Chambers Asia Pacific (2019)

Banking & Finance - Band 2
Capital Markets - Band 2
Capital Markets: Securitisation & Derivatives - Band 1
Competition/Antitrust - Band 1
Construction - Band 2
Corporate Investigations/Anti-Corruption - Band 1
Corporate/M&A - Band 2
Dispute Resolution: Arbitration - Band 2
Dispute Resolution: Litigation - Band 2
Employment - Band 1
Insurance - Band 2
Intellectual Property - Band 2
Investment Funds - Band 2
Projects & Energy - Band 1
Real Estate - Band 3
Restructuring/Insolvency - Band 1
Shipping - Band 1
Tax - Recognised Practitioner
TMT - Band 1
South-East Asia – International Trade/WTO – New - Band 1
Asia Pacific Region – Arbitration (International) - Band 4
Asia Pacific Region – International Trade/WTO - Recognised Practitioner

Ranked Lawyers:

Andre Yeap SC - Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (Band 4), Dispute Resolution: Litigation (Band 3)
Angela Lim - Banking & Finance (Band 2)
Anne Yeo - Investment Funds (Band 2)
Arnold Tan - Investment Funds (Band 1)
Chia Kim Huat - Capital Markets (Eminent Practitioner)
Chua Choon King - Shipping: Domestic: Finance (Band 2)
Danny Lim - Capital Markets (Band 3)
Danny Ong - Dispute Resolution: Litigation (Band 4), Restructuring/Insolvency (Band 3)
Desmond Wee - Employment (Band 2)
Elaine Tay - Insurance (Band 2)
Evelyn Wee - Capital Markets (Band 3)
Francis Xavier SC - Dispute Resolution: Litigation (Band 2)
Hamidul Haq - Corporate Investigations/Anti-Corruption (Spotlight Table)
Ian Teo - Shipping (Band 2)
Jainil Bhandari - Shipping (Band 3)
Jonathan Yuen - Employment (Recognised Practitioner)
Kala Anandarajah - Competition/Antitrust (Band 1), Employment (Recognised Practitioner), International Trade/WTO (Spotlight Table)
Kendall Tan - Shipping (Band 3)
Larry Lim - Capital Markets: Securitisation & Derivatives (Recognised Practitioner) 
Lau Kok Keng - Intellectual Property: Domestic: Litigation (Band 3), Gaming & Gambling (Band 3)
Lawrence Tan - Corporate/M&A (Recognised Practitioner)
Lee Eng Beng SC - Dispute Resolution: Litigation (Band 1), Restructuring/Insolvency (Band 1)
Lee Weilin - Banking & Finance (Recognised Practitioner)
Leong Kah Wah - Shipping (Band 1)
Leong Lu Yueh - Investment Funds (Band 3)
Lionel Tan - Technology, Media, Telecoms (TMT) (Recognised Practitioner)
Lionel Tay - Restructuring/Insolvency (Band 3) 
Murali Pillai - Employment (Band 2)
Ng Kim Beng - Construction (Band 3) 
Ng Sey Ming - Banking & Finance (Band 4)
Norman Ho - Real Estate (Band 2)
Patrick Ang - Restructuring/Insolvency (Band 1)
Rajesh Sreenivasan - Technology, Media, Telecoms (TMT) (Band 1)
Regina Liew - Banking & Finance (Regulatory)(Band 1), Capital Markets: Securitisation & Derivatives (Band 2)
Sandy Foo - Banking & Finance (Band 4), Corporate/M&A (Band 3)
Shemane Chan - Projects & Energy (Band 2)
Sim Kwan Kiat - Restructuring/Insolvency (Band 2)
Simon Goh - Insurance (Band 1)
Soh Lip San - Construction (Band 2)
Steve Tan - Technology, Media, Telecoms (TMT) (Band 2)
Tan Chuan Thye SC - Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (Band 3), Restructuring/Insolvency (Band 2)
Terence Choo - Banking & Finance (Band 4)
Toh Kian Sing SC - Shipping (Band 1)
Vikna Rajah - Tax (Band 3)
Winston Kwek - Shipping (Band 2)

Banking & Finance

What the team is known for
Sought after by major banks and corporate borrowers, with an excellent track record in both large and mid-size work, from traditional banking and syndicated lending to project and real estate finance. Well placed to handle cross-border instructions due to its network of offices across the region, including in Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and China. Team roster also includes a high number of foreign jurisdiction experts. Additionally offers notable expertise regarding fintech issues.

