Malaysia’s top 100 A-List plus 10 legal icons. Miran Lim and Emeli Zu?o report
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alaysia has emerged as an investment destination underscored by political stability and foresighted economic policies. The country’s attractiveness is strengthened by its efforts in digital transformation, energy transition and industrial planning, as pointed out by national strategies like Malaysia Digital, the National Energy Transition Roadmap, and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030.
On his official website, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised the country’s technological potential as a societal equaliser and job creator, and advocated a balanced approach to national, environmental and global responsibilities.
The announced arrival of 12 international venture capital firms in Kuala Lumpur showcases investor confidence in Malaysia’s startup landscape. Together with an influx of high-tech companies establishing regional headquarters and R&D operations in Malaysia, it demonstrates the nation’s strategic allure to Asian and Southeast Asian markets.
The initiation of the Semiconductor Strategic Plan has been an enhancement to Malaysia’s economic strategy. This initiative is set to anchor the country’s status as a frontrunner in semiconductor operations, particularly in increasing front-end activities. It is supported by incentives for global semiconductor manufacturers.
Fiscal policies are also being fine-tuned, with an increase in the sales and services tax (SST) from 6% to 8% to shore up national revenue by an estimated MYR3 billion (USD636 million). Although specific categories of goods and services enjoy lower rates or exemptions from this increase, businesses are adapting to the new fiscal landscape.
Malaysia’s development of a new AI-integrated container port in Negeri Sembilan highlights its bid to boost regional shipping and trade operations. This USD425 million investment will serve as a vital component in the Malacca Strait, a major channel for global trade.
Adjustments have been made to the Malaysia My Second Home programme to attract foreign participants. The programme introduces a tiered visa system, incentivising foreign investment and property purchases with varying degrees of residency and property-related stipulations.
Business transparency has also received a boost with the introduction of beneficial ownership (BO) reporting guidelines. Entities are now required to electronically disclose their BO details, enhancing financial crime prevention. From July 2024, adherence to these guidelines will be legally enforced, requiring companies to maintain up-to-date reporting.
Google’s commitment to a USD2 billion data centre and Google Cloud region marks an important investment in Malaysia’s digital framework. The country’s favourable demographics and commitment to developing its digital infrastructure are contributing to its position in Southeast Asia’s technology and economic landscape.
All these moves present the legal fraternity with an evolving landscape of opportunity and learning. Which law firms and lawyers will make the most of it? Asia Business Law Journal presents Malaysia’s top 100 A-List lawyers and 10 legal icons, recognised for their commitment to best practices.
This A-List, compiled from rigorous research and nominations by in-house counsel within Malaysia, alongside partners from international law firms focusing on the country, underscores a client preference for experienced lawyers who deliver excellent service across the legal process. Nearly all legal professionals featured on the A-List are strategically based in Kuala Lumpur, reflecting the national capital’s importance as a legal hub.
Corporate and commercial law specialists
Nicholas Tan Choi Chuan, a partner at Shearn Delamore & Co, has established a professional rapport with Kristin Siao, a partner at V&A Law in Metro Manila. Siao says Chuan “maintains a very good professional relationship with our firm and is able to refer work for Philippine-related matters involving Malaysian clients”.
Angie Ng Sook Peng, deputy general manager at Selangor-based Total Logistic Services, also lauds Chuan. “In the matter that we were working on, we had encountered a challenging problem but, thanks to Nicholas’ comprehensive analysis and his ability to balance commercial and legal considerations, we were able to identify a solution suitable for us.”
Lee Bin Hau, a partner at Robin Lynn & Lee, earns praise from Zheng Ziwei, a partner at Beijing law firm JunHe, for his role in several multinational projects and his traits of being “very responsible, reliable and professional”.
“His expert knowledge covers not only Malaysian laws but also a wide range of PRC laws, which is of great help on our projects,” says Zheng. “Furthermore, Mr Lee has a good understanding on commercial aspects. So, his analysis and suggestions can perfectly serve clients’ business intentions.”
