The Legal 500 - Asia Pacific (2019)

R&T Sok & Heng Law Office – Cambodia

Leading Firm - Tier 2

R&T Sok & Heng Law Office is best known for its work advising clients on banking, real estate and project finance matters. Managing partner Chhay Heng leads a team of five partners who act for clients that include Citibank, Credit Suisse AG and the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ. In one highlight, the firm, using a Chinese Wall arrangement, assisted both Donaco International (as the borrower) and Mega International Commercial Bank (as the lender) in relation to refinancing a term loan facility worth $57m. Elsewhere, Sophonnora Tiv acted for Crystal International Limited, a Hong Kong-based knitwear and casual wear manufacturer, in its HK$4.4bn global offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the largest IPO of a home-grown company in more than two years.

 

Assegaf Hamzah & Partners – Indonesia

Antitrust and competition - Tier 1
Aviation - Tier 1
Banking and finance - Tier 1
Capital markets - Tier 1
Corporate and M&A - Tier 1
Dispute Resolution - Tier 1
Intellectual property - Tier 3
IT and telecoms - Tier 1
Labour and employment - Tier 2
Projects and energy - Tier 2
Real Estate - Tier 1
Restructuring and insolvency - Tier 2
Shipping - Tier 2
Tax - Tier 1

Leading Lawyers:
Ahmad Fikri Assegaf - Banking and Finance, Capital Markets, Corporate and M&A
Bono Daru Adji - Capital Markets
Chandra Hamzah - Dispute Resolution
Wibowo Mukti - Tax
Zacky Husein - IT and Telecoms

Next Generation Lawyer:
Mohammad Renaldi Zulkarnain - Capital Markets
Carol Lim - Coporate and M&A

Antitrust and competition
For some, Assegaf Hamzah & Partners has 'the strongest antitrust practice in Indonesia'. Chandra Hamzah leads the team and advised Japfa Comfeed Indonesia which was found by the Komisi Pengawas Persaingan Usaha (KPPU) watchdog of operating a cartel. Farid Nasution was recently made partner following a stint at the KPPU. Other key individuals include of counsel Vovo Iswanto, who regularly advises on the competition aspect of transactions, and Asep Ridwan, who is 'a really good litigation partner'.

Aviation
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners' presence in the aviation sector stems from its banking and finance, capital markets and dispute resolution practices. Chandra Hamzah co-heads the team and is an expert in litigation, whereas fellow practice head Eri Hertiawan has extensive experience in ADR. Hertiawan is defending Air Asia in a tort action brought by four customers who were refused check-in and board despite having valid tickets. For capital markets, Bono Daru Adji assisted Garuda Maintenance Facility Aero Asia with its initial public offering on the Indonesian Stock Exchange. In banking and finance, Indira Yustikania advised DBS Bank on financing the acquisition of two aircraft for ICBC Leasing and leased to Garuda Indonesia.

Banking and Finance
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners is 'very good for banking and finance matters' and 'understands what the risks are for foreign lenders investing in Indonesia'. Ibrahim Assegaf helms the team and is 'a very pragmatic lawyer' who 'tells you outright what the risks are in your structure' and 'jumps in on important issues when appropriate'; Assegaf recently advised Indonesia Infrastructure Finance on its $150m loan from The International Finance Corporation. Ahmad Fikri Assegaf is also a key figure and assisted PSN Enam Indonesia with its $154m loan from Export Development Canada. Yanu Wiriasmoko is experienced in handling leveraged buyout deals and structured financings. Also recommended are Indira Yustikania and senior associate Astrid Widyakartika Handaka.

Capital Markets
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners is well known for equity and debt issuances, with clients that include Medco Energi and the Indonesian government. Managing partner Bono Daru Adji helms the team and is an expert in public offerings, refinancings and acquisition finance; he advised ABM Investama on its bonds issuance worth $300m. Ahmad Fikri Assegaf assisted SEA Limited with the Indonesian elements of its US IPO and acted for the Indonesian government on the establishment of its first green sukuk bond. Mohammad Renaldi Zulkarnain is skilled in handling high-yield debt and equity offerings, as well as issuances of sovereign and corporate sukuk bonds. Also recommended is Tunggul Purusa Utomo who is experienced in onshore and offshore offerings.

Corporate and M&A
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners has an enviable client roster that includes Star Energy, Tokopedia and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts. Team head Eko Basyuni advised Toppan Printing on its merger with Plasindo and acted for DKSH on its 60% of shares purchase of Wicaksana Overseas International. Ahmad Fikri Assegaf acted for Kohlberg Kravis Roberts in its acquisition of a 12.64% stake in IndoSari Roti and assisted Sri Rejeki Isman on its collective acquisitions of Bitratrex Industries and Primayudha Mandirijaya. Also recommended are Valerie Ngooi Ming Hui, who is skilled in takeovers, M&A and restructurings, and senior associate Carol Lim.

Dispute Resolution
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners has a diverse disputes practice that handles cases relating to commercial, antitrust, tax and customs, aviation and intellectual property (IP). Chandra Hamzah co-heads the group and advised Japfa Comfeed Indonesia after it was discovered to be operating a cartel. Fellow practice head Eri Hertiawan acted for Sudirman Kurniawan on a tort action against PSL for violation of shareholder rights.

IT and Telecoms
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners's TMT practice focuses on transactions, regulatory, data privacy and cybersecurity matters. Zacky Husein helms the team and has been busy advising a number of international and domestic clients on personal data regulations. Other notable work highlights included Ahmad Fikri Assegaf advising GO-JEK on its series e round of fundraising and Ibrahim Assegaf assisting Oriente Finance with its joint venture with an Indonesian company to set up a technology-based financial institution.

