With approximately 33 years of experience in the legal industry, Encik. Azwar bin Dato’ Haji Mohd Nor has forged a remarkable career path. His journey commenced with an attachment to the High Court of Malaya under Yang Arif Justice Dato’ KC Vohrah, followed by a pivotal chambering experience at Messrs. Adnan Sundra & Low. In 1991, he was officially called to the Malaysian Bar. His legal portfolio has encompassed diverse areas, including civil litigation, conveyancing, banking, and corporate matters. He ascended to the role of Managing Partner at both Messrs. Azwar & Chen in 1999 and Messrs. Michael Chen Gan Muzafar & Azwar.

In a significant career move in 2005, he founded Messrs. Azwar & Associates and assumed the role of Managing Partner, accumulating over 28 years of experience as an Advocate and Solicitor. His expertise now primarily centers on corporate law, Corporate Restructuring, Listing, and Mergers and Acquisitions.

With over 30 years of experience in the corporate world, Encik. Azwar bin Dato’ Haji Mohd Nor has played various pivotal roles in a multitude of corporate endeavors. This extensive involvement can be attributed in part to his registration as a recognized Bumiputra Investor under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). His portfolio encompasses private investments in unlisted entities across diverse industries, as well as companies in the process of going public. In these capacities, Encik. Azwar has served as an investor and/or Board member, including holding positions such as Chairman, Audit Chairman, and Risk Management Committee Chairman, in more than 30 companies, both listed and non-listed.

Within the Bursa Malaysia, Encik. Azwar currently holds the position of Independent Non-Executive Director at DynaFront Holdings Berhad (LEAP Market) and Benalec Holdings Berhad (Chairman/Main Market). Additionally, he serves as the Non-Independent Non-Executive Chairman of Mercury Industries Berhad (Main Market).

Beyond his involvement in listed entities, Encik. Azwar also plays significant roles in non-listed businesses. He presently holds the position of Non-Independent Non-Executive Director at ALPS Naigai Logistics (M) Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of a company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. He is also associated with Times Offset (M) Sdn Bhd, which is part of the Fraser & Neave (F&N) Group, and various other non-listed business concerns.

Encik. Azwar's influence extends beyond corporate boards. He acts as the Advisor-In-Residence of PENJANA KAPITAL Sdn Bhd, a Venture Capital initiative established under the Ministry of Finance. In this capacity, he provides guidance to over 60 startups on a wide range of issues and strategies, including legal and business strategies.

Professionally, Encik. Azwar is not only a member of the Malaysian Bar but also holds memberships in the Malaysian Institute of Internal Auditors and the Malaysian Institute of Directors. Additionally, he contributes to charitable causes as a member of the X-Knights, an informal charitable NGO affiliated with the Rotary organization.

In summary, Encik. Azwar bin Dato’ Haji Mohd Nor's remarkable corporate journey of over three decades has seen him excel in various capacities, from investments and board memberships to advisory roles. His extensive experience and expertise have made him a respected figure in the corporate and legal spheres, contributing significantly to the Malaysian business landscape.

She embarked on her legal career approximately 33 years ago when she was admitted to the Malaysian Bar. Her journey began with a period of chambering at the esteemed firm of Messrs. Rashid and Lee, culminating in her formal admission to the Malaysian Bar in 1991. This marked the beginning of her professional life as a Legal Assistant with Messrs. Rashid and Lee, where she was able to apply her legal knowledge and start building her experience.

In 1993, she took a significant step in her career by transitioning to the role of Legal Assistant at Messrs. Allen and Gledhill, further expanding her legal horizons and honing her skills in various facets of the legal profession.

However, her career reached a pivotal turning point in 2010 when she made a notable move by joining Messrs. Azwar & Associates as a Partner. This transition allowed her to contribute her wealth of legal knowledge and expertise to the firm, adding value to their clientele and establishing herself as a vital asset in the legal field.

