Christopher & Lee Ong > Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia > Firm Profile
Christopher & Lee Ong Offices
LEVEL 22, AXIATA TOWER NO. 9, JALAN STESEN SENTRAL 5
KUALA LUMPUR SENTRAL, 50470
KUALA LUMPUR
Malaysia
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Christopher & Lee Ong > The Legal 500 Rankings
Malaysia > Antitrust and competition Tier 1
Christopher & Lee Ong has cemented itself as one of the leading firms in the antitrust and competition arena. By virtue of its membership of the Rajah & Tann Asia group, the department is well-positioned to provide a wealth of tech-enabled solutions. Offering a full service to its clients, the firm regularly advises international multinational corporations, banks, government organisations, and international counsels. Key strengths include advising on competition law concerns in the telecoms industry, conducting due diligence, acting as counsel in M&A transactions, and carrying out comprehensive audits and reviews of clients’ business operations. Yon See Ting heads the team, and Jane Guan has been instrumental in growing the competition practice. Both practitioners are praised as ‘approachable and collaborative, with deep expertise in competition law’.Practice head(s):
Yon See Ting
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is known for their practical and thoughtful approach, and their additional expertise in antitrust brings immense value to clients. The team’s knowledge of antitrust intricacies allows them to anticipate and address potential challenges, leading to sound and practical solutions.’
‘Yon See Ting and Jane Guan will go all out to assist clients, they are very responsive and proactive.’
‘Jane Guan and Yon See Ting are truly experts in competition law. Even with complex scenarios, they are able to provide clear advice.’
‘Jane Guan and Yon See Ting are very approachable and collaborative, with deep expertise in competition law. They are also well connected to the regulators when it comes to advising on practical enforcement issues.’
‘The competition team has grown from strength to strength.’
‘Jane Guan deserves to go far.’
Key clients
Prudential Assurance Malaysia Berhad
Progressive Insurance Berhad
SIA Engineering Company Limited
Work highlights
- Assisted and represented two insurance companies in Malaysia, against the General Insurance Association of Malaysia, the national trade association of all licensed direct and reinsurance companies for general insurance in Malaysia, and its 22 members.
- Assisting SIAEC in respect of a proposed transaction involving the proposed acquisition of a minority stake of 49% of the issued and paid-up share capital of Pos Aviation Engineering Services Sdn Bhd.
Malaysia > Corporate and M&A Tier 1
The practice at Christopher & Lee Ong harnesses an ‘in-depth understanding of market practices’ in the corporate and M&A arena. The team’s workload includes a variety of matters, spanning the full lifecycle of transactions on behalf of its industry-spanning domestic and multinational client roster, while providing support on regulatory approvals and compliance mandates, in addition to competition and antitrust issues, and industry-specific concerns. The practice also sees high-stakes M&A bidding and structuring matters through to execution. The team is collectively led by Yon See Ting, Kuok Yew Chen and Yau Yee Ming, who bring a wealth of experience in cross-border transactions, Christopher Lee, Por Chuei Ying, See Hua Chua, and Anette Soh. Other key contacts in the group include Kelvin Kho and consultant Lee Hock Chye.Practice head(s):
Christopher Lee; Yon See Ting; Yau Yee Ming; Kuok Yew Chen; Por Chuei Ying; Chua See Hua; Annette Soh
Other key lawyers:
Tracy Wong; Chor Jack; Kelvin Kho
Testimonials
‘In-depth understanding of market practices. Able to provide precedent for clients’ reference and consideration, and able to provide practical solutions to the client.’
‘Prompt responses are provided by the team.’
‘The clients’ interests are clearly the team’s most important consideration, and they push to achieve those interests throughout.’
‘The team has good expertise and knowledge of Malaysian regulations.’
‘Very responsive in answering our queries.’
Key clients
Digi.com
Starlight Asset Sdn Bhd
ISEC Healthcare Limited and ISEC
Esteel Enterprise Ltd.
Ramsay Health Care Investments Limited and Sime Darby Holdings
Creador V L.P.
Work highlights
- Advised Starlight Asset Sdn Bhd in relation to the acquisition of shares in Affin Hwang Asset Management Berhad.
- Acted as legal advisers to a provider and stockist of steel piping, related products and steel piping systems, in its acquisition of Eden Flame Sdn Bhd from Amsteel Mills Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lion Industries Corporation Berhad.
- Acted as Malaysian counsel for Ramsay Health Care Investments Limited and Sime Darby Holdings Berhad, vendors who jointly hold 100% of the equity interest in Ramsay Sime Darby Health Care Sdn Bhd.
Malaysia > Intellectual property Tier 1
Christopher & Lee Ong’s offering consists of IP work across the spectrum, ranging from IP protection and registration, valuation and transactional work, to litigation and the enforcement of IP rights. Recognised for its ability to handle both contentious and non-contentious matters, the firm acts for multinationals and conglomerates across various industries, such as pharmaceutical, aerospace, e-commerce, and telecoms. Sri Sarguna Raj and his team left the firm in May 2024.Key clients
Zuspresso (M) Sdn. Bhd. (Client) v. Boba Tea Sdn. Bhd
AFTA Motors IP Enforcement Action
Trocellen SEA Sdn. Bhd. (Client) v. EZA Carpets Sdn. Bhd
China Vanke Co. Ltd & Malola Garden City Sdn. Bhd.
