Past Events

WEBINAR: Unique Issues in Software Contracts

Event Overview

Participants will have a clearer understanding of some of the issues unique to software contracts and the various approaches that can be used to address them, including issues relating to: ownership of intellectual property; user acceptance testing; security, confidentiality and personal data protection; disputed payments; and source code escrow.

Speaker Profile

Dharma Sadasivan

Associate Director - BR Law Corporation

Dharma specializes in commercial matters involving intellectual property and technology, as well as privacy compliance. He also serves on the Law Society of Singapore's Information Technology Committee. He has assisted clients on complex technology procurement, including adoption of enterprise-level IT systems, and deployment of integrated systems for external users. Dharma is active in the emerging technologies space and advised on blockchain and smart contracts regulation for the Singapore arm of a global study conducted by the European Commission. Dharma has experience working with a variety of clients, from startups and investors to listed companies and MNCs.

WEBINAR: A New Era of Foreign Investment Regulation in China

Event Overview

This event aims to understand the foreign investment regulatory regime in China, how to set up or acquire businesses in China from a legal perspective and to comprehend the legal risk and issues that foreign investors should pay attention to when doing business in China.

At the end of this event, attendees will have an understanding of how to plan and provide funding from offshore to onshore China, comprehend intellectual property protection in China, and provide the solutions for investment disputes.

Event Content

-          General introduction of PRC Foreign Investment Law and the relevant implementation regulations

-          Overview of foreign investment regulations in China

-          Industry restrictions for foreign investment

-          Funding route for foreign investment

-          Legal risk and concerns over special investment structures, such as a VIE structure

-          Validity of investment contracts as per the latest judicial interpretation by PRC supreme court after the implementation of foreign investment laws

-          Intellectual property protection

-          Dispute resolution

Speakers Profile

Benjamin Cheong

Partner, Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP

Technology, Media and Telecommunications

Intellectual Property

Data Protection and Cybersecurity

Benjamin has practised in Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai (as a foreign lawyer), and has been involved in many complex cross-border and multi-jurisdictional deals across Asia.

He has been recognised as one of Asia’s Leading Lawyers for IP by Chambers Asia Pacific from 2009 to 2012, where he was lauded as being “smart, quick, precise, dynamic and on top of things”, and by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific (2018 to 2019) as “one of the brightest minds” and is praised for his “valuable insight and experience”. Benjamin has also been named as one of “Singapore’s 40 Most Influential Lawyers Aged 40 and Under” by Singapore Business Review.

Benjamin has more than a decade of experience in advising clients on contentious and non-contentious matters, with a particular focus on commercial intellectual property, technology and franchising/licensing transactions, technology outsourcing deals and data protection compliance. He has worked on a number of cross-border joint venture and mergers and acquisition deals across Asia, with a particular focus on the PRC. With the growth of the digital and knowledge-based economy, Benjamin has a keen interest in cybersecurity, blockchain technology, fintech, insurtech, medtech, digital payments and AI and keeps abreast with developments in these new technologies and industries.

On the contentious front, Benjamin has also been involved in several high stakes litigation and arbitration matters in various jurisdictions, including cases heard before the Singapore High Court and the PRC Supreme People’s Court. He has travelled extensively across the PRC to lobby with government officials and judicial and administrative authorities for better IP protection for his clients.

Benjamin’s clients range from multinational companies to start-ups which span across a wide range of industries, including the IT, life sciences, financial services, insurance, retail, fashion, food & beverage, pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries. With a strong knowledge of the legal, commercial and regulatory issues that these industries are facing, he is able to provide practical and business-oriented legal advice to his clients.

In addition, Benjamin is active in the start-up space and has been partnering with start-ups throughout various stages of their business life cycles (including the seed and development, start up, growth and establishment, expansion and exit stages). He regularly advises and gives talks to start-ups on issues relating to intellectual property protection, electronic transactions, consumer protection, data protection and general commercial laws.

Benjamin is fluent in English, Mandarin (Putonghua) and Cantonese.

Chen Xi

Partner (Foreign Lawyer), Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP

Corporate - Capital Markets / M&A

Chen Xi is a Foreign Lawyer in the Corporate and Capital Markets Practice Group of Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP. She is named as one of the Singapore's 40 most influential lawyers aged 40 by Singapore Business Review - recognised lawyers are highly commended for their success and leadership influence in handling complex issues for both corporate and public cases.

She has rich experiences in private mergers and acquisition, foreign direct investment, cross-border joint ventures, and private equity investments, both in Singapore and China. She is based in Singapore and travels regularly between Singapore and China advising clients on a wide range of matters, including infrastructure projects, commercial, residential and industrial properties development, global restructuring, and corporate compliance. On the other hand, she also advises PRC investors on investment in Singapore and south east Asia. She is efficiently bilingual and is able to draft and negotiate legal documents and advise on legal issues in both Chinese and English.

Chen Xi provides legal services to financial and investment institutions, private companies and SOEs from various industries. Her clients include among others: GIC, China Vanke, Mitsui & Co, Infineum International, DiDi Chuxing, Changi Airport International, Mediacorp MCN International, Jurong Port, China Life Insurance, China Taiping Insurance, Great Eastern Life Assurance, Zhong An Technologies International, Keppel Land International, CWT International Pte Ltd, Goochland Limited, SATs, Pudong Development Bank, China Merchants Bank, China Communication Construction Overseas Real Estate, Beijing Capital Group Co., Ltd, CNQC International Holdings Limited, Macquarie MEAG Prime Real Estate Investment Trust, Singbridge, Luye Group, OUE Lippo Healthcare Limited, Shagang Group, China Steel Group, Lu Shang Group, Fullshare, National Healthcare Group, Zall Smart Commerce Group, China Aviation Oil, Singapore Technologies Engineering, and National University of Singapore.

