Hall Of Fame

Firms To Watch: Projects and energy

Established in July 2022, Alwin Rajasurya leads the team at Messrs Alwin Rajasurya, and is noted for his expertise in the oil and gas sector.

Projects and energy in Malaysia

Christopher & Lee Ong

Noted for its ‘very direct and focused approach towards issues’, the projects and energy practice at Christopher & Lee Ong is led by Christopher Lee, who has expertise in banking and finance, M&A and infrastructure, all of which he readily applies to the transactions on which he advises. The team’s workload includes advising on land-use rights, power purchases and cross-border exports of energy. It notably works on matters at the forefront of the sector, including advising on the 5G rollout in Malaysia. It frequently supports on energy projects from inception to completion. Lim Siaw Wan is a key practitioner in the team, vastly experienced in handling high-value energy deals for the team’s client portfolio. The ‘innovative and practical’ Chor Jack, who has a particular focus on complex renewables projects, is another key contact in the group. Eileen Yeoh departed to an in-house role in 2022.

Practice head(s):

Christopher Lee


Other key lawyers:

Lim Siaw Wan; Chor Jack


Testimonials

‘A very direct and focused approach towards issues. They also have the ability to consider what the client wants achieved, and in what way. They are very receptive towards new ideas and able to contribute towards new ideas as well.’

‘The ability to view things from my perspective.’

‘They are very accommodating and professional in representing us in contract negotiations with the preferred bidder, and very attentive to details.’

‘They are reliable and display exceptional professionalism in liaising their advice and answers to complex questions professionally.’

‘Chor Jack is a trusted practitioner to go to in Malaysia and has great experience in energy projects.’

‘Understanding of the market and the potential next steps that need to be taken are the standout attributes of the team.’

‘The team have an all-round strength and understanding that helps to address known and unknown challenges.’

‘Chor Jack is innovative, practical and understands the market – he has great insights and knowledge.’

Key clients

Digital Nasional Berhad


B.Grimm PLC


Work highlights


  • Advised B.Grimm Public Company Limited, a Thailand-listed energy powerhouse, on its investment in reNIKOLA Holdings Sdn. Bhd., a Malaysian renewable energy company, and the proposed sale of its stake in reNIKOLA Holdings to Pimpinan Ehsan Berhad, a Malaysian-listed entity.
  • Acting for a Malaysian SPV telecoms company owned by the Ministry of Finance Malaysia on the deployment of IBS in approximately 250 buildings approved by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission in connection with the nationwide 5G rollout in Malaysia.

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill

Experienced in advising on the full-cycle of financed projects, Steven SY Tee heads up the projects and energy practice at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill, which is highly regarded for its provision of ‘strategic and specific advice’ in complex matters. Its projects advisory work covers the inception, development and construction of large-scale and high-value projects for clients across various sectors, including construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, and renewables. The team also has experience acting as counsel in project dispute management and the negotiation of settlement agreements therein. The ‘capable, dedicated and reliable’ Crystal Wong Wai Chin is a noteworthy member of the team who is noted as ‘highly skilled in construction disputes and arbitration’. Names to note include Dato’ Nitin Nadkarni, who became a consultant in the team in January 2023, and senior associate Joyce Ong Kar Yee.

Practice head(s):

Steven SY Tee


Other key lawyers:

Dato’ Nitin Nadkarni; Crystal Wong Wai Chin; Joyce Ong Kar Yee; Teh Wai Fung; Soh Zhen Ning; Charissa Wong Joo June


Testimonials

‘Great support in litigious matters in Malaysia, particularly in major solar projects.’

‘Soh Zhen Ning is very knowledgeable and detail-oriented.’

‘Clients appreciate that they provide strategic and specific advice instead of generic textbook answers.’

‘Crystal Wong Wai Chin is highly-skilled in construction disputes and arbitration matters. She articulates her thoughts and advice very succinctly. Charissa Wong and Teh Wai Fung are responsive and meticulous in their work.’

‘Very experienced and capable in complex disputes and abundantly equipped to assist the client in finding effective solutions to problems, drawing on their ingenuity, experience and profound mastery of the law.’

‘Soh Zhen Ning is very attentive and has in-depth knowledge in relevant jurisdictions. He is efficient and always meets clients’ expectations.’