GIVI Asia Sdn. Bhd.
Warner Chappell Music (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
Tenaga Nasional Berhad
AirAsia Group Bhd and its subsidiaries
Aberdeen Drilling School Limited & Aberdeen Drilling International (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
Kaison Furnishing Sdn. Bhd.
Work highlights
- Acted for Zuspresso in a civil suit for trademark infringement, passing off and unlawful interference with trade, filed against Boba Tea Sdn. Bhd.
Malaysia > Projects and energy Tier 1
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:
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.
Malaysia > Shipping Tier 1
Jainil Bhandari who works from the firm’s the Malaysia and Singapore offices, is at the helm of Christopher & Lee Ong’s shipping practice, which is noted for its ‘in-depth knowledge of the field’. The team holds impressive capabilities handling both wet and dry shipping work for key domestic and international clients. Examples of the team’s workload include advising on the high-value sale and purchase of ships and yachts; marine insurance policies; cross-border imports and exports; and the disposal of cargo. In addition to the team’s advisory work, it is also experienced in representing its clients in contentious matters, such as complex ship-arrest proceedings. Standout practitioner in the team Clive Navin Selvapandian is described as having an ‘unwavering commitment to putting clients first’; and is experienced handling the range of shipping cases.Practice head(s):
Jainil Bhandari
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Clive Navin Selvapandian is professional, always maintains his composure and is accommodating.’
‘Clive Navin Selvapandian possesses exceptional expertise in international trade, shipping, and maritime law. Despite his seniority, Clive maintains a lean practice, making him easily accessible.’
‘A fast thinker, Clive Navin Selvapandian can swiftly break down complex questions into concise and practical commercial solutions. His commercial, savvy nature makes collaborating with him a seamless and straightforward experience. They are truly ‘lawyers who know Asia’ which sets it apart from other firms in the field.’
‘I have the privilege of working directly with Clive Navin Selvapandian, and I must say that I am thoroughly impressed with his ability to provide comprehensive solutions. One aspect of Clive’s approach that I particularly admire is his unwavering commitment to putting clients first with practical, tailored advice.’
‘The team at Christopher & Lee Ong is proactive and able to provide effective advice and solutions to the issues at hand, with their in-depth knowledge of the field.’
‘Clive Navin Selvapandian has helped us in finding practical legal solutions and providing effective legal advice in shipping matters. Clive is willing to accommodate to our inquiries promptly and efficiently with his in-depth knowledge in the field.’
‘Clive Navin Selvapandian makes sure that his client is satisfied with his work and can rely on him whenever.’
‘Clive Navin Selvapandian has always been very helpful with his advice.’
Key clients
Marine & General Berhad
Rajah and Tann Singapore LLP
WK Webster & Co. Ltd.
Bintang Samudera Sdn. Bhd.
Helmsman LLC Singapore
Spica Services (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Helios Petroleum Sdn. Bhd.
KPMG Deal Advisory Sdn Bhd
Messrs Hughes Krupica
Work highlights
- Advised Messrs Hughes Krupica and drew up a settlement agreement relating to the disputes in relation to the sale and purchase of a Langkawi-registered yacht.
- Represented Spica (and the Korean P &I Club) in ship-arrest proceedings against the vessel ‘Thassos Warrior’.
- Acted for Bintang Samudera Sdn Bhd in registering an arbitration award (arising from a breach of charterparty) issued by the Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration.
Malaysia > TMT Tier 1
Multinational organisations and conglomerates from industries ranging from banking to e-health beat a path to Christopher & Lee Ong for assistance with issues such as IT and cloud contract negotiations, data breaches, consumer protection laws and sector specific regulatory advice. The practice has additionally seen an increase in instructions relating to the the deployment of artificial intelligence, e-commerce and fintech. Leadership duties are split between Deepak Pillai, whose varied caseload includes commercial and regulatory advice on outsourcing and digital media, and KuokYew Chen, who is well-placed to advise on cross-border transactions. Intan Haryati is frequently active across public and private sector IT turnkey contracts. Anissa Maria Anis is a key contact for clients from the media and entertainment industries, while data protection specialist Yong Shih Han is equipped to advise on an array of regulatory and compliance matters. Yeap Yee Lin is another name to note.Practice head(s):
Deepak Pillai; Kuok Yew Chen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is professional, and provides sound, accurate and practical legal solutions.’
‘Deepak Pillai is the authority in the areas relating to IT contracts, electronic commerce, data protection & digital media. He gives sound, pragmatic advice.’
‘They are able to strike the delicate balance of letting us do what we need to achieve business objectives and yet ensure that that due legal process and compliance is not compromised by providing actionable advice tailored to our needs.’
‘Anissa Maria is very approachable. Her past experience working in-house in another media conglomerate in Malaysia provides relevant perspective to the legal issues that we consult her on.’
Work highlights
- Appointed by a global tech conglomerate to conduct a third country transfer risk assessment on the adequacy of Malaysia’s data protection laws.