WEBINAR: Automation, Innovation and Technology in Business and Conflict Resolution - How do women stay ahead of the curve?

Overview

Technology and innovation have become the key disrupter in all business and conflict resolution. How do women in business and dispute resolution navigate these challenging times and emerge as thought leaders?

How do women access opportunities, Join an expert panel of women in high profile roles wearing multi-disciplinary hats and working business skills tell us their experiences, learnings, and pass along valuable tips that are relevant to all of us? Areas of problem-solving in the business and legal industry require the ability to automate, innovate identify, magnify, and use reasoning skills to apply the relevant law to the facts at hand.

This isn’t an art but a skill to be acquired with practice and with a focus on key individual elements.

Let’s talk about, growth agenda, growth mindset, and a relationship approach that connects people with a strategy that works with problem-solving techniques!

Speakers Profiles

Sabina Sudan

Senior Global Legal/Ethics & Compliance & Risk Management Professional | Consultant | Professor at NTU

Sabina Sudan is a corporate lawyer with over 25 years of professional experience – 15 in legal (India and the US) where she advised different industries, and since 2005, in global Ethics & Compliance, Anti Corruption and Ethical Leadership. She has lived and worked in India, New York, and Singapore and traveled to over 60 countries, mostly on business. She is a Consultant and adjunct professor and currently operates from Singapore and Delhi.

She is qualified to practice law in Delhi and the US (New York and Arizona).

Sabrina Ho

Serial Entrepreneur | Human Capital Expert | Founder & CEO of Half the Sky

Sabrina Ho is the Founder & CEO of half the sky (HTS). She has been working in the talent solutions industry across Asia Pacific for over 10 years and is passionate about unlocking the potential of individuals in the workforce.

With over a decade of experience in the industry, she has witnessed first-hand the challenges female professionals face at work. Sabrina started half the sky with a simple purpose of leveling the playing field for women at work and she hopes to empower women in today’s workplace.

Currently residing in Singapore, Sabrina was born and raised in Hong Kong and educated in Hong Kong, New York and Beijing. Sabrina speaks English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.

Sandra A. Jeskie

Litigator | Arbitrator | Mediator

Sandra A. Jeskie is an experienced litigator, arbitrator, mediator, and special master to the courts in a variety of business disputes and matters involving technology, software, intellectual property or information/data. Her practice includes commercial litigation, software litigation, privacy, data security, and information technology. Ms. Jeskie serves as a team lead for the Duane Morris Technology, Media & Telecom industry group. She also manages intellectual property litigation for international and domestic clients across the United States. She is an elected member of the American Law Institute (ALI) and served as President of the International Technology Law Association (ITechLaw). Law360 listed her as "Best-of-the-Best Attorneys" and "Cream of the Crop Litigators". Based on a client satisfaction survey of in-house counsel, BTI Consulting Group also recognized Ms. Jeskie as "delivering the absolute best client service."

Mel Nirmala

Executive Director of the Singapore Corporate Counsel Association (SCCA)

Mel Nirmala takes a vision and makes it a reality through sound strategic development. She intuitively sees the threads of opportunity that wind through an organization, brings them together into a coherent whole, helps others extend their thinking, and drives business advantage. She is an inspirational leader who tells stories that inspires action while at the same time grounded in financial information that levers any business. Respected as a credible voice in decision making, finding strategic partners, and establishing cross border alliances, Mel has earned a seat at the table she serves.

Currently, as the Executive Director at the Singapore Corporate Counsel Association, a national association serving the in-house counsel community in Singapore, Mel oversees the operations by setting a clear direction for the organization's growth and survival as a non-profit business.

She is now spearheading major strategic shifts for transforming the association from a functional focus to an enabler of multi-facets of services and integrating innovations keeping the association ahead of the curve amongst its peers.

WEBINAR: APCCA SERIES | Episode 6: Understanding the Bangladesh Regulatory & Business Framework arising from COVID-19

THIS EVENT PAGE SHOWS SINGAPORE START AND END TIMING. Your final calendar confirmation will be set according to country-specific time upon registration.

As part of the APCCA webinar series, the SCCA brings insights into the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh.

Event Overview

The event will provide participants a brief overview of the laws and regulations issued to implement measures and restrictions to and the existing business framework in Bangladesh because of the COVID-19 health crisis. The webinar will also discuss how COVID-19 affects work-life, especially from an HR and management standpoint.

ABOUT APCCA

Asia Pacific Corporate Counsel Alliance (APCCA) in its original form was initiated in 2009 at the first regional corporate counsel conference (organised by SCCA in Singapore) with signatories being the SCCA, Indonesia Corporate Counsel Association (IndonesiaCCA), Association of Corporate Lawyers Sri Lanka (ACLSL) and In house Counsel Forum – Korea (IHCF). In 2011, APCCA was formally launched at the third such conference (organised by the IndonesiaCCA in Jakarta ) with the Malaysian Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA), Legal Management Council of Philippines (LMCP) and Indian Corporate Counsel Association (IndiaCCA) joining the alliance. APCCA partners SCCA, MCCA, IndonesiaCCA, IndiaCCA and LMCP are also part of the In-House Counsel Worldwide (ICW).

