Chambers Asia Pacific (2020)
Banking & Finance - Band 2
Banking & Finance: Regulatory - 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 1
Employment - Band 1
Insurance - Band 2
Intellectual Property - Band 2
Investment Funds - Band 2
Projects & Energy - Band 1
Real Estate - Band 2
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 3
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: 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 3)
Hamidul Haq - Corporate Investigations/Anti-Corruption (Band 1)
Jainil Bhandari - Shipping: Litigation (Band 3)
Jasmine Chew - Investment Funds (Band 4)
Jonathan Yuen - Employment (Band 2)
Kala Anandarajah - Competition/Antitrust (Band 1), Employment (Recognised Practitioner), South-East Asia: International Trade/WTO (Spotlight Table)
Kendall Tan - Shipping: Litigation (Band 3)
Larry Lim - Capital Markets: Securitisation & Derivatives (Recognised Practitioner)
Lau Kok Keng - Asia-Pacific Region: Gaming & Gambling (Band 2), Intellectual Property: Litigation (Band 2)
Lawrence Tan - Corporate/M&A (Band 5)
Lee Eng Beng SC - Dispute Resolution: Litigation (Band 1), Restructuring/Insolvency (Band 1)
Lee Weilin - Banking & Finance (Recognised Practitioner)
Leong Kah Wah - Shipping: Litigation (Band 1)
Lionel Tan - Technology, Media, Telecoms (TMT) (Recognised Practitioner)
Lionel Tay - Restructuring/Insolvency (Band 3)
Murali Pillai SC - Employment (Band 2)
Ng Kim Beng - Construction (Band 3)
Ng Sey Ming - Banking & Finance (Band 3)
Norman Ho - Real Estate (Band 2)
Patrick Ang - Restructuring/Insolvency (Band 1)
Philip Yeo - Investment Funds (Band 4)
Rajesh Sreenivasan - Technology, Media, Telecoms (TMT) (Band 1)
Regina Liew - Banking & Finance: Regulatory (Band 1), Capital Markets: Securitisation & Derivatives (Band 2)
Sandy Foo - Corporate/M&A (Band 3)
Shemane Chan - Construction (Band 4), Projects & Energy (Band 1)
Sim Kwan Kiat - Restructuring/Insolvency (Band 1)
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 4), Restructuring/Insolvency (Band 3)
Terence Choo - Banking & Finance (Band 4)
Thong Chee Kun - Corporate Investigations/Anti-Corruption (Recognised Practitioner)
Toh Kian Sing SC - Shipping: Litigation (Band 1)
Vikna Rajah - Tax (Band 3)
Winston Kwek - Shipping: Litigation (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. Capable of handling Shari'a-compliant financings, with recent experience advising on murabaha financings. Additionally offers notable expertise regarding fintech issues. 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.
Strengths
Clients value the commercial advice the team provides, reporting: "They provided very sound advice and were most helpful in providing a solution. They took the time to explain to us the risk for each part of the transaction and offer advice on how such risk can be mitigated."
Work highlights
Acted for RHB Bank on its SGD300 million commodity murabaha term financing facilities provided to Royal Group, relating to its acquisition of Sofitel So Hotel.
Notable practitioners
Angela Lim is a seasoned practitioner who has a stellar reputation for her work on cross-border transactions, from acquisition and leveraged financings to project and real estate financings. Clients praise her efficient handling of matters, with one noting: "Turnaround time is the most important aspect for us and she is able to turn it around in good time, ensuring that the deal meets our parameters, which is obviously key."
Regina Liew is a distinguished practitioner with substantial experience in both transactional and regulatory matters. She has particularly in-depth knowledge of fintech regulations, with clients remarking upon the "helpful and succinct advice" she provides. One interviewee reports: "She is my first port of call due to her regulatory expertise. She is definitely a leading light in that area and is very responsive and insightful in the way she responds to queries."
Ng Sey Ming is admired for his adept handling of high-value cross-border financings relating to Indonesia, frequently acting for a range of major regional banks. One client states: "We work extensively with him and would rate his contribution as excellent."
Terence Choo is an established practitioner who attracts praise for his handling of real estate and project financing matters as well as corporate restructurings.
