“We’re seeing a growing number of AI-related queries, and they’re always eye-opening. Each matter uncovers new capabilities and new risks.”
– Sri Sarguna Raj, Partner.
2018
The year 2018 marked a turning point in the Firm’s journey, a moment when collaboration became a catalyst for growth.
That year, the Firm welcomed two boutique practices, Putri Norlisa Chair and Khem Tadani, into its fold. What emerged was more than a merger; it was the coming together of complementary talents, and a collective belief that the future would be built stronger when expertise is united.
With this partnership, the Firm expanded meaningfully into projects and infrastructure, strengthening its ability to meet the evolving needs of a rapidly developing nation.
2023
A new chapter began once again in 2023, when Rodney Gerard D’Cruz and Putri Norlisa Najib assumed the role of Joint-Managing Partners in 2023, continuing to lead the Firm to the present day.
Putri Norlisa Najib,
Joint-Managing Partner
Rodney Gerard D’Cruz,
Joint-Managing Partner
“Our common purpose drives us to deliver the best for our clients.”
– Kevin Prakash, Partner.
Constance Low, Partner
Practice, Parenthood and Partnership
“One of the most significant challenges I have faced in practice has been managing the intensity of legal work with the responsibilities of motherhood and family life.
The demands of practice do not always align neatly with family routines and navigating this required learning to be intentional about priorities and to accept that balance looks different at various stages of life. What made this possible was the Firm’s genuinely supportive and inclusive culture.
The flexibility, trust and understanding shown by my colleagues allowed me to continue building a strong and active practice while remaining present for my family.”
A Turning Point for Green Energy
“I was fortunate to be able to advise on the 100MW large scale solar project developed by Kerian Solar, a joint venture between ENGIE and TTL Energy, one of the largest solar farms in Malaysia.
Being part of a project that supports Malaysia’s green energy transition was particularly meaningful, especially given its long-term impact in offsetting approximately 139,000 tonnes of CO2 annually – the equivalent of eliminating the yearly carbon emissions of around 11,800 Malaysian households.
The project was also uniquely challenging, as it was completed during the pandemic amid strict movement control orders, which required adaptability and close collaboration across all stakeholders.”
In recent years, the world has been reshaped by geopolitical uncertainty, economic shifts, technological leaps, and the accelerating rise of artificial intelligence.
2024
Post-2024, the Firm responded with purpose and agility.
Recognising the increasing complexity of commercial and regulatory landscapes, the Firm established a dedicated Dispute Resolution practice, welcoming four distinguished new partners – Sudharsanan Thillainathan, Kevin Prakash, Sri Sarguna Raj and Rohan Arasoo Jeyabalah – an important step that strengthened its ability to guide clients with clarity, resolve, and forward-looking solutions in moments of uncertainty.
Sudharsanan Thillainathan, Partner
Kevin Prakash, Partner
Rohan Arasoo Jeyabalah, Partner
Sri Sarguna Raj, Partner
“The Firm provides the best platform to showcase our expertise as a team.”
On Current Trends
“We’re seeing a growing number of AI-related queries, and they’re always eye-opening. Each matter uncovers new capabilities and new risks.
Cybersecurity and data protection are just as active, especially with recent legislative changes prompting increased scrutiny.”
Datuk Nantha Balan, Consultant
Dispute Resolution Practice
Further strengthening the Dispute Resolution practice, the Firm welcomed Datuk Nantha Balan, retired Judge of the Court of Appeal of Malaysia, who joins as a Consultant. Datuk Nantha brings over 25 years of extensive litigation practice at both trial and appellate levels, and more than a decade in the Malaysian Judiciary. At the Bar, his practice spanned commercial and banking litigation, industrial relations, insurance and professional negligence, probate disputes and judicial review.
As a Judge, Datuk Nantha’s judicial contributions include landmark decisions on separate legal personality in employment disputes, and evidence-based standards for damages in medical negligence. He dissented in a constitutional matter concerning citizenship rights for children born abroad to Malaysian mothers married to foreign nationals, articulating a strong equality-based interpretation of the Malaysian Constitution, an area of law which has since evolved through legislative amendment to grant equal citizenship rights.