SPEAKER PROFILES

Khaled is a Barrister of Lincoln’s Inn and an Advocate of the Appellate Division of Supreme Court of Bangladesh. He is an Accredited Mediator of CEDR & ADR-ODR Int'l and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.  He is also an empaneled Mediator and Arbitrator at Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre (BIAC). Khaled is also a Fellow of AIAC, Malaysia. He is a specialist international Sports lawyer and has more than 10 years of work experience as an adjudicator in the construction industry of Bangladesh. He is a Partner of Chowdhury and Ullah, a leading set in Bangladesh dealing with variable types of clients. He is also a legal adviser for the Ministries of Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment, of Roads and Bridges, Home Affairs and of Dhaka Metropolitan Police. He sits in a number of panels involving domestic and international commercial arbitration. Khaled excels in Academia, heading a reputed institute London College of Legal Studies South in Dhaka affiliated with University of London and BPP University and is also a part of the Global Faculty at ADR ODR International. He has been conferred an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of West of England, UK for his contribution in the legal education in Bangladesh in 2019. He is an adjunct professor Law and Business at a number of University. Khaled and his esteemed team offer extensive dispute resolution services online along with training.  He is the Current Vice-President of the Barristers’ Association Bangladesh.

Barrister A. M. Masum is a highly repudiated practicing lawyer who has been acknowledged as a well- achiever and famous face due to his ardent self devotion and vast experience in the legal arena of the country. He has explored various legal arenas and developed expertise in Arbitration, Negotiation,Civil & Criminal Laws, Labour & Industrial Laws, Company Laws, Laws of Intellectual Properties, Telecommunication Laws, Environment laws, Employment Laws, Labor & Industrial Laws, Drafting, etc. He is the Head of the Chamber of the esteemed Law Firm “The Lawyers & Jurists” that renders its service to various national and international organizations and the Editor of The Lawyers & Jurists ( A Monthly Law Journal). He is also appointed as an arbitrator in Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) and as a penal lawyer in various Banks, Public and Private Organizations such as Bangladesh Bank, Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission, Bangladesh Water Development Board, Bangladesh House Building Finance Corporation, Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited, Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation (BSEC), UCEP Bangladesh, Mongla Port Authority, Rural Electrification Board of Bangladesh, Trading Corporation of Bangladesh, WASA, Bangladesh Power Development Board, Bangladesh Railway (East),BAPEX, Dhaka Power Distribution Com Ltd, etc. Barrister A. M. Masum has also endeavored to ameliorate between philanthropy and legal practice, the result of which is “The Lawyers & Jurists Foundation”, through which he strives to provide legal aid and services, to the disadvantaged.

OPENING ADDRESS:

Reza P. Topobroto started his legal career as a practice lawyer in 997, after moving to several law firms he had a chance promoted as a Senior Associate in Roosdiono & Partners.  In 2005, he shifted careers to corporate counsel by joining Procter & Gamble as Country Legal Lead. In 2008, Reza was appointed as the Head of Legal for Mondelez (p.k.a Kraft Foods).  In 2012 he joined Microsoft as Director of Corporate, External & Legal Affairs in charge for Indonesia.  After 7 years in Microsoft, he moved to Indosat Ooredoo in 2019, becoming Senior Legal Advisor to CEO.

Reza was the third President of the Indonesian Corporate Counsel Association (ICCA). He ended his term in 2014 and continues contributions to ICCA through his role on the Supervisory Board. In 2009, he co-founded the Asia Pacific Corporate Counsel Alliance (APCCA), In 2012, he was appointed Secretary General of the APCCA.

In 2015, Reza was given the award of ‘Indonesia In-House Lawyer of the Year 2015’ and ‘In-House Legal Team of the Year 2016’ by Asia Legal Business.   Reza obtained his law degree at Trisakti University, Jakarta in 1997, and his Master of Laws at Monash University, Melbourne in 2003.

 MODERATOR:

Anil a Mediator (accredited in South Asia), Arbitrator (Fellows of the Chartered, Singapore and Philippines Institutes of Arbitrators and Adjudicator (with AIAC Malaysia); and trained in International Treaty Arbitration, is an Advocate & Solicitor, Commissioner for Oaths and Notary Public of Singapore, a Solicitor of England and Wales (2009); qualified as Barrister Middle Temple of England & Wales (1993) and also holds a Master of Science in Construction Law & Arbitration, Kings College London & National University of Singapore (2006).

In legal practice since 1995 and his Chambers representing parties in the region, focuses on Appropriate Dispute Resolution involving Infrastructure, Building, and Construction work and most aspects of Commercial, Civil, Criminal and Corporate Front End Advisory services. Conversant in Mandarin, Malay, Malayalam and Tamil besides English, he has also worked In House, with a International Arbitration practice and started his work life for five-years career as an infantry officer, Singapore Armed Forces. His consultancy also Consults & Administers International Infrastructure & Construction, Trade & Investment Treaty projects and developments; carries out Appropriate Dispute Resolution Services including Mediator, Adjudicator, Arbitrator, Dispute Boards, Expert Witness & Neutral Evaluator; and Developing Online Dispute Resolution Legal Technologies.

WEBINAR: Opportunities in Crisis - Indonesian Legal Updates on Acquisition and Foreign Investment Regulatory Framework

Overview

The aim of the webinar is to shed a vivid light on the legal landscape for foreign investments into Indonesia, with a focused outlook on addressing prevalent issues pertaining to acquisitions and operations commonly faced by foreign investors which will be further supplemented by practical case studies.