- Appointed by a start-up to assist with a cross-border internal investigation into unauthorised recharge services and fraudulent purchases of in-game tokens in their gaming app.
Malaysia > Banking and Finance (including Islamic Finance) Tier 2
Christopher & Lee Ong prides itself on providing an expansive range of banking and finance advisory services to a plethora of local and international banks and financial institutions. On account of its association with the Rajah & Tann Asia Network, the firm benefits from an established network of practitioners across the Southeast Asia region, strengthening its ability to provide a high-quality service to multinational corporations and Malaysian enterprises. Much of the firm’s work centres on syndicated lending, project financing, Islamic finance, and debt restructuring. Christopher Lee and Fiona Sequerah head the team and are experienced practitioners who are well-regarded within the banking and finance spheres. Chor Jack leads on several engagements and has recently been tasked with leading the department’s sustainability practice on matters including sustainability linked financing, while Teo Siang Ly has experience in advising corporate borrowers on financing matters.Practice head(s):
Christopher Lee; Fiona Sequerah
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is extremely supportive.’
‘Chor Jack does not shy away from giving commercially correct views.’
Key clients
Nufarm Limited
Solarpack
Jadestone Energy PLC
Work highlights
- Acted for seven of Nufarm’s Malaysian subsidiaries, which are required to issue guarantees in favour of the finance parties that agreed to grant the facilities (of up to AUD800m) to Nufarm.
- Advised Solarpack in relation to the proposed issuance of ASEAN Green SRI Sukuk Wakalah of up to RM305m in nominal value based on the Shariah principle of Wakalah Bi Al-Istithmar.
- Advised Jadestone Energy (the borrower) in respect of a USD50m bridge financing facility for the acquisition of certain hydrocarbon-producing assets.
Malaysia > Labour and employment Tier 2
Christopher & Lee Ong’s team advises its client roster on the full scope of labour and employment work, including domestic and cross-border advisory matters ranging from unfair dismissal, breaches of contract and redundancies to mandates concerning alleged force labour and harassment in the workplace. The practice also has demonstrable experience in handling litigious cases, a key focus for Rubini Murugesan. Yau Yee Ming jointly spearheads the team alongside Kelvin Kho, who takes a ‘solutions-oriented approach and provides high-quality advice’ on employment compliance issues.Practice head(s):
Yau Yee Ming; Kelvin Kho
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Kelvin Kho bears a high-level of business sense – he can understand and capture the essence of a business out of context and then advise accordingly.’
‘With his Kelvin Kho’s experience and advice, we are clearer on the path of human resources planning.’
‘Kelvin Kho works with us side-by-side, as if our colleague and has been able to capture the business context and has problem-solved thusly. He has a solutions-oriented approach and provides high-quality advice.’
Malaysia > Real estate and construction Tier 2
Christopher & Lee Ong’s real estate practice is jointly led by Lim Hui Ming, who is praised for her ‘exceptional knowledge’ of property and financing matters, and Por Chuei Ying. The firm has a track record for handling large-scale real estate transactions both in Malaysia and neighbouring ASEAN countries. Acting for a range of local and international investors, government-linked corporations, and property funds, the team regularly advises on leases and tenancies, construction disputes, property development, conveyancing, and acquisition financing.Practice head(s):
Lim Hui Ming; Por Chuei Ying
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team are responsive, communicative, precise, and clear.’
‘Lim Hui Ming is approachable, dependable, professional, and sharp.’
‘CLO has been very responsive. They keep excellent records for important deadlines, always provide guidance, and they are easy to work with.’
‘Lim Hui Ming has exceptional knowledge.’
Key clients
Sime Darby Property (Bukit Tunku) Sdn Bhd
B. Grimm Public Company Limited
A Malaysian SPV company in the telecoms industry
Work highlights
- Acted for Sime Darby Property (Bukit Tunku) Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sime Darby Property Berhad in the purchase of 949 acres of freehold land in Kapar, Klang from Sime Darby Plantation Bhd for RM618m.
Malaysia > Capital markets Tier 3
On account of its membership of Rajah & Tann Asia, Christopher & Lee Ong is well-positioned to advise clients on various cross-border capital market mandates, particularly across Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The department is headed by Yon See Ting, Annette Soh, and Fiona Sequerah, whose combined experience enables the firm to offer advice on IPOs, corporate governance rules, sale and purchase agreements, and due diligence concerns. Advising clients on debt fundraising exercises also lies within the firm’s scope of activity.Practice head(s):
Yon See Ting; Annette Soh; Fiona Sequerah
Testimonials
‘Strong knowledge on capital market regulations.’
Key clients
Digi.Com Berhad
Esteel Enterprise Pte. Ltd.
Kitacon Berhad
Work highlights
- Advised Digi.Com on its merger with Celcom Axiata to form Celcom Digital.
- Advised Esteel Enterprise on its acquisition of Eden Flame from Amsteel Mills.
- Acted as the solicitors for the proposed initial offerings of Kitacon, a G7 township building contractor that builds both residential and non-residential buildings.