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. Its client roster includes issuers as well as underwriters. 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
Clients report that they have had "very good experience working with Rajah & Tann in Singapore."
Work highlights
Acted for the issuer, Koufu Group and the vendor, Jun Yuan Holdings, on the SGD350 million IPO of Koufu on the main board of the Singapore Exchange.
Notable practitioners
Danny Lim is "highly regarded" in the market, according to interviewees. His areas of expertise include IPOs, rights issues and placements.
Evelyn Wee's practice is focused on equity capital markets and she regularly advises on IPOs, follow-on offerings and placements. She offers notable experience advising REITs and business trusts.
Chia Kim Huat offers considerable experience advising on IPOs and private placements as well as corporate transactions. He is particularly well placed to act for Chinese clients.
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. Notably offers experience in the establishment of exchanges. Clients include high-profile banks, clearing houses, regulators and exchanges.
Strengths
One client appreciates the team's "accurate and commercial" advice, explaining that "the team seeks to understand how institutional investors like us operate and find something that works which we can meaningfully implement."
Notable practitioners
Interviewees say Regina Liew has "extensive knowledge of the financial industry and local law and regulations," adding that she possesses "the long background necessary for understanding the regulator's expectations." She is best known for her expertise in the licensing of derivatives investments and the establishment of investment platforms.
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. 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. The team also advises on compliance and provides training to clients.
Strengths
One satisfied client finds the team "very responsive, quite practical and able to give advice on short notice."
A further source notes that the firm offers "top-notch client service and commercial awareness" and is "very in touch with the latest developments in competition law."
Work highlights
Acted as Singapore joint-counsel for Essilor and Luxottica on its merger notification to the CCCS. This was the first conglomerate merger to be reviewed by the CCCS under a phase two review.
Notable practitioners
Kala Anandarajah is described by a client as "pragmatic and well respected as one of the top people in the market," while another source appreciates that she is "extremely commercially minded." She advises clients across the region on merger filings, cartel investigations and advisory work.
Construction
What the team is known for
Respected disputes team with considerable experience advising on construction matters for project sponsors, developers and contractors. Has deep experience in negotiating EPC contracts for energy and infrastructure construction projects. Sought out for redevelopment mandates in real estate and infrastructure. Regularly acts on construction disputes across South-East Asia, including complex multiparty disputes. Dedicated construction project risk analysis and mitigation capability, able to assist in markets such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and China.
Strengths
Clients praise the team's availability, with one noting: "The team has been very proactive, as well as willing to work weekends and late through the night with us. They're generally good on all fronts."
Another client states: "The firm responds quickly and is able to provide legal solutions and commercial insights into issues. They offer practical solutions and are eager to assist in commercial negotiations."
Work highlights
Advised One Bangkok as developer on concessions for the construction of utilities as part of a private sector property development in Thailand.
Notable practitioners
Ng Kim Beng is well known for handling EPC contracting in relation to major project developments in Singapore and the wider region. "He's a really fine lawyer," remarks one interviewee.
Sought after by clients, Soh Lip San is described by one source as "very hands-on and commercially astute." He advises on major contentious and non-contentious construction matters for high-profile clients.
Shemane Chan "has an intensive practice in traditional front-end construction," asserts one commentator. An established name in the market, she often advises on redevelopment and construction relating to real estate and infrastructure.
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 as well as privatisations.
Strengths
Clients say: "The team is responsive, prompt and very adaptable. They are also willing to work with the client to go the extra mile."
Work highlights
Acted for Singapore Press on its USD1.4 billion acquisition of a controlling stake in M1 making the offer through Konnectivity, a joint venture with Keppel and Singapore Press.
Notable practitioners
Lawrence Tan has a broad practice encompassing mergers, takeovers and capital markets transactions. He regularly acts for corporate investors and major financial institutions.
Sandy Foo is well regarded by market commentators for her transactional practice. She acts for major clients including financial institutions and private equity firms on complex cross-border transactions.
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. Well placed to provide specialist advice on construction-related disputes.
Strengths
Clients find that the individual practitioners "work very well as a team and provide in-depth analysis of a matter."
Market sources acknowledge that the firm is "one of the biggest operators in Singapore."
