Tag: Asia Law Portal
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. […]
India’s Economic Growth Scores Highest in World Bank Report
India’s economic growth Score prospects received a major boost from the World Bank and the Government of India reports. The Government also simplified the reporting of foreign investment by Indian entities. The Government’s increasing focus on intellectual property rights and its awareness resulted in the creation […]
Energy Security and Climate Change in East Asia-Trilateral Cooperation towards a Sustainable Future
China, Japan and South Korea are undergoing rapid and comprehensive transformations in developing the intelligent and sustainable use of energy and other natural resources. These changes are driven by new strategies towards energy security and climate change mitigation. Given that future China-Japan-South Korea energy cooperation will […]
Madrid Protocol in Thailand
After a very long wait, on 7 November 2017, Thailand finally effectively acceded to the Madrid Protocol (MP). The Trademark Act, B.E. 2534 (1991), as amended by the Trademark Act (No.2) B.E. 2543 (2000) and the Trademark Act (No. 3) B.E. 2559 (2016), was amended in […]
Singapore’s new employment regime – a brave new world
By this time next year, Singapore will have a rather different employment regime from any it has had since independence. One aspect of this needs to be carefully thought through. About ten years ago, a distressed Norwegian client consulted me. His company’s Singapore office had a […]
Privacy is Dead
But we never wanted it anyway, muses Adrian Tan
Driving innovation in the legal industry
Introduction Emerging technologies are creating significant waves of disruption impacting economies, industries and societies across the globe. Companies are struggling to keep pace with technological developments, whether maintaining agile business environments to leverage advanced technologies or creating the right risk and compliance strategies to plan and […]
Why Legal Practices Should Embrace Technology
Technology has changed virtually every industry, including the legal profession. New technology, cutting-edge apps and software, and automation have all helped reduce expenses and drastically increased productivity. However many people are still hesitant to completely embrace technology, including legal professionals. Here are a few reasons why […]
Reed Smith and Resource Law Managing Partners explain the strategy behind their Singapore alliance
Reed Smith formed an alliance with Singapore’s Resource Law in 2016 to strengthen its local expertise and client offering of a one-stop-shop service, and to help it stand out amid a highly competitive environment for both international and local firms in Singapore. The alliance has also […]
How the GC can move beyond relationships to a more strategic selection of outside counsel
As the legal industry evolves, in-house teams are under increasing pressure to demonstrate a commitment to innovation and transformation. However, as legal departments accept and even embrace the need for change, one element stubbornly resists transformation. Despite the growing availability of digital technology designed to assist […]
India Attracts Largest E-Commerce Deal
India’s potential for high growth in retail came to the forefront with the acquisition of its biggest homegrown online retail company. The high economic growth prospects were reaffirmed by the IMF. There will be a new system for monitoring foreign investment in listed entities. The current […]
China announces plans to further liberalize its’ legal market
China Daily reports today that China “will further open up its services sector by expanding a pilot program for innovative development of trade in services.” The decision was taken yesterday at an executive meeting of China’s State Council, chaired by Premier Li Keqiang. As a result […]
Today’s Lawyers Need Technology Training
Introduction Back in November, a group of people gathered in Hong Kong to brainstorm on using blockchain technology in legal transactions. They discussed Ethereum and cybersecurity, before debating the benefits and dangers of Artificial Intelligence (AI). These weren’t computer programmers looking to create a new start-up […]
Asia ADR Week 2018: A platform for Asian-centric ADR trends and economic developments
The Asian International Arbitration Centre will present its inaugural edition of the ASIA ADR WEEK 2018, from May 05, 2018 – May 07, 2018 at the AIAC at the Bangunan Sulaiman, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In this Q&A article with Asia Law Portal, the AIAC explains the unique significance […]
India receives high economic growth forecasts
The global discussions around India’s economic growth continue to gather focus as we enter into the fifth and final fiscal year for the current Government. There was a mixed response from various international agencies, which we have captured below. Asian Development Bank. Asian Development Bank (ADB) […]
NewLaw firm Vario to expand into Singapore
Pinsent Masons will launch its NewLaw flexible consulting service, Vario, in Singapore in mid-2018. Vario was first established in the Asia-Pacific region in Australia in July 2017. The firm reports it is witnessing increased client demand for its flexible lawyer solution globally, including in Asia. In […]
NewLaw expands in Asia with the addition of Cognatio Law in Hong Kong
NewLaw industry veteran Lesley Hobbs announced in February the launch of her own firm Cognatio Law to “satisfy the growing demand within Hong Kong’s legal market for flexible and cost-effective legal services [for large and small companies]. ” As the firm details in a press release: […]
Singapore’s Maxwell Chambers becomes the world’s first smart hearing facility
Maxwell Chambers recently announced that it is set to become the world’s first smart hearing facility by the end of 2018, in a bid backed by the Ministry of Law to boost Singapore’s position as an international dispute resolution hub. In this Q&A interview with Asia […]
India virtually closes the door to the entry of foreign law firms