Strengths
Sources praise the group for being "pragmatic and commercial in its approach."

Work highlights
Acted on behalf of Maybank in establishing SGD585 million worth of loan facilities for hotel developments being undertaken by Oxley Gem.

Assisted a local Lufax subsidiary in setting up a technology-based international investment platform.

Notable practitioners
The "commercial and pragmatic" Regina Liew leads the firm's financial institutions group. She handles both regulatory and transactional matters for financial institutions and also boasts considerable experience in fintech-related matters.

Angela Lim regularly handles financing for infrastructure projects and real estate and construction on behalf of both borrowers and lenders. She is dual-qualified in Singapore and in England and Wales and heads the group's banking and finance team.

Terence Choo’s practice has a focus on refinancings and real estate-related transactions. He is particularly experienced representing banks as lender's counsel.

Capital Markets

What the team is known for
Offering expertise across both debt and equity capital markets, the team is recognised for being involved in many complex transactions in the market. Highly regarded for advising on IPOs and listings, as well as rights offerings and hybrid issuances. A network of offices across ASEAN and beyond adds to the team's ability to handle cross-border work in jurisdictions such as Vietnam, Japan and Myanmar. The team harbours particular proficiency in Indonesia-related work.

Strengths
A pleased client values that the "partners are hands-on. They are very sound in their technical knowledge and also appreciate the commercial aspects."

Work highlights
Acted as Singapore counsel for Bumi Resources on a USD4.5 billion debt restructuring that included the first contingent value rights to be listed on SGX-ST.
Advised Kimly on its IPO and listing on the Singapore Catalist board, raising SGD44 million.

Notable practitioners
Chia Kim Huat has over 20 years of experience on a wide range of debt and equity work. He is best known for his China-focused practice, one source explaining that "he has a very good clientele among Chinese clients."

Danny Lim is described by a client as being "dedicated and willing to discuss various solutions to a particular issue." Having previously worked in the firm's Shanghai representative office, he continues to act for a roster of Chinese clients on listings and other investment work.

Evelyn Wee is head of the firm's capital markets team and regularly advises clients on the IPOs of companies, business trusts and REITs. Her practice encompasses both Singapore and overseas listings.

Capital Markets: Securitisation & Derivatives

What the team is known for
Commands an excellent reputation for advising on listed and unlisted derivatives and structured products, as well as for providing a full suite of regulatory counsel. Experienced advising on margin requirements for OTC derivatives covering a full range of asset classes. Regularly assists with bespoke and innovative solutions. Clients include high-profile banks, clearing houses, regulators and exchanges.

Work highlights
Advised Asia Pacific Exchange and Asia Pacific Clear on their establishment of a new futures exchange and futures clearing house in Singapore.
Advised Lu international on the establishment of an international investment platform.

Notable practitioners
Regina Liew is highly active advising financial institutions and fund management companies. She often advises on OTC derivatives and structured products. A pleased client finds that "she's pragmatic and commercial," and adds that she "knows her stuff."

Competition/Antitrust

What the team is known for
Highly regarded team with in-depth experience advising international and local clients on merger control issues, cartel investigations and market studies. Recognised for actively advancing the awareness of international competition standards across Singapore. Increasingly involved in multi-jurisdictional merger control cases, in particular those relating to the ASEAN region. Boasts an impressive client list which includes major multinational corporates in the technology, manufacturing and food and beverage sectors.

Strengths
A client appreciates the firm's "straight to the point" advice, praising "their ability to translate our ideas into proper legal terms while breaking down what the commission is trying to say in very basic legal terms."

Another source highlights the team's main strength as its "efficiency" and ability to offer "valuable, practical advice."

Work highlights
Acted as Singapore legal counsel to GIC, a major shareholder of GLP, in relation to competition issues following the SGD16 billion acquisition of GLP by Nesta.

