Team size: Twelve

What are the most significant cases or transactions that you have been involved in over the past year?

I am proud to have successfully concluded a multi-million-dollar software sale for SAS, ensuring full license compliance for a major bank in Singapore, headquartered in the UK. This achievement was made possible through exceptional teamwork led by me, with every member playing a crucial role in addressing the bank’s unique needs. Negotiations went on for more than a week, but the ultimate result was a win-win. My uncompromising commitment to a customer-first approach helped build trust and deliver tailored solutions that aligned with Bank’s compliance requirements. By working together and staying focused on delivering value, I not only secured the sale but also reinforced long-term relationships with the client and strengthened our global reputation.

This is just one of the many (more than 101 since last year) multi-million-dollar projects managed across Asia Pacific in space of Government, Banking, Insurance, Manufacturing, and General Business.

What innovations have you made to the way your legal team works in the past year?

Successfully implemented Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) system across the Asia Pacific region, which has significantly streamlined operations and provided tangible financial benefits. Sales teams now experience faster contract approvals, reducing deal closure times and increasing revenue. For Finance department, enhanced visibility into contract obligations improves forecasting accuracy and ensures better compliance, minimising risks. Legal departments benefit from reduced manual processes, improving operational efficiency by automating contract drafting and approval workflows. Across the organisation, the CLM system ensures standardised processes, greater transparency, and reduced errors, resulting in cost savings and a more agile, efficient business environment that accelerates growth and minimises risks.

Apart from legal matters, has the team worked on other company initiatives you would like to highlight?

There are three major initiatives I would like to talk about.

Grooming leaders within a legal department is essential to ensure continuity and long-term success. This is one of my flag-ship initiatives and has helped build a team of capable individuals who can handle complex legal matters, drive strategic decisions, and adapt to changing regulations. Each of my team members are leaders in themselves and they, individually and collectively, foster collaboration, facilitate decision-making, and strengthen our department’s ability to support business goals proactively.

When our legal department engages in CSR drives, such as promoting girl child education, we aim at reflecting on our commitment to social justice and equality. These initiatives align to our department’s legal expertise with meaningful societal impact, advocating for the rights and opportunities for marginalised communities. Me and my department are conscious about empowering future generations through education and legal awareness.

The legal department of SAS Asia Pacific, under my leadership, takes immense pride in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within its operations. The rich diversity of Asia, with its blend of cultures, perspectives, and traditions, greatly enhances our DEI efforts, bringing unique insights into every legal decision. Our team believes that diverse perspectives enrich decision-making and innovation, ensuring fair representation across all levels. By embracing cultural diversity and promoting equity in every legal process, we create an inclusive environment where every individual’s voice is heard and valued. This commitment strengthens our department and contributes to a more just and equitable business landscape.

What is a cause, business-related or otherwise, that you are passionate about, and why?

As a senior lawyer in an IT company specialising in big data analytics, being passionate about data privacy and protection is crucial, for me. With the rise of data-driven technologies and emerging data-driven business models, ensuring ethical handling of personal information is paramount. Advocating for robust data privacy laws and helping businesses implement strong compliance frameworks not only builds trust with clients (both internal and external) but also safeguards individuals’ rights. By championing responsible data use, I am trying my best to shape the future of big data analytics in a way that fosters innovation while upholding legal and ethical standards, benefiting both the business and society.