As such, our goal is to equip participants with (i) vital knowledge if they are considering expansion into Indonesia to diversify (in light of the pandemic), and (ii) updating participants’ legal knowledge if they are already operating in Indonesia.

This event will cover:

(a) A Regulatory Update on Foreign Investment Regulations, including the Draft Omnibus Bill 

(b) Legal Landscape for Acquisitions

(c) Managing Employment Relations from the Legal and Practical Perspectives

(d) Avoiding common legal pitfalls

(e) Case Studies

(f) Q&A

Speaker Profiles

Ms. Angeline Suparto

Angeline Suparto Law Corporation, Singapore

Angeline Suparto is qualified to practice in Singapore, Hong Kong, England and Wales, and Australia.

With over 35 years’ experience in the field, she has represented and advised private clients, multinational corporations, publicly-listed companies, government-linked corporations, statutory boards, foreign government agencies, and small and medium enterprises on Indonesian cross-border transactional matters and the legal aspects of investments and doing business in Indonesia.

Angeline is based in Singapore and is well-versed and fluent in English, Bahasa Indonesia, Mandarin, and Cantonese. She is also a Senior Consultant (non-resident) of Tuah & Suparto, a law firm in Indonesia, and a Council Member of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation.

Mr. Andrew Raymond Tuah

Tuah & Suparto, Jakarta

Andrew Raymond Tuah is a qualified lawyer in Indonesia, and has an Indonesian law degree as well as an LLB (Hons.) from the United Kingdom. Andrew specialises in Foreign Direct Investments into Indonesia as well as cross-border transactional matters. He is also experienced in advising overseas clients on factory relocation and employment relations.Andrew prides himself not only in legal expertise but practical solutions in the bridging of cultural divides.

Andrew is based in Jakarta and has a good command of the English Language, Bahasa Indonesia, in addition to Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese.

WEBINAR: Shining The Light On Mental Health Taboos

Overview

Participants will learn to identify signs of mental health issues in themselves and those around them, understand to begin to tackle these issues and the resources available. Participants will also have the opportunity to have theirs questions on all things relating to mental health taboo or otherwise answered by the speaker.

Speaker Profile

Anthea Ong

Nominated Member of Parliament | Author | Impact Entrepreneur & Investor | Life & Executive Coach | Strategy (Innovation, CSR) Consultant | Board Member | Yoga Instructor & Wellness Facilitator

Summary:

Anthea Ong is a Nominated Member of Parliament who champions mental health, social inclusion and climate change as her key areas of work in Parliament. She's also appointed by the Minister of Health to be a member of the Tripartite Oversight Committee for Workplace Safety & Health, co-chaired by MOH and MOM. She's a social entrepreneur and impact investor having founded several social initiatives and community projects including Hush TeaBar, A Good Space, WorkWell Leaders Workgroup, Playground of Joy and others. She was previously President and board member of WINGS, Singapore's only registered charity that deals with women and ageing - and have contributed on the boards of charities such as Daughters of Tomorrow and UN Women Singapore.

Full profile:

Anthea was appointed by the President of Republic of Singapore as one of the nine Nominated Members of Parliament on 26 September 2018 and will serve for two and half years in this public service role. Shortly after, her book 50 Shades of Love was published in December 2018.

A former banker, Anthea was most recently a regional Managing Director with a UK-listed company where she also double-hatted as the Asian Lead of the Global Corporate Responsibility Board. Prior to that, she held key leadership roles with multinational organisations: Pearson Plc, New York Institute of Finance, Terrapinn Group and United Overseas Bank.

From 2002-2008, she was Founder/CEO of education consulting and technology company, Knowledge Director Group, and Inventor of its award-winning rapid authoring technology. In this, she was also Principal Consultant for strategic education transformation projects with the governments of Singapore (FutureSchools@Singapore), Taipei and Kaohsiung (School of the Future).

In Dec 2013, she took her final corporate paycheck to fulfill her aspirations, full time, in active volunteerism, impact entrepreneurship/investment and coaching. Formerly a board member of Unifem (now UNWomen) and founding board member of Daughters of Tomorrow, Anthea is Immediate Past President of Society for WINGS. A member of the Social Services Innovation Advisory Council with National Council for Social Service, the Steering Committee for the ACE Capstone Leadership Programme at the Social Service Institute Singapore, the Futures of Giving Expert Panel and Company of Good initiative at National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) and Cedar Girls’ Secondary School Advisory Committee, Anthea has also been an active mentor with Institute of Technical Education since 2013.

In the last 9 years, Anthea founded several groundup initiatives/impact businesses– most notable is Hush TeaBar, Singapore’s 1st silent teabar (a social movement) that empowers and employs only the Deaf and persons-in-recovery from mental health conditions to bring self care and social inclusion to every workplace and community. In May 2018, She came together with a group of 25 C-suite leaders across different industries to form the WorkWell Leaders Workgroup to champion workplace mental health and employee wellbeing as a leadership priority. In 2017, she cocreated A Good Space, a community of community builders, to expand perspectives across a wide range of social issues. In 2014, Playground of Joy was founded to deliver integrated values-based development programmes for children, especially those with special needs. She started Project Yoga-on-Wheels in 2010 as a community of certified yoga instructors who bring inclusive yoga to the beneficiaries of non-profits.

A Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coach Federation to business leaders and high potential professionals from Russia, Portugal, Hong Kong, Japan, Philippines, Malaysia, France, UK, USA and Singapore, Anthea is an alumnus of National University of Singapore Business School, US State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Programme (5 Cities, 2013), Global Entrepreneurship Summit hosted by President Obama (Stanford, 2016), the Social Leadership Singapore Programme (2016), Leadership on the Edge Antarctica Expedition (2018) and Presencing Foundation Programme (MIT, 2018).

Anthea is also a Certified Yoga Instructor, a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader, Certified Reiki 1&2 Practitioner, Certified Natural Therapy Practitioner and a Certified Microfinance Trainer (WorldBank/ADBI).

Anthea finds wisdom through her intrepid travels that have taken her to all seven continents and over 75 countries including Antarctica, Mt Everest Base Camp, The Amazon, Siberia (Trans-Siberia), Machu Picchu Mt Sinai, Iran, Tibet, Peru, Guatemala and Patagonia. She believes that the farther out she explores, the deeper in she travels.

WEBINAR: APCCA SERIES | Episode 5: Understanding the Sri Lanka Regulatory & Business Framework arising from COVID-19

THIS EVENT PAGE SHOWS SINGAPORE START AND END TIMING. Your final calendar confirmation will be set according to country-specific time upon registration.

As part of the APCCA webinar series, the SCCA brings insights into the COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka.

Event Overview

The event will provide participants a brief overview of the laws and regulations issued to implement measures and restrictions to and the existing business framework in Sri Lanka because of the COVID-19 health crisis. The webinar will also discuss how COVID-19 affects work-life, especially from an HR and management standpoint.

ABOUT APCCA

Asia Pacific Corporate Counsel Alliance (APCCA) in its original form was initiated in 2009 at the first regional corporate counsel conference (organised by SCCA in Singapore) with signatories being the SCCA, Indonesia Corporate Counsel Association (IndonesiaCCA), Association of Corporate Lawyers Sri Lanka (ACLSL) and In house Counsel Forum – Korea (IHCF). In 2011, APCCA was formally launched at the third such conference (organised by the IndonesiaCCA in Jakarta ) with the Malaysian Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA), Legal Management Council of Philippines (LMCP) and Indian Corporate Counsel Association (IndiaCCA) joining the alliance. APCCA partners SCCA, MCCA, IndonesiaCCA, IndiaCCA and LMCP are also part of the In-House Counsel Worldwide (ICW).

SPEAKER PROFILES

Mr. Kalinga Indatissa appointed President’s Counsel in 2012, was called to the Bar in Sri Lanka in May 1986 after having joined the Sri Lanka Law College in 1982 at a relatively young age of 17, securing a First Class in 1985.

Mr Indatissa first practiced as State Counsel with the Attorney General’s Department from 1987 to 1991, serving mainly in the Civil branch, then extensively practiced as an Attorney at Law in the area of criminal (including computer), IP, customs, exchange control and sports law (having defended a couple of national cricketers at the International Cricket Council).

Having served as Secretary, he was on 20th February 2018 elected as the 25th president of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka. He also held public office with the Central Environment Authority (1994-2000), the Mahapola Higher Educational Trust Fund & Professional Organisation (1993-1996), Ministry of Constitutional Affairs (2002-3), and Ministry of Interior.

A prolific writer, he has authored 46 book on various law related topics including on Civil Procedure, Bail, Criminal Law, Electronic Transactions, Computer Crimes, Law of Injunctions, Drafting and Supreme Court Rules that are much sought after.

In August 2018, he received the National Award for the "Sustainable Development Goals Role Model Leader" awarded by the Sri Lanka United Nations Friendship Organization in recognition of his contribution to legal education and the legal profession in Sri Lanka.

Dr. Cabral, a President’s Counsel (for 15 years) has been in practice for thirty-two years in the field of Company Law, Intellectual Property Law, Commercial Law, Securities Laws, International Trade Law & Commercial Arbitration, commands an extensive practice in the Commercial High Courts and the Supreme Courts of Sri Lanka.

Holding a doctorate in Corporate Law (University of Canberra, Australia), he is also member and representative on various international and domestic organisation - ICC, FICM, ICDT, Law Commission SL, BOI SL, Council of Legal Education SL, Ministerial Committee appointed to reform Commercial Arbitration SL, founder board member of the SL International Arbitration Centre; on the Board of several companies; and contributed immensely to the legal academia and the corporate community of Sri Lanka.

Dr Cabral also author of several books and has presented several papers on Corporate Law, Intellectual Property Law, International Trade Law & Commercial Arbitration here and abroad. In addition to his active practice in courts and lecturing, he has been a counsel in many Arbitration serving as both Sole-Arbitrator, Co-Arbitrator and Chairman in a large number of Arbitrations, domestic and international.

Shanil an Attorney at Law (having obtained a first class Honours and Prize In Commercial Law, from the Sri Lanka Law College; was awarded a Mahapola Merit Scholarship and is a Chevening Scholar; completed his Solicitors, England & Wales; is an member of the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators; have followed Postgraduate Courses in UK and USA, Canada and in Japan.

Shanil obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM) University of Sri Jayewardenepura - having researched ‘The Use of Electronic Data Interchange for the Facilitation of Trade and Transport’); and was a recipient of the Achieves Award by the Postgraduate Institute of Management, (PIM) of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

Shanil is a Task Force Member of the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR; Secretary of The International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka and chairs the Sustainable Development financing ICC-UNESCAP initiative, and foreign affairs committee. He also served as a visiting resource person in the area of Corporate Compliance, Negotiations and Conflict Resolution and Supply Chain Management.

