MIDDLE EAST: One Country, One Law
BY Nimitt Dixit |The codification of contract and civil principles under the Civil Transaction Law is a historic first for Saudi Arabia. Lawyers in the country believe the law will create a sophisticated and internationalised legal market, as more global capital pours in.
ALB Asia Super 50 TMT 2024
BY Asian Legal Business《亚洲法律杂志》 |In its fourth edition of the Asia Super 50 TMT Lawyers list, ALB showcases the top lawyers in the region’s fast-growing technology, media, and telecommunications practices.
CHINA: From Risk to Opportunity
BY Hu Yangxiaoxiao 胡阳潇潇 |In the face of expanding regulatory landscapes and mounting pressures, legal and compliance professionals are aiming for a “business-oriented mindset, emphasizing not just adherence to regulations but alignment with unique business situations.
MIDDLE EAST: “Firms in the region are relatively behind in terms of using technology”
BY Nimitt Dixit |Mohamed Gabr is group general counsel at Egyptian financial company EFG Holding. In this interview, he talks about his decision to shift from private practice to in-house, the sophistication and growth of the in-house role in the Middle East and the qualities he looks for in external counsel.
ROUNDTABLE: Onwards, Upwards, Forwards
BY Sarah Wong |There has been a continued rise in prominence of the role of chief diversity officers in law firms globally as the legal industry has gradually taken stock of the need to pursue DEI goals. Apart from creating a forward-looking workplace, cultural awareness also adds value to the firm’s calibre in the eyes of clients. ALB hears from diversity leaders on how empowering inclusion can make a law firm stronger.
THAILAND: Green Push
BY Sarah Wong |Thailand is on a quest to decarbonise its gas-heavy power grid, setting its eyes on the goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2065.
CROSS-BORDER INVESTMENT: Asia’s New Power Couple
BY Nimitt Dixit |Increased economic activity between India and Japan is creating new work for lawyers in both countries, but there is still a long way to go to facilitate cross-border legal market growth and expansion.
SUSTAINABLE FINANCE: A Sustainable Future
BY Nimitt Dixit |Strong government intervention and a willing market is turning Hong Kong into a global sustainable finance hub, but it is far from reaching its full potential.
BRIEFS: With Competition Heating up at Home, SG Firms Pursue Regional Growth
BY Sarah Wong |With the Asian region continuing to remain a hotspot for trade and investment, gone are the days when Singapore law firms were content simply with the domestic pie. Singapore Big Four firm Allen & Gledhill, which already has a presence in Myanmar, Vietnam and Malaysia, recently announced the open-ing of an office in Shanghai – its first in China – and recently established a new alliance in Indonesia.
EXPLAINER: Can Vetnam's new land law help its development dreams come true?
BY Sarah Wong |In its bid to transform into a high-income country in Southeast Asia, Vietnam has moved to revamp its law to give more flexibility to the development and management of land, which is considered a crucial piece within the country’s economic development plans.
Q&A: ‘HKIAC will continue to adapt and innovate’
BY Sarah Wong |Joanne Lau recently took on the role of secretary-general of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC). She shares her plans to showcase the unique advantages that Hong Kong boasts as a top-notch arbitration hub, and how innovation will drive the HKIAC forward.
BRIEFS: Lawyers Eye Rise in Healthcare, Infrastructure Work in Prabowo Era
BY Sarah Wong |On Valentine’s Day, Indonesians went to the polls during the world’s largest single-day election, and decided that their former defence chief should be their next president.