Malaysia > Dispute resolution Tier 3
The dispute resolution department at Christopher & Lee Ong offers services covering various elements of the practice including arbitration, general litigation, and adjudication. John Mathew leads the team and is a recognised panel arbitrator with the Asian International Arbitration Centre, while other advocates within the team draw strengths from their collective trial and appellate experience. The group is well-versed in handling disputes relating to joint ventures, directors and shareholder duties, and insolvency and restructuring matters.Practice head(s):
John Mathew
Other key lawyers:
Heng Yee Keat
Testimonials
‘Very responsive and supportive without compromising their work quality. Client-focused with competitive pricing’.
‘The team is knowledgeable and experienced and is able to provide alternative solutions in line with the client’s business strategy.’
‘John Mathew is experienced and always gives advice promptly. We sincerely appreciate his work.’
‘The litigation team provided the highest level of knowledge and was attentive to the clients’ needs. All team members were very competent and responsive and were willing to accommodate to the clients’ requirements in a very professional way.’
Key clients
Kuwait Finance Berhad
Prasarana Malaysia Berhad
Siemens Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Malayan Banking Berhad, Beijing Branch
Disciplinary Committee, Malaysian Institute of Accountants
CIMB Bank Berhad
Christopher & Lee Ong > Firm Profile
Christopher & Lee Ong houses a dedicated and committed team of lawyers with legal acuity and intuitive business acumen cutting across multiple industries – technology and telecommunications, projects and energy, natural resources, manufacturing and logistics, financial services and insurance, consumer goods and services, retail, and construction and materials, among others.
Throughout the entire project life-cycle (from inception to closing), we provide high quality legal advice to clients right across the commercial spectrum with extensive experience in handling complex deals and disputes involving large local and multinational corporations, conglomerates, financial institutions, as well as smaller local enterprises.
The firm consistently distinguishes itself in Malaysia and regularly garners many international awards and industry accolades, particularly being named Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law Firm of the Year 2021 and Project Finance Deal of the Year Law Firm of the Year 2020 by Asian Legal Business Malaysia Law Awards.
Being part of the Rajah & Tann Asia Network, one of the largest full-service legal network across over ten countries in Southeast Asia and beyond, we are able to call upon leading lawyers from various jurisdictions in Asia to tap into their expertise, and provide clients with specialised advice and representation on disputes for both complex local and cross-border transactions.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Admiralty & Shipping | Jainil Bhandari | jainil.bhandari@rajahtann.com | |
Admiralty & Shipping | Por Chuei Ying | chuei.ying.por@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2662 |
Admiralty & Shipping | Clive Navin Selvapandian | clive.selvapandian@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2692 |
Banking & Finance | Christopher Lee | christopher.lee@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2672 |
Banking & Finance | Fiona Sequerah | fiona.sequerah@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2678 |
Capital Markets (Debt) | Fiona Sequerah | fiona.sequerah@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2678 |
Capital Markets (Equity) | Yon See Ting | see.ting.yon@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2647 |
Capital Markets (Equity) | Por Chuei Ying | chuei.ying.por@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2662 |
Competition & Antitrust | Yon See Ting | see.ting.yon@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2647 |
Data Protection | Deepak Pillai | deepak.pillai@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2675 |
Dispute Resolution & Litigation | John Mathew | john.mathew@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2626 |
Employment & Executive Compensation | Yau Yee Ming | yee.ming.yau@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2669 |
Employment & Executive Compensation | Kelvin Kho | kelvin.kho@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2732 |
Employment & Executive Compensation | Rubini Murugesan | rubini.murugesan@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2616 |
Energy (Conventional & Renewable) & Resources | Christopher Lee | christopher.lee@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2672 |
Energy (Conventional & Renewable) & Resources | Chor Jack | jack.chor@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2729 |
Ethics & Integrity | Kuok Yew Chen | yew.chen.kuok@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2699 |
Ethics & Integrity | Kelvin Kho | kelvin.kho@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2732 |
FinTech, RegTech, InsurTech | Deepak Pillai | deepak.pillai@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2675 |
FinTech, RegTech, InsurTech | Tracy Wong | tracy.wong@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2653 |
Intellectual Property | Sri Sarguna Raj | sri.sarguna.raj@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2737 |
International Arbitration | John Mathew | john.mathew@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2626 |
International Arbitration | Avinash Pradhan | avinash.pradhan@rajahtann.com | |
International Trade & Customs | Kuok Yew Chen | yew.chen.kuok@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2699 |
Islamic Finance | Christopher Lee | christopher.lee@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2672 |
Islamic Finance | Fiona Sequerah | fiona.sequerah@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2678 |
Mergers & Acquisitions | Yon See Ting | see.ting.yon@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2647 |
Mergers & Acquisitions | Kuok Yew Chen | yew.chen.kuok@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2699 |
Mergers & Acquisitions | Yau Yee Ming | yee.ming.yau@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2669 |
Project Finance | Fiona Sequerah | fiona.sequerah@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2678 |
Project Finance | Chor Jack | jack.chor@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2729 |