Shanil is also a former independent nominated director of the Colombo Stock Exchange – chairing its arbitration ad hoc, disciplinary, and Audit, Marketing and Rules Committees; a former director of the Central Depositary Systems Ltd (CDS); ormer member of the board of Urban Development Authority (UDA); and is presently independent director of the NatWealth Corporation Ltd.

On the business front, he is also chairman of Asian Logistics Park Ltd, World Express (CMB) (Pvt) Ltd (international freight forwarding, 3PL warehousing & Supply Chain Management Company), and of AFA Corporate Services (Pvt) Ltd and of Air & Sea Logistics (Pvt).

OPENING ADDRESS:

Reza P. Topobroto started his legal career as a practice lawyer in 997, after moving to several law firms he had a chance promoted as a Senior Associate in Roosdiono & Partners.  In 2005, he shifted careers to corporate counsel by joining Procter & Gamble as Country Legal Lead. In 2008, Reza was appointed as the Head of Legal for Mondelez (p.k.a Kraft Foods).  In 2012 he joined Microsoft as Director of Corporate, External & Legal Affairs in charge for Indonesia.  After 7 years in Microsoft, he moved to Indosat Ooredoo in 2019, becoming Senior Legal Advisor to CEO.

Reza was the third President of the Indonesian Corporate Counsel Association (ICCA). He ended his term in 2014 and continues contributions to ICCA through his role on the Supervisory Board. In 2009, he co-founded the Asia Pacific Corporate Counsel Alliance (APCCA), In 2012, he was appointed Secretary General of the APCCA.

In 2015, Reza was given the award of ‘Indonesia In-House Lawyer of the Year 2015’ and ‘In-House Legal Team of the Year 2016’ by Asia Legal Business.   Reza obtained his law degree at Trisakti University, Jakarta in 1997, and his Master of Laws at Monash University, Melbourne in 2003.

 MODERATOR:

Anil a Mediator (accredited in South Asia), Arbitrator (Fellows of the Chartered, Singapore and Philippines Institutes of Arbitrators and Adjudicator (with AIAC Malaysia); and trained in International Treaty Arbitration, is an Advocate & Solicitor, Commissioner for Oaths and Notary Public of Singapore, a Solicitor of England and Wales (2009); qualified as Barrister Middle Temple of England & Wales (1993) and also holds a Master of Science in Construction Law & Arbitration, Kings College London & National University of Singapore (2006).

In legal practice since 1995 and his Chambers representing parties in the region, focuses on Appropriate Dispute Resolution involving Infrastructure, Building, and Construction work and most aspects of Commercial, Civil, Criminal and Corporate Front End Advisory services. Conversant in Mandarin, Malay, Malayalam and Tamil besides English, he has also worked In House, with a International Arbitration practice and started his work life for five-years career as an infantry officer, Singapore Armed Forces. His consultancy also Consults & Administers International Infrastructure & Construction, Trade & Investment Treaty projects and developments; carries out Appropriate Dispute Resolution Services including Mediator, Adjudicator, Arbitrator, Dispute Boards, Expert Witness & Neutral Evaluator; and Developing Online Dispute Resolution Legal Technologies.

WEBINAR: What’s next? Has the world of work changed forever for you and your business?

This webinar features the results of a comprehensive survey examining the unprecedented effect COVID-19 has had on in-house legal departments and the perspectives on the future.

Participants will gain insight into their industry from the experience of their peers during COVID-19 and explore how the world will change forever for their own career and more broadly, their business.

Speakers Profiles

Ian Goddard

CEO & Founder of Yarris Technologies

Ian is the CEO and Founder of Yarris Technologies, a software provider whose platforms support throughput of more than one billion dollars annually. A former partner of Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Ian founded a number of successful online businesses that help tens of thousands of people manage their daily work across legal operations, telco construction and auto repairs.

Dr Katherine King

COO of Yarris Technologies

Katherine is Chief Operating Officer at Yarris Technologies, responsible for operational, product and people leadership at the Yarris Group. She has held executive and senior management roles at National Australia Bank, Australia Post, St Vincent’s Hospital and Sony.

Dessi Silassie 

President of SCCA

Dessi Berhane Silassie is General Counsel for APAC and Global Head of IP at IHS Markit (Nasdaq: INFO).  She is currently based in Singapore as country Site Lead to the 250+ employee office. IHS Markit is a world leader in critical information, analytics and solutions for the major industries and markets that drive economies worldwide

Wong Taur Jiun

Immediate Past President of SCCA

Taur-Jiun is the Head of Legal at Rabobank Singapore. He graduated from the National University of Singapore with both a law degree and an MBA. Taur-Jiun started his career in litigation and corporate commercial before moving in-house into international trade and technology. Taur-Jiun is one of the founding members of the SCCA.

Greg Tanner

First President of SCCA

Greg Tanner is the Group General Counsel of International SOS, the world’s leading medical & security services company, which operates in over 100 countries with 11,000 employees, led by over 5,000 medical practitioners and security specialists. International SOS’s global service offerings include medical and travel risk and security planning, health assurance and preventative care programs, in-country medical expertise and emergency response services for mobile workers, travelers, expatriates and their dependents.  International SOS also undertakes the staffing and operation of over 800 sites remote and industrial medical sites. And International SOS is the largest global concierge service provider.

INDIA WEBINAR: Work from Home / Remote Working - Legal Issues & Challenges You May Not Have Considered

*This webinar is strictly for in-house lawyers and SCCA members only.*

THIS EVENT PAGE SHOWS SINGAPORE START AND END TIMING. Your final calendar confirmation will be set according to country-specific time upon registration.