The much awaited verdict of the Supreme Court of India was pronounced recently which virtually closed the door for the entry of foreign law firms. The Government has drafted an updated defence policy which seeks to increase foreign direct investment in the sector. India and Canada […]
Inaugural Asia ADR week set for Kuala Lumpur, May 5-7, 2018
The Asian International Arbitration Centre will present its inaugural edition of the ASIA ADR WEEK 2018, from May 05, 2018 – May 07, 2018, at the AIAC at the Bangunan Sulaiman, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ASIA ADR WEEK 2018 will cover key issues including the promotion of […]
Asian law firms prominent at Israel’s 4th Foreign Law Firms conference
Israel’s 4th annual foreign law firms conference took place on February 26 in Tel Aviv. Organized by Robus Legal Marketing in association with the Tel-Aviv District of the Israel Bar Association, the conference brought together over 400 attorneys, with over 130 representatives from law firms around […]
Global Corruption Index Dampens India’s Governance
The Central Government’s financial budget was announced wherein some foreign investment-related policies were mentioned. There were changes proposed for foreign portfolio investors. The Indian Prime Minister declared India to be one of the most open economies in the world. However, the dampener was India’s downward movement […]
Asia Law Firm Management Congress set for Mumbai, April 12, 2018
The second annual Asia Law Firm Management Congress (ALFMC) will take place on April 12, 2018, at The St. Regis Hotel in Mumbai, India. Following up on a successful inaugural event last year where over 70 lawyers and management professionals from law firms across the region gathered to […]
TechLaw.Fest to take place in Singapore, April 4-6, 2018
TechLaw.Fest, scheduled to take place in Singapore, April 4-6, 2018, will bring together more than 3000 attendees, including leading thinkers in the space of Technology Law and Legal Technology. Jointly organized by the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) and CORP, TechLaw.Fest will combine the ‘Law of […]
Sweeping Changes to India’s FDI Policy
2018 began with a bang for foreign investors as India made multi-fold changes to its FDI Policy. The IMF also forecast India would become the fastest-growing economy in 2018 and 2019. The Bar Council of India denounced the changes suggested by the Law Commission of India. […]
Big4 vs BigLaw in Asia: What makes Deloitte Legal unique?
Competition in legal services in Asia is acute. Among the competitive pressures traditional law firms face in Asia is the drive by Big4 accounting firms to gain legal market share. In this Q&A interview, Asia Law Portal asks Mark Schroeder, Senior Legal Consultant with 勤理 China […]
Asia-Pacific Investors: How to Avoid Legal Risks When Investing In California
What Legal Risks Do Foreign Investors Take When Expanding into an Overseas Market? If you’re running your own business and it’s been doing great in your own country, you might have looked into expanding its current reach to a foreign country so that you can share […]
Stefanie Yuen Thio of Singapore’s TSMP Law explains how to build a successful boutique legal practice
Stefanie Yuen Thio is the Joint Managing Director of TSMP Law Corporation in Singapore, leads the firm’s M&A and corporate practice and co-manages the firm. TSMP is regarded as one of Singapore’s handful of “go-to” independent firms for cutting-edge Wall Street work and was named SE […]
Innovating in-house legal in Asia Pacific
In this interview with Asia Law Portal, Peter Connor details his views of how legal services competition is impacting the general counsel, both within and outside the Asia-Pacific region
The New Year’s Resolutions lawyers should make for 2018
Go to the gym more, eat less chocolate, save more money – all common New Year’s resolutions and ones which, by February, will inevitably be broken. But, there is one resolution all lawyers should make and commit to for 2018 – creating more time for their […]
A Guide to Asia-Pacific Region Arbitration Hubs
As Asian Legal Business recently detailed: “Arbitration as an ADR mechanism has been steadily gaining traction across the Asia Pacific region. This is particularly accelerated by several recent legal developments and regulatory changes such as Third Party Funding legislations and Investment Treaties. In addition, the quality […]
India’s Indigenous Progress
As 2017 draws to a close, the Indian Government’s initiatives on ‘Make in India’ seems to have made significant progress in one industry. The labour law reforms undertaken by the Government in the last three years have been summarized recently in the Parliament. A Harvard Law […]
30 People to Watch in the Business of Law in Asia in 2018
As we approach the beginning of 2018 — Asia Law Portal continues its’ tradition begun in 2015 and followed up in 2016 and 2017 — of naming 30 people to watch in the business of law in the coming year. In retrospect — if 2017 were […]
What makes Sports Law unique? An interview with Richard Wee
Richard Wee joined Kuala Lumpur-based MahWengKwai & Associates in 2016, where he established the firms Sports Law Practice Group. Now head of Richard Wee Chambers, Wee is recognized locally and regionally for pioneering this niche, in this Q&A with Asia Law Portal he describes what makes […]
Key takeaways from the 2nd Singapore Law Firm Management Forum
The Second Regional Law Firm Management Forum took place Friday November 3, 2017, at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Singapore. This year’s Forum focused on how non-legal professional in law firms can become critical contributors to firm strategies. Andrew Barnes, President of Forum sponsor Australasian Legal Practice […]
The Great Legal Reformation: Notes from the Field
The beginning of the Great Legal Reformation lacks the precision of Martin Luther nailing his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church, but upheaval in legal services delivery most certainly accelerated and gained strength with the financial crisis of 2008. Since that time, legal […]
Will India Move Up in the World Bank Rankings?