Projects, Infrastructure, Construction & Engineering | Christopher Lee | christopher.lee@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2672 |
Projects, Infrastructure, Construction & Engineering | Eileen Yeoh | eileen.yeoh@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2788 |
Projects, Infrastructure, Construction & Engineering | Shemane Chan | shemane.chan@rajahtann.com | |
Real Estate | Lee Hock Chye | hock.chye.lee@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2611 |
Real Estate | Lim Hui Ming | hui.ming.lim@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2688 |
Real Estate | Kelvin Kho | kelvin.kho@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2732 |
Sports & Gaming | Sri Sarguna Raj | sri.sarguna.raj@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2737 |
Technology, Media & Telecommunications | Deepak Pillai | deepak.pillai@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2675 |
Technology, Media & Telecommunications | Kuok Yew Chen | yew.chen.kuok@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2699 |
Technology, Media & Telecommunications | Intan Haryati | intan.haryati@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2674 |
Technology, Media & Telecommunications | Anissa Maria Anis | anissa.anis@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2750 |
Wills & Probates | Teng Chong Moi | chong.moi.teng@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2618 |
White Collar Crime & Investigations | Shanti Geoffrey | shanti.geoffrey@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2733 |
Capital Markets | Shanti Geoffrey | shanti.geoffrey@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2733 |
Litigation | John Rolan | john.rolan@christopherleeong.com | +60 3 2267 2664 |
Construction & Projects | Siaw Wan Lim | siawwan.lim@christopherleeong.com | +603 2273 1919 |
Energy (Conventional & Renewable) & Resources | Siaw Wan Lim | siawwan.lim@christopherleeong.com | +603 2273 1919 |
Restructuring & Insolvency | Chua See Hua | seehua.chua@christopherleeong.com | +603 2273 1919 |
Mergers & Acquisitions | Chua See Hua | seehua.chua@christopherleeong.com | +603 2273 1919 |
Insurance and Financial Services | Chelsea Chan | chelsea.chan@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2690 |
Banking & Finance | Chelsea Chan | chelsea.chan@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2690 |
Mergers & Acquisitions | Anette Soh | annette.soh@christopherleeong.com | +603 2273 1919 |
Capital Markets | Anette Soh | annette.soh@christopherleeong.com | +603 2273 1919 |
Mergers & Acquisitions | Daphne Lam | daphne.lam@christopherleeong.com | +603 2273 1919 |
Capital Markets | Daphne Lam | daphne.lam@christopherleeong.com | +603 2273 1919 |
Mergers & Acquisitions | Looi Zhi Min | zhi.min.looi@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2701 |
Capital Markets | Looi Zhi Min | zhi.min.looi@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2701 |
Banking & Finance | Teo Siang Ly | siangly.teo@christopherleeong.com | |
Intellectual Property | Nicole Chong | nicole.chong@christopherleeong.com | |
Intellectual Property | Steven Cheok | steven.cheok@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2648 |
Antitrust and Competition | Jane Guan | jane.guan@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2694 |
Technology, Media & Telecommunications | Yong Shih Han | shih.han.yong@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2715 |
Merger and Acquisition | Tan Yi Li | yi.li.tan@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2691 |
Banking and Finance | Evelyn Ch'ng | evelyn.chng@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2684 |
Merger and Acquisition | Ooi Ju-Lien | ju.lien.ooi@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2716 |
Litigation | Sivaram Prasad | sivaram.prasad@christopherleeong.com | |
Litigation | HK Niak | hkniak@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2693 |
Litigation | Heng Yee Keat | yee.keat.heng@christopherleeong.com | +603 2267 2723 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Anissa Maria Anis | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Media & Entertainment Technology & Telecommunications | View Profile | |
Mr Jainil Bhandari | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Shipping & International Trade | View Profile | |
Evelyn Ch'ng | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Corporate Commercial Banking & Finance Real… | View Profile | |
Chelsea Chan | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong Insurance and Financial Services Corporate Banking &… | View Profile | |
Kuok Yew Chen | Managing Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Corporate & Commercial Mergers &… | View Profile | |
Steven Cheok | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Intellectual Property | View Profile | |
Jack Chor | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Banking & Finance Construction & Projects… | View Profile | |
See Hua Chua | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Restructuring & Insolvency Mergers & Acquisitions… | View Profile | |
Jane Guan | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Competition & Antitrust Corporate Commercial Consumer… | View Profile | |
Yong Shih Han | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Technology, Media & Telecommunications Data Protection… | View Profile | |
Intan Haryati | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong Technology, Media & Telecommunications Data Privacy &… | View Profile | |
Yee Keat Heng | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Dispute Resolution | View Profile | |
Chor Jack | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong Banking & Finance Construction & Projects Energy… | View Profile | |
Kelvin Kho | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Mergers & Acquisitions Foreign Investment Real… | View Profile | |
Yew Chen Kuok | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Corporate & Commercial Mergers & Acquisitions… | View Profile | |
Daphne Lam | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong Capital Markets Mergers & Acquisitions Corporate &… | View Profile | |
Christopher Lee | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong Banking & Finance Capital Markets Construction &… | View Profile | |
Hui Ming Lim | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Banking & Finance Corporate Commercial Real… | View Profile | |