Assisted SIA Engineering and Moog with a multi-jurisdictional merger notification assessment in relation to the setting-up of a joint venture for the provision of certain MRO services in Asia.

Notable practitioners
Kala Anandarajah is lauded by clients for being "very dedicated, very quick and precise." She is highlighted by clients for her extensive experience on cartel investigations and merger control matters. One client comments: "She has impressed us with her legal knowledge, business acumen and also understanding of the Commission and the legal arena, which makes her a dream for anybody looking to engage competition lawyers."

Construction

What the team is known for
Respected disputes team with considerable experience advising on construction matters for project sponsors, developers and contractors. Regularly acts on construction disputes across South-East Asia, and also handles non-contentious work. Dedicated construction project risk analysis and mitigation capability, able to assist in markets such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and China. Has deep experience in negotiating EPC contracts for energy and infrastructure construction projects.

Strengths
One client highlights the team's frankness, saying: "I appreciate that the lawyers do not try to paint overly positive scenarios but instead remain realistic."

Work highlights
Represented a consortium composed of Singapore Technologies Marine and Tuas Power on the development of a Design-Build-Own-Operate basis desalination plant.

Advised W H Marathon on the drafting and negotiation of the EPC contract and subcontract for development of an offshore tank farm.

Notable practitioners
Soh Lip San is the leader of the firm's construction and projects practice. He is an experienced adviser for disputes across the region, acting for developers, suppliers and employers.

Ng Kim Beng is singled out as a "very strong" practitioner in the area of construction dispute resolution, including cases involving parties from Indonesia, Thailand and Japan. He often acts for clients in the power and infrastructure sectors.

Corporate/M&A

What the team is known for
Highly regarded team that leverages the strength of its network of Asian offices to handle complex cross-border mandates, particularly takeovers of Singapore-listed companies, whether hostile, contested or uncontested. Active in a range of sectors, including banking, insurance and healthcare, it acts for major banks and corporate clients on public and private M&A transactions.

Strengths
One client describes the firm as "proactive, commercial, detailed and prompt," adding that the team negotiates "smoothly and quickly."

Another client reports being "impressed with the service they gave us, especially under time pressure."

Work highlight
Acted as Singapore legal counsel to GIC in the acquisition of all the issued ordinary shares in the capital of Global Logistics Properties by Nesta Investment by way of a scheme of arrangement.

Assisted Credit Suisse with HNA Belt & Road Investments' SGD1.4 billion voluntary conditional general offer to acquire all the issued and paid-up ordinary shares in the capital of CWT.

Notable practitioners
Sandy Foo's work is appreciated by one client for "understanding our expectations and consistently meeting our requirements," and includes share acquisitions, delistings and divestments.

Dispute Resolution: Arbitration

What the team is known for
Impressive line-up of experienced arbitration practitioners with deep connections throughout the Singapore and Asian markets. Very good slate of work in energy and shipping disputes, and recent involvement in BIT arbitration. Clients include states, government-linked organisations and major international oil companies. Firm's strong reputation for court litigation also makes the team a popular choice for arbitration-related litigation.

Strengths
One client reports: "The team was knowledgeable and knew the case better than I did. I could see they worked very hard to argue my case to the arbitrator."

The same source adds: "They are very responsive and always ready to hold my hand when I call them."

Work highlights
Defended the Republic of the Philippines in a dispute over breach of contract brought by Chevron and Shell.

Representing China New Machinery Energy Company against energy companies in proceedings to set aside a final award of ICC.

Notable practitioners
Tan Chuan Thye SC is a "very safe pair of hands," according to one peer, and "easy to deal with" in the words of another source. He has a broad commercial disputes practice and has particular expertise in relation to insolvency.

Andre Yeap SC is "hard-working and knowledgeable," say sources. He offers substantial experience in cross-border disputes relating to banking and securities matters. He heads the firm's international arbitration practice.