Overview

• Participants will gain an insight into current regulatory and legal framework in India which will have an impact on remote working/Work-from-Home-arrangements.
• Identify and prioritize the potential risks and impact (Legal/Regulatory/Tax)

• Understand practical challenges and potential solutions for the same.

Content

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a turning point for the way organizations and management view their workplaces. The pandemic induced lockdowns have been a ‘crash course’ for organizations to manage their operations remotely and to test their business continuity plans. Though Work from Home is not a new concept, COVID 19 has initiated a serious discussion and debate on viability of operating a company with minimal physical office space. 

The focus of the webinar session would be to discuss the need for a robust legal framework to address issues that may arise as Work from Home becomes the new normal. This would include a discussion on relevant aspects / changes that may be required in:

• Regulatory aspects including SEZs/STPI regulations and Telecom regulations;
• Employment laws;
• Data privacy;
• Relevant tax issues; and
• Other challenges.

Speakers Profiles

Chandrasekhar Tampi

Senior Partner

Chandrasekhar is a Senior Partner in the Corporate Practice at Kochhar & Co. He is a member of the Firm’s Merger and Acquisition and Private Equity practice and has extensive experience in representing several domestic and international clients in private equity and M&A deals in India. He also routinely advises clients on complex and general corporate commercial issues, regulatory, compliance and corporate governance issues.

Alok Tewari

Senior Partner

Alok is a Senior Partner with Kochhar & Co. He is a member of the Corporate practice and heads the Firm’s Real Estate practice desk.

He has extensive experience in representing various Indian and foreign companies, including major real estate developers, funds and construction companies, on issues relating to real estate and construction laws in India. His real estate and construction experience includes advising clients on various aspects of structuring the transaction, issues related to acquisition of land in India and related documentation.

Alok regularly advises leading international retail companies in their cash and carry operations in India and has assisted major retail brands to set up their Indian operations. He also advises on issues relating to setting-up of retail outlets based on self-owned, self-operated and/or franchisee model.

Vijay B. Ravi

Senior Partner

Vijay co-chairs the employment law & industrial relations practice at Kochhar & Co. He regularly advises multinational corporations on critical issues including but not limited to employee retrenchment, disputes with trade unions and conciliation proceedings conducted by Indian labour commissioners. He is also actively involved in advising clients on human resource policies, stock option schemes, labour and employment law compliances in India both at the federal and state level. Vijay Ravi has also advised clients on sensitive issues involving closure of undertakings and transfer of employees.

Vijay has extensive experience in representing domestic and foreign corporations in M&A deals in India. He has advised clients across diverse sectors on all aspects pertaining to joint ventures, inbound investments and acquisitions (including stock purchase and business transfers).

He has been closely involved in transactional matters including structuring transactions in a tax efficient manner, advising on entry strategies for foreign entities, corporate restructuring, advise on foreign equity participation and attendant regulatory issues, investment options and vehicles, compliances, regulatory approvals pertaining to foreign investment and assisting clients during negotiations in the course of acquisitions and other business transactions.

About Kochhar & Co. 

With more than 200 lawyers, Kochhar & Co. is one of the leading and largest corporate law firms in India. Kochhar & Co. is the only law firm with a pan-Indian presence and full-service offices in the six (6) prominent cities of New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Gurgaon and Hyderabad, and, overseas offices in Dubai and Singapore. For more details: please reach us at: www.kochhar.com.

WEBINAR : APCCA Series | Episode 4 : Understanding the Malaysia Regulatory & Business Framework arising from COVID-19

THIS EVENT PAGE SHOWS SINGAPORE & MALAYSIA START AND END TIMING. Your final calendar confirmation will be set according to country-specific time upon registration.

As part of the APCCA webinar series, the Malaysian Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA) and the SCCA bring insights into the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia.

Event Overview

• Delivering the message that where there is Hope, there is Life

• Gauging the response from general counsel and corporations on the urgency and importance of a Covid-19 Bill

• Discussing what a Covid-19 Bill should contain and address

• Understanding the practical issues in respect of contractual and debt restructuring matters

• Highlighting the various tax concerns arising from corporate and debt restructuring

• Sharing the strategies to address the practical and tax concerns that general counsel may face as result of the business reorganization that takes place after the MCO

Content

• MCCA President welcomes the participants. In a nutshell, it is not all gloomy about Covid-19 as it has the best amongst Malaysia- togetherness in fighting the pandemic. The speakers today themselves were COVID-19 patients. Yet, they and us have persevered and adapting to the new norm, which is to work from home.

• The panel will discuss areas which are important for businesses post MCO, namely:
(i) There has been a calling for an urgent enactment of a Covid-19 Act in Malaysia.
(ii) Addressing the effect of a Covid-19 Bill on Force Majeure and Corporate & Debt Restructuring
(iii) Tax concerns arising from MCO and Corporate & Debt restructuring

ABOUT APCCA

Asia Pacific Corporate Counsel Alliance (APCCA) in its original form was initiated in 2009 at the first regional corporate counsel conference (organised by SCCA in Singapore) with signatories being the SCCA, Indonesia Corporate Counsel Association (IndonesiaCCA), Association of Corporate Lawyers Sri Lanka (ACLSL) and In house Counsel Forum – Korea (IHCF). In 2011, APCCA was formally launched at the third such conference (organised by the IndonesiaCCA in Jakarta ) with the Malaysian Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA), Legal Management Council of Philippines (LMCP) and Indian Corporate Counsel Association (IndiaCCA) joining the alliance. APCCA partners SCCA, MCCA, IndonesiaCCA, IndiaCCA and LMCP are also part of the In-House Counsel Worldwide (ICW).