Zhi Min Looi | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Mergers & Acquisitions Capital Markets Corporate… | View Profile | |
Ms Teo Siang Ly | Partner | View Profile | |
John Mathew | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Dispute Resolution & Litigation | View Profile | |
Lim Hui Ming | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Banking & Finance Corporate Commercial Real… | View Profile | |
Rubini Murugesan | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Commercial Litigation Construction & Projects Employment… | View Profile | |
Hiong Keong Niak | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Dispute Resolution & Litigation | View Profile | |
Ju-Lien Ooi | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Mergers & Acquisitions Corporate Commercial Employment | View Profile | |
Deepak Pillai | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Technology, Media & Telecommunications Data Protection… | View Profile | |
Chuei Ying Por | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia General Corporate Commercial | View Profile | |
Mr Sri Sarguna Raj | Head, Intellectual Property, Sports and Gaming | View Profile | |
John Rolan | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong Litigation | View Profile | |
Clive Navin Selvapandian | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Shipping & International Trade Commercial Litigation | View Profile | |
Fiona Sequerah | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Aviation & Aircraft Financing Banking &… | View Profile | |
Lim Siaw Wan | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia | View Profile | |
Anette Soh | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong Capital Markets Corporate & Commercial Mergers &… | View Profile | |
Yi Li Tan | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Corporate TMT Ethics & Integrity Fraud… | View Profile | |
Yon See Ting | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Mergers & Acquisitions Competition & Antitrust… | View Profile | |
Tracy Wong | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong Financial Regulatory Services/ FinTech General Corporate Commercial… | View Profile | |
Yee Ming Yau | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Corporate & Commercial Employment & Benefits… | View Profile | |
See Ting Yon | Managing Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Mergers & Acquisitions Competition &… | View Profile | |
Shih Han Yong | Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong, Malaysia Technology, Media & Telecommunications Data Protection | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Consultant : 1 Lawyers : 75+Languages
English (fluent) Malay (Bahasa Malaysia) Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese)Memberships
Rajah & Tann Asia NetworkOther
Contact : Yon See Ting (see.ting.yon@christopherleeong.com)Client Testimonials
CLIENT: Global air-conditioning systems company
COMPANY/FIRM: Christopher & Lee Ong
TESTIMONIAL: “We have been working with Christopher & Lee Ong for more than 2 years on general corporate and advisory matters. During this time, we have found the team to be responsive and service oriented. They understand the needs of the organisation well and are able to provide practical and commercial advice. Our experience with other Malaysian firms is that Christopher & Lee Ong compares favourably in terms of responsiveness and business acumen.”
CLIENT: MESTRAE
COMPANY/FIRM: Christopher & Lee Ong
TESTIMONIAL: “The firm, despite the grandness and prestige, is a place that feels warm for anyone of any businesses because of its people. As one of the most prominent firms in the country, Christopher & Lee Ong have been very accommodating and cost conscious. They take budget, growth expansion, strategy, potentials into account and both parties have always been open and transparent. The same cost elsewhere comes with lack of expertise and attention. We are now selling globally with numerous recognitions, and expanding much faster than anticipated. We look forward to our continued partnership with Christopher & Lee Ong.”
CLIENT: Norwegian solar plants developer
COMPANY/FIRM: Christopher & Lee Ong
TESTIMONIAL: “Dynamic, engaging & flexible – caters and supports our growing plus complex business partnering needs in this ever changing & challenging landscape.”
Client Testimonials
CLIENT: Facebook
COMPANY/FIRM: Christopher & Lee Ong
TESTIMONIAL: “We have benefited enormously from the legal counsel and guidance provided by the Christopher Lee Ong team”
CLIENT: Premier Trustee Company
COMPANY/FIRM: Christopher & Lee Ong
TESTIMONIAL: “After reviewing the firm’s portfolio, we have the full confidence that the firm would be the best attorney to represent our Company in delicate and complex litigation suits.”
CLIENT: Scatec ASA
COMPANY/FIRM: Christopher & Lee Ong
TESTIMONIAL: “Dynamic, engaging & flexible – caters and supports our growing plus complex business partnering needs in this ever changing & challenging landscape.”
CLIENT: Thai solar project developer and Independent Power Producer
COMPANY/FIRM: Christopher & Lee Ong
TESTIMONIAL: “As we have been very satisfied with the quality of work provided, we naturally made the choice to work with the firm and our level of appreciation towards Christopher & Lee Ong has further increased.”
CLIENT: Ireka Corporation Berhad
COMPANY/FIRM: Christopher & Lee Ong
TESTIMONIAL: “At Ireka, I have been working with CLO, over the past 8 years on various corporate, project and mergers & acquisition transactions. Their advice have been valuable in helping us navigate complex, cross-border deals, and contributed to a number successful, landmark transactions for us over the years.
Over the years, Ju Lien has proven her calibre as a trusted legal advisor by providing precise, innovative and timely legal advice that often times help us cut through the complexity of current business environment. We look forward to continuing our relationship with CLO over the coming years.”
CLIENT: Carrier HVAC
COMPANY/FIRM: Christopher & Lee Ong
TESTIMONIAL: “The CLO team, has been very prompt in delivering quality advice and support to the Carrier’s businesses in Malaysia. Building a long term relationship with the CLO team also means that the CLO team has built a good basic understanding of the Carrier businesses, and also be able to incorporate that understanding into their legal advice and support to Carrier and render practical, usable advice for the Carrier team.”
