26 Jan 2024

Rajah & Tann Strengthens China Practice with Appointment of Four International Counsel

Rajah & Tann Singapore (R&T) has appointed a team of four international counsel to its China practice, effective from 1 January 2024. The team, based in China, includes Zheng Haotian, a home-grown lawyer who specialises in mergers and acquisitions, corporate commercial and employment matters. The other three lawyers are Ma Tianyu, Andrew Lin, and Xing Chengdong, who bring with them a wealth of experience and expertise in international construction and managing complex and high-stakes arbitrations across various sectors and jurisdictions. Ma Tianyu, Andrew Lin, and Xing Chengdong will work together with Hew Kian Heong, a veteran China-based lawyer, who is leading the firm’s International Arbitration and Construction practice in China.

Patrick Ang, Managing Partner of R&T, said: “We are excited to welcome this team of international counsel to bolster our China practice. They bring with them a wealth of knowledge and skills in international arbitration, construction and corporate matters, which will greatly enhance our ability to serve our clients in China and the region.

“Their addition reflects our commitment to strengthening our presence and capabilities in one of the most important and dynamic markets in the world."

Ma Tianyu, Andrew Lin and Xing Chengdong will advise clients on a range of dispute resolution matters, including commercial, investment, construction, and energy disputes. They will also represent clients before major arbitration institutions, such as the International Chamber of Commerce, the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, the Singapore International Arbitration Centre, the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission and the London Court of International Arbitration.

Zheng Haotian joined the Shanghai Representative Office of Rajah & Tann Singapore in 2017 and is experienced in mergers and acquisitions, corporate commercial as well as employment matters. She has advised on numerous cross-border transactions involving Chinese and foreign companies. She has also assisted clients in regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and general corporate matters.

Established in 2003, Rajah & Tann Singapore’s Shanghai Representative Office has played a key role in assisting foreign clients in their investment in China and linking Chinese clients with the vibrant Southeast Asian market. The firm’s outstanding performance in serving Chinese clients, including state-owned enterprises of China, resulted in its unique appointment as the legal advisor to the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Singapore in 2016. This unprecedented appointment signified the growing trade, investment and exchange between Singapore and China. The firm’s multi-disciplinary China Practice is also a winner of the Shipping category at the China Business Law Awards 2023 and was the winner of the Restructuring & Insolvency and Tax categories of the same awards in 2022.

About Rajah & Tann Asia – https://www.rajahtannasia.com/

Rajah & Tann Asia brings together leading law firms and lawyers in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam, with each offering the highest standards of service to locally-based clients while collectively having the capability to handle the most complex regional and cross-border transactions and to provide excellent legal counsel seamlessly across the region. With 970 fee earners, all working towards one shared goal, we are lawyers who know Asia and who give our clients home advantage.  

18 Jan 2024

Top Asian Firm in Global Restructuring and Insolvency Ranking – Rajah & Tann Singapore makes the GRR 30 list for the 6th year in a row

Rajah & Tann Singapore has once again solidified its position as the top Asian firm for cross-border restructuring and insolvency work, ranking among the top 30 global law firms in the Global Restructuring Review's (“GRR”) annual listing for 2023. 

Placed 19th among the world's best firms in this field, this marks the 6th consecutive time that the firm has been featured in GRR's prestigious top 30 list of standout firms.  

GRR highlighted that “Rajah & Tann is one of only three firms that could be described as 'regional' in the GRR 30 this year due to their continued winning streak of never having left the GRR 30 since 2018.” 

Sim Kwan Kiat, Head of the Restructuring & Insolvency Practice said: “We are honoured and proud to be recognised by the GRR 30. This achievement reflects our commitment to excellence, our deep understanding of the complex and dynamic challenges faced by our clients, and our ability to provide them with strategic and practical advice in the most challenging situations. We thank our clients for their trust and confidence in us, and we look forward to continuing to serve them with the highest standards of professionalism and quality”.