Intellectual Property
With expertise in both contentious and non-contentious IP issues, Assegaf Hamzah & Partners is particularly strong in dealing with trade mark searches, registrations and renewals. Key clients include Paypal, Apple and Indosat. Chandra Hamzah is the name to note and recently advised Les' Copaque Production over the rejection of one of its trade marks.

Labour and Employment
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners specialises in contentious matters. Ahmad Maulana heads up the practice and represented Alpen when it experienced a six-week strike by its workers.

Projects and Energy
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners has traditionally worked on projects involving oil, coal and gas, but has recently experienced an uptick in renewable energy mandates. Ibrahim Assegaf co-heads the department and assisted Asian Development Bank with the financing to Energi Bayu Jeneponto for the development of a wind power plant. He also advised Indonesia Infrastructure Finance which received $150m in financing from The International Finance Corporation for the purpose of financing several infrastructure projects. Fellow practice head Kanya Satwika is also active in the energy and mining sectors.

Real Estate
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners' real estate practice is highly skilled in both contentious and non-contentious issues. Yogi Marsono leads the team and advised cement manufacturer Semen Indonesia on its acquisition of 400 hectares of land in Central Java. Bono Daru Adji is also a key figure and assisted Nirvana Wastu Pratama with its acquisition of Gorontalo Mall and Maqna Hotel Gorontalo through a shares acquisition of the entities' owner and operator, Primerindo Kencana. Also recommended are M&A practice head Eko Basyuni, who is active in real estate transactions, and disputes specialist Eri Hertiawan, who is often instructed in real estate-related disputes.

Restructuring and Insolvency
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners' banking and finance team is regularly involved in restructuring and insolvency deals. The team, led by Indira Yustikania, acted for PT UTAC Manufacturing Services Indonesia in the negotiation and execution of an indenture. The transaction is significant as it allows the company to successfully emerge from Chapter 13 bankruptcy in the US after three years of extended litigation. Ibrahim Assegaf is a key figure, as is disputes practitioner Ahmad Maulana.

Shipping
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners has expertise in both contentious and non-contentious shipping matters. Work highlights include Bono Daru Adji advising the port Nusantara Pelabuhan Handal on its Initial Public Offering and Ibrahim Assegaf assisting Kredi Bankasi with a loan to finance an Indonesian floating powership.

Tax
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners advises on compliance, audits, disputes and appeals in the tax space. Wibowo Mukti heads the practice and was instructed by Clifford Chance LLP to advise on tax matters pertaining to its client's Commerzbank's business activities in Indonesia. Muslimin Damanhuri advised the World Wildlife Fund on the tax implications behind its Indonesian affiliate Alam Bukit Tigapuluh. International tax and transfer pricing specialist Nazly Parlindungan Siregar is also highly recommended.

 

Rajah & Tann (Laos) Co., Ltd. – Lao PDR

Leading Firm - Tier 2

The lion's share of Rajah & Tann (Laos)'s practice comprises regulatory compliance, business incorporation and banking and finance work for inward investors from around East Asia. Past highlights include advising the Export-Import Bank of China on security documents in relation to a $50m loan facility granted by the client to the Government of Laos for the development of the national grid. Brian Ng and Khanti Syackhaphom are the key contacts.

 

Christopher & Lee Ong – Malaysia

Antitrust and Competition - Tier 1
Banking & Finance - Tier 2
Capital Markets - Tier 4
Corporate and M&A - Tier 1
Dispute Resolution - Tier 3
Intellectual Property - Tier 1
Labour and Employment - Tier 2
Projects and Energy - Tier 1
Real Estate and Construction - Tier 3
Shipping - Tier 1
TMT - Tier 1

Leading Lawyers:
Christopher Lee - Projects and Energy
Clive Selvapandian - Shipping
Deepak Pillai - TMT
Eileen Yeoh - Projects and Energy
Intan Haryati - TMT
Kuok Yew Chen - Corporate and M&A, TMT
Sri Sarguna Raj - Intellectual Property

Next Generation Lawyer:
Kimberly Goh - Corporate and M&A
Yong Shih Han - TMT

Antitrust and Competition
Headed jointly by Yon See Ting and Kuok Yew Chen, the practice at Christopher & Lee Ong is active in a range of sectors, including aviation, financial services, logistics and fast-moving consumer goods; it handles contentious and non-contentious work for high-profile clients. Yon represented Prudential Assurance Malaysia in the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC)'s investigation of an alleged insurance cartel; she also has experience in advising on the antitrust aspects of M&A, reviewing distribution and supply agreements, and horizontal and vertical corporate structuring.

Banking & Finance
Christopher & Lee Ong's department frequently handles large corporate, project and structured finance mandates, and has excellent strength in depth; it is especially active on the borrower side. Christopher Lee is noted for his 'remarkable ability to understand and dissect complex oil supply contracts'; he heads the practice jointly with Fiona Sequerah and Jack Chor. Jenny Hong left for a role in-house at China Construction Bank (Malaysia) in March 2018.

Capital Markets
Though it handles sukuk issuances, Christopher & Lee Ong's 'responsive' practice is best known for its equity capital markets work. Key contact Yon See Ting advised Regent Wise Investments on its application to the Malaysian Securities Commission for an exemption from making a mandatory takeover offer after buying a 17% stake in MCT. Por Chuei Ying was Malaysian counsel to FSM Holdings on its IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Corporate and M&A
Christopher & Lee Ong's department regularly acts on high-value, cross-border mandates, and has impressive strength in depth. Lee Hock Chye and Por Chuei Ying acted for Top Glove on its RM1.37bn purchase of Aspion from Adventa Capital; Yon See Ting and Kelvin Kho advised Financière Esterel on its purchase of a 60% stake in Pyrometro Services. Tracy Wong made partner in January 2018; Yau Yee Ming and Kuok Yew Chen are also highly active M&A practitioners.