In addition to her thriving legal practice, she currently holds a prestigious position as a board member of a listed company. Her presence on the board of directors further highlights her standing in the business and legal community, showcasing her capacity to provide valuable insights and guidance to organizations within her purview. Throughout her extensive career, her areas of specialization have predominantly centered around the intricate realms of the banking and unit trust sector, encompassing the complexities of corporate law and the intricacies of conveyancing. Her unwavering dedication and commitment to these areas have made her a respected figure in the legal community, earning her a reputation for her professionalism and legal acumen.

Rohaiza currently serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director for three publicly listed companies on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia: Poh Kong Holdings Berhad, Tong Herr Resources Berhad, and BahVest Resources Berhad. She also holds directorship positions in several non-listed entities.

Additionally, Rohaiza is the Patron of One Heart Foundation, a charitable NGO based in Kuala Lumpur. Professionally, she is a member of the BAR and the Malaysian Institute of Internal Auditors.

With over 25 years of experience in the legal industry, Cheah Sin Chin has established himself as a seasoned legal professional. His career journey included a significant tenure with the prominent legal firm Messrs. Adnan Sundra & Low, where he dedicated his expertise from 1999 to 2013, except for the period between 2001 and 2002.

His academic journey in law took him to prestigious institutions, including the University of Sheffield in the UK and Bond University in Australia, where he graduated with distinction, earning a place on the Vice Chancellor's List in 1998. His qualifications led to admission to the Queensland Bar in 1998, and he subsequently became a member of the Malaysian Bar in 1999.

Practice Areas:

Dispute Resolution: In this realm, his expertise shines in corporate, banking, and commercial litigation and arbitration. He boasts a remarkable portfolio of reported cases, some of which have reached appellate courts. Notable recent cases include The Bank of East Asia Ltd Singapore Branch v Axis Incorporation Bhd (No 2) [2009] 6 MLJ 564 and CIMB Bank Bhd v Dato’ Tio Sian Pah [2011] 4 CLJ 505.

Public Law: His legal prowess extends to judicial review, with a particular focus on revenue and securities law matters. A noteworthy recent reported case is Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad v Gan Boon Aun [2009] 6 MLJ 695. He has also ventured into constitutional law, notably in areas such as human rights and fundamental rights. One landmark case in this domain is PP v Gan Boon Aun & Anor [2012] 9 CLJ 622, where s122(1) of the Securities Industry Act 1983 was declared unconstitutional.

Corporate Restructuring: He excels in corporate restructuring, particularly in handling schemes of arrangements pursuant to s.176 of the Companies Act. His expertise has been pivotal in debt restructuring endeavors for companies like Axis Incorporation Berhad, Intrakota Komposit Sdn Bhd, and Heveaboard Berhad. An illustrative example of his work is found in the case of Intrakota Komposit Sdn Bhd & Anor v Sogelease Advance (M) Sdn Bhd [2004] 8 CLJ 276.

White Collar Crime: His experience extends to the realm of white-collar crime defense, where he has vigorously defended against prosecution for securities law infringements. Notable cases include PP v Gan Boon Aun (KL J. No. 62A – 302 – 2007), PP v Koh Tee Jin & Ors (KL J. No. 1-62A-(290-281)-3/2013 for accounting fraud, and PP v Dato’ Aw YM (KL J. No. 62-350-2009) for CBT.

Commercial Documentation: His expertise also encompasses the meticulous preparation of agreements and related documentation, particularly in mergers and acquisitions, IT services, infrastructure projects, and more. He has provided valuable counsel in transactions involving esteemed organizations such as Prasarana Negara Berhad, Langkawi Development Authority, NCR, NEC, Toshiba, POS Malaysia Bhd, and numerous others. His ability to navigate complex commercial landscapes and draft precise documentation has been instrumental in facilitating successful transactions.

With a remarkable 18 years of experience in the legal industry, Wong Heng Hui's career has been marked by significant achievements and contributions. In 2012, she made a pivotal move by joining Messrs. Azwar & Associates as a partner, where she played an instrumental role in the establishment and management of the Petaling Jaya office. This endeavor allowed her to provide valuable legal services to clients in the region. In 2013, her efforts led to the successful merger of the Petaling Jaya office with the Kuala Lumpur office, further solidifying the firm's presence and reach in the legal landscape.

