Antonius Alexander Tigor is the general manager of legal corporate governance at Telkomsel, a joint venture between Telkom Indonesia and Singapore’s SingTel. With over 15 years of experience, he and his legal team work closely with the board and other leaders in the company to provide realistic and effectual legal and compliance support. Through his long experience as an in-house counsel, Tigor sees effective communications, teamwork, and understanding of the industry as indispensable for good counsel, especially in the dynamic telecom industry.
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ALB: What have been some of your highlights from your time in charge? And what are some leadership lessons you have learnt?
Tigor: Recently, I assisted in the legal completion of the spin-off of our broadband integration services, valued at $3.9 billion, to strengthen the company’s position as a market leader in the digital telecommunication sector in Indonesia. This integration allows the public to access broader broadband services, provides a seamless experience where customers can move freely without worrying about losing service, and realises digital inclusion.
From my perspective, witnessing team members' growth and development can be highly rewarding. Seeing individuals improve their skills, take on new responsibilities, and achieve their potential contributes to the overall success of the team and organisation. This has led to achievements, including reaching strategic goals, completing successful projects, and receiving recognition and awards.
As for leadership, some of the important lessons are:
Effective Communication: Clear and effective communication is critical in leadership. Being able to convey information, expectations, and vision concisely and understandably promotes understanding, alignment, and collaboration.
Emotional Intelligence and Empathy: Developing emotional intelligence and empathy allows leaders to understand and connect with team members on a deeper level. It enables better relationships, supports effective teamwork, and helps address individual needs and concerns.
Delegation and Trust: Delegating tasks and responsibilities to capable team members, while trusting their abilities, is essential for effective leadership. Empowering others fosters growth, encourages ownership, and allows leaders to focus on strategic priorities.
Leading by Example: Setting a positive example through one's actions and behaviours is crucial for effective leadership. Leaders who embody the values, ethics, and work standards they expect from others inspire and motivate their teams.
ALB: How would you describe your strategy for the legal team?
Tigor: I can provide some general insights into strategies as follows:
- Clear Communication
- Collaboration
- Specialisation and Delegation: Depending on the size and complexity of the legal team, it may be beneficial to have members specialise in specific areas of law or tasks. Specialisation allows team members to develop deep expertise in their respective domains, increasing efficiency and quality of work.
- Technology and Automation: Leveraging technology and automation tools can streamline repetitive tasks, improve efficiency, and free up time for higher-value work.
- Ethical Standards
Additionally, it's important to note that the strategies employed by a legal team can vary depending on the specific context, goals, and organisational structure.
ALB: What kind of compliance system have you established for your company? What are the advantages of it? What parts need further improvement?
Tigor: I set up a new special event for the board of directors and chairman to be part of the compliance system. They get a directorship program to foster compliance from the top level and influence it to the other group within the company.
The specific compliance system can vary depending on the nature of the business, industry, and regulatory environment. Areas requiring further improvement in a compliance system can also vary depending on the specific organisation and its unique challenges. However, some common areas for improvement include regular compliance audits such as periodic audits and regular training programs. In addition, implementing robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms can help detect and address compliance breaches or potential issues on time.
ALB: What would you do if your compliance code of conduct contradicts business decisions?
Tigor: If a compliance code of conduct runs contrary to business decisions, it can present a challenging situation. However, it's important to prioritise compliance and ethical considerations over business decisions to maintain integrity and mitigate potential risks.
ALB: What system/mechanism have you built to protect your company’s IP?
Tigor: Based on my experience, to protect a company's intellectual property, there are several measures as follows:
- Confidentiality Measures
- Intellectual Property Rights Registration locally and internationally
- Internal Controls and Access Restrictions
- Employee Education and Legal Awareness
- Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
- Monitoring and Enforcement
ALB: When it comes to cooperating with external lawyers, what qualities or capabilities do you believe are the most critical to the work and a sustainable long-term cooperating relationship?
Tigor: When cooperating with external lawyers, several qualities and capabilities are crucial for both the work itself and fostering a sustainable long-term relationship. Here are some critical aspects to consider:
- Legal Expertise and Competence: External lawyers should possess the necessary legal expertise, knowledge, and skills relevant to the specific area of law and the legal matters at hand. Competence in legal research, analysis, and problem-solving is essential to provide effective legal advice and representation.
- Communication and Responsiveness: Effective communication is vital for a successful working relationship. External lawyers should be responsive, prompt, and clear in their communication.
- Client-Centric Approach: External lawyers should prioritise the interests and objectives of their clients. They should understand the client's business, industry and specific needs, tailoring their legal advice and strategies accordingly.
- Cost Management and Value: External lawyers should strive to provide value to their clients and manage costs effectively. This involves transparent billing practices, cost estimates, and proactive discussions about fees and expenses. Clients appreciate lawyers who demonstrate cost-consciousness while delivering high-quality legal services.
- Continuous Learning and Adaptability: The legal landscape constantly evolves, with new laws, regulations, and precedents emerging.
Ultimately, a sustainable long-term cooperating relationship with external lawyers is built on trust, mutual respect, effective communication, and shared values. By considering these qualities and capabilities, organisations can establish productive partnerships with external lawyers that meet their legal needs and contribute to their long-term success.