Datuk Nantha is also a strong advocate of mediation and has been actively involved in court-led mediation, including in high-profile, high value and complex disputes. He speaks regularly at legal seminars, is a trainer in the Malaysian Bar’s Advocacy Training Course, and is the co-editor of the Malaysian Civil Procedure (2024). His breadth of perspective as a litigator, Judge and mediator further enhances the Firm’s capabilities across the full spectrum of Dispute Resolution.
Together, their reflections underscore the Firm’s commitment to teamwork, excellence, and achieving the best outcomes for clients.
Handling Complex Transactions
The Firm continues to be trusted in handling complex transactions, including:
Energy & Power
- Advising on the USD 2.13 billion acquisition by PTT Exploration and Production Public ever upstream transaction and the largest upstream transaction in Southeast Asia in the past 5 years.
- Advising Malaysian entities on their joint venture with Aramco Overseas Holdings Coöperatief U.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabian Oil Company on the Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (RAPID) complex in Pengerang, Johor
Utilities & Facilities
- Advising a Malaysian entity on a district cooling concession to operate, maintain and upgrade largest international airport
- Advising project sponsors on the construction of submarine fibre optic cables (i) between Malaysia and Singapore; and (ii) development of an ASEAN regional fibre optic hub connecting Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia
Equity Capital Markets
- Acting as the issuer’s counsel for the IPO of Farm Fresh Berhad on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia in 2022 with market capitalisation of RM2.5 billion upon listing
- Acting as the underwriters’ counsel for the IPO of MR D.I.Y. Group (M) Berhad on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad in 2020 with market capitalisation of RM10.0 billion upon listing
- Acting as the issuer’s counsel for the IPO of CTOS Digital Berhad on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad in 2021 with market capitalisation of RM2.4 billion upon listing
Mergers and Acquisitions
- Advising Axiata Group Berhad on the Malaysian aspect of the proposed merger of the telco operations of Celcom Axiata Berhad and Digi.com Berhad
- Advising TESCO PLC’s disposal of its businesses in Thailand and Malaysia to the CP group
Sukuk & Islamic Finance
- Advising on the RM500 million Sustainable Sukuk financing to SME Bank to fund its Environmental Social Governance (ESG) initiatives such as entrepreneurial training and job creation, which was the first Malaysian Development and Finance Institution ESG issuance – the issuance was awarded the Sustainable Responsible Investment/Environmental Social Governance Deal of the Year at the Islamic Finance Deal of the Year Awards 2021
- Advising on the USD800 million Sustainable Sukuk Wakalah financing to the Government of Malaysia, issued through its SPV Issuer, Malaysia Wakala Sukuk Berhad, the world’s first sovereign US Dollar Sustainability Sukuk issuance whereby proceeds will be used for eligible social and green projects aligned to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Agenda. This deal has won the Islamic Finance News Wakalah Deal of the Year Award 2021
- Advising on the 2021 RM2.7 billion Sukuk Murabahah syndicated financing to Pulau Indah Power Plant Sdn Bhd for the total project costs of a 1,200 MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Power Plant and its related facilities based on the Equator Principles, the financial industry standard for environmental and social risk management in projects
Bridging M&A and Project Development
“I started out as a corporate and commercial associate, focusing on corporate, shareholding arrangements and M&A work. However as net zero agenda was being rolled out and Malaysia accelerates its renewable energy aspirations, my work expanded to involve development of large scale infrastructure project and advising on the entire project cycle of project work.
It is fun switching between M&A work and project development work, with the different hats in these areas. These areas complement each other, and the lessons learnt from a project development matter may end up being very useful when negotiating a share sale and purchase agreement.”
Commercial Awareness and Technical Capabilities
“I think the most important quality is the willingness to learn. In the nature of our job, and especially our practice area, things keep evolving, and lawyers will have to keep learning to adapt to the commercial world.
The ability to understand the business (including the commercial, technical and operation aspects) will place us in good stead to deliver good quality services to the clients.”
Crystabel Low, Partner
Company Activities
Chinese New Year Luncheon
Mr Sundra’s 80th Birthday
2025
Buka Puasa at Sheraton Hotel
Pickleball
“I think the most important quality is the willingness to learn. In the nature of our job, and especially our practice area, things keep evolving, and lawyers will have to keep learning to adapt to the commercial world.”
– Crystabel Low, Partner.