Her areas of expertise primarily revolve around corporate and commercial law, banking, and conveyancing & real estate matters. Her extensive experience and notable accomplishments are reflected in her diverse portfolio of legal work:

Corporate & Commercial:

Wong Heng Hui has been involved in complex corporate exercises encompassing mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and foreign direct investments. Additionally, she provides strategic legal counsel regarding various corporate proposals.

Her role includes overseeing, leading, and participating in legal due diligence processes. Noteworthy cases include the proposed acquisition of commercial buildings by a foreign investment trust fund, proposed listings of Malaysian-incorporated companies on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad, and acquisitions of Malaysian companies and business interests by foreign investors.

Banking:

Her proficiency extends to retail and commercial loans, as well as financing securitization. She has a track record of supervising, leading, and participating in legal due diligence procedures.

Notable cases include housing loans of a financial institution as part of a proposed securitization of housing loans exercise, and handling non-performing loans (both corporate and consumer portfolios) for a leading financial institution in Malaysia in connection with a proposed disposal of non-performing loans.

Conveyancing & Real Estate:

She has been instrumental in representing established housing developers in the sale of commercial and residential units.

Her expertise also extends to acting on behalf of prominent hypermarket companies in their acquisitions and leases of various commercial lands, as well as tenancy agreements for commercial buildings in West Malaysia.

She has been involved in advising listed companies on the disposal of commercial buildings, handling tenancy agreements for commercial lots in hypermarkets, and managing sale and purchase agreements for residential and commercial properties.

Her in-depth legal due diligence work included a proposed acquisition of ten commercial buildings in Cyberjaya by a foreign investment trust fund, which required meticulous attention to regulatory compliance and the drafting of all related documents.

Listed Company - Board of Directors:

Beyond her exceptional legal practice, Wong Heng Hui currently holds a position as an Independent Non-Executive Director and serves as the Chairman of the Nomination Committee, while also contributing as a member of the Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee at Mercury Industries Berhad, a company listed on Bursa Malaysia. This role underscores her dedication to corporate governance and her commitment to the organizations she serves.

Languages:

She is proficient in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Hockien, enabling her to serve a diverse clientele and navigate a variety of legal matters effectively.

With around 16 years of experience in the legal industry, Mr. Eddie Law has achieved significant milestones in his career. Since joining Messrs. Azwar & Associates as a Partner in 2010, he has consistently made noteworthy contributions to the legal field.

Mr. Law specializes in Corporate, Banking, and Conveyancing matters, demonstrating proficiency in various aspects of legal practice, including:

Corporate:

Mr. Law has acted in complex corporate exercises such as Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), Initial Public Offerings (IPO) across the Main, Ace, and Leap Markets, as well as the Sale and Acquisition of Businesses and Assets. His expertise also extends to corporate restructuring and debt restructuring initiatives, with a strong track record in conducting comprehensive legal due diligence.

One of his notable achievements includes his involvement in advising the board of EON Bank on its acquisition by Hong Leong Bank in 2011, a significant milestone in Malaysia's banking industry.

Banking:

In the banking sector, Mr. Law has been involved in various activities, including Trust securitization, Aircraft Finance, Retail & Commercial loans, and factoring facilities. His legal expertise ensures seamless navigation of complex financial transactions while ensuring compliance with legal standards.

Conveyancing:

Mr. Law has specialized knowledge in the Sale and Acquisition of Real Estate, Leasing of Real Estate, and Property Development Advisory. He also provides advisory services on dealership, licensing, and franchise agreements, further cementing his diverse capabilities in the real estate sector.

Private Fund Management:

In addition to his expertise in corporate law, Mr. Law is highly experienced in the setup and management of private funds, including private equity and venture capital structures. He has advised fund managers and investors on fund structuring, compliance with Securities Commission Malaysia regulations, and drafting key documents such as Private Placement Memorandums and Limited Partnership Agreements.

Additional Areas:

Beyond his core expertise, Mr. Law has broad experience in Employment Law/Human Resources, Confidentiality Advisory, Hire Purchase Matters, and more. He has also acted and specialized in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contracts advisory and documents. His expertise further extends to advising on Highway & Railway Concessions, Private Fund Regulatory matters, and General Land issues.

