Fresh from taking the reins as Chooi & Company’s managing partner, Yeong Hui Yap is already preparing for the growth he foresees across several of the firm’s practice areas.
He attributed it to a multitude of factors, including recent legislative developments in Malaysia and the ever-changing geopolitical landscape.
“Given recent new laws and the changing global environment, several practice areas will, I believe, rise in prominence including tax and stamp duty, sanctions and export control, information technology and cryptocurrency and digital assets,” he told Asia Business Law Journal.
Honing in on information technology in particular, Yap acknowledges its rapid evolution but says Malaysia’s laws have struggled to keep pace with the industry’s swift transformation.
“Technology, including artificial intelligence, is also a disruptor that can and has changed how things are done, yet laws have not changed to keep up with the times, causing unpredictability,” he said.
Beyond the previously mentioned practice areas, Yap also pointed to promising developments in maritime and international trade – an area in which he had extensive experience.
“It has been announced that the International Commercial and Admiralty Division will be established in March 2026. This is a new specialised division within the Kuala Lumpur High Court, established to expedite complex, cross-border commercial and shipping disputes,” he added.
Also specialising in employment, he expects the recent changes in local laws to have a noticeable impact.
“Over the past few years, the Malaysian government has introduced numerous new laws, which have been onerous on employers. I see this trend continuing,” he said.
Increased investment in Malaysia would further drive demand for the firm’s corporate services, said Yap, which, in turn, would spark a corresponding rise in dispute-related matters.
“The firm expects to see heightened demand in sectors such as infrastructure and construction, energy (including renewable energy), technology, logistics and manufacturing,” he added.
Yap also took the opportunity to reflect on his short-term goals, which focus on building on Chooi & Company’s “strong foundation”. This, he said, would lay the groundwork for his longer-term objective of strengthening the firm’s reputation and presence in Malaysia.
Yap began his role as Chooi & Company’s managing partner on 6 February 2026.