Dispute Resolution: Litigation

What the team is known for
Prolific litigation team with plentiful expertise on big-ticket domestic and cross-border disputes. Represents clients at all levels of the Singapore courts with particular experience in financial disputes, though it possesses additional expertise in contentious joint venture, shareholder, insolvency and shipping matters. Well placed to act on multi-jurisdictional matters due to its network of offices and alliances in the wider region. Members of the team have notable expertise handling cases connected to the Indonesia, India and China markets.

Strengths
Clients praise the firm's capabilities and "high quality" of advice across a wide range of litigation cases.

Work highlights
Represented New World TMT in a claim of over USD4 billion against a number of individuals linked to 'Tony' Qu Jianping in a conspiracy to defraud matter.

Acted for the Port of Singapore Authority on the insolvency of South Korean shipping firm Hanjin.

Notable practitioners
Interviewees say of Lee Eng Beng SC that "clarity of thought, communicating position and breaking down of the opponent's case, these are the things he's brilliant at." His practice centres upon banking disputes and he has substantial experience of debt enforcement and insolvency litigation. He is especially well regarded as an appellate lawyer.

Francis Xavier SC is "tenacious, innovative and has a well-prepared team," say market commentators. Another source praises his "fair-minded, honourable way of presenting the case." He is best known for representing clients on banking, property and investment disputes.

Andre Yeap SC is "tough and extremely well prepared" according to commentators. He is a litigation and arbitration practitioner with a broad commercial disputes practice. Recently, he has acted on several cross-border cases in the banking sector.

Danny Ong handles commercial disputes and investigations, with a specialism in the banking sector. Peers praise his proactiveness and creative approach. Sources say: "He combines a deep and broad knowledge of the law with a pleasant manner and an ability to switch gears and become a powerful advocate and highly effective cross-examiner."

Employment

What the team is known for
Market-leading reputation for contentious employment matters, with further expertise in non-contentious work. A large team able to provide a full-service offering, with notable expertise in trade union issues and experience handling workplace harassment cases. Well placed to assist with regional work due to the firm's network of offices throughout Asia. Acts for multinational corporations in a range of sectors, including technology, insurance, finance and hospitality.

Strengths
The team is praised for its client-oriented approach: "The client service from the team is top-notch. They take the time to understand the facts and issues. I don’t ever feel that I’m just another client," an interviewee states.

Sources also highlight the team's ability to find solutions to the issues at hand, with one saying: "Their advice is realistic and resolution-centric."

Work highlights
Acted for Marriott in a dispute with a senior ex-employee relating to allegations of wrongful dismissal, breach of contract, discrimination and defamation.

Advised Tripartite Alliance for Fair & Progressive Employment Practices on employment training for a range of officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Manpower.

Notable practitioners
Murali Pillai acts for clients in a wide range of employment disputes, regularly advising major financial institutions and insurance companies on executive recruitment and terminations. "He is generous with his time despite his busy schedule," a client reports, adding that he is "not one to shy away from taking a position."

Desmond Wee is well versed in non-contentious employment matters and attracts praise from clients for his "fast responses" and "reliable" assistance.His practice encompasses a range of employment questions, from negotiations with trade unions to HR policies and performance plans.

Insurance

What the team is known for
Long-standing local firm with strength in both contentious and non-contentious insurance matters. Regularly acts for major international insurers as well as domestic companies. Especially active assisting clients with regulatory and corporate insurance work. Local law capability and rights of audience before Singapore courts allows for a full-service offering.

Strengths
One client highlights the group's collaborative approach, saying: "Its almost as if they were an extension of the in-house function."

Sources also note the firm's domestic profile, describing it as "a very strong Singapore insurance practice with important relationships within the insurance industry."

Work highlight
Represented Swiss Reinsurance concerning the re-domiciliation of Swiss Re Asia from Zürich to Singapore.

Acted for Cosmic Insurance on the sale of its run-off insurance business to First Capital Insurance for SGD13.8 million.

Notable practitioners
Simon Goh leads the firm's insurance and reinsurance practice. He is hugely respected for his work advising on contentious and non-contentious matters for global insurance names. His expertise includes M&A and regulatory considerations as well as the defence and pursuit of claims. Sources say: "He is very commercially savvy" and commend him for being "thorough and meticulous in his research and advice."