Work highlights
Acted for the Republic of the Philippines in an arbitration concerning breach of contract claims concerning tax payables connected to an oil and gas concession brought by Chevron and Shell.
Notable practitioners
Andre Yeap SC is noted by sources for his long-standing reputation. His diverse practice includes international arbitration and commercial litigation.
Market sources say Tan Chuan Thye SC is a "well-known and high-profile" counsel in the commercial arbitration field. Clients also benefit from his experience as an arbitrator.
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 are highly satisfied with the service provided by the team and highlight practitioners' "strong analytical and advocacy skills."
A further source sums up: "They're fantastic, responsive, well organised and a pleasure to work with."
Work highlights
Represented Deloitte, the liquidators, in a suit against the executive chairman, an executive director and the senior projects manager of Poh Lian Construction, the company in liquidation.
Notable practitioners
Andre Yeap SC has extensive experience in the dispute resolution field having handled shareholder and securities disputes as well as fraud and estate matters. He is well regarded by the market for his handling of complex disputes.
Danny Ong handles investigations and litigation arising from the financial services sector. Clients remark: "He is extremely effective in that he is able to turn on the dial where he has to be more assertive but is also attuned to the commercial realities such that he effectively advises us on the most advantageous position."
Lee Eng Beng SC is renowned for his long career and impressive track record in handling commercial and insolvency litigation. Market sources speak well of him, with one commenting: "He is very smart and has a good corporate background as well, which comes in handy."
Francis Xavier SC is a well-known name in the market with significant experience representing listed companies and high net worth individuals in commercial disputes.
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 SC 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
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. Also advises clients on employment policies and contracts.
Strengths
A pleased client notes that "their work is clear, precise and efficient."
Another client appreciates the team's "quick turnaround and great technical skills."
Work highlights
Advising Prudential Assurance Company Singapore in action against a former employee for breach of contract and fiduciary duties.
Notable practitioners
Desmond Wee is recognised as a non-contentious employment specialist. One client notes: "He is one of the best employment practitioners we have dealt with and a consistent go-to person for employment matters. He is able to give us clear, quick and practical advice and does not overcomplicate matters." He acts on matters ranging from redundancies to audits of employment practices.
Jonathan Yuen is known for his employment disputes work. A pleased client notes that "he is not just good technically, he is also very savvy and understands international companies." He frequently acts on wrongful termination claims and sexual harassment matters.
Murali Pillai SC is known by sources as an excellent litigator. He has experience advising on a range of employment litigations involving matters including unfair dismissal, misappropriation and breach of duty.
Intellectual Property
What the team is known for
The firm’s IP department is involved with contentious and non-contentious cases concerning patents, trade marks and copyrights. Well known for advising clients on IP licensing and brand protection, and advises on transactional deals in relation to the transfer and licensing of IP rights. Demonstrates strong knowledge of media, sports and technology industries through multi-jurisdictional IP litigation cases.
Strengths
A client notes that “the firm has been responsive and prompt to respond to our requests for assistance, sometimes at very short notice,” also praising its ability to provide “invaluable strategic and business advice and legal assistance whenever needed.”
Work highlights
Acted for the clean energy provider Sunseap Group in an application to strike out the defendants’ counterclaim seeking revocation of the patent. Successfully defended against the plaintiff before the Assistant Registrar and subsequently before the Court of Appeal.
Notable practitioners
Lau Kok Keng heads the department and focuses on IP litigation, particularly in the sports, media and gaming industries. He handles both contentious and non-contentious IP matters. One client appreciates “his deep domain knowledge of IP matters," while another adds: "He is very thorough and leaves no stone unturned."
Investment Funds
What the team is known for
Frequently advises a variety of leading global funds groups that encompass a broad spectrum of strategies including hedge, private equity and real estate funds. Adept in offering advice to major investment groups on corporate reorganisation and M&A. Particularly distinguished for its work on the creation and management of private funds.
Strengths
A client notes this is “a great firm with great people – very long term in their approach and excellent client service especially if course adjustments are required in a given transaction.”
A further interviewee reports: "For me what matters the most is they are able to give very sound advice from an investor's point of view as well as fund manager's point of view and will share with me what the pros and cons are. The partners at Rajah & Tann have enough exposure and obviously the know-how to be able to give good advice."