‘Crystal Wong Wai Chin is a very capable, dedicated and reliable lawyer.’

‘Well-organised, client-centric and good at time management.’

Key clients

DHL Express (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd


MTD ACPI Engineering Berhad


Work highlights


  • Acting for DHL Express (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd in relation to its construction of a cargo warehouse building and ultimately serves to relocate its facility from Subang terminal to a build-to-suit airside facility at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport Cargo Village.
  • Representing MTD ACPI Engineering Berhad in long-running court proceedings against Gerbang Perdana Sdn Bhd where MTD is seeking its share of an ex gratia payment of RM154m GPSB received from the Government of Malaysia.

Rahmat Lim & Partners

Rahmat Lim & Partners‘cooperative, skilled and knowledgeable’ projects and energy team has a strong reputation for its capabilities in handling both contentious and non-contentious infrastructure work. The team’s client list is formed of well-known names from the array of sectors, including transportation, aviation and renewables. Its caseload includes advising on initial contracts, through to the construction, development and completion of the high-value projects. Its matters are often cross-jurisdictional in nature, an example being its advising Mega First Corporation in a $12m solar photovoltaic infrastructure development project initiated by the Maldivian government. Kamilah Kasim, who ‘needs no introduction’, is at the team’s helm, alongside international arbitration specialist Chong Yee Leong and the firm’s head of corporate Dzuhairi bin Jaafar Thani.

Practice head(s):

Kamilah Kasim; Chong Yee Leong; Dzuhairi bin Jaafar Thani


Testimonials

‘Extremely well-versed in the market and on commercial aspects of energy projects.’

‘Kamilah Kasim needs no introduction. She’s easy to work with, and gives added value through her experience and mastery of the commercial aspects of energy projects. She is in control throughout the legal process.’

‘Their availability and flexibility to attend to our matters was great.’

‘Kamilah Kasim’s vast knowledge, experience and quickness really help us a lot in dealing with our projects and disputes.’

‘Cooperative, skilled and knowledgeable, they focus on the clients’ needs and requests.’

‘Kamilah Kasim is a very knowledgeable person, quick, responsive, attentive to clients’ needs and provides sound advice.’

‘Kamilah Kasim is a problem solver.’

Work highlights


  • Advising on the reviewing and drafting various agreements in relation to the design, construction and completion of a large-scale project, including the project management consultancy services agreement and civil main contractor agreement.
  • Advising, reviewing and drafting the project documents for the client including the letter of award and the construction contract, package issuance letters and advising on issues arising out of the project documents within Malaysia and up to the border of Singapore.
  • Advising on the second phase of the development and construction of a project, including advising on the tender process, drafting and negotiating the construction contract and administering the construction contract.

Shearn Delamore & Co

Shearn Delamore & Co’s projects and energy cohort has particular expertise advising clients in matters involving high-value construction and engineering developments. Datin Grace Yeoh specialises in energy, natural resources and green tech, and co-leads the practice alongside Rodney Gomez, who has experience in litigation and arbitration cases involving key infrastructure and development contracts across industry sectors. The team’s workload includes representing its clients in High Court level disputes, a recent example being its acting for Sabah Electricity in an alleged wrongful deduction by the other side in a high-value PPA agreement. Additionally, the group advises on preparations, negotiations, construction and completion of projects.

Practice head(s):

Datin Grace Yeoh; Rodney Gomez


Key clients

Pestech Sdn Bhd


Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd


CRSE Sdn Bhd


Skrine

Projects and infrastructure specialist Richard Khoo Boo Hin, ‘well-known for his expertise and experience in the field’, and Fariz Abdul Aziz, who advises on oil and gas, and energy-related transactional work, jointly lead the ‘dedicated’ practice at Skrine. The team’s workload varies from advising key energy clients on M&A, financing and transactions, to acting for clients on the key elements of large-scale developments and due diligence aspects therein. Its client roster includes well-known national companies from sectors including aviation and construction. Senior associate Rachel Chiah is another key contact in the group.

Practice head(s):

Richard Khoo Boo Hin; Fariz Abdul Aziz


Other key lawyers:

Rachel Chiah


Testimonials

‘Richard Khoo is well-known for his expertise and experience in the field. His team is dedicated to completing the task promptly and has the right attitude.’