Elaine Tay is highly experienced advising on insurance disputes, with property and construction being areas of particular strength. She also advises on insurance regulatory compliance. Sources say: "She is very thorough and concise, rendering practical advice with minimal fluff, and she thinks ahead to address issues, even those where their relevance may not even be apparent to us at the time."

Intellectual Property

What the team is known for
Acts on advisory and contentious matters relating to patents, trade marks and copyrights. Particularly adept at copyright and patent infringement cases, as well as licensing issues. Active in sectors such as media, gaming and technology, manufacturing and renewable energy, representing multinational clients on cross-border IP litigation. Additionally well versed in handling transactional IP matters.

Strengths
Several clients praise the firm's performance and legal expertise, with one stating: "They have the depth and are able to call upon resources within the firm on issues in a wide range of areas."

Another interviewee extols: "They are very accommodating and patient. They understand local laws and they make the client understand and anticipate what the likely next steps are."

Work highlights
Assisted Sunseap Leasing with a dispute arising from allegations of patent infringement before the High Court.

Advised Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore on a dispute against Stratech Systems relating to a breach of a technology development and implementation contract involving various software systems.

Notable practitioners
Lau Kok Keng heads the department and is sought out for his expertise in IP litigation and non-contentious mandates. He demonstrates strong credentials for advising on issues in the media, sports and technology industries, with one client adding: "He has knowledge in IP matters relating to gaming." He is also singled out by clients for "showing a deep understanding of the nexus between different laws and regulations, whilst taking a practical approach to issues."

Investment Funds

What the team is known for
Well-established funds group with an excellent reputation in the Singapore market. Especially active on the formation of hedge, private equity and real estate funds. Regularly provides expert regulatory and corporate advice to leading investment groups and fund managers. Especially noted for its work on the formation and management of private funds. Draws on the expertise of its corporate practice to assist with transactional matters in this space.

Strengths
Interviewees highlight the team's understanding of the local market, with one client remarking: "They have a very deep knowledge of the laws and regulations in Singapore and they are in close dialogue with the regulators and other parties as these rules evolve."

Another client says: "They have well-respected capabilities in fund work incorporating onshore and offshore expertise. The stability of the senior management team and their consistent service delivery, even when they are very busy, has made the most impression for us. Trust and relationships are important and we have it with them."

Notable practitioners
Department head Arnold Tan is regarded by one interviewee to be "the guru in Singapore funds" and is widely acknowledged for his "in-depth understanding of regulatory requirements." He has significant expertise on establishing investment funds, including private equity, real estate and hedge funds. His work also includes assisting with fund management and compliance issues.

Anne Yeo has built a reputation as an "excellent investment funds lawyer, with strength on Singapore regulatory work in particular." Her practice encompasses the structuring, formation and restructuring of funds, especially advising fund managers. She offers strong expertise in handling cross-border matters.

Deputy head Leong Lu Yueh continues to represent financial institutions and investment managers in the structuring and formation of funds, as well as with regards to regulatory issues. One source says: "She brings a strong combination of legal expertise for both onshore and offshore and a customer-focused service. She takes the time to understand the situation, proposes the right solution for the client and takes the effort to help them understand the options and final decision process."

Projects & Energy

What the team is known for
Well known for its comprehensive regional network, with an established presence in Indonesia, Myanmar and Malaysia. Highly sought after for its expertise in power and strong experience on PPP infrastructure projects. Also experienced in the oil and gas sector. Noted for its focus on the construction and development aspects of projects, with additional expertise regarding project finance.

Work highlight
Advised Singapore Technologies Marine and Tuas Power regarding a bid for the development of a desalination plant.

Represented Malaysia Airport Holdings on the takeover and upgrade of a cooling plant in the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Notable practitioners
Sources say that Shemane Chan is "very efficient and detailed when it comes to drafting documents, and during negotiation she is always focused on the client's objective and negotiates thoroughly." She acts on construction and project development work, and is well-versed with cross-border matters as well as a range of domestic development.