Notable practitioners
Anne Yeo frequently engages with fund managers on the full gamut of investment funds work, including fund formation, restructuring and advisory arrangements for hedge, private equity, venture capital and real estate funds. Clients include institutional investors operating in multiple jurisdictions in the real estate and private equity space. A client notes she is “very commercial, so provides a great blend of advice.”
Arnold Tan is well versed in providing advice to clients on hedge, private equity and real estate funds. His work includes assisting with compliance and regulatory obligations. A market commentator says that “his knowledge of the regulatory landscape in Singapore is very strong.”
Jasmine Chew acts on a wide range of matters, most notably investment advisory operations in Singapore. Active in the formation and restructuring of investment funds, including hedge and hybrid funds and related regulatory issues. A client says she has “a lot of experience on the regulatory side,” adding: “She is someone who does not hesitate to put her point of view very clearly.”
Philip Yeo is known for advising on the formation of Singapore and offshore funds in addition to assisting with licensing obligations of Singapore-based fund managers. A client says Yeo is “quick in understanding and astute in framing the problem.”
Projects & Energy
What the team is known for
Well known for its comprehensive regional network, with an established presence in Indonesia, Myanmar and Malaysia. Often instructed on notably unique deals in the Singapore market. 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.
Strengths
Commentary highlights the team's diligent guidance, with one client noting: "They were immaculately patient and instrumental in the negotiation and execution of documentation. Without their help we would have faced tremendous difficulties completing the project financing documentation. They painstakingly guided us through the treacherous and confusing regulations and negotiated tirelessly in order to secure the best position for us."
Another client says: "The partners have good commercial awareness, are quick to respond to queries and are contactable at all times. They have a great deal of experience in dealing with projects in the region, and are able to provide sound advice involving parties from various jurisdictions."
Work highlights
Advised Facebook on its SGD1.4 billion investment in a project to construct a data centre in Singapore.
Notable practitioners
Shemane Chan impresses with her considerable experience acting on Singapore projects and energy matters. "She's responsive, contactable and willing to accommodate clients’ timelines," says a client.
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
One client highlights the firm's broader depth as an important strength, saying: "The firm has specialisations in different areas of practice and hence is able to tap into its partners in other areas whenever required."
Another client praises the team's focus on achieving solutions: "The one thing I find about them which I value is that they're very results-oriented, they're not just trying to extend the bill."
Work highlights
Acted for the judicial managers of Swiber Holdings and Swiber Offshore Construction with regard to various issues relating to the company's judicial management.
Notable practitioners
Tan Chuan Thye SC maintains a broad practice in the restructuring and insolvency sphere and is particularly known for his work on insolvency disputes. He has experience assisting debtors on debt restructuring and liquidations.
Danny Ong has an established practice acting on contentious insolvency matters, representing banks and insolvency appointees. "Danny has a great breadth of experience and is very well connected in the region," comments one client. "He is a pleasure to work with and always bends over backwards to provide the right advice."
Lee Eng Beng SC is praised for his "very practical commerciality" by one market commentator. Distinguishing himself in the realm of contentious insolvency cases, an interviewee comments of him: "Lee Eng Beng is singularly the most impressive counsel I have seen in court on matters relating to restructuring and insolvency."
Sim Kwan Kiat acts for debtors, creditors and appointees on a variety of insolvency and restructuring issues and is particularly noted for his experience operating on matters in the shipping space. A client praises his aptitude for providing clear and straightforward assistance, noting: "He's very good at just providing short and succinct pieces of advice that we can use in a practical way. We're not lawyers so being able to synthesise things in a simple way is really helpful."
Lionel Tay is described as "a veteran in this field" by one client who goes on to add: "He's very amiable with a fantastic personality. When it comes to getting fair advice he's very helpful and he's able to be very commercial and take a commercial view of matters." He acts for creditors and borrowers in distress and can handle both formal insolvencies and informal restructurings.
Patrick Ang is a revered figure in the market, one client commenting: "As an individual his reputation really precedes him in the restructuring and insolvency space. He's built up quite a regional practice, and being able to provide that advice which reflects the region is really helpful." His clients include distressed companies, major banks and judicial managers.
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, ship owners and charterers.