Awards and Recognitions:

Mr. Law's achievements have been recognized both locally and internationally. He received prestigious awards, including Commercial Lawyer of the Year in Malaysia 2021 by CorporateINTL and Boutique Corporate Law Firm of the Year in Malaysia 2021 by Global Law Experts for Messrs. Azwar & Associates. In 2020, he and his firm were honored as Corporate Law Firm of the Year in Malaysia by Leaders in Law.

Additionally, Mr. Law was named Corporate Lawyer of the Year in Malaysia for two consecutive years (2021 and 2020) by Leaders in Law, and he also received the Commercial Lawyer of the Year in Malaysia 2022 award from International Elite 100.

These accolades reflect Mr. Law's exceptional contributions to the legal profession, highlighting his consistent excellence in his practice areas.

Additional Expertise:

Mr. Law’s diverse skill set includes qualifications as an interior designer, adding a creative perspective to his approach to legal matters. His language proficiency includes English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Hockien, allowing him to serve a diverse range of clients and legal needs.

Board Membership:

Mr. Law currently sits on the Board of Directors of Fuguang International Group (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zhejiang Tingshan Industrial Co. Ltd. under the conglomerate Tsingshan Group.

With a remarkable 19-year career in the legal field, Vivian Chua brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her practice. Her primary focus is on conveyancing, where she handles a wide spectrum of activities, including representing real estate developers in residential projects and assisting individuals with various property transactions.

Her portfolio includes handling sale and purchase transactions, sub-sale transactions, and mortgage arrangements for a variety of properties, including residential, industrial, and commercial, whether completed or under development. Her meticulous approach ensures that each transaction is legally sound and efficient.

Conveyancing Expertise:

Vivian has developed significant proficiency in conveyancing matters, specifically dealing with residential, industrial, and commercial properties. She provides expert legal guidance in sale and purchase agreements, mortgage documentation, and property transfers, ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.

Additionally, Vivian has extensive experience in managing mortgages and other legal documentation on behalf of banks, financial institutions, and individual clients. Her legal acumen and attention to detail have been instrumental in facilitating smooth property transactions for all parties involved.

Career Background:

Before joining Azwar & Associates, Vivian held positions as a partner in two local law firms, which further enriched her legal expertise and broadened her exposure to diverse legal cases and clients. Her career trajectory has provided her with the necessary experience to handle complex legal matters in her areas of specialization.

Language Proficiency:

Vivian is fluent in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Cantonese, which enables her to effectively serve a wide range of clients and legal needs, making her an invaluable asset to the firm.

We are excited to welcome Mr. Chin Yoke Wah as a Senior Associate at Azwar & Associates, effective 1 December 2024.

Mr. Chin brings extensive experience, having started his corporate career in 2005 with HSBC Bank Malaysia and Alliance Financial Group. His transition into the legal profession began in 2013, when he completed his pupillage at Messrs. Zaid Ibrahim & Co (ZICO) and was called to the Malaysian Bar in 2014. Following his tenure at ZICO, he established his own legal practice in 2016 and later joined a boutique law firm in 2020, where he led the corporate practice.

Mr. Chin specializes in corporate advisory, corporate restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, and property law. He has advised on significant transactions, including the privatisation and delisting of Malaysia Airlines Berhad, the acquisition of healthcare companies by Ekuiti Nasional Berhad, the restructuring of RHB Bank, and the proposed listing of Iskandar Waterfront Holdings Berhad. His role in fundraising exercises, such as securing RM10 million for a leading co-working space, and in expansion plans for a prominent F&B company, showcases his ability to navigate complex legal and corporate challenges.

With qualifications that include an LL.B (Hons) from the University of West of England, Bristol, and an MSc in Accounting and Finance from the University of Leicester, Mr. Chin is a highly accomplished legal professional. He is also an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya and holds a Certificate of Legal Practice.

