Firms To Watch: TMT (including Fintech)

Imaduddin & Lew Chambers is a full-service boutique firm specialising in IP, technology and media matters. The team acts for SMEs, government agencies, multinational corporations and private equity funds.

TMT (including Fintech) in Malaysia

Christopher & Lee Ong

The TMT practice at Christopher & Lee Ong continues to see growth in areas such as cloud computing, digital signing, e-commerce, cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens. Key client include a range of multinational organisations and conglomerates across the banking and financial services, technology and telecoms, energy and insurance sectors, as well as fintech companies, application developers and media and global industry disruptors. Practice co-leader Deepak Pillai is praised as ‘extremely knowledgeable and comprehensive in matters relating to data privacy’, while co-head Kuok Yew Chen focuses on corporate M&A work. Intan Haryati specialises in structuring, drafting and negotiating IT contracts, and Anissa Maria Anis advises on content creation, acquisitions and distributions, licensing matters, regulatory issues and defamation cases. Yong Shih Han is another key member in the team.

Practice head(s):

Deepak Pillai; Kuok Yew Chen


Other key lawyers:

Intan Haryati; Anissa Maria Anis; Yong Shih Han


Testimonials

‘Christopher & Lee Ong is a full-service law firm based in Malaysia and the legal support one gets from them from beginning of the transaction to closing is cohesive and complete. They are well equipped to address all issues.’

‘Deepak Pillai is extremely knowledgeable and comprehensive in matters relating to data privacy.’

‘Responsive, commercially-oriented advice delivered promptly.’

‘Deepak is very knowledgeable in his area and makes an effort to tailor his comprehensive advice to be pragmatic and actionable by the client.’

‘The CLO team were quick to address any and all queries put forward.’

‘The people have deep understanding of our industry.’

‘Deepak Pillai has been exceptional in supporting and advising us on legal matters.’

Work highlights


  • Advised a registered Initial Exchange Offering (IEO) operator with the Securities Commission on legal issues.
  • Appointed by the Malaysian subsidiaries of a company providing end-to-end network services, IT solutions and data centres, to advise on data transfer requirements and restrictions that may impact the intended outsourcing exercise of its back-end functions.
  • Advised a data and AI software development company in Asia on potential legal and regulatory restrictions on its planned roll-out of an identity verification product to enterprise clients in Malaysia.

Skrine

Skrine offers both advisory and contentious services to clients across numerous sectors, including energy, healthcare, banking and financial services, as well as media and entertainment. The team advises on telecoms issues, including 5G, OTT service offerings, establishment of data centres and leasing of subsea and terrestrial fibres, in addition to negotiating and drafting contracts, such as licensing agreements. Charmayne Ong leads the practice and has demonstrable experience working with regulators, public institutions and clients who provide technology and telecoms services. Other key members of the team include Jillian Chia, who focuses on privacy and data protection work, with the support of Natalie Lim Yen Kuan.

Practice head(s):

Charmayne Ong


Other key lawyers:

Jillian Chia; Natalie Lim Yen Kuan


Testimonials

‘Charmayne Ong and her team know their stuff across a range of TMT and TMT-related issues. Very responsive to needs and timelines.’

‘Skrine’s team is very responsive and always keep up to date with new developments. They send regular client alerts on new developments. The firm as a whole is outstanding.’

‘Charmayne Ong is our key contact. She is great on collaboration and always available. Quickly acknowledges instructions and places strong emphasis on quality of work. Very strong in communications.’

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill covers the full range of TMT work, including regulatory compliance and licensing matters, in addition to acquisitions and joint ventures. On the telecoms side, the practice has strong litigation and arbitration expertise, as well as drafting and negotiating access agreements to be entered into between telecoms operators and providers. Practice head G. Vijay Kumar provides ‘excellent strategic advice’ in high-end disputes pertaining to IT agreements, cloud computing and data centre management, while Teo Wai Sum and senior associate Eleena Abd Wahab, who are praised as ‘standout practitioners’, handle personal data protection matters. IP specialist Eunice Chan Wei Lynn is another key contact in the group.