The GRR 30 is an annual ranking of the top 30 law firms in the world for cross border restructuring & insolvency work, based on a range of criteria, including the size of their restructuring and insolvency team, the number of countries they serve, the hours billed, the types of clients they have, the value and volume of cases they have worked on, and the level of complexity and innovation required in individual cases.

Rajah & Tann boasts the largest dedicated Restructuring & Insolvency (R&I) practice in Asia and has established itself as a market leader in Singapore and the region. With a strong pedigree and brand recognition in the R&I space, the firm has been at the forefront of major banking and financing disputes, corporate insolvencies and rescues, workouts and debt restructurings, and the enforcement of creditors' rights.

The firm has been at the forefront of the most complex and high-profile cross-border insolvency and restructuring cases, including those of China Aviation Oil, Lehman Brothers, Nortel, MF Global, OW Bunker, Dynamic Oil, Torm A/S, Berlian Laju, Mercator Lines and Omni Shipping, and more recently Hyflux, Shanghai Huaxin, H&CS, Hanjin Shipping, Agritrade, and Vauld Group. 

About Rajah & Tann Asia – www.rajahtann.com

Rajah & Tann Asia brings together leading law firms and lawyers in Cambodia, China. Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, The Philippines and Vietnam, with each offering the highest standards of service to locally-based clients while collectively having the capability to handle the most complex regional and cross-border transactions, providing legal counsel seamlessly across the region. With over 970 fee earners, all working towards one shared goal, we are lawyers who know Asia and who give our clients home advantage.

18 Jan 2024

Rajah & Tann Asia Defends Top Rankings in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2024

The network achieves impressive results with more Tiers 1 and 2 rankings and lawyer recognition.

Rajah & Tann Asia ("RTA") has defended its top rankings in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2024. The network has been awarded an impressive 80 department rankings and 315 lawyer recognition, with an increase in Tiers 1 and 2 rankings.

Lee Eng Beng, SC, Chairman of RTA, said: "We are delighted and honoured by the recognition from The Legal 500. On behalf of all the partners, lawyers and staff in Rajah & Tann Asia, I would like to express our deep gratitude to our clients and friends for their trust and support. We will continue to deliver the highest quality of service and value across the region, and build on our commitment to excellence and deep understanding of the markets and industries we serve."

Some of the highlights of RTA's performance in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2024 are: 

  • Singapore – Rajah & Tann Singapore maintained all local rankings in Tiers 1 and 2, including Data Protection & Cybersecurity – a newly introduced practice area in this edition of the Asia Pacific guide. The firm also obtained 6 new lawyer rankings and 2 of its eminent practitioners ascended to the highest tier.
  • Indonesia – Assegaf Hamzah & Partners maintained its firm rankings with all ranked departments in Tiers 1 and 2, secured two new lawyer rankings and had one lawyer advancing into the next tier.
  • Malaysia – Christopher & Lee Ong’s Real Estate & Construction Practice improved from Tier 3 and now ranks in Tier 2. The firm maintained all other practice area rankings. Its number of lawyers ranked in the Hall of Fame increased by almost twofold, with five lawyers now acknowledged in this top tier. It also achieved six new lawyer rankings and one improved lawyer ranking.
  • Philippines – Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) elevated two practices, Banking & Finance and Corporate & M&A, up a tier this cycle, increasing its total percentage of departments ranked in Tiers 1 and 2 to 82%. The firm also has four new lawyer rankings.

Published annually, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific provides unbiased commentary and insight into the legal marketplaces of 25 Asia Pacific jurisdictions. These rankings reflect the results of detailed analysis of law firm submissions and thousands of interviews with GCs and private practice lawyers.

About Rajah & Tann Asia – www.rajahtann.com

Rajah & Tann Asia brings together leading law firms and lawyers in Cambodia, China. Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, The Philippines and Vietnam, with each offering the highest standards of service to locally-based clients while collectively having the capability to handle the most complex regional and cross-border transactions, providing legal counsel seamlessly across the region. With over 970 fee earners, all working towards one shared goal, we are lawyers who know Asia and who give our clients home advantage.