‘Richard Khoo is approachable and knowledgeable. No doubt he possesses the relevant knowledge and experience in the field. He knows the industry inside out and is able to tackle issues from every angle and give us precise advice as well as solutions.’

‘The team at Skrine has a good blend of expertise and skills. They have excellent customer service, and respond in a good and timely manner. They take the time to understand the clients’ needs and objectives and always have their best interests at heart.’

‘Richard Khoo is very diligent in his drafting and understands the clients’ needs.’

‘They always give thoughtful analysis to all our legal problems by providing practical and creative solutions.’

‘Richard Khoo and Rachel Chiah are well-versed in the end-to-end aspects of cases. Richard’s strength is in his in-depth knowledge of EPC contracts and his ability to deliver practical solutions pertaining to interfaces with other project documents.’

‘Richard Khoo and Rachel Chiah helped us to navigate the intricacies of the power business. They are very willing to share their experiences and I appreciate their candidness in pointing out potential pitfalls, whilst maintaining a strict sense of professionalism.’

‘Through Richard Khoo and Rachel Chiah, Skrine has vast skills and experience in Malaysia which is hereby acknowledged. Both of them have shared with us their experiences in power plants in bespoke EPC contract and application of domestic and international laws, providing workable solutions alternatives.’

Key clients

Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, Malaysia Airports (Sepang) Sdn Bhd


Petroleum Sarawak Berhad


TC Sunergy Sdn Bhd


Reach Energy Berhad


Iskandar Investment Berhad, , Iskandar Education Enterprise Sdn Bhd


Consortium of Sunway Construction Sdn. Bhd. and Power Engineering Consulting Joint Stock Company 2


Ping Petroleum Sdn Bhd


Longboat Energy PLC


DP World


Aker Solutions ASA


Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, Malaysia Airports (Sepang) Sdn Bhd


Halliburton Company


Work highlights


  • Advised the consortium of Sunway Construction Sdn. Bhd. and Power Engineering Consulting Joint Stock Company 2 on the $2.4bn construction of the 2,120MW Song Hau II Thermal Power Plant Project at Hau Giang, Vietnam.
  • Advised Aker Solutions on the $700m sale of its subsea business to a joint venture comprising Schlumberger, Aker Solutions and Subsea 7.
  • Advised Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad on their asset replacement project at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, comprising the $260m baggage handling system upgrading works and $177m aerotrain system replacement works.

Zaid Ibrahim & Co (in association with KPMG Law)

Zaid Ibrahim & Co (in association with KPMG Law) advises on green electricity mandates and provides regulatory advice on the implications of relevant legislative changes imposed by the Malaysian Government, recently regarding the coal export ban, in particular. Caera Lee Huan Yin is a name to note in the team, with demonstrable experience advising on the scope of project development-related matters. Amin Abdul Majid is at the team’s helm and acts for clients on key energy and infrastructure matters, frequently supported by Hua Sia Yen.

Practice head(s):

Amin Abdul Majid


Other key lawyers:

Hua Sia Yen; Khoo Yu Lin; Caera Lee Huan Yin


Zain & Co

The projects and energy cohort at Zain & Co is well-equipped to advise on the construction and leasing of large-scale real estate projects, as well as on the development of projects in the energy sector. The industries the team’s client roster spans include telecoms, oil and gas, property development, and construction. The standout practitioners in the team are oil and gas and infrastructure specialist senior partner Rajiv Vijayanathan, and Mariza Azen Mat Rasip. Corporate and M&A-focused Rebecca Jeyanthi Selvaraj is another key contact in the team. Other areas of expertise include advising on PPP agreements, contracts for design and construction of projects, and the regulatory elements therein.

Other key lawyers:

Rajiv Vijayanathan; Mariza Azen Mat Rasip; Rebecca Jeyanthi Selvaraj


Key clients

PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd


Sime Darby Melawati Development Sdn Bhd


Petronas


A Singaporean affiliate of major internet technology firm Sea Ltd. and of e-commerce company, Shopee.


Seriemas Development Sdn. Berhad


Work highlights


  • Advising the client on its proposed licensing and use as anchor licensee/co-locator of a three-storey data centre spanning approximately 535k square feet with up to 72MW capacity to be constructed.
  • Advised the client in respect of the terms and conditions of a master lease agreement in relation to the construction and lease of a new international and private school campus on the client’s land located in KL East, Taman Melati.