SPEAKER PROFILES

He is often regarded as a gifted lawyer, brilliant at assessing complex situations and finding business-oriented solutions. Rosli was recently ranked as a "Leading Lawyer" on The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2019 ranking.

Guided by his passion for the law, Rosli is a game-changer who exudes a strong presence in court. Conversant in both civil and shariah law, he is much sought after for his in-depth knowledge of conflict of laws. His wide network of regional and international contacts has enabled him to resolve contentious cross-border issues in the Asian region and internationally, including successfully securing the release of Malaysians detained in neighbouring countries.

Pragmatic Rosli has received numerous plaudits being described by clients as – “his biggest asset is his sincerity in making each case a learning experience and showing us what we need to do better to avoid similar disputes in future. His approach to in-house counsel is both easy and unintimidating, making the "meticulous" expert a popular choice”; “... exudes a strong presence in court and in negotiations, and commands the respect of his adversaries”; “... goes out of his way to highlight risks and pitfalls without fear or favor”; “He is always ready to share and pass on his experience and knowledge, as well as helping us to build up our in-house legal expertise”. He also possesses "excellent business acumen".

Saravana is described as committed, sound in knowledge, amiable and always well prepared. He has appeared in benchmark litigations with a sizeable volume of wins in tax disputes. Praised for his ability to “think outside the box” and “innovative approach” in interpreting the law, Chambers Asia Pacific  acknowledged Saravana for being “dynamic, efficient and helpful”. Meanwhile, clients have remarked, “His tax knowledge is very in-depth, and he is fast at responding.”

He was recently named as one of the top 100 lawyers in Malaysia by Asia Business Law Journal and  Saravana was named one of the 40 leading lawyers under 40 in Asia by Asian Legal Business.

Thavakumar obtained his LLB (Honours) from University of London in 1989 and was admitted to the English Bar at Middle Temple.  He went on to obtain his LLM from University Of London and was admitted to the Malaysian Bar, and became a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

Thavakumar practised in Kuala Lumpur as an Advocate & Solicitior becoming a partner in 1998. 

Thavakumar joined Shell Malaysia in KL in 2000 and served 12 years during which time he held various positions including General Counsel of Shell Malaysia, leading a team of up to 26 lawyers and set up KL as a legal hub for Shell’s global businesses.

He was elected President of the Malaysian Corporate Counsel Association in 2011.   In 2012, he joined SapuraKencana Petroleum Berhad as VP Legal Affairs and in 2015, he also took on responsibilities as the Head of Group Legal, and in 2017, became Head of Legal and Contracts at Sapura Exploration & Production, which has since become SapuraOMV Upstream, a JV between Sapura and OMV A.G..

OPENING ADDRESS:

Reza P. Topobroto started his legal career as a practice lawyer in 997, after moving to several law firms he had a chance promoted as a Senior Associate in Roosdiono & Partners.  In 2005, he shifted careers to corporate counsel by joining Procter & Gamble as Country Legal Lead. In 2008, Reza was appointed as the Head of Legal for Mondelez (p.k.a Kraft Foods).  In 2012 he joined Microsoft as Director of Corporate, External & Legal Affairs in charge for Indonesia.  After 7 years in Microsoft, he moved to Indosat Ooredoo in 2019, becoming Senior Legal Advisor to CEO.

Reza was the third President of the Indonesian Corporate Counsel Association (ICCA). He ended his term in 2014 and continues contributions to ICCA through his role on the Supervisory Board. In 2009, he co-founded the Asia Pacific Corporate Counsel Alliance (APCCA), In 2012, he was appointed Secretary General of the APCCA.

In 2015, Reza was given the award of ‘Indonesia In-House Lawyer of the Year 2015’ and ‘In-House Legal Team of the Year 2016’ by Asia Legal Business.   Reza obtained his law degree at Trisakti University, Jakarta in 1997, and his Master of Laws at Monash University, Melbourne in 2003.

 MODERATOR:

Anil a Mediator (accredited in South Asia), Arbitrator (Fellows of the Chartered, Singapore and Philippines Institutes of Arbitrators and Adjudicator (with AIAC Malaysia); and trained in International Treaty Arbitration, is an Advocate & Solicitor, Commissioner for Oaths and Notary Public of Singapore, a Solicitor of England and Wales (2009); qualified as Barrister Middle Temple of England & Wales (1993) and also holds a Master of Science in Construction Law & Arbitration, Kings College London & National University of Singapore (2006).

In legal practice since 1995 and his Chambers representing parties in the region, focuses on Appropriate Dispute Resolution involving Infrastructure, Building, and Construction work and most aspects of Commercial, Civil, Criminal and Corporate Front End Advisory services. Conversant in Mandarin, Malay, Malayalam and Tamil besides English, he has also worked In House, with a International Arbitration practice and started his work life for five-years career as an infantry officer, Singapore Armed Forces. His consultancy also Consults & Administers International Infrastructure & Construction, Trade & Investment Treaty projects and developments; carries out Appropriate Dispute Resolution Services including Mediator, Adjudicator, Arbitrator, Dispute Boards, Expert Witness & Neutral Evaluator; and Developing Online Dispute Resolution Legal Technologies.