Chambers Asia Pacific (2020)

Banking & Finance - Band 3
Corporate/M&A - Band 3
Intellectual Property - Band 4
Projects, Infrastructure & Energy - Band 1
Real Estate - Spotlight Table
Shipping - Band 2
Technology, Media, Telecoms (TMT) - Band 1

Ranked Lawyers:
Christopher Lee - Corporate/M&A (Band 3), Projects, Infrastructure & Energy (Band 1)
Clive Navin Selvapandian - Shipping (Up and Coming)
Deepak Pillai - Technology, Media, Telecoms (TMT) (Band 1)
Fiona Sequerah - Banking & Finance (Band 3)
Jack Chor - Projects, Infrastructure & Energy (Up and Coming)
Lee Hock Chye - Real Estate (Spotlight Table)
Lim Hui Ming - Real Estate (Spotlight Table)
Ng Kim Poh - Intellectual Property (Recognised Practitioner)
Yon See Ting - Competition/Antitrust (Band 3), Corporate/M&A (Band 4)

Banking & Finance 

What the team is known for 
Established and experienced team handling a comprehensive range of finance matters, on behalf of both Malaysian and international banks. Often advises energy companies on project financing, especially relating to solar power plants. Also handles syndicated loans, acquisition and asset finance, and restructuring. Conversant in both conventional and Islamic finance, with additional expertise regarding DCM and fintech.

Strengths 
A client appreciates that the firm provides the services of "a working business partner."

Work highlights 
Advised CIMB Investment Bank, HSBC Bank Malaysia, HSBC Amanah Bank Malaysia and Maybank Investment Bank on a MYR60 billion joint conventional and Islamic MTN programme, which was issued by Cagamas.

Notable practitioners
Fiona Sequerah is well regarded by market sources for her experience of banking and finance transactions in Malaysia. She has notable expertise in handling syndicated loan arrangements, aviation financing and conventional and Islamic banking.

Corporate/M&A

What the team is known for 
Robust corporate team, advising on a broad range of transactional and regulatory issues. Acts for domestic and international clients on M&A, private equity deals and corporate restructuring, including cross-border transactions. Especially active in the manufacturing, consumer goods and retail sectors. Also handles equity capital market offerings, including overseas listings.

Strengths 
One client enthuses: "They have excellent legal knowledge and ability in a broad range of legal areas, including below partner and senior associate level, as well as an international network."

Another source adds: "They are extremely good at explaining core issues to people with little or no legal background, and their accessibility is also a particular strength."

Work highlights 
Represented CITIC Capital Partners Management and Fountainvest Partners in the USD359 million acquisition of a 33% stake in China Merchants Loscam.

Notable practitioners
Christopher Lee has a well-regarded corporate practice with notable experience of advising clients on M&A and joint ventures, with particular expertise in the infrastructure space. Clients comment: "He is very hands-on and his advice is focused and commercially driven."

Yon See Ting is acknowledged for her experience in handling M&A transactions, as well as corporate restructuring and ECM deals. A client observes that "she is excellent in terms of client relationship management, responsiveness and accessibility," as well as "her commercial approach and problem solving."

Intellectual Property

What the team is known for 
Advises on the full gamut of IP work, from prosecution and litigation to advisory and enforcement. Often engaged on trade mark, patent and copyright infringement mandates. Assists multinational companies as well as domestic clients. Able to leverage its affiliation with the Rajah & Tann regional network.

Strengths 
One client comments: "They are go-getters and strong team players." This interviewee adds that "they put in the effort to know exactly what the customer wants."

A further source reports that "their responses are always quick and easy to understand."

Work highlights 
Acted for the defendants, which included Skyworld Holdings, against a plaintiff claim for trade mark infringement, passing off and unlawful interference with trade action.

Notable practitioners
Sri Sarguna Raj and Ng Kim Poh are key points of contact.

Projects, Infrastructure & Energy

What the team is known for 
Leading projects team, known in the market for its extensive regional expertise in power and infrastructure. Able to advise on both project finance and development, it frequently acts on renewable energy projects, including waste and solar energy, as well as infrastructure projects. Additionally well placed to assist clients with construction and O&M agreements. Represents both Malaysian and international clients in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Strengths 
Clients comment: "They have excelled in delivering services to our company. Their lawyers are skilled and proficient with a depth of industry knowledge and understanding."

Another interviewee praises the team for being "practical, flexible and knowledgeable, acting more as a working colleague than as counsel."

Work highlights 
Advised MSR Projects on EPC and O&M contracts for the development of a 29.99 MW solar power plant in Terengganu state.

Notable practitioners
Christopher Lee is considered by market sources to be a leading practitioner for major infrastructure projects in Malaysia, with extensive experience of advising on financing, as well as construction contracts. A client reports that "he has very good market knowledge" and provides "crucial advice towards us making decisions."

Jack Chor has a growing reputation for his handling of renewable energy matters, especially relating to solar power. Clients say: "He is able to think outside the box and is practical, flexible and knowledgeable."

Shipping

What the team is known for 
Offers significant cross-border capability owing to its membership of the Rajah & Tann Asia network. Frequently represents clients in litigation and arbitration proceedings, as well as handling ship arrests. Handles a range of collision, charter party and cargo cases, as well as maritime insurance and ship finance matters. Often acts for clients in the offshore energy and insurance spaces, as well as ship owners.

Strengths 
One client states: "They are extremely good at explaining core issues to people with little or no legal background, and their accessibility is also a particular strength."

Notable practitioners
Clive Navin Selvapandian advises clients in relation to shipping disputes, including collision, charter party and cargo cases. One client attests: "He makes the effort to explain issues in depth to us."

Technology, Media, Telecoms (TMT)

What the team is known for 
Pre-eminent TMT group in Malaysia, regularly instructed by leading international corporates, as well as domestic industry associations and mobile operators. Advises on a diverse range of matters, including data protection, cybersecurity, fintech and IT contracts. Additionally has expertise in regulatory issues in the media space. Advises a range of clients from such sectors as banking, telecoms and insurance.

Strengths 
A client praises the team's "effective and solution-oriented" approach, adding: "They take the time and effort in getting to know us."

An interviewee notes: "They are committed to servicing their clients."

Work highlights 
Advised a Malaysian bank on the replacement of its core IT system.

Notable practitioners
Deepak Pillai has a market-leading reputation for his handling of technology matters, especially IT and data protection issues, including Internet of Things and cloud matters. One client remarks: "His advice is of a high quality and provides great value to us."