Malaysia > TMT > Law firm and leading lawyer rankings

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.

Commended for 'always providing useful strategies and insights', the 'renowned' team at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill has 'good knowledge of industry dynamics' and 'always focuses on clients' long-term interest'; it 'examines matters thoroughly from all angles'. The practice handles the full range of TMT matters, and counts high-profile companies such as Telekom Malaysia among its clients. Fintech is an increasingly active area for the firm. 'Very effective, impressive litigator' Bahari Yeow can 'explain complex legal matters in layperson terms', the 'highly competent, technically accomplished' Adlin Abdul Majid is 'a strong, helpful leader', and the 'attentive' G. Vijay Kumar is 'highly versatile and solution-driven'. Senior associate Thong Xin Lin is also recommended.

Skrine's 'responsive, effective' practice is led by Charmayne Ong, who frequently acts for high-profile multinationals on a range of IT and telecoms matters. The firm's corporate department is often active in fintech matters, especially involving e-commerce platforms and payment systems. 'Concise, obliging' IP expert Jillian Chia has experience in media as well as in matters pertaining to the Internet of Things (IoT); Natalie Lim Yen Kuan, who spends much time on telecoms matters, made partner in 2018. Neo Hwee Yong is a recommended associate. The practice also handles contentious TMT work, usually regarding breaches of contract.

IT, telecoms and mobile payments expert Tong Lai Ling heads the practice at Raja, Darryl & Loh; she acted for Talian Gerakalih on its mobile portability service agreements with six telecoms companies. The practice advises high-profile clients such as Sime Darby on IT matters. Construction litigator Choon Hon Leng is increasingly active in IT disputes; Raja Eileen Soraya is well-known for acting in high-profile media cases, particularly involving defamation.

With strong transactional and litigation capabilities, the team at Wong & Partners handles a wide range of matters, including in cutting-edge areas such as fintech and cybersecurity. Much of the firm's TMT work is corporate: managing partner Andre Gan advised Touch 'N Go on its joint venture with Ant Financial Services Group, and Munir Abdul Aziz advised Media Prima on its RM105m purchase of Rev Asia Holdings. On the contentious side, Kherk Ying Chew and Eddie Chuah acted for Lunas Technology in a case brought by LKPP regarding palm oil estate management software. Other clients of the department include Astro Malaysia Holdings and Juris Technologies.

At Mohamed Ridza & Co, banking and finance expert Mohamed Ridza is well known for his fintech expertise. The bulk of the firm's TMT practice involves advising one large telecoms company on its provision and receipt of technology services, and acting for a venture capital fund on its investments into technology companies. IT and telecoms expert Mohamed Nazran Basirun is also recommended.

Brian Lew heads the group at Naqiz & Partners; he made partner in January 2018. He often advises on cutting-edge matters, such as those relating to the Digital Free Trade Zone, and assisted Paynet with setting up its Financial Process Exchange system. Associate Imaduddin Suhaimi is often active on TMT matters.

The corporate, commercial and IP work handled by the team at Rahmat Lim & Partners covers a wide range of technology-related matters for very high-profile clients. IP expert Pauline Khor leads the group; she advised a large social media company on its regulatory obligations in light of recent legal changes, and assisted a public transport operator with procuring payment systems.

With experience in advising on software systems, mobile applications and contractual and regulatory telecoms matters, Shearn Delamore & Co's practice provides a range of advice to domestic and international clients. Janet Toh assisted Perform Group with setting up and operating a sports news portal for mobile devices; Timothy Siaw advised UK law firm Gowling WLG on various online regulatory matters. Other clients of the department include Foundation Medicine.

Media and entertainment boutique Shin Associates leaves clients 'very pleased' with its 'supportive' service; it is 'extremely knowledgeable', and 'its experience in the creative and media industries serves it well'. The 'very attentive', 'well-informed', 'flexible and pragmatic' Jessie Tan is noted for her industry knowledge; she advises domestic and international film production companies making their films in Malaysia, and regularly advises clients on soft IP, licensing, releases and clearances, and sponsorship matters. She also has experience in film regulatory and investment matters. Tan heads the practice jointly with corporate and commercial partner Cheong Shih Wen, who provides 'sound advice'. The firm's clients include Animasia Studio, Biscuit Films, My Performing Arts Agency and Barking Cow Media Group.

TMT expert Sharon Tan is the key partner at Zaid Ibrahim & Co (a member of ZICO Law); she assisted Alibaba Group with establishing its World Trade Platform in Malaysia as part of the country's Digital Free Trade Zone, and advised Super Sea Cable Networks on its entry into Malaysia, including obtaining network facilities and network service licences.