Practice head(s):

G. Vijay Kumar


Other key lawyers:

Teo Wai Sum; Eunice Chan Wei Lynn; Eleena Abd Wahab


Testimonials

‘Great level of support provided. Practical advice provided on a diverse range of subjects.’

‘Great working knowledge of our business and an appreciation of likely desired commercial outcomes. Extremely approachable and friendly demeanour.’

‘The partners support their associates and are ready to step in for any escalations.’

‘Eleena Abd Wahab and Teo Wai Sum are the standout practitioners, and their deep expertise is clear to see. Eleena in particular can give clients great advice which is relevant to the GDPR context.’

‘Extremely responsive and collaborative’

‘Every advice given by LHAG is a value for money. It is worth every penny.’

‘G. Vijay Kumar provided excellent  strategic advice when managing our litigation case.’

‘Senior associate Elena Abd Wahab has the ability to provide the necessary and sufficient deliverables at the right time.’

Key clients

Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd


Telekom Malaysia Berhad


Work highlights


  • Represented Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd in a claim filed by Stealth Solutions Sdn Bhd for breach of contract.

Raja, Darryl & Loh

Raja, Darryl & Loh’s ‘standout’ team drafts and negotiates IT and telecoms contracts, as well as advising on a range of commercial issues. Counting domestic and foreign companies among its key roster of clients, the practice also handles data protection matters, including data sharing agreements and cross-border data transfer risk assessments. Practice Tong Lai Ling has experience advising on technology and e-commerce contracts, while Chong Mei Mei acts for fintech companies on regulatory issues and licensing matters, and is frequently assisted by senior associate Lim Soo Ann.

Practice head(s):

Tong Lai Ling


Other key lawyers:

Chong Mei Mei; Lim Soo Ann


Testimonials

‘Good, knowledgeable and all-round team. Very reasonable fee structure.’

‘The people and the process provided a great experience from an urgency and advisory perspective.’

‘The individuals we worked with are Chong Mei Mei and Lim Soo Ann who stood out for their experience and willingness to explore new ideas.’

‘The diversity of knowledge in several areas of law by the entire team gives us, as a client, only the best advice and service that the industry needs. The partners and associates are very prompt and accurate when rendering us advice. Kudos to the team.’

‘Standout firm in Malaysia for a wide range of tech and data work.’

‘Responsive, collaborative, and understand clients’ practical concerns/interests well.’

Key clients

Silverlake Group


Sime Darby Berhad


MCIS Insurance Berhad


AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad


Work highlights


  • Advised MCIS Insurance Berhad with regard to its subscription for a 4.99% stake in Merchantrade Asia Sdn Bhd.
  • Advised AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad on its collaboration with In2Niaga Sdn Bhd and the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives.
  • Acted for CapSphere Services Sdn Bhd in respect of its Islamic Peer-to-Peer (P2P) financing platform.

Shin Associates

Praised for its ‘incomparable professionalism’, the entertainment and media law practice at Shin Associates specialises in films, television, games, music and the arts. The team provides the full range of core services to clients, including filmmakers, television and film production companies, electronic and gaming studios, theatre groups and performers. Practice leader Jessie Tan is a key figure in Malaysia’s creative industry and handles data protection matters, in addition to advising on complex commercial arrangements. Liew Sue Yin focuses on corporate and commercial transactions in the TMT sector and associate Joel Prashant is another key member of the team.

Practice head(s):

Jessie Tan


Other key lawyers:

Liew Sue Yin; Joel Prashant


Testimonials

‘Their ability to relate and provide advice in a prompt manner is something that I haven’t experienced working with other firms.’

‘I think they stand out because they are honestly trying to help. I value their ability to meet deadlines and do everything they said they were going to do quickly.’

‘Incomparable professionalism. Our lawyer, Jessie, knows what’s best for us and walks the extra mile for us. She is attentive and focused on client care.’

‘They provide clear, concise advice and very professionally written response letters.’

‘The team at Shin Associates make you feel that the things important to you are also important to them. I have always appreciated the way that I know I am not being treated like a faceless client and instead like a valued friend. I can reach out to them any time of the day and they are always there.’

