Rahmat Lim & Partners > Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia > Firm Profile

Rahmat Lim & Partners > The Legal 500 Rankings

Malaysia > Banking and finance Tier 1

Rahmat Lim & Partners is renowned for its specialism in the banking and finance arena, with demonstrated expertise in cross-border lending, acquisition and leveraged financing, debt restructuring transactions, and complex syndicated deals. Regularly engaged by reputable local and international financial organisations, the practice, headed by Wan Kai Chee, is also well-versed in sustainability-linked loans, fintech projects, and Sukuk issuances. Managing partner Azman bin Othman Luk has a wealth of experience in debt capital markets and securities regulation, while Kelvin Loh leads numerous bond transactions and frequently advises on Islamic financing facilities. Geraldine Su is often instructed by major corporations and private equity firms in multi-jurisdiction finance transactions, and Syed Rashid bin Rahim Alsree advises on bilateral and syndicated loans, as well as Islamic financing mandates. Florence Yong is another key contact in the group.

Malaysia > Capital markets Tier 1

The financial services department at Rahmat Lim & Partners is spearheaded by Wan Kai Chee, who has a wealth of experience in handling cross-border and domestic transactions, private equity, and mergers. Standout work includes activity in the renewable energy debt capital markets space, demonstrated in the firm’s involvement in the issuance of Sukuk by the project owner of a photovoltaic plant. The team has know-how in equity capital markets, investment funds, and Islamic finance, frequently acting on IPOs, real estate investment trusts, bond and note issuances, and advising on compliance concerns. Kelvin Loh is experienced in convertible and exchangeable bonds, whilst Zandra Tan and Livia Hong are notable members of the group.

Malaysia > Corporate and M&A Tier 1

Led by Moy Pui Yee, the team at Rahmat Lim & Partners advises its portfolio of domestic and international clients on a broad range of matters, including high-profile M&A transactions across Malaysia and Southeast Asia, in addition to joint venture agreements, reorganisations, privatisations, buyouts, reconstructions and investment. Chairman and senior partner Lim Teong Sit stands out for his expertise in M&A and capital markets transactions in Malaysia, and Chen Lee Won acts for on foreign investments into Malaysia. Team changes include the partner promotion of Eilene Teh and the departure of Yeo Tze Lin in January 2023, as well as the departure of Ho Wei Lih in July 2023, who established Wei Lih Ho & Co., in association with Deloitte Legal.

Malaysia > Projects and energy Tier 1

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.

Malaysia > Real estate and construction Tier 1

Rahmat Lim & Partners’ strong practice advises on the full spectrum of corporate real estate and real estate-related matters including property developments and joint ventures, property acquisitions and divestments, listings of real estate investment trusts, and due diligence concerns. Engaged by a host of local and international investors, private corporations, and property funds, the firm has a fine track record of handling complex and high-value property transactions involving retail malls, data centre operators, and retail malls. Kamilah Kasim is praised for her ‘knowledge and experience’, Chong Yee Leong specialises in power and infrastructure projects, and Dzuhairi Jaafar Thani focuses on various engineering, construction, and procurement contracts. Lee Yee Ling is an expert in sale and leaseback transactions and commercial leases, while Lim Teong Sit covers various corporate-related matters. All named individuals collectively lead the department.

Malaysia > Dispute resolution Tier 2

The disputes practice at Rahmat Lim & Partners engages with an array of clients including financial institutions, large corporations, creditors, and liquidators. Boasting a diverse caseload, the firm regularly handles corporate and shareholder disputes, banking transactions, and probate and administrative matters. The team is jointly led by Jack Yow and Chong Yee Leong, who are well-versed in industrial relations litigation, and international arbitration work, respectively. Allen Choong is a notable member of the group and represents clients in energy, engineering, and infrastructure disputes.

Malaysia > Intellectual property Tier 2

Pauline Khor, a specialist in the IP field who is frequently engaged in due diligence exercises, leads the practice at Rahmat Lim & Partners. The firm acts for foreign and local multinational companies and handles a broad range of matters across the IP spectrum including civil and criminal enforcement, patents, trade secrets and registered designs. Regularly involved in anti-counterfeiting and anti-piracy work, the team also has experience in IP acquisition and protection work, in addition to the registration and management of trademarks and industrial designs.

Malaysia > Islamic finance Tier 2

Rahmat Lim & Partners has established itself as a leader in the banking and finance and capital markets spheres, allowing it to benefit from a steady pipeline of Islamic finance engagements. Led by Wan Kai Chee, who principally focuses on fintech and investment funds, the firm has demonstrable experience in Islamic finance contracts, including financing under the principles of Ijarah, Mudharabah, and Musharakah. Acting for major regional banks including the likes of Maybank Investment and RHB, the team also counts Sukuk issuances and medium-term notes programmes within its scope of work. Kelvin Loh, Azman bin Othman Luk, and Syed Rashid bin Rahim Alsree are key members of the department.

Malaysia > Labour and employment Tier 2

Housing a team of 'experienced professionals, who are business-savvy yet compassionate', Rahmat Lim & Partners handles employment disputes, including unfair dismissals, enforcement of confidentiality clauses and disciplinary proceedings, in addition to restructuring and reorganisation exercises. Head of the firm's litigation department, Jack Yow leads the team and has experience in industrial relations and employment disputes.

Malaysia > Shipping Tier 2

Praised as an ‘excellent lawyer’, maritime and aviation specialist Soh Yin Chuin, who advises on banking and asset finance transactions arising out of the maritime and offshore sectors, co-leads the team at Rahmat Lim & Partners, with support of firm’s managing partner Azman bin Othman Luk. The team is well-equipped to advise financial institutions on such matters as vessel building, reflagging, and financings. The ‘always accurate’ Florence Yong, who specialises in the banking and finance aspects of shipping, was promoted to partnership in January 2023 and is another key contact in the group.

Malaysia > Antitrust and competition Tier 3

Chen Lee Won, an expert in the corporate and M&A sector, leads the team at Rahmat Lim & Partners. The department is regularly engaged by a broad range of clients including government-linked companies, trade associations, and multinational corporations. With experience in conducting cross-jurisdictional merger control self-assessments, the firm also offers advice on exemption applications to the Malaysian Competition Commission (MyCC), joint ventures, and distribution agreements. Penny Wong illustrates her strengths in the field through her active involvement in investigations by the MyCC and in representing clients in appeal hearings before the Competition Appeal Tribunal.

Malaysia > TMT (including Fintech) Tier 3

Rahmat Lim & Partners pulls together a well-regarded offering with particular strengths in the negotiating and drafting of sector-specific commercial agreements for issues such as the licensing of telecoms networks, outsourcing and biotechnology. The team is also well-placed to advise on fintech matters with equity crowdfunding platforms and online payment systems standing out as recent areas of activity. A quarter of partners head up the practice: Azman bin Othman Luk has significant experience of advising on banking and finance transactions; Wan Kai Chee and Moy Pui Yee are equipped to advise on M&A work; and Pauline Khor is an IP expert with a contentious and non-contentious portfolio of work. Zandra Tan is singled out for her capital markets knowledge. Karen Foong and Penny Wong are further names to note.