Dispute Resolution
Christopher & Lee Ong fields an experienced team of litigators and arbitrators. John Mathew and Heng Yee Keat defended Maybank in a case brought by Bank of Nova Scotia regarding an allegedly unfair bank charge. Corporate and commercial litigator Niak Hiong Keong, who made partner in 2018 together with shipping and commodities expert Clive Selvapandian, acted for Leading Innovative Technologies & Systems in resisting an injunction filed against it relating to a parking app. Han Li Meng is recommended for construction disputes.

Intellectual Property
The 'very knowledgeable, highly trusted' three-partner practice at Christopher & Lee Ong is increasingly busy in trade mark registration, though it handles a wide complement of matters. Steven Cheok , Ng Kim Poh and 'brilliant, dedicated' group head Sri Sarguna Raj defended Powerscan in a patent infringement case brought by Nuctech, and represented Phi Orion in a copyright infringement case that involved alleged breaching of confidential data. DNC Asiatic Holdings is another copyright client; Coca-Cola Refreshments Malaysia is a client on the trade mark side.

Labour and Employment
Corporate expert Kelvin Kho and litigator Han Li Meng are the key employment partners at Christopher & Lee Ong; Han acted for Vale Malaysia Minerals on contesting a judicial review brought by an ex-employee alleging unfair dismissal for misconduct. Rubini Murugesan represented Ichikoh (Malaysia) in a dispute with the National Union of Transport Equipment & Allied Industries Workers. Other clients include H&M Retail, NS BlueScope Malaysia and Malaysia Life Reinsurance Group.

Projects and Energy
Christopher & Lee Ong's practice provides a 'top-notch service', 'very good response times' and 'rational advice', and is commended for its industry knowledge; it handles all manner of projects around Malaysia, but has been especially busy recently in solar projects and infrastructure. Christopher Lee and Jack Chor acted for Scatec Solar on its investment in three solar projects in peninsular Malaysia totalling 197MW. Eileen Yeoh advised Coca-Cola Bottlers (Malaysia) on the RM500m expansion of its built-for-purpose Malaysian warehouse. Shemane Chan is also recommended.

Real Estate and Construction
Particularly well versed in construction and development, Christopher & Lee Ong also has significant experience in high-value transactions. Eileen Yeoh acted for Coca-Cola Bottlers (Malaysia) on the construction of its RM500m built-for-purpose warehouse. Kelvin Kho acted for CI Medini on its development, alongside Library Mall Development, of a six-storey commercial complex in Johor named Pusat Perdagangan ION Akses. Ikano Johor Jaya instructed Shemane Chan on the RM600m construction of a new shopping centre in Johor Bahru. Yeoh heads the practice jointly with Lee Hock Chye and Lim Hui Ming.

Shipping
Christopher & Lee Ong's full-service department is noted for its 'quick responses, commercial approach and practical advice'. The 'very objective, sharp and solution-oriented' Clive Selvapandian is a shipping and trade disputes specialist; he assisted Bureau Veritas with attempting to recover unpaid classification fees owed by the owners of the MV Newlead Victoria. Jainil Bhandari, who heads the team jointly with Ong and ship finance expert Por Chuei Ying, represented Maersk Malaysia in a RM120,000 dispute with a logistics company regarding the transport of a shipment of rubber blocks to Turkey, which was claimed by a third party not named in the Bill of Lading.

TMT
Noted for its 'good service and response times', Christopher & Lee Ong's practice comprises a deep bench of lawyers with particular expertises: Deepak Pillai handles cloud work, privacy matters and cutting-edge IT contracts, often for blue-chip corporates; Intan Haryati handles complex IT contracts, disputes and cloud matters; Kuok Yew Chen is a telecoms expert who counts household-name clients among his client roster; and corporate partner Tracy Wong is experienced in fintech. The 'attentive' Yau Yee Ming is 'a good negotiator' who provides 'strong advice', and Yong Shih Han is a highly active senior associate. Data protection clients include the Association of Banks in Malaysia. Anissa Maria Anis has joined from the in-house team Astro.

 

Rajah & Tann Myanmar Company Limited – Myanmar

Corporate and M&A - Tier 1
Projects - Tier 3

Leading Lawyer:
Chester Toh - Corporate and M&A

Corporate and M&A
Rajah & Tann Myanmar Company Limited's team 'responds very quickly and strikes a good balance between business and law’. It handled a substantial number of deals across a range of sectors, including agriculture, banking and micro-finance, and property development. BASF, Ericsson, Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola and Visa International count among its key clients. Singled out are managing partner U Nyein Kyaw, Myanmar practice head Chester Toh, who ‘is very knowledgeable and finds a good balance between protecting his clients and closing deals’ and senior associate Arloy Chan, who is 'able to give solid advice with an in-depth analysis and strategy’. Toh advised Myanmar Winery & Distillery on the $742m sale of 5% of its 30% interest in Myanmar Distillery Company .

Projects
Rajah & Tann Myanmar Company Limited provides advice on foreign investment matters as well as energy, infrastructure and property projects. Singled out are Chester Toh, who ‘gives excellent legal advice’, and Shemane Chan, who regularly handles large-scale construction projects.

 

C&G Law (Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio) – Philippines

Banking and Finance - Tier 3
Corporate and M&A - Tier 3
Dispute Resolution - Tier 2
Labour and Employment - Tier 2
Projects and Energy - Tier 1
Real Estate and Construction - Tier 1
Tax - Tier 1

Leading Lawyers:
Anthony Gutierrez - Tax
Ben Yap - Dispute Resolution
Cesar Santamaria, Jr - Labour and Employment
Jaime Gatmaytan - Projects and Energy, Real Estate and Construction

Next Generation Lawyer:
Katrine Paula Suyat - Labour and Employment
Roxanne Tadique - Tax

Banking and Finance
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) advises clients on regulatory, compliance and operational requirements. It also advises lenders and borrowers on structuring, documenting, lending, security, and other financial transaction matters. The firm recently advised DBS Bank, Mizuho Bank, MUFG Bank and Standard Chartered Bank in relation to a $338m loan to AEV International to finance the purchase of 75% of Golden Springs Group in Vietnam. Jaime Gatmaytan and Norma Patacsil head the team.

