Tam NGUYEN
Vietnam-based Laurent Tam NGUYEN has more than twenty-five years’ experience leading marketing and business development operations in b2b professional services, e-business and commercial property. His experience includes heading regional communications and marketing initiatives for leading ASEAN-region legal services organizations including ZICO Group and DFDL. In addition, he is […]
Hong Kong Provisional Liquidation Meets Singapore Moratorium: Re CW Advanced Technologies Limited
In a ground-breaking decision, the Hong Kong Court in Re CW Advanced Technologies Limited [2018] HKCFI 1705 explains: (a) the interface between the Hong Kong provisional liquidation regime and Singapore’s new insolvency regime; and (b) how both regimes could work in tandem to help restructure a Singapore-based pan-Asian […]
NewLaw reaches the Asian legal market – out of the Startup Nation
The Alternate Legal Services Provider (ALSP) sector, more colourfully known as ‘NewLaw’, has in the space of a few short years emerged from relative obscurity to become a leading force in the global legal market by challenging well-entrenched norms. The ALSP sector, despite having roots stretching […]
Vietnam Investment Guide 2018
It is our great pleasure to introduce the 2018 edition of our Investment Guide for Vietnam. Understanding the ins and outs of opening and developing a business in Vietnam can often be daunting. The latest investment guide identifies some of the important pitfalls, difficulties and solutions […]
1MDB Scandal and Reporting Suspicious Transactions under Anti-Money Laundering Laws in Malaysia
As we usher in the new Malaysia and the revival of the Rule of Law, we hear of scandal after scandal being disclosed as the new government assume the reins of power. The new cabinet ministers are no doubt working hard with rolled sleeves to manage […]
India World’s Sixth Largest Economy
India became the world’s sixth-largest economy recently. However, its economic outlook forecast was marginally reduce. In its continued effort to improve ease of doing business, India announced results of States and Union Territories’ performance in Ease of Doing Rankings. India also became home to the world’s […]
Work life balance across Asia – and how things are changing
South Korea is well-known across Asia for its long hours and ‘workaholic’ culture. According to statistics from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, South Korean employees worked for an average of 2,024 hours in 2017 – meaning the country places third in the world rankings […]
APAC regional legal tech conference LexTech launches AI assistant
APAC regional legal technology conference LexTech has launched an AI assistant to help facilitate a better conference experience, making its services available through Facebook Messenger — a first in the local legal tech industry. Called, LEXi, the Artificial Intelligence chatbot was developed by Malaysia’s CanChat and will focus on addressing enquiries […]
How has NewLaw developed in Asia over the last 10 years? An interview with Oliver Mould of LOD – Lawyers On Demand
As NewLaw firm LOD – Lawyers on Demand (LOD) approaches its’ 10th anniversary, Asia Law Portal interviewed Oliver Mould, the firm’s Head of Asia about the state of NewLaw in Asia and what he sees ahead for the next 10 years: LOD is approaching its 10th […]
Corporate Investigations: Conflicts of Interest and Outside Counsel & Accountant.
In the current difficult operating environment of government-linked companies and the reported incidents of hidden corporate scandals in Malaysia, new corporate leaders and incoming board of directors are faced with the risks of personal liability for breach of director’s duties and breach of employment contracts for […]
Indonesia Looks to Simplify Business Licensing With OSS System
As part of the push by the administration of President Joko Widodo to improve the ease of doing business in Indonesia and increase investment, the government has issued Government Regulation Number 24 of 2018 regarding Online Business Licensing Services (GR 24), which was signed and came […]
Common Reporting Standards – Impact in Malaysia and ASEAN
The Common Reporting Standards (“CRS”) aims to enable tax authorities to tackle offshore tax evasion by providing a greater level of information on their residents’ wealth held abroad. As a party to the Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters, Malaysia already has laws in […]
Legal Procurement Conference APAC 2018 is set for Sydney on 24 July 2018
Hosted by the Buying Legal Council and Lawcadia, the event is a powerful platform for buyers and sellers of legal services to network and learn, share best practices, launch new initiatives, get motivated, and inspire the legal industry as a whole. The conference encourages dialogue, discussion and formal and […]
LexTech18 regional legal tech conference set for Kuala Lumpur, Oct 25-26, 2018
LexTech18 regional legal tech conference is set to take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Oct 25-26, 2018. LexTech brings together private, public and regulatory organizations to share new ways of thinking, build strong partnerships, and define new strategies to compete in Asia’s ever-changing legal landscape. In […]
Trust, Confidence & Anti-Avoidance – Will Hong Kong Decisions Impact Australia?
Hong Kong and Australia have always enjoyed something of a shared history. Both were former British colonies. Both legal systems are based on the English common law. Australian judges are invited to sit as non-permanent members of the Hong Kong senior courts. And although not binding, […]
KorumLegal Expands People, Process and Technology Capabilities in Hong Kong, Singapore and London
Addition of Danh Nguyen, Bill Novomisle and Tanya Rolfe demonstrates growing demand for broader legal solutions offerings across APAC region. The landscape for legal solutions is shifting in Asia with KorumLegal recently adding three significant hires. KorumLegal bills itself as “a boutique legal solutions firm providing […]
Provisional Liquidators’ Restructuring Powers Clarified: China Solar
The Court of Appeal decision in Re Legend International Resorts [2006] 2 HKLRD 192 had caused many to doubt if provisional liquidators appointed in Hong Kong could play a restructuring role at all. Twelve years later, in Re China Solar Energy Holdings [2018] HKCFI 555, Harris […]
Telecommunications Business Licensing in Thailand
The Telecommunications Business Act B.E. 2544 (2001) (“TBA”) provides that a person operating a telecommunications service in Thailand is required to obtain a license. “Telecommunications Service” is defined under the Act on the Organization to Assign Radio Frequency and to Regulate Broadcasting and Telecommunications Services B.E. […]