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

Carve Out of Gas Chromatography Systems Business and Sale to Valmet: This transaction involved the transfer of the Gas Chromatography Systems business to Valmet. The process included the establishment of a new entity, drafting and negotiating the carve-out agreements, and selling the entity to Valmet based on a share purchase agreement.

Legal Support for new factory set-up in Singapore: We have provided comprehensive legal support for a significant investment in the development and construction of a new Siemens manufacturing facility in Singapore. This included reviewing and drafting contracts (for instance, lease agreement, EPC contracts) ensuring compliance with local regulations, and liaising with government authorities.

Carve out of Energy Business in Indonesia: This project involved the carve-out of Siemens Energy’s business in Indonesia. The process required navigating complex regulatory requirements, and ensuring the smooth transfer of assets and operations.

Project Agreements: We were involved in negotiating and drafting project agreements for several complex data center and semiconductor projects across Southeast Asia. These projects required close collaboration with multiple stakeholders and careful management of legal and regulatory risks.

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

In the past year, the legal team has introduced several innovations to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our legal team. One key innovation was the implementation and regional role out of a digital contract analytic tool for sales agreements and NDAs, which has streamlined our contract review and approval processes. This system allows for real-time collaboration, reduces turnaround times, and ensures better tracking of contract statuses.

The establishment and expansion of the Legal Hub in the Philippines has been an additional significant milestones. This initiative involved setting up a dedicated legal team to provide business-oriented solutions and contract advice to Siemens entities in the region Southeast Asia, Australia and the Middle East. The Legal Hub has been instrumental in supporting various legal matters, including contract reviews, and providing transactional support on key deals and projects.

Based on your experience, what is the key to collaborating successfully with business partners?

Successful collaboration with business partners hinges on clear communication, mutual respect, and a shared understanding of goals and expectations. It is essential to establish open lines of communication and foster a culture of transparency and trust. Regular check-ins and updates help ensure that all parties are aligned and any issues are addressed promptly. Additionally, being proactive in understanding the business needs and providing tailored legal solutions that support those needs can significantly enhance the partnership. Building strong relationships, interest in the technology and demonstrating a commitment to the success of the business partners are also crucial elements of successful collaboration.

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

One cause that I am particularly passionate about is the commitment to ethical management and compliance. This goes beyond strict adherence to rules and places integrity at the core of the company’s culture and business operations.

Are the effects of AI on the legal world overplayed, or underplayed?

The effects of AI on the legal world are a topic of significant interest. AI has the potential to revolutionize the legal industry by automating routine tasks, improving efficiency, and providing valuable insights. However, it also raises ethical and social issues, such as the potential for bias and the need for clear regulations. The current state of AI in the legal world involves navigating these challenges while leveraging AI’s benefits to enhance legal practices.