Corporate and M&A
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) is experienced in handling matters of incorporation, closure, governance, compliance, and mergers and acquisitions. Key sectors include energy, finance, healthcare, logistics, oil and gas, real estate and infrastructure. The team recently advised on the merger of two publicly-listed corporations in a deal worth PHP25bn. Jaime Gatmaytan and Norma Patacsil jointly head the team, with support from Mary Mundin and Albert Yu Chang. Katrine Suyat was promoted to senior associate.

Dispute Resolution
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) advises on international and domestic arbitrations. Areas of expertise include contractual disputes, product liability, torts, tax, banking and securities law. The firm recently represented Sanofi Pasteur in a $40m tax dispute with the Philippine tax authorities. Other clients include Metro Rail Transit, Standard Chartered Bank, Ayala Land and Lombard Investments. Key practitioners include Ben Yap, Anthony Gutierrez, Jess Lopez and Jesus Protacio. Vladi Lazaro was promoted to partner.

Labour and Employment
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) advises on labour standards, employee benefits, compliance, terminations, investigations, misconduct, transfers, reorganisations, redundancy and overseas deployments. The firm recently acted for HP in relation to its acquisition of Samsung’s printer business, advising it on the matters around the transfer of employees including terminations, transfers and hiring. Other clients include American Express International, AXA Life Insurance, Canon Marketing and Facebook. Cesar Santamaria, Jr heads the team. Vladi Lazaro was promoted to partner; senior associate Katrine Paula Suyat is also recommended.

Projects and Energy
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) advises clients internationally on major energy projects including coal, geothermal, wind and solar energies. The firm continue to act for Dole Philippines in relation to the proposed development of a biogas facility. Other clients include Filinvest Development, JG Summit Holdings, Changi Airports International and First Gen. Key practitioners include Jaime Gatmaytan, Ben Yap, Norma Patacsil and Albert Yu Chang.

Real Estate and Construction
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) deals with various real estate and construction matters including land acquisitions, real estate transactions, and construction and infrastructure projects. The firm recently acted for Republic Cement and CRH in relation to the drafting and negotiation of a contract with a contractor for the construction and commissioning of a new coal mill. Other clients include Ayala Land, Aboitiz Power and Parkway Group Healthcare. Jaime Gatmaytan and Norma Patacsil head the team with support from Mary Mundin, Albert Yu Chang and Ben Yap.

Tax
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) advises clients in a range of sectors including power generation, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and mining. The firm continues to act for Metro Rail Transit in court proceedings to dispute an alleged deficiency tax assessment for income tax, value-added tax, withholding tax, improperly accumulated earnings tax (IAET) and documentary stamp tax; this case is estimated to be worth around $195m. Other clients include Sanofi Pasteur, Hyder Consulting Middle East, Pagbilao Energy and Green Cross. Anthony Gutierrez heads the team with support from Jesus Protacio, senior associate Roxanne Tadique and associate Cler Gonzales.

 

Rajah & Tann Singapore – Singapore

Antitrust and Competition - Tier 1
Banking and Finance - Tier 2
Capital Markets - Tier 2
Construction - Tier 1
Corporate and M&A - Tier 2
Dispute Resolution - Tier 1
Financial Services Regulatory - Tier 1
Intellectual Property - Tier 1
International Arbitration - Tier 2
Investment Funds - Tier 1
Labour and Employment - Tier 1
Private Wealth - Tier 1
Projects and Energy - Tier 1
Real Estate - Tier 2
Regional International Arbitration - Tier 3
Restructuring and Insolvency - Tier 1
Shipping - Tier 1
Tax - Tier 2
TMT - Tier 1

Leading Lawyers:
Andre Yeap SC - Dispute Resolution, International Arbitration
Angela Lim - Banking and Finance
Arnold Tan - Investment Funds
Chia Kim Huat - Capital Markets
Desmond Wee - Labour and Employment
Francis Xavier SC - Dispute Resolution
Kala Anandarajah - Antitrust and Competition
Lau Kok Keng - Intellectual Property
Lee Eng Beng SC - Restructuring and Insolvency
Leong Kah Wah - Shipping

Murali Pillai SC - Labour and Employment
Norman Ho - Real Estate
Patrick Ang - Restructuring and Insolvency
Rajesh Sreenivasan - TMT
Shemane Chan - Projects and Energy
Steve Tan - TMT
Toh Kian Sing SC - Shipping
Vikna Rajah - Private Wealth, Tax

Antitrust and Competition
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP's team is 'excellent - very responsive with good industry knowledge' and provides 'advice that is very practical and value for money'. Practice head Kala Anandarajah is 'extremely knowledgeable' and provides 'timely and practical advice'. Other notable team members include principal economist Tanya Tang. The practice covers all aspects of competition law and has been involved a number of landmark cases. Lombardi acted for Cyclect Electrical Engineering and others in respect of high-profile bid-rigging charges brought by the CCCS. The team is also dealing with cases pertaining to allegations of restrictive practices or participation in international cartels and multi-jurisdictional merger clearances.

Banking and Finance
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP has experienced further growth in real estate finance engagements, along with a healthy flow of project, acquisition and commodities finance instructions. It advised LN Development (Stirling) as the borrower, and United Overseas Bank as mandated lead arrangers, on the S$900m financing for the acquisition of a land parcel near Queenstown MRT station in Singapore. The 'excellent' team is commended for its ability to deal with challenging deadlines, 'highly complex mechanisms' and to 'capture commercial terms'. Angela Lim, who has international law firm experience, heads the team that includes real estate finance specialist Norman Ho, Regina Liew, Terence Choo and Nicholas How who impresses with his 'loan market expertise' and 'ability to explain complex technical concepts in layman terms'.