Paula Yu, a partner at Dacheng Law Offices in Beijing, also backs Lee’s competence. “Bin Hau Lee has demonstrated exceptional expertise in corporate law, international arbitration, cross-border transactions and commercial litigation,” says Yu. “During his tenure at Robin Lynn & Lee [in collaboration with DFDL], he has provided top-notch legal services to renowned domestic and international companies, earning high trust and satisfaction from clients.
“Mr Lee actively participates in legal industry activities, writing legal reviews and academic articles to promote industry advancement. His professional competence, extensive experience and client-centric service philosophy make him an ideal candidate for one of Malaysia’s top lawyers.”
David Lim, former partner at D&P Law Group, is recommended by Ian Liew, the legal project manager at Singapore-based legal services provider NOVA8. “David has consistently demonstrated expertise in handling complex cross-border corporate transactions,” says Liew.
“His approach combines strong legal acumen with a commercial and entrepreneurial mindset, ensuring that client solutions are both practical and strategically aligned with their business goals.”
Liew also notes Lim’s expertise in M&A, saying he is “known for building strong client relationships and effective teams, [and] is a reliable and skilled adviser in the corporate M&A field”.
Kewic Jun Meng Ng, chief operating officer of BOA Alphaline, a fund management company with offices in Kuala Lumpur, the British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong, vouches for Lim’s proficiency in cryptocurrency and finance.
“David Lim is a professional lawyer specialising in asset management within the crypto industry … David’s expertise has been invaluable in addressing numerous challenges, particularly in the finance sector.”
Ng says Lim’s “responsiveness and efficiency in problem-solving, along with the high-quality work delivered by him and his team”, are exceptional.
DP Naban, a senior partner at Rosli Dahlan Saravana Partnership, is commended by Gan Ah Tee, managing partner at BDO in Malaysia and regional senior partner at BDO ASEAN, an audit firm operating throughout Southeast Asia.
Gan says: “Datuk Naban is an experienced and well-respected lawyer who is able to identify the key/critical issues in every case he takes on. He is also able to draw on his vast experience to develop relevant and effective strategies and solutions for his clients. His deep understanding of various areas of the law, coupled with his dedication to exceptional client service continues to be highly regarded.”
Suresh Abishegam – chief executive officer of Azimuth International, a shipping, maritime, oil and gas company with offices in Malaysia, Australia, Singapore and the UK – also commends Naban. “I have personally worked with Naban. He is an astute lawyer who is able to immediately grasp the nuances of the matter and give his legal opinion. His attention to detail and his willingness to listen to his client’s point of view is another commendable trait.”
Jalalullail Othman, a partner at Shook Lin & Bok, is described by Syed Ali Haidar Shahabuddin, director and head of group legal services at Kuala Lumpur retirement fund company KWAP Malaysia, as “an astute and well-rounded corporate lawyer with the ability to provide sound and practical advice”.
Shahabuddin says Othman “takes into consideration the practical aspects of things as well as the commercial reality that comes with it. His in-depth knowledge and profound understanding of corporate and commercial law hold him in [an] excellent position to provide quality, sound and practical advice”.
Jeff Leong Poon & Wong senior partner Kenny Poon was acknowledged by Eng Wee Chong, the managing director at boutique law firm Chevalier Law in Singapore. Chong says they have worked together “on various cross-border transactions/matters for clients and I have found Kenny to be an effective, efficient and knowledgeable lawyer who provides balanced and concise advice. He is great to work with”.
Industry experts also praise Yong Hsian Siong, founder and proprietor of Hsian & Co. Vernon Samuel, general manager and general counsel at Mercedes Benz Malaysia, says Hsian is “responsive and able to provide business-relevant advice to the client. He understands the industry well also”.
Duangkamon Amkaew, a partner at global full-service law firm Baker McKenzie, applauds Hsian’s effectiveness for “providing timely, pragmatic advice to clients, which is useful to achieve the objectives of our clients for respective transactions”.