Restructuring/Insolvency

What the team is known for
Stellar practice, noted for its deep bench of lawyers. Assists clients involved in high-value restructuring matters, including debtors, creditors, judicial managers and liquidators. Also well placed to advise on the enforcement of creditors' rights. Draws on its regional network to advise on cross-border matters, and offers specialist expertise from within the firm in areas such as shipping and financial services.

Strengths
The team is praised for its business awareness, with a source enthusing that "their advice is comprehensive yet easy to understand" and that "they provide practical legal opinions that are commercially viable." This interviewee also declares that "they truly understand clients' needs" and "their professionalism is simply exceptional."

Other impressed commentators agree, describing the firm's service as "detailed, responsive and solution-oriented."

Work highlights
Assisted Seadrill and its group of companies with a USD12.8 billion reorganisation plan, after the client had filed for Chapter 11 proceedings in the US Bankruptcy Court.

Advised Bumi Resources, Bumi Capital and Bumi Investment on a USD4.5 billion debt restructuring transaction with China Investment and China Development Bank.

Notable practitioners
Patrick Ang is highly respected in the market, particularly acting for financial institutions and judicial managers in major insolvency cases. Interviewees describe him as "a wonderful lawyer who is responsive and solution-driven."

Market commentators laud Lee Eng Beng SC as "the best academic and practical restructuring lawyer in Singapore." Another source praises his "expertise, sound technical knowledge and willingness to look into details." He advises on debt restructuring, judicial management and insolvency litigation.

Sim Kwan Kiat is well respected by market commentators for his insolvency expertise. He advises on workouts, judicial management, insolvency proceedings and the enforcement of creditors' rights, with particular experience in the marine and offshore sector.

Tan Chuan Thye SC is well versed in litigation and arbitration in the restructuring and insolvency sphere. He is experienced in advising clients on debt restructuring and liquidation proceedings.

Danny Ong is noted by market sources for his contentious insolvency practice. He especially handles matters involving financial institutions and is often instructed by liquidators.

Lionel Tay advises on insolvency cases in a range of sectors, including finance and shipping. Active for a range of banks and accounting firms, he is also well placed to advise on fraud issues.

Shipping

What the team is known for
Pre-eminent shipping practice which is renowned for the size and strength of its litigation team. Covers the full range of contentious matters, including ship arrests, bunker payment claims, vessel collisions and casualty dispute cases. Offers additional strength in ship financing as well as shipping-related restructuring, with clients benefiting from its regional network of offices in South-East Asia. Frequently advises major banks and commodity houses as well as P&I clubs, shipowners and charterers.

Strengths
A client praises the team for being "very commercially minded," adding: "They understand what we want and the way they do the work is tailored to meet those objectives." Another notes that "they have a deep understanding of the industry, offering advice that is commercial but sound legally."

A source also appreciates the dedication of the team and its ability to "provide clear, candid, practical and strategic advice."

Work highlights
Advising the judicial managers of Swiber Holdings and Swiber Offshore Construction on litigation arising in relation to the judicial management of the two companies.

Assisted the owners of bulk carrier 'Silvia Ambition' with opposing the vessel's arrest by a Singapore bunker supplier in Lebanon.

Notable practitioners
Leong Kah Wah continues to be regarded by market sources as a leading practitioner. He regularly advises shipowners, clubs, and underwriters on collisions and ship arrests. He recently advised the People of Eauripik on Singapore High Court proceedings in relation to damage caused by a vessel to the island's coral reef.

Head of the shipping and international trade practice, Toh Kian Sing SC has a wealth of experience advising on contentious shipping matters, including on bills of lading, charter party, insurance and cargo claims. He also regularly advises on the bankruptcy and restructuring of shipping companies. A client describes him as "very active and aggressive," while another appreciates his "legal analysis and the depth of his considerations."

Chua Choon King is known for his activity in the ship finance sphere. He often advises on sale and purchase, sale and leaseback and ship finance, frequently acting for banks. In addition he advises on general corporate matters and restructurings in the the shipping sector. A client appreciates that "whenever we have an urgent matter he dedicates his time to us."

Winston Kwek regularly advises on disputes relating to shipbuilding and defaults on agreements. He is also highly active advising financial institutions on a range of work-outs for shipping companies and shipowners. A client appreciates that he is very practical and that he "puts himself in the client's position and doesn't just quote the law, he comes up with solutions."