Capital Markets
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP has an extensive record in SGX main board and Catalist board listings, primarily acting for issuers. It has advised a number of Chinese issuers on their Singapore offerings and has helped a range of Singapore clients to list in Hong Kong. On the debt side the firm devotes considerable resources to local and cross-border bond transactions, including liability management exercises, high-yield bonds, covered bonds and securitisations. The firm advised PT Bumi Resources on its headline debt restructuring involving the first ever contingent value rights to be listed on SGX. It also provided Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam counsel to Sea Limited, the South East Asia gaming and e-commerce company, on its $884m IPO on the New York Stock Exchange. Evelyn Wee, Chia Kim Huat, Lee Xin Mei and Danny Lim are key partners.

Construction
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP provides 'an excellent service'. Andre Yeap SC and Soh Lip San jointly head the group, which handles international arbitration and major infrastructure projects, as well as other construction and engineering work. Ng Kim Beng and Sim Chee Siong are also names to note, especially for litigation and arbitration. Shemane Chan, who 'negotiates hard for her clients', is leading a team that is advising a consortium on its bid for the Kuala Lumpur–Singapore High-Speed Rail Assets Co PPP project. Senior associate Yong Hui Loh is also noted for his 'drafting' skills. Other work includes advising clients on a variety of major commercial, energy-related, residential and mixed-use developments, in addition to handling a range of disputes.

Corporate and M&A
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP is making a further impression in both public and private M&A, and is gaining market share across South East Asia, including deals in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam. Clients include a mix of multinational corporates, private equity houses and other financial sponsors. The firm advised GIC, the Singapore sovereign wealth fund, as the largest shareholder in Global Logistics Properties (GLP) in its $16bn sale to Nesta Investment Holdings. Clients describe the team as 'responsive, commercial and practical' with 'in-depth industry knowledge in a number of sectors' and highlight its expertise in Chinese investments in South East Asia. Sandy Foo is a 'go-to person when you need a safe pair of hands to get things done'. Lawrence Tan is 'responsive and prompt under tight timelines', 'provides clear and detailed analysis of legal issues and possible solutions' and is 'valued for his experience in takeovers and privatisations'. Evelyn Wee has 'a wealth of experience and is always highly responsive and helpful'. Chia Kim Huat 'has the big picture in mind', is 'a skilled negotiator' and is 'helpful in understanding the parties’ underlying concerns and in getting the parties to reach a resolution'. Lim Wee Han, who is also Malaysian qualified, and Abdul Jabbar bin Karam Din are 'strong corporate and M&A lawyers' who are both 'highly personable and a delight to work with'.

Dispute Resolution
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP is widely recognised as a leader in insolvency, banking, real estate and shipping cases, and the firm's exposure to big-ticket disputes has led to to appearances in the SICC in a series of cases. It acted for the Port of Singapore Authority in connection with the bankruptcy of Hanjin Shipping, South Korea's largest shipping firm; this was the first case in Singapore where the High Court exercised its inherent jurisdiction to recognise a foreign rehabilitation order and render assistance. Lee Eng Beng SC is a leader in insolvency cases, Francis Xavier SC has appeared in a number of SICC disputes and Andre Yeap SC has extensive big case experience. Tan Chuan Thye SC is 'crème de la crème in the best silk traditions' and has 'an impressive intellect'. Danny Ong is 'insightful', 'a strong advocate', 'authoritative when cross-examining' and 'exudes confidence, knowledge and commitment'.

Financial Services Regulatory
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP's 'knowledge and insight is impressive, and it is good value for money' and is especially noted for its work related to investment funds. It has expertise in a range of derivatives, structured and other investment products and has been involved in the establishment of a number of exchanges such as the derivatives exchanges and the Singapore Commodity Exchange. Regina Liew, Larry Lim, David Yeow and Benjamin Liew are the key partners for financial regulatory work and Arnold Tan and Philip Yeo are names to note on the investment funds side of the practice. The team is acting for Asia Pacific Exchange and Asia Pacific Clear on the establishment of a new futures exchange and a new futures clearing house as an approved exchange and an approved clearing house respectively, the establishment of both is subject to regulation by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. The team has a history of advising on the derivatives-related financial crisis in addition to assisting clients with licensing and regulatory issues.

Intellectual Property
Lau Kok Keng, who heads Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP’s 'excellent' IP practice, specialises in lP and technology litigation especially in the sports, media and gaming industries. Partner Benjamin Cheong is 'one of the brightest minds in the industry' in respect of IP and data protection. Nicholas Lauw and associate Leow Jiamin continue to act for the Sunseap Group in defending allegations of patent infringement, which has also included filing a counterclaim. The claimant sought to strike out the counterclaim and the matter has gone to the Court of Appeal. In other work, the team is representing Singapore Pools, the operator of a licensed remote betting site, in pursuing actions against cybersquatters and infringers of the client's copyright. The group also handles a diverse range of trade mark protection and infringement cases.

International Arbitration
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP's 'efficient and highly skilled' team 'is undoubtedly one of the leading firms in Singapore and in the region' thanks to its longterm commitment to international arbitration. The firm has impressed in commercial, construction and engineering, and investor-state disputes. Andre Yeap SC, 'an experienced counsel' who 'is always well prepared, knowledgeable and tenacious in presenting his client's case', continued to represent the Republic of the Philippines in ICC arbitration proceedings over breach of contract claims brought by Chevron and Shell relating to their liability to pay income taxes due to the government. Francis Xavier SC is 'very experienced and well regarded' and Ng Kim Beng is recommended for construction and engineering disputes. Tan Chuan Thye SC is also highly recommended.

