What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

The most significant transaction that we have been involved in is the implementation of an antibribery and corruption policy in NAIM Group. The implementation of such measures are crucial for any organisation as it helps to maintain ethical standards, prevent financial losses, and safeguard the organisation’s reputation. Additionally, it promotes fair competition, builds trust with stakeholders, and ensures compliance with rules and regulations. My team believes that we can make a difference and as such, we work diligently to ensure that the NAIM is free of corruption and bribery which is in accordance with the NAIM’s core value under acronym “H-I-C-O-D-E-S” in which the letter “I” represent “integrity”. As such, my team has demonstrated their commitment by ensuring that we comply with the Adequate Procedures under the Section 17A of the MACC Act 2009. We intend to inculcate a culture of integrity, openness, and transparency.

In addition, we have established a system for reporting any suspected acts of bribery or corruption through our whistleblowing channel and this system includes a clear protocol for investigating and addressing any reports of misconduct. It is encumbered upon my team to educate our colleagues regularly and we strongly emphasise in all our training to our employees in combating bribery and corruption. As such, my team is constantly keeping abreast on the latest amendment act or guidelines such as the Adequate Procedure [2022].

Besides that, we are constantly monitoring various news on corruption and bribery to ensure not just that the interest of the company is protected at all times, but to create awareness among our employees. We communicate our statement of intent clearly and strongly to our business partners and, to show our seriousness in implementing this policy, we require external party that have business dealings with us to sign our integrity pledge and acknowledge the corporate liability provision under Section 17A of MACC Act 2009. By doing so, we can ensure that all parties involved in our business dealings operate with the highest level of integrity and ethics. We have drafted a code of conduct and business ethics, and this outlines our expectations for external parties that have business dealings with us, including complying with our antibribery and corruption policy. We have also included these policies in our construction contracts.

As we enter the next decade, what skills will a corporate legal team need to succeed in the modern-in-house industry?

While AI can assist in research and provide solutions, it cannot work in isolation as it is important to remember that AI lacks emotion and the ability to provide a human touch in legal matters. This highlights the need for a successful corporate legal team to provide empathy and understanding in their interactions with clients and stakeholder. To succeed in the modern in-house legal industry, a corporate legal team will need to have a diverse set of skills. Firstly, they must have a thorough understanding of the fundamental laws and principles that govern their industry. Additionally, they should be able to stay-up to date with the latest legal developments and trends and be able to adapt to an ever-changing work environment. The ability to adapt to the changing business needs and regulations will also be critical for success. The legal team within a corporation must possess a nuanced comprehension of the business operations and be adept at incorporating legal principles into the overall commercial strategy. This enables them to prove pragmatic advice and assist in shaping the direction of the company’s business within the relevant legal frameworks. The presence of a corporate legal team can also lead to cost savings and proactive guidance for the company, as legal issues can negatively impact efficiency and become an impediment to the business success. It is expected that, over the next decade, a corporate legal team in Malaysia will evolve to become more aligned with the development of the business strategy and the company’s objectives. This means that general counsel will need to have a broader understanding of the company’s operations and goals, and be able to provide legal guidance that support these objectives. Additionally, it is essential to improve the legal team’s ability to communicate effectively with non-legal professionals to ensure their comprehension of any legal implications. Effective communication skills will be vital for building relationships with stakeholders, conveying legal concepts to non-legal personnel, and negotiating with external parties. Problem-solving skills are also critical, as the corporate legal team must be able to identify and resolve legal issues that may arise during business operation. Finally, a proactive and solution-oriented approach is crucial, as the corporate legal team must be able to anticipate potential legal issues and provide strategic guidance to the company. Over the next decade, the corporate legal team will need to be increasingly aware of the environmental and social issues, and be able to advise the company on legal matters related to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. A corporate legal team will play a crucial role in governance focus on environmental, social and governance aspects. This means they will have to be well-versed in ESG regulations and reporting requirements, as well as ensuring the company’s strategies and operations align with ESG goals. Overall, the role of the corporate legal team over the next decade is likely to involve a greater focus on business strategy, a more collaborative and inclusive approach to decision-making and a heighted awareness of sustainability of environmental, social and governance.