‘The team is quick to respond and is very friendly.’

‘Jessie Tan is very professional, able to understand our requests easily and answers all queries concisely. She is very thorough on the documentations and follow ups on cases.’

‘Overall, the quality of Shin Associates advisory services is dutifully maintained. As such we would not hesitate to recommend Shin Associates.’

Key clients

Enfiniti (M) Sdn. Bhd


Lil Critter Workshop Sdn. Bhd


Lemon Sky Animation Sdn. Bhd


Universal Music Sdn. Bhd


BlackFlag Sdn. Bhd


Act 2 Pictures Sdn. Bhd.


The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre


The Actors Studio Sdn. Bhd


Yuna Room Records Sdn Bhd


UDrive Media Sdn. Bhd


153 Creators Club, Inc


WeddingsMalaysia.Com Sdn. Bhd


Dama Asia Productions Sdn. Bhd


42nd Pictures Sdn. Bhd


Work highlights


  • Advised 153 Creators Club, Inc. on music publishing, music production and artist representation.
  • Represented Universal Music Sdn. Bhd. in High Court and Court of Appeal proceedings in Malaysia.
  • Acted for Act 2 Pictures Sdn. Bhd to provide legal services in relation to a film production.

Wong & Partners

Wong & Partners assists clients on a broad spectrum of transactional and advisory matters, including licensing and regulatory mandates, IT issues, as well as tax and IP management. The team also has demonstrable capability advising on artificial intelligence, e-payment systems, cybersecurity and data privacy work. Kherk Ying Chew, who advises on media and advertising law matters, data protection and IT regulatory issues, jointly leads the practice alongside Sonia Ong, who focuses on cybersecurity and telecoms mandates, in addition to technology agreements and related transactions.

Practice head(s):

Kherk Ying Chew; Sonia Ong


Key clients

UEM Edgenta


Wiwynn Corporation


Juris Technologies


Motion Picture Association (MPAA)


Touch N’ Go Sdn Bhd


StashAway Malaysia Sdn. Bhd


Vivo


LAW Partnership

LAW Partnership has experience across an array of sectors, including banking, construction, media and entertainment, consumer product manufacturing and financial services. The team ‘provides bespoke advice’ to clients on regulatory compliance issues, in addition to conducting privacy audits and formulating privacy roadmaps. Practice head Suaran Singh Sidhu focuses on IT, fintech and cybersecurity matters, with notable expertise in related litigation, while Raphael Tay advises on technology-related transactions. IP expert Brian Law is another key contact in the team.

Practice head(s):

Suaran Singh Sidhu


Other key lawyers:

Brian Law; Raphael Tay


Testimonials

‘This practice is forward thinking and seeks to adopt best practices in its areas of practice.’

‘The team takes the time to understand the business, culture and drivers of the client. With that understanding and appreciation, the team provides bespoke advice in the best interest of the client.’

Key clients

Mega Fortris Group


Sony Music Publishing Sdn Bhd


Jentayu Sustainables Berhad


Work highlights


  • Represented Celcom Axiata Berhad in conducting a legal due diligence exercise in anticipation of an acquisition.
  • Advised PLD Holdings Sdn. Bhd in a seed investment round into the client company.

Mohamed Ridza & Co

Mohamed Ridza & Co assists with the implementation of cybersecurity measures for domestic companies and is well-versed in cryptocurrency regulations, telecoms agreements, e-money licenses and data protection issues. Mohamed Ridza Abdullah, who handles fintech matters, jointly leads the team alongside Mohamad Nazran Basirun, who advises on IT contracts and multimedia and communication regulation. The practice is also well-placed to leverage its corporate, commercial, regulatory and data protection expertise when acting for clients across the IT, telecoms and financial services sectors.