Interviews
Kuok Yew Chen, Managing Partner
Managing Partner, Kuok Yew Chen, shares his views on adapting to clients’ needs and the Firm’s direction in a hyper-competitive legal Malaysian market.What do you see as the main points that differentiate [law firm name] from your competitors?
Our culture. We are dedicated to integrity and results, and to nurturing these principles in our lawyers. The Firm is fortunate to have clients that have journeyed with us over the last decade, and to have grown from strength to strength not just organically but with several exceptional lateral hires over the years. This January, we welcome yet another exceptional team of 15 lawyers who are leading lights in the field of M&A, Capital Markets, and Banking, making us one of the largest law firms in Malaysia. This significant integration reflects CLO’s commitment to providing our clients with the highest levels of legal services, and to staying ahead of the curve by seizing opportunities to meet market demands.
Geographical Reach
Being part of the Rajah & Tann Asia (“RTA”) Network, one of the largest full-service ASEAN legal networks, gives us access to a network of law firms across South East Asia with over 1,000 practitioners with on-the-ground knowledge and insights to assist clients in their cross-border investments and business ventures across sectors and industries.
Access to Industry Experienced and Specialist Practitioners
We have experienced specialist practitioners as well as industry experienced practitioners. We deploy teams with lawyers in different and complementary practice areas, ensuring clients have access to the right team to enable them to secure the best possible outcome. This means clients not only get a dedicated team of lawyers who will act as their business partner, but also receive in-depth and consistent legal services across the region.
We also host a plethora of local and regional events and bespoke training sessions which give our clients the opportunity to obtain legal and practical insights on the latest developments in the law, as well as matters of concern to our clients.
Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?
With the new team joining, we expect to see a significant increase in large, public M&A transactions for the Firm, and a continued upswing in our Capital Markets engagements. Aside from these areas, like the rest of the region, the following areas are likely to be of interest to our clients:
TMT & Data Protection
Many areas in technology are seeing accelerated growth around the world and Malaysia is no exception. Large as well as medium sized organisations are now adopting major digitization and digitalization of their business operations, optimising their IT infrastructure and adopting innovative ways to embrace new technologies to stay relevant and competitive in an uncertain business landscape.
With businesses increasingly adopting cloud-based services and data analytics tools, concerns are being raised about data security and privacy, necessitating advice and assistance in areas involving new licensing requirements on the provision of cybersecurity and cloud services in Malaysia. The rise of AI and machine learning technologies also require careful consideration of ethical and legal implications which our experienced team in the TMT Practice continues to advise on. Additionally, the Cybersecurity Bill is expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat in the Parliamentary session early in 2024. This will undoubtedly lead to an increase in enquiries on cyber security laws.
Our strong Data Privacy & Protection Practice is also expecting to see significant growth in the coming 12 months, as the Government aims to review and amend the Malaysian Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (“PDPA”), with a view to align the PDPA with international standards, in particular the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Malaysia has also seen the launch of satellite broadband services, as well as the proposed rollout of a second 5G network. Social media continues to grow, not just from a technological perspective but also its breadth and reach into e-commerce and content. These developments should also continue to keep our Telecommunications and Media practices, respectively, busy.
All of the foregoing factors should continue to drive the growth in our leading TMT and Data Privacy & Protection practice group.
Sustainability / ESG
As Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices increasingly gain traction, with many Government linked companies (GLC) adopting ESG policies and net zero targets, a greater number of organisations are likely to also adopt the green agenda in their business practice not just to ensure continued business ties with GLCs, but also given societal demands for greater governance and accountability.
Since inception, ESG principles have been at the heart of the way we practice. Our Firm has a strong Sustainability practice, led by local and legal practitioners experienced in various areas of law, enabling us to provide holistic advice to our clients seeking to comply with the evolving Malaysian and regional sustainability regulations. CLO also houses a long-standing Renewable Energy practice as well as a Banking and Finance practice which are able to assist investors in the renewables space as well as financial institutions who are focused on providing green financing.
The increasing awareness that economic crimes have far reaching costly effects, and with governments globally promoting a compliance culture, transparency, and accountability, we foresee clients requiring assistance in navigating their compliance obligations, carrying out internal investigations, and requiring risk mitigation and prevention strategies, such as developing and improving internal protocols and compliance programmes. We therefore also foresee increased demand for our Corporate and Regulatory practices, in particular for ABAC and AML compliance, and ESG reporting obligations.
Competition & Antitrust
With the review of the Competition Act 2010, including the proposed introduction of merger control provisions in 2024, we foresee potential growth in our Competition practice given the relatively healthy M&A
activity in Malaysia, although there is likely to be a sunrise period after the law is amended; meaning we could only see tangible increased demand in 2025, unless the Government expedites the rollout of merger control next year.
What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?
As mentioned above, the new team joining CLO in January are market leaders, recognised as leading lawyers and rising stars in Malaysia by clients, peers, and legal publications. They bring a wealth of experience and industry insights, further strengthening our Firm’s capabilities to meet growing client needs in the areas of law impacted by the rise of M&As, increase in foreign investments in Malaysia, as well as the continued demand for IPOs and capital market exercises.
