Four disputes lawyers have left Singapore Big Four firm Allen & Gledhill to set up a new boutique firm called Chua & Partners. They are led by Chua Kee Loon, former co-deputy head of international arbitration at Allen & Gledhill.

In a bid to capitalise on the economic potential of the fast-growing tech sectors, Hong Kong has rolled out new listing rules for specialist technology companies hoping to court the “firms of tomorrow” to raise capital in the recovering financial hub.  BY SARAH WONG

Emerging technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence have not only reshaped the interface of videogames but also given rise to novel legal issues by calling into question traditional legal concepts while raising risks of online safety and data privacy. General counsel at videogame companies discuss the opportunities and challenges these shifting consumer behaviours and regulatory hurdles pose. 

After spending 15 years or more at Singapore’s domestic legal giant Rajah & Tann, disputes specialists Danny Ong and Wern-Jhien Yam decided to break away to blaze their own trail. The duo founded Setia Law, which prides itself as innovative and solutions-driven while boasting expertise in crypto disputes and restructuring.

Thailand’s IPO market has shown robust growth in recent years. In 2022, a total of $3.6 billion was raised on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) – the highest level of funds in Southeast Asia. With an even better 2023 on the cards, lawyers share with ALB what‘s in store for capital markets work this year and what clients should look out for. 

South Korea has emerged as a regional pioneer in regulating corporate greenwashing as it becomes the first country in Asia to mull monetary punishment for deceptive environmental claims in advertising.

Big tech companies are famously fond of open-plan offices believed to show flattening hierarchy and workplace camaraderie. In recent years, law firms have also been increasingly embracing this trend to promote a more inclusive culture and enhance collaboration. Leaders of those firms share with ALB what inspires their decision to go open and what difference it makes for talent and clients.

The Bar Council of India dropped a bombshell in March, announcing that the behemoth Indian legal market is throwing its arms open to foreign law firms and practitioners – albeit with some strings attached.

As companies across Asia navigate global macroeconomic complexities fuelled by high inflation and slowing growth, they are growing more prudent over budgets control while still aiming to hit business goals. As such, corporate legal departments are tasked with maximising value to companies with fewer resources at their disposal. General counsel share with ALB how they harness the power of innovation to achieve this Herculean task.

A number of major Japanese firms recently announced overseas expansion plans. While some were bolstering their existing presence in the ASEAN region, others were looking further afield - in Europe and the United States, for example – with the aim of becoming global players. ALB speaks to some of the firms about the strategic considerations underpinning their decisions, and their game plans going forward.