Practice head(s):

Mohamed Ridza Abdullah; Mohamad Nazran Basirun


Rahmat Lim & Partners

Rahmat Lim & Partners regularly advises on, negotiates and drafts a broad spectrum of commercial agreements relating to the construction, provision and licensing of telecoms networks. The practice’s clients range from venture capitalists, traditional fund managers and international banks to fintech companies and technology service providers. Banking and finance expert Azman bin Othman Luk co-heads the team alongside Wan Kai Chee, whose area of practice covers fintech, and M&A expert Moy Pui Yee. Head of the firm's IP and technology team, Pauline Khor, is another key contact.

Practice head(s):

Azman bin Othman Luk; Wan Kai Chee; Moy Pui Yee


Other key lawyers:

Pauline Khor


Work highlights


  • Advised CTOS Digital Berhad on the acquisition of 49% equity interest in Juris Technologies Sdn. Bhd.
  • Advised Ikhlas Capital Master Fund Pte Ltd on its US$40 million investment in Silverlake Group.
  • Defended Shopee Mobile Malaysia Sdn Bhd in Southeast Asia in back-to-back civil lawsuits.

Shearn Delamore & Co

Shearn Delamore & Co’s TMT practice is well-placed to leverage the expertise of the firm’s wider IP, financial services, corporate and M&A, tax and competition teams. Key areas of expertise extend to cloud-based agreements, technology transactions, regulatory compliance issues and licensing agreements. Practice leader Timothy Siaw has considerable experience in the IP and technology arenas, while Christina Kow advises on structures involving financial services, including cryptocurrencies, electronic payments and electronic platforms. Karen Abraham and ‘invaluableJanet Toh specialise in IP.

Practice head(s):

Timothy Siaw


Other key lawyers:

Christina Kow; Karen Abraham; Janet Toh


Testimonials

‘The team that we worked with is resourceful, commercially savvy and strong understanding of the regulatory obligation of us as. The team is able to connect us with other parts of the firm and deliver a wholistic solution covering various areas of laws.’

‘Janet Toh is an invaluable resource when it comes to leading the negotiation for complex fintech vendor agreement.’

‘The team is strong and well-versed in a wide range of TMT issues. In particular, they are prompt and responsive. The also have a good commercial understanding of the issues.’

‘Janet Toh is an excellent lawyer. She is approachable, collaborative and maintains a high level of quality. She is my go-to TMT lawyer for Malaysia.’

‘Expert knowledge of technology and collaboration.’

Key clients

Al Rajhi Banking & Investment Corporation (Malaysia) Bhd


GrowthOps


Labuan Reinsurance (L) Ltd


NTT Cloud Communications


Giga Shipping Sdn. Bhd.


Dorsey & Whitney LLP


Mayer Brown (Singapore) Pte Ltd


ResMed


Shopee Mobile Malaysia Sdn Bhd


Lumen Technologies


Work highlights


  • Acted for Labuan Reinsurance (L) Ltd in the negotiation and drafting of agreements in connection with its acquisition of various software for actuarial assessments.
  • Advised Lumen Technologies, Inc. in relation to its provision of various telecommunications and technological solutions to Malaysian corporate customers.
  • Acted for Spacegen in negotiating agreements with several satellite remote sensing technology companies to leverage the integration and convergence of computer science.

Gan, Lee & Tan

The team at Gan, Lee & Tancontinuously goes above and beyond’ for its roster of clients and regularly advises on the regulatory frameworks and licensing applications in areas of emerging technologies, including tokenisation of securities, digital assets, equity crowdfunding and peer-to-peer financing. Gan Ming Chiek, who has expertise in the digital asset space, leads the team alongside Yeow Jie Han and Sieh Lih Chuan, who joined the firm from Zaid Ibrahim & Co (in association with KPMG Law) in September 2021.

Practice head(s):

Gan Ming Chiek; Yeow Jie Han; Sieh Lih Chuan


Testimonials

‘A very well-prepared team. Highly efficient and provides satisfactory advices.’

‘Professional and prompt responses.’

‘The team has been extremely helpful and super efficient in drafting our related NFT industry agreements. They have gone out of their way and beyond to deliver our needs in record speeds sometimes under very tight schedules.’