Investment Funds
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP's team stands out for its 'impressive knowledge and insight' and provides 'good value for money'. The well-regarded Arnold Tan heads the department and has expertise in the establishment of both on- shore and offshore investment funds, including hedge funds, private equity and real estate funds together with regulatory regimes. Other noted practitioners in the sizeable team include Philip Yeo, Leong Lu Yueh, Anne Yeo and associate Mifiona Quah. The team advises on all stages of the private investment fund cycle from formation to restructuring and winding-down including the handling of cross-border offerings. In recent work, it has acted for Mizuho Asia Partners and Nuvest Capital.

Labour and Employment
The 'very impressive and cost-effective' team at Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP acts for local and global corporates, banks and government bodies, including Procter & Gamble Europe, Prudential Assurance Company Singapore and WorldQuant Singapore. Desmond Wee and Jonathan Yuen jointly head up the team; the latter stands out for 'offering commercially practical and sound advice' and for 'not over-lawyering the issues'. Murali Pillai is also well regarded for his extensive employment-related litigation expertise. The group is handling a number of matters for Starwood, part of the Marriott Group, including representing the client in the successful defence of allegations by a senior ex-employee of wrongful dismissal and defamation. It was also engaged by the Tripartite Alliance for Fair & Progressive Employment Practices to provide employment law training across a range of topics for stakeholders from the Ministry of Manpower and other organisations.

Private Wealth
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP provides 'a top level service and response times at reasonable prices'. Vikna Rajah is 'great with clients, as well as technically very skilled' and Lee Yi, who joined in November 2017 from Pinsent Masons MPillay, is also noted for her client handling skills. Chandra Mohan Rethnam is another key name. The team has expertise in business succession planning, wills and probate, family and matrimonial law as well as tax, trusts and estate planning. In recent work, it advised on the creation of a family office structure that was subsequently adopted as the standard exemption that the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) would allow.

Projects and Energy
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP has broad geographic coverage and handles a mix of contentious and non-contentious front-end work. The team is 'very knowledgeable, gives practical advice and tries to propose solutions to issues that address the concerns of various parties'. Highlights included advising a consortium on its potential bid for the Kuala Lumpur–Singapore High Speed Rail AssetsCo PPP project. Shemane Chan is described as 'simply the best infrastructure lawyer in Singapore', and 'extremely familiar with public infrastructure documents'. Soh Lip San and Larry Lim are also recommended.

Real Estate
At Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP, Norman Ho and Elsa Chai head a team that advises clients from property developers to investment funds, statutory boards and financial institutions on the acquisition, sale and leaseback, development and financing of commercial properties, shopping centres and residential projects. In highlight work, the team acted for the Logan Property Group and Nanshan Group Singapore on a successful bid for a residential government land site valued at over S$1bn. LN Development (Stirling), which is a company jointly owned by the clients, completed the acquisition of the land site, which will be developed for the building of condominium housing. Chua Chuan Leong Investments Holdings and ST Microelectronics are other clients. Benjamin Tay and Chou Ching are also key members of the team.

Regional International Arbitration
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP handles a range of commercial disputes. Andre Yeap, SC, who represents the Philippines government in an ICC arbitration brought by Chevron and Shell regarding tax issues, Francis Xavier, SC, PBM and Chuan Thye Tan, SC are key Singapore silks, with Kim Beng Ng also notable. The firm also has a strong network with offices in many Asean nations. Chau Huy Quang in Hanoi is very active in VIAC arbitrations concerning construction projects and is a key contact in Vietnam.

Restructuring and Insolvency
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP fields 'a strong team with good depth' that provides 'a superb standard of service' and is 'very business savvy'. The 'great strategic thinker' Mark Cheng and the 'technically very strong and commercial' Sim Kwan Kiat jointly head the team, which also includes Patrick Ang, 'who is very well known in the market and is commercial and solution oriented'. Other highly rated names in the team include Danny Ong and newly promoted partners Chew Xiang and Matthew Teo. Managing partner Lee Eng Beng SC is also highly respected. The team has had a role in many of the major restructuring and insolvency cases and is advising three of the largest Singaporean banks on the restructuring and refinancing of Ezra Group companies and its subsidiary EOL, several of the companies filed for Chapter 11 protection in the US with debts in the region of $1.5bn.

Shipping
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP 's 'excellent ' team is 'extremely client friendly ' and 'its rates are competitive and it is always accessible regardless of the time or the day of the week and the advice is always commercially sound'. Toh Kian Sing SC is 'an outstanding advocate' and 'is extremely hardworking with a quick and sharp analytical mind and sees points most lawyers may otherwise miss which may turn a case'. Leong Kah Wah is 'an outstanding and experienced wet shipping lawyer and a good advocate, who proposes solutions rather than disagreeing with opposing counsel for the sake of it'. Ian Teo, 'who has a keen eye for detail and whose advice is always commercially sound', 'is developing a burgeoning reputation as a sound advocate'. 'Advocacy is one of the strengths' of V Bala and 'his background as a marine engineer is particularly helpful' and Winston Kwek is another name to note. Associate Davis Tan stands out for his 'sharp legal mind' and is able to 'punch above his weight considering his PQE'. The team acts for regional and global ship financing clients, P&I Clubs, shipowners, charterers and commodity houses. Work ranges from corporate and insolvency matters to collisions and marine casualties and offshore energy-related mandates. It has acted for the judicial managers of Swiber, which included advising on a number of disputes and arbitrations across Asia, and also represented the owners of the bulk carrier Silvia Ambition in proceedings relating to the vessel’s arrest by a Singapore bunker supplier in Lebanon.

Tax
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP is regularly called on to act in tax disputes, as well as providing tax advisory and planning advice to a range of Big Four accounting firms, Fortune 500 companies and sovereign funds. The practice is singled out for its work representing multinationals in cases against the IRAS. Vikna Rajah, a former senior legal counsel at the IRAS, is 'commercially astute, legally sharp and very client oriented'.

