Distinguished by its extensive global network as a member firm of Baker McKenzie, Wong & Partners is lauded for its strengths in big-ticket M&A mandates, often operating across the life sciences, financial services and insurance industries. Andre Gan spearheads the department and is well-equipped to advise on high-value transactions, public company takeovers and venture capital matters. Munir Abdul Aziz leverages his experience in the field to assist multinational corporations in corporate reorganisations and divestments of shares, Stephanie Phua concentrates on private equity investments, and Addy Herg demonstrates a focus on the Chinese investment market. Ee Von Teo advises on transactions concerning the privatisation of public companies in Malaysia, while the ‘knowledgeable and practical’ Sue Wan Wong is a key contact for IPO work and the acquisition of interests in financial institutions. Brian Chia retired in January 2024.
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Profile
Work Department
Transactional - Mergers & Acquisitions
Position
Partner
Career
Sue Wan Wong is a partner in the Corporate, Commercial & Securities Practice Group of Wong & Partners and she also drives the Firm's Fintech practice. Sue Wan is a widely acknowledged practitioner, receiving the Woman Lawyer of the Year and "40 under 40" awards by Asian Legal Business in 2018 and 2015 respectively. She is also sought after for her valuable insights in the Fintech space, with multiple participation in interviews, commentaries and publications across the region.
Sue Wan is a member of the US-ASEAN Business Council (Financial Services Committee) and served as the former Secretary of the Fintech Association of Malaysia.
Sue Wan has undertaken numerous transactions relating to initial public offerings, restructuring, mergers and acquisitions including take-overs of public listed companies. She has depth to her mergers and acquisitions experience given her role in advising companies in the acquisition and divestment of interests in financial institutions and capital market intermediaries, with such deals being consummated through share deals, schemes of transfers and also those that extend to triggering general offers.
Her practice includes advising on a suite of financial services regulatory matters, including on the establishment of financial service providers, regulatory enquiries, marketing of financial products and financial services compliance. She engages and advises businesses involved in the innovation, investment and development of financial technology products and services. Sue Wan has vast experience in advising clients at the forefront of innovation, helping to navigate the web of regulatory and compliance challenges, and to facilitate partnerships between industry players and regulators. Her significant experience includes advising on 'pay-later' factoring models, insurtech solutions, and fintech-as-a-service models, amongst others.
Languages
Cantonese, English, Malay
Content supplied by Wong & Partners
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team has the relevant experience dealing with local Malaysian listing requirements and Central Bank regulations. They are also able to dedicate resources to provide quick turnaround and to provide sound legal advice having taken into account my company’s internal requirements.’
‘Having worked with Wong Sue Wan over the years, I find her to be very knowledgeable and practical. She is able to assess our needs and provide sound legal advice for our consideration.’
‘The firm’s strengths lie with the exceptional people, bench, knowledge depth and the response when demanded. The firm has also great understanding of our business.’
‘The team we work with is excellent and tenacious about getting to the crux of the problem, identifying risks but more importantly, helping create acceptable solutions to complex problems. Unlike many firms, they do try to see things from our perspective, but without compromising on legal matters. I like that they push back on things but don't just leave it as a fait accomplis.’
‘Teo Ee Von is frank, insightful and solution oriented. She puts in the hours to get to resolution and leads her teams very well. Compared to her legal peers, she is a step ahead in finding the bridge to find appropriate solutions to our needs, without sacrificing her or the firm's integrity.’
‘The team demonstrates exceptional capabilities and strength, marked by their profound expertise in navigating complex legal frameworks and providing strategic counsel across various sectors. Their meticulous attention to detail, combined with a proactive approach to identifying potential legal risks and opportunities, ensures comprehensive and robust support for our endeavours.’
‘What sets Stephanie Phua apart from her competitors is her understanding of our unique needs and consistently delivering insightful, strategic advice tailored to our specific circumstances. Her exceptional ability to anticipate challenges and proactively address them demonstrates a remarkable foresight. We have particularly valued her meticulous attention to detail, and genuine partnership approach, which fosters a collaborative and trusting relationship.’
‘The M&A practice is strong, with an international sensibility about it. The partners I have worked with (Andre, Addy and Ee Von) are top-notch professionals, who have a deep understanding both of the insurance industry as well as the regulators in Malaysia. They bring added value to the client by providing insights into the market as well as commercial considerations.’
Key clients
- Affinity Equity Partners
- Permodolan Nasional Berhad
- Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera
- The Great Eastern Life Assurance Company Limited
- Graymont Limited
- Digital Bridge
- Liberty Mutual Assurance Company
- Sime Darby Property Berhad
- Telekom Malaysia Berhad
- TPG Capital
- Generali Asia
- PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad
- IHH Healthcare Berhad
- Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad
Work highlights
Acted for Great Eastern Life Assurance and Great Eastern Takaful in respect of the proposed RM1.121bn acquisition of shares in AmMetLife Insurance and AmMetTakaful.
Represented Permodolan Nasional Berhad (PNB) in connection with the sale of PNB and AmanahRaya Trustees Berhad’s equity interest of approximately 61.18% in UMW, to Sime Darby Enterprise Sdn Bhd and Sime Darby Holdings Berhad, for a total cash consideration of RM3.574bn.
Advised Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentara in connection with its acquisition of 33% of the total issued shares of Boustead Plantations Berhad, for a total cash consideration of RM1.146bn from Boustead Holdings Berhad.