Ian Teo is best known for his dry shipping expertise, advising clients on shipbuilding and commodities contract disputes as well as issues relating to sanctions. He is also able to advise on wet matters including collisions.

Jainil Bhandari has over 20 years of experience and regularly acts for shipping companies and insurers on contentious matters involving cargo damage and contamination, collisions, and wreck removal. He is also qualified to practise in Malaysia and frequently advises on Malaysia-related matters.

Kendall Tan has experience on both wet and dry shipping litigations, regularly advising shipping companies and P&I clubs on collisions and loss of cargo claims. His counsel is also sought by financial institutions on restructurings in the shipping sector.

Technology, Media, Telecoms (TMT)

What the team is known for
Highly regarded outfit, well placed to provide expertise on telecoms and technology regulatory matters, as well as licensing, data protection, broadcasting and distribution issues. Acts for an impressive roster of high-end domestic and multinational social media, electronics and telecoms companies. Increasingly sought to provide advice in relation to cybersecurity issues, including drafting of cyber-breach readiness and response plans. Offers clients support in the wider region through the firm's extensive network of offices and associated firms.

Work highlights
Acted for the World Bank in relation to its work in Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria on the establishment and strengthening of their respective national digital identification systems.

Advised Metlife Innovation Centre (Lumenlab) on drafting its policy documents and key contracts with its third party service providers.

Notable practitioners
Rajesh Sreenivasan has over 16 years' experience advising on regulatory and transactional matters across the TMT sectors, with clients including telecoms service providers, state governments and multinational corporations. He is "very reputed," according to market commentators, and is especially noted for his depth of knowledge in the data protection field.

Steve Tan receives praise from a client who characterises him as a "truly dedicated and passionate TMT lawyer." The same source explains: "His knowledge in data protection laws and understanding of policymaking are key.His wealth of experience in this area of law gives me the confidence that I have been advised by one of the best in class."

South-East Asia – International Trade/WTO

What the team is known for
Offers in-depth expertise in trade matters concerning South-East Asian countries. Excels in a range of areas, including anti-dumping, export controls, safeguards and the structuring of trade flows, as well as handling customs regulatory compliance for international companies operating across a number of sectors, with particular expertise in the hi-tech, healthcare and agrifood spaces. Also works on matters involving free trade agreements and tariffs. Maintains a strong reputation for its handling of Thailand and Malaysia-related matters.

Strengths
"The work they do is customer-focused, and succinct. They try their best to understand the customers' needs and spare them the agony of reading economic legal opinions," a client attests, further explaining: "It's all very well written with the customer in mind, they know the recipient might not be a lawyer. Turnaround time is quick; partners are contactable and approachable."

Another interviewee reports: "They are client-focused and have the soft touch - making clients feel like they are walking the same journey."

Notable practitioners
Singapore-based Kala Anandarajah is "technically very sound in international and competition law," a client reports, also stating: "She is able to quickly grasp customer issues and her opinions are very focused." She advises international clients on export control issues and sanctions, among other trade matters. Another interviewee notes: "She is just so dynamic, very exciting and enthusiastic; she is a high energy lady which is great."

Asia Pacific Region – Arbitration (International)

What the team is known for
Leading Singapore firm, highlighted for its specialist arbitration practice and impressive regional range, extending to the Middle East, including especially notable coverage of Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam and maintaining an acknowledged profile in Philippines-related matters. Particularly noted for handling investor-state, construction and energy cases and regularly instructed in matters involving the operations of Chinese companies in other Asian jurisdictions. Additionally well placed to act on arbitration-related litigation in the Singapore courts, where it often provides assistance to international firms.

Work highlights
Represented the Republic of the Philippines in distinct but related sets of proceedings before the Permanent Court of Arbitration, brought by two public utilities on the alleged grounds that the Republic breached contractual undertakings granting the claimants exclusive rights in the management of waterworks and other facilities in certain parts of the country.

Notable practitioners
Andre Yeap SC is the firm's head of international arbitration.