The Government of India continues to take steps to improve ease of doing business in India. Various reports have been published by the media recently reflecting an expected improvement in the World Bank’s ranking for India, due to be published shortly. There are other areas and […]
Nominations now open for 30 people to watch in the business of law in Asia in 2018
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: 30 people to watch in the business […]
Contract lawyering – the global gig economy for lawyers
Transport for London’s recent decision to revoke Uber’s licence meant the gig economy was back in the headlines, and not for positive reasons. Indeed, some business’ abuse of employment rights under the guise of the gig economy has meant that for some, this term has become […]
Southeast Asia’s legal tech innovators to gather in Kuala Lumpur Nov 4-5, 2017
Kuala Lumpur is set to host an important South East Asia regional legal tech conference next month, hosted by Malaysian legal startup CanLaw. We asked Lee Su Wen, CanLaw’s Event Director, to tell us more about the conference. Here’s what she had to say: Read More: […]
Lawyers: 5 Steps to Overcome Procrastination
Many lawyers admit that procrastination is a problem. If one can begin by admitting that it is difficult to manage time — this is a good beginning. Read More: India: FDI Policy Boosts Start-ups Ben confessed. “Sure, I admit that I procrastinate in my law practice. […]
Indian legal startup Lawyered.in: Helping people find lawyers in Asia’s 3rd largest economy
As the world’s sixth largest economy and Asia’s third largest economy, India represents a significant opportunity for any legal services sector entrepreneur. In Asia Law Portal’s continuing coverage of the Asia-Pacific region’s NewLaw and legal startup economy, here’s our recent interview with Raghav Shekhar, Co-founder and […]
Chief Justice of India Inclined Toward Entry of Foreign Law Firms
India’s fast track regime for FDI approvals has become a reality now with the publication of the standard operating procedures in this regard. An additional condition has been proposed in Mauritius which will add to the compliance for companies routing their FDI into India through the […]
When will the legal industry have its Napster moment?
“I like to think (it has to be!), Of a cybemetric ecology, Where we are free of our labors, And joined back to nature, Returned to our mammal brothers and sisters, And all watched over By machines of loving grace.” Thus wrote the beat poet Richard Brautigan in 1967. He was definitely […]
Hong Kong is emerging as a Belt and Road legal and dealmaking hub
Hong Kong is emerging as a Belt and Road legal and dealmaking hub, as a series of recent reports reflects. ABS-CBN News, for example, has reported that Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, speaking last week at the Wharton Global Forum, outlined how the special […]
Legal Innovation and Tech Forum to take place in Hong Kong, June 8, 2017
Leaders in legal technology from around the world are poised to gather in Hong Kong for the Legal Inno’ Tech Forum. The Forum will take place at ESPACE in Central Hong Kong on Thursday, June 8, 2017 between 2 pm and 5:30 pm. The backdrop for this […]
The International Bar Association’s 2017 Annual Conference will take place October 8-13 in Sydney, Australia
The International Bar Association’s 2017 Annual Conference will take place October 8-13 in Sydney, Australia. Notably, the conference takes place as the IBA celebrates its’ 70th anniversary. Read More: Legal Innovation and Tech Forum to take place in Hong Kong, June 8, 2017 Widely regarded as […]