In addition to his legal career, Mr. Chin serves as an independent non-executive director and chairman of the nomination committee of Wellcall Holdings Berhad, a public company listed on Bursa Malaysia. His governance and leadership roles further underscore his commitment to excellence in corporate advisory and strategy.

A proud graduate from the esteemed University of Malaya in July 2018, Sandra Lee embarked on her legal journey with unwavering determination. Her dedication led her to be called to the Malaysian Bar in June 2020, marking the official commencement of her legal career.

During the early stages of her pupillage at a legal firm in Kuala Lumpur, Sandra gained valuable exposure to a wide range of legal disciplines. This included an immersion in construction and commercial disputes, which laid the foundation for her future legal endeavors.

Legal Experience:

As her career progressed, Sandra continued to broaden her horizons by delving into various facets of the legal landscape. Her portfolio expanded to encompass contractual disputes, probate and letter of administration matters, bankruptcy and winding-up cases, and the enforcement of court orders, reflecting her commitment to mastering diverse areas of the law.

Active Contributions:

Sandra's contributions to the firm were not limited to administrative tasks. She actively assisted in the drafting and submission of interlocutory and interlocutory appeal matters, even having the privilege of participating in the hearings of these cases. Witnessing the favorable outcomes in court decisions brought a sense of accomplishment and pride, both to her and her firm's partners.

Career Progression:

Driven by her passion for general litigation and a desire for continued growth, Sandra made the pivotal decision to join Azwar & Associates as a legal associate in 2023. This career move exemplifies her commitment to further developing her skills in general litigation, where she aspires to make significant contributions and continue achieving favorable outcomes for her clients.

Qisthina's professional journey in the field of law has been marked by significant accomplishments and a diverse range of experiences. She earned her LL.B(Hons) Degree from University Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in 2019, laying the foundation for her legal career. Following her academic achievements, she embarked on her pupillage at Messrs Aishah Jaafar & Associates.

During her pupillage, Qisthina had the opportunity to work on a wide array of cases, including those related to conveyancing, divorce, and banking litigation. This hands-on experience not only honed her legal skills but also provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape.

Legal Milestone:

Qisthina was admitted and enrolled as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in November 2021, marking a significant milestone in her legal career.

Career Progression:

Continuing her professional journey, she joined Messrs Pearly Ng, Soh & Associates, where she specialized in conveyancing matters. Her responsibilities encompassed representing real estate developers in both completed and under-construction residential projects. This included handling sale and purchase transactions, overseeing conventional and Islamic bank loan documentation, ensuring the perfection of transfer and charge, managing deed of receipt and reassignment, and preparing tenancy agreements. Additionally, she provided valuable legal counsel to clients in the realm of commercial agreements.

Current Role:

Today, Qisthina is a vital member of the Conveyancing Department at Messrs Azwar & Associates. Her current focus includes matters related to the perfection of transfer and charge, as well as overseeing developers' projects concerning Sale and Purchase Agreements. She also plays a crucial role in managing loan documentation, ensuring that her clients receive comprehensive legal support.

Contribution:

Qisthina's dedication, diverse skill set, and wealth of experiences make her a valuable asset to the legal profession and a trusted advocate for her clients at Messrs Azwar & Associates.

Safiah holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from Universiti Malaya and was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in July 2023. Her legal career commenced at Messrs Zairina Loh & Wong, where she successfully completed her pupillage and was subsequently retained as an associate. During her time at the firm, Safiah honed her expertise in real estate law, with a particular focus on developer projects.

She was primarily responsible for drafting and reviewing sale and purchase agreements, managing both conventional and Islamic loan facility documentation, and overseeing the perfection of transfers and charges for prominent developers. Her role required her to liaise with financial institutions, developers, and various government bodies to ensure smooth and compliant transactions. Safiah developed a reputation for her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to navigate complex legal and regulatory issues in real estate law.

Career Progression:

In November 2024, Safiah joined Messrs Azwar & Associates as an Associate, where she continues to build on her strong foundation in conveyancing law. She is committed to further expanding her legal knowledge and expertise in this area, and she looks forward to contributing to the firm’s continued success in handling high-profile real estate matters.