02 Jan 2024

Rajah & Tann Expands Practice in China with Appointment of Veteran Lawyer, Amid Upgraded Trade Pact with Singapore

Rajah & Tann Singapore (R&T) has appointed Hew Kian Heong, a veteran China-based lawyer as international arbitration partner in a move to expand its practice in China amid the country’s recent signing of an upgraded trade pact with Singapore. 

Recognised as a leading lawyer in international construction and infrastructure disputes in China, Mr Hew brings with him more than 30 years of global experience. He has advised and represented major Chinese and international corporations on arbitrations, litigations and mediations in China, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Stockholm, Geneva, and London, and on projects stretching from Asia to South America. 

Mr Hew’s appointment is part of a larger plan by R&T to expand its presence in China as it celebrates the 20th anniversary of its Shanghai office. It also comes at a time when China and Singapore have taken their bilateral ties a notch higher with the recent signing of the China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement. 

Under the latest changes, Singapore will be able to secure greater market access to China’s services sectors and Singapore investors and service suppliers will also enjoy more liberal and transparent rules that level the playing field for them to invest in and trade with China. 

Singapore and China will also put in place a mutual 30-day visa-free travel programme for their citizens from early next year. 

Patrick Ang, Managing Partner of R&T, said: “China will be an increasingly important market for Rajah & Tann and we have plans to deepen and broaden our presence there. 

“We are excited to have Kian Heong join the Rajah & Tann family. With his experience and expertise in representing Chinese state-owned enterprises in infrastructure projects and disputes outside China, and his practical knowledge of how to navigate a large and complex market like China, he will be a tremendous asset to our clients in and outside China.” 

Mr Hew will join R&T as a partner from 1 Jan 2024 and will be based in the firm’s China office. Before joining R&T, he was co-global practice leader of construction and infrastructure disputes at a large foreign international law firm based in Shanghai. Fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese, he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the National University of Singapore, and is qualified to practise in Singapore, Hong Kong, England & Wales. 

Mr Hew regularly lectures on PRC and international contract forms and construction law issues at seminars organised by the government, academic institutions and associations. He was appointed a Visiting Professor to the School of Civil Engineering at Tsinghua University in 2021 and regularly lectures on construction and arbitration law at the school.  

Mr Hew is a member of the China International Economic & Trade Arbitration Commission’s Panel of Arbitrators and has conducted CIETAC arbitrations both as counsel and arbitrator. He is also a member of the panel of arbitrators of the Beijing Arbitration Commission, the Shanghai International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission and Chinese Arbitration Association. He sits on the legal panel of China Association of International Engineering. 

Mr Hew said: “As a proud Singaporean, I am very excited to return to the fold of a Singapore law firm and doing my part for the Singapore legal fraternity. Being a leader in international arbitration, Rajah & Tann is well positioned to help Chinese clients resolve their cross-border disputes in the region and elsewhere.” 

R&T’s International Arbitration Practice is an award-winning practice that is amongst the largest and most successful in the world. Since 2008, R&T has been recognised as one of the top 100 arbitration practices in the world according to the Global Arbitration Review 100. The firm’s multi-disciplinary China Practice is also a winner of the Shipping category at the China Business Law Awards 2023 and was the winner of the Restructuring & Insolvency and Tax categories of the same awards in 2022.

About Rajah & Tann Asia – https://www.rajahtannasia.com/

Rajah & Tann Asia brings together leading law firms and lawyers in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam, with each offering the highest standards of service to locally-based clients while collectively having the capability to handle the most complex regional and cross-border transactions and to provide excellent legal counsel seamlessly across the region. With 970 fee earners, all working towards one shared goal, we are lawyers who know Asia and who give our clients home advantage.