Key clients

Mx Global Sdn Bhd


Fusang Exchange Limited


Zetrix Limited


My E.G. Services Berhad


NFT Pangolin Technologies Sdn Bhd


Work highlights


  • Advised MX Global Sdn Bhd in connection with the subscription of new ordinary shares in MX Global by Binance Capital Management Co., Ltd.
  • Advised Fusang Exchange Limited with regards to regulatory compliance on the trading of cryptocurrencies.
  • Advised MY E.G. Services Berhad on the licensing requirements for its newly introduced decentralised finance products in Malaysia.

Richard Wee Chambers

Noted for its expertise in e-sports, technology-related transactions and the digital economy, Richard Wee Chambers provides regulatory advice on fintech matters, in addition to cryptocurrency policies. Managing partner and sports expert Richard Wee jointly leads the team alongside Darren Lai, who handles both contentious and advisory matters. Marlysa Binti Abdul Razak left the firm in August 2021, following the arrival of Lai in July 2021.

Practice head(s):

Richard Wee; Darren Lai


Testimonials

‘RWC are a group of professionals who are committed in delivering their legal knowledge to their client.’

‘Every individual that I worked with is very dedicated and always provides a holistic view of each case.’

‘RWC team is very responsive to our needs – technical advisory, timeliness and very innovative points system billing.’

Key clients

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation Sdn Bhd (MDEC)


OmniCloud Sdn Bhd


Beauty In Motion Sdn Bhd


Genysis Entertainment (M) Sdn Bhd


Global Secure Trading Sdn Bhd


GMP Genesis (M) Sdn Bhd


Moby Money Sdn Bhd


Work highlights


  • Advised Sephora Cosmetics them on a novel e-commerce payment system called “Buy Now Pay Later”.
  • Appointed by Malaysia Digital Economic Corporation to assist fintech startups on regulatory matters.

Tay & Partners

Tay & Partners advises clients across a broad range of industries, from financial services to IT, electronics and telecoms, on licensing and regulatory approvals. The practice also has demonstrable capability in fintech and IP, with practice leader Lee Lin Li specialising in IP and advising on transactions involving franchising, licensing, technology transfer and transfer of ownership issues. Other key areas of expertise include the structuring and implementation of data privacy policies.

Practice head(s):

Lee Lin Li


Testimonials

‘Great team to work with. Thoughtful, great work quality and great work culture.’

‘Lin Lee has great knowledge of IP laws even in new, unconventional areas such as e-commerce issues.’

‘The response was timely and effective and the advice was clear and well-received by the client.’

‘Lin Li Lee was responsive and engaged – a good communicator and a pleasure to deal with.’

‘We use Tay & Partners for multijurisdictional privacy work and they do a great job.’

Work highlights


Zain & Co

Zain & Co advises on matters concerning the licensing of software, hardware and outsourcing arrangements, with key clients including Base Fx and Real Film, among others. The team is led by Salwah Abdul Shukor, who focuses on corporate and commercial issues arising out of the TMT sector.

Practice head(s):

Salwah Abdul Shukor


Zul Rafique & Partners

Key areas of expertise for Zul Rafique & Partners include communications and multimedia issues, IT and technology, e-commerce, data protection and privacy laws, in addition to corporate and commercial matters. Darren Kor Yit Meng leads the team and provides ‘valuable advice and insight’ on IP and multimedia mandates.

Practice head(s):

Darren Kor Yit Meng


Testimonials

‘The team as led by Darren Kor has deep knowledge, insight and expertise in the TMT space.’

‘Darren Kor is very facilitative and provides good and valuable advice and insight, especially in the TMT industry.’

Key clients

Axiata Group Berhad


Telekom Malaysia Berhad


Edgepoint Infrastructure


Work highlights


  • Advised Edgepoint Infrastructure group of companies in the acquisition of telecommunications infrastructures from various vendors in Malaysia.
  • Advising Telekom Malaysia Berhad  negotiating and drafting their access agreement in compliance with instruments issued under the Communications and Multimedia Act.
  • Advised Telekom Malaysia Berhad in their Term Sheet with Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) for the provision of backhaul and fronthaul services at DNB radio access network sites.