TMT
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP's team produces work of 'a very good quality', has 'the relevant industry knowledge', provides 'prompt' advice and is 'good value for money'. It has an outstanding breadth of expertise across the TMT sector. In addition to handling matters concerning telecoms, technology and large-scale outsourcing, media and over-the-top services and data privacy, it also focuses on developing areas such as cyber security and fintech. Practice head Rajesh Sreenivasan and Steve Tan, who is 'one of the gurus in the field of data protection' and also has considerable digital media and telecoms expertise, are key names. Lionel Tan and Tanya Tang are other core team members.

 

R&T Asia (Thailand) Limited – Thailand

Banking & Finance - Tier 3
Corporate and M&A - Tier 3
Dispute Resolution - Tier 2
Labour and Employment - Tier 2
TMT - Tier 2

Leading Lawyer:
Surasak Vajasit - Banking and Finance, Corporate and M&A

Next Generation Lawyer:
Yingrak Treesaranuwattana - TMT

Banking and Finance
R & T Asia (Thailand) Limited stands out for its extensive regional presence; with nine offices, it is well-equipped to handle complex transactions with an international component. Owing to its established client base of local and international banks, the group is particularly active for bank lenders, although it also has experience with borrower-side mandates. In recent work, Saroj Jongsaritwang advised the Thai branch of an international bank on the restructuring of a facility agreement with a Thai company, and also assisted a multinational financial institution with the provision of a THB800m loan to an automotive company. Jongsaritwang is also a key contact for ship finance, an area in which the firm has developed a particular niche. Other names to note include managing partner and former judge Surasak Vajasit and Piroon Saengpakdee, whose practice covers project development and finance, debt restructuring and insolvency.

Corporate and M&A
R & T Asia (Thailand) Limited is active in highly regulated sectors, with a particular emphasis on TMT. Though its broad corporate practice encompasses M&A, capital markets, projects and competition, it is perhaps best known for its regulatory expertise, which attracts a steady flow of instructions from local and international companies. Moreover, the team has a standout practice in trade and customs, where Melisa Uremovic is a name to note. Uremovic also advises clients on competition, data privacy and anti-bribery, and has assisted corporates with establishing business operations throughout the ASEAN region. Managing partner Surasak Vajasit has over 30 years of experience advising public and private companies on corporate and financing transactions; Nattarat Boonyatap specialises in FDI, with particular experience in the automotive, hospitality and financial services sectors; and Supawat Srirungruang is a key contact for regulatory compliance, administrative law and M&A. Telenor and Nam Lik 1 Power Company are among the department's clients.

Dispute Resolution
At R & T Asia (Thailand) Limited, customs and excise litigation is a traditional focus area. Indeed, the dispute resolution team, which has experience in a wide range of customs and trade matters, achieved a number of successes in 2017 and 2018. Melisa Uremovic has an active practice in customs disputes, with a specialism in cases involving highly regulated products such as alcohol, tobacco and automotive parts. Anchored by senior partner Surasak Vajasit, who has served as an arbitrator in International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) proceedings, the team is also adept at arbitration. Other areas of strength include tax, employment and administrative litigation. Sui Lin Teoh has practiced at domestic and international firms and is instructed by international companies in complex commercial disputes, often with an emphasis on employment law. Pakpoom Suntornvipat has experience in shareholder disputes, debt restructuring and insolvency, while Supawat Srirungruang’s broad practice spans telecoms, competition law, anti-bribery and regulatory compliance. Ittichai Prasongprasit’s Japanese language skills ensure a regular stream of instructions from Japanese clients involved in disputes in Thailand.

Labour and Employment
R & T Asia (Thailand) Limited has established a strong reputation for employment matters in Thailand. Among its areas of strength are internal audits and investigations, where the team draws on its complementary knowledge of fraud, anti-corruption and competition law. Employment litigation is a particular strength, with highlights including Ittichai Prasongprasit defending an energy-sector client against multiple claims of unfair dismissal by foreign and local executive employees. In addition to Thai and English, Prasongprasit speaks fluent Japanese and often represents Japanese clients in Thailand. The team is equally adept in non-contentious matters and regularly assists clients with the review of employment policies and employment agreement templates. In addition to general commercial and insurance litigation, employment matters also constitute a significant part of Sui Lin Teoh’s workload; she advises Thai conglomerates and multinationals on terminations, disciplinary hearings and retrenchment, among other areas. Supawat Srirungruang, Saroj Jongsaritwang and senior associate Yingrak Treesaranuwattana are also active members of the team.

TMT
Technology and telecoms are longstanding areas of expertise at R & T Asia (Thailand) Limited, and the firm is regularly sought out by leading players in these sectors. In particular, it is a popular choice for e-commerce and e-payment service providers, which turn to the team for advice on Thailand's regulatory framework, licensing issues and reporting requirements. Its contentious practice is also of note. Supawat Srirungruang has a busy TMT practice; he is currently advising a telecoms company on concessions and services agreements with trade partners, suppliers and state enterprises. Transactional work also features; senior associate Yingrak Treesaranuwattana took a key role in advising JD.com and JD Finance on joint ventures with Thai retailer Central Group for investment in e-commerce and consumer finance businesses in Thailand. Elsewhere, Saroj Jongsaritwang advised a household name client on e-payment issues.