Adnan Sundra & Low

The team at Adnan Sundra & Low has Adrian Chair and Khem Thadani at its helm. The practice’s workload includes advising its clients on energy, infrastructure and construction projects, and the banking and finance arena is a particular area of focus, advising on the high-value loan facilities and financing arrangements required in order for significant and often cross-border projects to commence. Ng Jo-Leen is another key name to note amidst the cohort.

Practice head(s):

Adrian Chair; Khem Thadani


Other key lawyers:

Hairolnisah Hamdan; Constance Low Yit Chen; Kewinder Singh Malhi; Ng Jo-Leen; Jasprit Kaur; Vishnzu Ragupathi


Work highlights


  • Advised AmInvestment Bank Berhad, CIMB Investment Bank Berhad and Hong Leong Investment Bank Berhad on a Senior sustainable and responsible investment Sukuk Murabahah programme of up to RM5.5bn based on the Shariah principle of Murabaha.
  • Advised joint lead arrangers for TNB Power Generation Sdn. Bhd.’s first issuance of RM1.5bn sustainability Islamic medium term notes under an Islamic medium term notes programme of up to RM10bn in nominal value.
  • Acting as counsel for Farm Fresh Berhad regarding the IPO of up to 743m ordinary shares.

Mohamed Ridza & Co

The team at Mohamed Ridza & Co is co-led by Mohamed Ridza Bin Abdullah, Mohamad Nazran Bin Basirun and Naseem Binti Mohamed Abdulla. The practice's workload includes advising its client roster, which spans such industry sectors as gas and energy, and shipbuilding, on the contractual aspects of development projects. Additionally, it advises on the tax, construction, procurement and management elements of developments.

Practice head(s):

Mohamed Ridza Bin Abdullah; Mohamad Nazran Bin Basirun; Naseem Binti Mohamed Abdulla


Raja, Darryl & Loh

Ooi Huey Miin leads the projects and energy practice at Raja, Darryl & Loh, following the departure of former team lead Choon Hon Leng to Sanjay Mohan in January 2023. The team advises its portfolio of clients, including government-owned entities, on infrastructure matters, in addition to handling the procurement, construction and contractual elements of development projects.

Practice head(s):

Ooi Huey Miin


Other key lawyers:

Hor Shirley; Zack Tan Zhang Wei


Key clients

Prasarana Malaysia Berhad


Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd


RTS Operations Pte Ltd


Muhibbah Engineering Berhad


Perbadanan PR1MA Malaysia


Wong & Partners

Praised by clients for its provision of ‘unique, bespoke advice’, the practice at Wong & Partners is led by Mark Lim, advising its client portfolio on a broad range of matters, including the contractual and project financing aspects of green energy projects, and oil and gas-related mandates, as well as the construction and land acquisition elements of developments. The practice also has demonstrable capability in handling related disputes. Promoted to partner in July 2023, Faez Abdul Razak is ‘professional, realistic and pragmatic in his approach to tackling the most challenging issues’. 

Practice head(s):

Mark Lim


Other key lawyers:

Faez Abdul Razak; May Chua


Testimonials

‘All the lawyers are trained to be responsive, flexible in a fast-paced world, and able to customise their work to the needs of clients.’

‘Faez Abdul Razak has always been professional, realistic and pragmatic in his approach to tackling the most challenging issues. His calm demeanour and extensive knowledge of his work often gives comfort to all parties, be it his clients, or the counterparties.’

‘The team is single-handedly the best we have worked with; they take the time to understand the endgame required, the why’s and the how’s, before coming up with unique, bespoke advice that really is a class above the rest.’

Key clients

Lotuss Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.


Asian Development Bank


ib vogt GmbH


TNB Renewables


Gunkul Engineering PCL


Maybank Investment Bank Berhad


DPI Solar 1 Pte. Ltd.


Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd


Petroliam Nasional Berhad


Osram Opto Semiconductor Sdn Bhd


Itochu Corporation


Work highlights


  • Advised Lotuss Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd on phase 3 of their rooftop solar project as part of Lotuss’ global environmental initiatives, making it one of the largest long-term corporate power deals in Malaysia.