Capital markets experts
Jeff Leong, a senior partner at Jeff Leong Poon & Wong, is recognised by peers for years of dedication and support. Dr Sivapalan Vivekarajah, senior partner and co-founder of Kuala Lumpur-based accelerator company ScaleUp Malaysia, says he has worked with Leong in several capacities during the past 25 years.
“In 1999, I started an association called the Technopreneurs Association of Malaysia (TeAM), and I was the first president. The purpose of the association was to represent technology entrepreneurs. Jeff joined the council of TeAM and contributed his time and expertise on a pro-bono basis for several years to help develop the startup ecosystem in Malaysia, including policy advocacy.”
Litigation and DR luminaries
Aisling Dwyer, a partner at Hong Kong legal and financial services entity Maples Group, commends Meng Teck Teh, managing partner at Cheah Teh & Su, as “a litigation stalwart with whom I have worked for over 10 years. He is strategic, smart and thoroughly pleasant to work with, and leads a strong team at the firm which he founded”.
Skrine partner Claudia Cheah has built a substantial career in various legal domains, as highlighted by May Lee Leong, an adjunct professor at UNITAR International University, a private education institution in Selangor. “Claudia has been in practice for over 25 years and has extensive experience in the areas of restructuring and insolvency, commercial litigation and arbitration, banking and finance litigation and civil litigation,” says Leong. “She is also adept at handling land fraud and forgery cases, and works closely with forensic experts on such matters.”
Karen Won, head of collections and recovery at BMW Group Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, also reflects positively on her professional relationship with Cheah in banking litigation and debt resolution. “[She] is a renowned litigator in the Malaysian legal sector, and very experienced and knowledgeable in banking and finance litigation as well as dispute resolution and insolvency matters,” says Won.
“She has won many cases for my company and always provides great peace of mind to her clients with her exceptional commitment. Besides, Claudia is always proactive in exploring various legal strategies and keeps me informed at every step, which further instils confidence in her abilities.”
Rosli Dahlan, a partner at Rosli Dahlan Saravana Partnership, is complimented by Mui Hiang Tan, general counsel at Selangor property development company SP Setia, and by Nazli Saad, chief operating officer at Menara Kuala Lumpur, a communications tower in Kuala Lumpur.
Tan says: “I had the benefit of [Dahlan’s] advice in dealing with a combative and unreasonable opponent. He is very focused on helping you achieve your objectives and guides you on the various options available. It is his strategies and can-do resolve that help you navigate the difficult issues before making a decision.”
Saad commends Dahlan as “very experienced and excellent in giving legal advice on top of legal procedures to be taken and followed”.
Leonard Yeoh’s exceptional dedication and commitment earn praise from Sai Tat Muk, chief of department at MAA Group. “Leonard demonstrates unparalleled dedication and commitment towards his clients and consistently offers excellent advice,” says Muk.
Mengni Luo, a partner at QZ&WD Law Firm, highlights Yeoh’s reputation and experience. “Leonard is one of the best Malaysian lawyers I know, with substantial trial, appellate and arbitration experience. He presents an outstanding image of a Malaysian lawyer to clients and lawyers from China and worldwide.
Tax and advisory leader
S Saravana Kumar, a partner at RDS Law Partners, is praised by Nicole Lim, general manager of Selangor-based conglomerate Sunway. “Saravana has built a very strong working relationship with Sunway, providing excellent client services and tailored legal solutions,” says Lim.
“He is our trusted tax lawyer. Sara has always demonstrated exceptional legal knowledge and expertise in his field, consistently delivering high-quality legal services. He has a track record of winning significant cases and achieving favourable outcomes in complex legal matters, showcasing his litigation skills and strategic thinking.”
Ivan Jacobs, head of the Tax Technical Centre of Expertise at Petronas in Kuala Lumpur, applauds Kumar’s courtroom successes. “Kumar has won two major cases for Petronas this year, in the Court of Appeal and High Court against the Royal Malaysian Customs Department and Malaysian Inland Revenue Board,” says Jacobs.
“His preparation for the cases and arguments against the revenue authorities were excellent and left no doubt in the honourable judges’ minds that the revenue authorities had no case against the company.”