Strengths
A client appreciates that the "depth and breadth of knowledge is unsurpassed," another describing the team as "highly knowledgeable and professional people who are sharp in their advice and aggressive in litigation."
The team is also noted for its "sound legal analysis coupled with practical insights on the industry and practices."
Work highlights
Acted for OCBC against the owners of the vessel 'Yue You 902' in a cargo misdelivery claim.
Notable practitioners
Chua Choon King is noted for his activity on ship finance matters and other corporate shipping issues. He has expertise in ship sale and purchase agreements as well as leasing matters, often advising banks on such matters.
Jainil Bhandari is described by a source as "very diligent in his work and a go-to man in Singapore." He is regularly involved in shipping disputes and has experience on pollution-related matters as well as cargo damage and ship safety matters.
Leong Kah Wah is a prestigious figure in the market, frequently advising on shipping disputes in the Singapore courts as well as on arbitrations. He is experienced in both wet and dry disputes. A client commends his clear analysis and advice, while another describes him as "a results person."
Kendall Tan regularly acts on shipping disputes, including on recovery claims and wet disputes. A client testifies to his "merits as an astute legal professional with outstanding and practical commercial understanding."
Toh Kian Sing SC is described by a pleased clients as the "foremost legal mind on maritime and related banking issues," while another adds that he "continues to be a shipping stalwart, and our first port of call for shipping matters." He is experienced in shipping disputes ranging from bills of lading disputes, to smuggling and ship sale and purchase litigation. Another source notes that he is involved in all of the big matters in Singapore.
Winston Kwek is known for his "in depth-industry expertise," according to interviewees. He regularly advises banks on litigation related to restructurings in the shipping industry. He also has experience in tax-related disputes as well as wet shipping matters.
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 after to provide advice in relation to cybersecurity issues, including drafting of cyber-breach readiness and response plans, and in ensuring compliance with the provisions of Singapore's Personal Data Protection Act. Offers clients support in the wider region through the firm's extensive network of offices and associated firms.
Strengths
Members of this team are variously complimented by interviewees as being "at the top of their game," "very responsive, practical and able to give advice at short notice," and the beneficiaries of "an exposure to many different organisations globally."
Work highlights
Advised Facebook with regard to the SGD1.4 billion development of its first data centre in Asia in Tanjong Kling.
Notable practitioners
Practice head Rajesh Sreenivasan maintains a comprehensive TMT practice, focusing principally on transactional and regulatory mandates and acting for a variety of leading domestic, regional and international companies, government entities and influential industry bodies. Particularly well known for his handling of cybersecurity and data protection issues, he is acknowledged by market sources as a prominent figure on the TMT scene.
Steve Tan operates in many areas of TMT work, notably including those concerning data protection issues, the development of innovative technology or the digital media entertainment sphere, bringing to his mandates the insights which come from having worked within the commercial IT sector. A client who enthuses: "He is fantastic," goes on to emphasise that one of his key strengths lies in his ability to "explain things concisely and accurately, ensuring that it will be understood by people who haven't had legal training."
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
Clients report: "They are very service-oriented, and they understand the needs of the client; their advice is clear and practical. We never had to go back to ask for clarification and to challenge it. They give good, practical advice."
Notable practitioners
Kala Anandarajah is adept at handling customs issues, as well as advising on matters related to trade remedies and import and export. A source reports that she "has a broad knowledge of both trade and competition law, and is geographically knowledgeable, so she knows both what is happening in Singapore and in the region."
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 and energy cases, regularly instructed in matters involving the operations of Chinese companies in other Asian jurisdictions and highly active in disputes generated by regional construction projects. Additionally well placed to act on arbitration-related litigation in the Singapore courts, where it often provides assistance to international firms.
Strengths
Market commentators name Rajah & Tann as a firm with one of the region's "bigger and stronger" practices in this space.
An interviewee observes that practice members "work very well as a team and provide in-depth analysis of a matter."
Work highlights
Acted for the Republic of the Philippines in the ICC arbitration of claims by Shell and Chevron that the client breached the terms of an oil and gas service contract which obliged it to pay their relevant income tax obligations, valued in excess of USD15 billion.
Notable practitioners
Andre Yeap SC is head of the firm's international arbitration department.