 

Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers – Vietnam

Banking and Finance - Tier 3
Corporate and M&A - Tier 2
Dispute Resolution - Tier 1
Intellectual Property - Tier 2
Labour and Employment - Tier 1
Projects and Energy - Tier 3
Real Estate and Construction - Tier 1
Shipping - Tier 1
Tax - Tier 1
TMT - Tier 1

Leading Lawyers:
Chau Huy Quang - Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property, Shipping, Tax
Vu Thi Que - Labour and Employment, TMT

Next Generation Lawyers:
Logan Leung - Corporate and M&A, Dispute Resolution
Tran Thi Phuong Thao - Shipping

Banking and Finance
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers has a track record advising borrowers, as well has handling bank-side work. Nguyen Dinh Nha and Vu Thi Que are key contacts at partner level, with Samuel Peirce a key foreign counsel. Hoang Thi Thanh Thuy has vessel finance expertise, with Tran Duc Son and Tran Chi Anh leading fintech work.

Corporate and M&A
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers' team is 'responsive, knowledgeable and has an understanding of clients' business needs' and 'provides professional advice on both Vietnamese law and cross-border regulatory and compliance matters, which is very helpful to foreign investors'. Practice head Vu Thi Que, senior counsel Tran Thi Phuong Thao and foreign counsel Ai Kawakami advised Sumitomo Forestry on an investment in An Cuong Woodworking. Thao and foreign counsel Logan Leung, who is 'responsive, provides practical advice and is understands of clients' needs and concerns', also acted as Vietnamese counsel to NakedHub on its sale to fellow co-working landlord WeWork. Que, Leung and senior associate Trinh Minh Duc assisted NIBE Industrier with its purchase of BriskHeat Corporation, which has its key manufacturing plants in Vietnam. Tran Duc Son is also involved in key deals; he advised Pilmico Foods Corporation, which is part of Filipino listed company Aboitiz Group, on its purchase of a 70% stake in animal feed producer Europe Nutrition. IT contracting is another area of expertise. Other clients include HP Inc, which the firm is advising on its integration of Samsung Electronics' printer business, The Weir Group and other businesses from Europe, Korea, China and Japan. Hoang Thi Thanh Thuy is now general counsel at Siemens Vietnam.

Dispute Resolution
At Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers, Chau Huy Quang handles work in sectors including shipping and construction. His recent highlights include representing PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation in a charterparty dispute, as well as handling heavyweight construction disputes work concerning major infrastructure projects. Hoang Thi Thanh Thuy also has an active arbitration practice, including landlord and tenant disputes, and the 'very experienced' Tran Duc Son is another name to note for arbitration. Foreign counsel Logan Leung, who is qualified in Australia and is 'client focused', is another key contact. On the local litigation front, Quang is a key name for commercial disputes. Tran Chi Anh, who has competition law expertise, joined the firm from Baker McKenzie, where she was a special counsel.

Intellectual Property
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers is active in both contentious and non-contentious IP work, including franchising and cross-border licensing deals. Managing partner Chau Huy Quang's litigation practice includes various IP disputes. Clients include several well-known names in sectors including food and beverage, education, and healthcare. Chi Tran joined from Baker McKenzie.

Labour and Employment
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers has an active practice in contentious areas such as those concerning anti-corruption, internal investigations and executive exits, as well as handling non-contentious matters such as internal restructurings and other transactional work. Department head Vu Thi Que works with clients from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and Korea. Other clients include international names in the consulting, food and beverage, technology, travel, entertainment and financial services industries.

Projects and Energy
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers handles work concerning international investment in hydropower and solar projects. Other work includes Huynh Thi Thu Thuy and Logan Leung's advice to The Weir Group on the Vietnamese elements of its purchase of KOP Service Products, which has roles in multiple Vietnamese projects. Drawing on the wider firm's shipping law expertise, the team also advises on issues concerning vessels used in the oil and gas industry. Senior counsel Tran Thi Phuong Thao is also a key contact.

Real Estate and Construction
At Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers, foreign counsel Logan Leung and senior counsel Tran Thi Phuong Thao advised serviced office company NakedHub as Vietnamese counsel on its sale to WeWork. Nguyen Dinh Nha assisted Keppel Land with purchasing a further stake in the company that owns the Saigon Centre development in Ho Chi Minh City. The firm also handles contentious construction work, with Chau Huy Quang handling work pertaining to megaprojects, as well as landlord and tenant disputes, which is also a key part of Hoang Thi Thanh Thuy's practice. Vu Thi Que and Tran Duc Sonare other names to note. Other clients include real estate investment funds and DP Architects.

Shipping
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers handles work including vessel arrests, ship finance matters, shipbuilding cases and port projects, with many mandates concerning vessels used for offshore oil and gas production and exploration. Chau Huy Quang and senior counsel Tran Thi Phuong Thao represented key client PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation in a dispute with Yinson Holdings concerning the need to terminate a charterparty for a floating production, storage and offloading unit used on a liquified natural gas production unit in the wake of the liquidation of the operator of the Lam Son oil and gas field; the dispute ultimately settled. Logan Leung is also a key contact. Named lawyers are based in Ho Chi Minh City.

Tax
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers has a tax practice that falls under the umbrellas of its corporate and disputes practice, and is particularly known for disputes with the tax authorities and matters concerning tax indemnities. The team gives ‘responses of high quality and in agreed timetable’. Practice head Chau Huy Quang handles contentious tax matters and customs disputes. Other recommended individuals include ‘true expert in the field of tax’ Tran Duc Son and the ‘smooth and flexible’ foreign counsel Logan Leung. Clients come from industries including manufacturing, market research, steel and financial services.

TMT
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers offers ‘excellent service, efficiency and a very carefully researched and produced end product’. TMT practice leader Vu Thi Que advises well-known names from the Chinese-speaking world, and foreign counsel Logan Leung is ‘responsive, intelligent, well-spoken, prompt, pragmatic, and extremely knowledgeable about the issues in the cases’. Among other work for technology multinationals, Vu Thi Que continues to advise HP on its $1.05bn acquisition of Samsung's printer business and also Nguyen Dinh Nha advised Sea Group (which owns Garena and Shopee) on the Vietnamese aspects of its 2017 listing of American depositary shares on the New York Stock Exchange, which raised $884m.