Aside from this, the Firm has taken some efforts to make its Disputes team, which is one of the largest in Malaysia, more visible to clients so as to enable clients to consult across practices on legal strategy even before a potential dispute arises or is litigated. Beyond being a full-service law firm, we are also positioned to allow clients the comfort of working with their preferred relationship partner throughout a dispute, together with the relevant Disputes partner on the suit.
Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?
Yes, very much so.
Our clients are provided with access to Rajah & Tann Technologies, which offers multidisciplinary tech-enabled legal solutions including data breach readiness and response, cybersecurity, electronic discovery and digital forensics, virtual law academy, contract management, as well as other LegalTech services, all of which are modeled around meeting our clients’ demands in the digital economy.
Additionally, our clients are also able to access our RTA Competition & Trade mobile application, which provides regular relevant updates and resources on the latest legal and regulatory developments in the areas of competition & antitrust, trade, and consumer protection from across the region, on the go. The RTA Competition & Trade mobile app includes access to our lawyers, comparative overviews of key topics ranging from merger controls to export controls, and also insights into issues trending in Asia.
Our clients also have access to our one-stop arbitration website which spotlights on Asia, covering the latest legislative and regulatory developments, case alerts, market updates and events or happenings across Rajah & Tann Asia’s geographical footprint.
With the view of bringing a human touch to the digital world, we continued to work with our regional counterparts to host bespoke hybrid conferences which saw us interacting with clients through physical webinars (with limited seating) combined with virtual webinars across multiple jurisdictions. We have also connected our clients with experts from various jurisdictions during our annual legal conference, The Legal 360, which saw speakers and panellists from countries such as Singapore, Portugal and Japan.
We also continue to remain active on professional social media (i.e., LinkedIn) to ensure our clients and prospects are kept up-to-date on legal developments across various jurisdictions.
Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?
Ensuring our clients get timely, practical, and commercially sound solutions to day-to-day issues that arise in our clients’ businesses, our dedicated team of lawyers are matched based on our clients’ needs.
Notably, we advised Digi.com Berhad (“Digi”) in respect of its USD$ 3.8 billion merger with Celcom Axiata Berhad (“Celcom”), by way of acquisition of 100% of the shares in Celcom from Axiata Group Berhad (“Axiata”) and the issuance of shares in Digi to Axiata. Our work on this deal included advising on the structure of the transaction (opposite counsels from Norway, Hong Kong, Singapore, UK and Malaysia); seeking regulatory approval from Bursa Malaysia (the stock exchange) and Securities Commission of Malaysia; assisting and advising Digi to obtain its shareholders’ approval via an extraordinary general meeting; seeking merger control approval from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the telecommunications regulator of Malaysia, and seeking regulatory approval under the licenses granted by MCMC, among others.
This large, multi-faceted transaction saw many of our practice groups engaged, ranging from Corporate and M&A, to Competition, Technology, Media & Telecommunications, Data Protection, Corporate Governance and Capital Markets, to our Disputes team in strategizing and attending to an injunction brought by a minority shareholder. We were able to pull these teams together to deliver practical legal advice that took into account commercial needs, under tight timelines and across the demands of multiple stakeholders and jurisdictional requirements.
Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?
Definitely – Rapport and credibility stems from stability and strong governance, as well as a reliable strategic direction. Clients are more inclined to work with law firms that are stable and have a strong objective and direction, which in essence gives them the peace of mind of a safe and secure pair of hands to tackle their legal problems and handle their transactions and business ventures.
As part of Rajah & Tann Asia (RTA), which turns 10 in 2024, our size, breadth of expertise, and track record, present clients with the stability they need to operate throughout ASEAN. Locally, having grown to one of the largest firms in Malaysia over the last decade, our direction and growth is aligned with that of RTA, and we remain focused in becoming our clients preferred firm locally and regionally.
In 3 years’ time, we hope to see our Firm’s reputation and rankings across all practice areas achieve Tier 1 status, as we continue to deepen our practice depth, and grow with our clients and their needs.
Legal Briefings
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Non-compete clauses in Singapore – issues to consider
Today’s dynamic and digitalised business environment obliges companies to protect its workforce, confidential information and trade connections; and a common way is to rely on non-compete clauses in employment contracts. One prime objective is to prevent key employees who have left the company from engaging in activities which would otherwise unduly interfere with or prejudice … -
White-collar crime in Singapore
Are there any emerging trends or issues in white-collar crime law in Singapore that UK companies should be aware of?
Comparative Guides
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Thailand: International Trade
Published: December 2023
Authors: Melisa UremovicSupawat Srirungruang Yingrak Treesaranuwattana
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of International Trade laws and regulations applicable in Thailand.
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Singapore: Capital Markets
Published: July 2024
Authors: Evelyn WeeLee Xin MeiTan Mui HuiHoon Chi TernEugene Lee Cheryl Tan
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Capital Markets laws and regulations applicable in Singapore.
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Singapore: Class Actions
Published: June 2024
Authors: Jerald Foo Foo Xian Fong
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Class Actions laws and regulations applicable in Singapore.