Community Engagement:

In addition to her legal practice, Safiah has demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement and social justice. While at Universiti Malaya, she actively participated in the Community Outreach Programme, which aims to provide legal education to vulnerable children, focusing on practical "street law" education. This initiative aims to empower young individuals with the knowledge and understanding of their legal rights.

Safiah also contributed to The Kalsom Movement, a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting educational equality in Malaysia. In her role as a committee member, she worked to support underprivileged students in accessing quality education, particularly through mentorship and scholarship programs. Safiah’s dedication to these causes reflects her belief in the power of education and social equity as tools for creating positive change in society.

Core Belief:

Through her legal practice and volunteer work, Safiah remains committed to making a meaningful impact in both her professional field and her community. She views her legal career not only as an opportunity for personal growth but as a platform to give back to society, as she firmly believes that we rise by lifting others.

Gan Yu Lin holds an esteemed Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree from Multimedia University Malaysia. Her commitment to the legal profession was further honed during her pupillage under the mentorship of Mr. Cheah Sin Chin, a senior partner at Azwar & Associates.

Throughout her pupillage, she was entrusted with a diverse array of contentious matters, showcasing her versatility in handling legal challenges. Her invaluable experience extended across a spectrum of legal arenas, including corporate litigation, contractual disputes, probate and administration matters, and complex land acquisition cases. This comprehensive exposure allowed her to navigate the intricate landscape of Malaysian law with finesse.

During her tenure, she actively contributed to the preparation and execution of trials, hearings, and proceedings, spanning from lower courts to the illustrious Court of Appeal and Federal Court. Her involvement in such multifaceted cases demonstrated her dedication to upholding justice and her willingness to immerse herself in the intricacies of the legal system.

Her journey culminated in her admission as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in August 2023. Currently, she is a valued member of our firm's General & Civil Litigation department. Her dedication and tireless efforts are instrumental in assisting our esteemed partners in a diverse array of legal areas.

Linda Wan Moi Chai is a senior member of Azwar & Associates, contributing over 11 years of dedicated service to the firm. With a deep focus on managing the firm's Landlord and Tenant portfolio, she has played an integral role in providing expert legal support and handling complex real estate matters.

Linda's extensive experience has made her a trusted advisor in property-related legal issues, ensuring the highest standards of client care. Her leadership and commitment continue to drive the firm's success, especially in property transactions and landlord-tenant relations.

Jennifer Wong is an accomplished Senior Executive at Azwar & Associates, with a versatile and dynamic portfolio that spans various domains, including conveyancing and real estate. Her impressive tenure of over 10 years and counting underscores her dedication and commitment to our firm.

Jennifer's career journey at Azwar & Associates has been marked by a remarkable ability to excel in diverse legal domains. Her proficiency in conveyancing and real estate matters has consistently exceeded the expectations of our clients.

As a Senior Executive, Jennifer plays a pivotal leadership role within our organization. Her comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of conveyancing and real estate transactions has made her an invaluable resource for both our team and clients alike.

Bee, a distinguished Senior Staff member at Azwar & Associates, has made an indelible mark on our team and clients alike during her impressive tenure of more than 6 years.

Bee's legal journey with our firm has been marked by her remarkable versatility in handling a wide array of legal portfolios. From contract law to dispute resolution and beyond, her breadth of expertise has consistently impressed clients seeking comprehensive legal solutions.

With 6 years of dedicated service and counting, Bee is a valued member of our team who represents our commitment to nurturing talent and fostering long-term professional relationships.

Bee's contributions to Azwar & Associates extend far beyond her years of service. Her dedication, versatility, and passion for excellence continue to elevate our firm's standards and drive our mission of providing exceptional legal services.

Esther, a respected Senior Staff member at Azwar & Associates, has made a significant impact on our firm and its clients throughout her impressive 10-year tenure.

With 10 years of dedicated service, Esther exemplifies our firm's values and long-term commitment to both our clients and our team. Her loyalty and dedication have played a crucial role in shaping our firm's success.

Esther's client-centric approach is at the core of her practice. Her ability to build strong client relationships while delivering expert counsel has earned her the trust and respect of those we serve.