According to satisfied clients, which include world leading software giants and tech conglomerates, Christopher & Lee Ong is the ‘best in the industry’. Working across the e-commerce, fintech, and e-health sectors, the group is known for its ability to adeptly navigate the ever-changing TMT landscape. Core workflows include advising on data protection breaches, negotiating complex cloud and IT contracts, and handling open-source licensing and agile development issues. Having recently introduced a specialist tech disputes practice, which focuses on TMT and FinReg matters, the department is well placed to advise on an unparalleled range of work, often relating to cybersecurity, AI, and data centres. Other work highlights include handling instructions from European countries seeking assessments of Malaysian laws in the context of international data transfers, and advising on satellite and internet peering services, in light of Malaysia’s development of 5G. Deepak Pillai, reputed for his ‘unique and sharp mind’, has ample experience in advising public sector agencies on tech policies and cloud services, and leads the offering alongside Kuok Yew Chen, a leading figure in large-scale telecoms projects. Intan Haryati is recommended for her strengths in outsourcing and digital media matters, Anissa Maria Anis focuses on the media and entertainment industry, and Yong Shih Han covers media and advertising laws.

Maintaining its ‘best in class’ reputation, Skrine’s TMT department serves an impressive spread of international and domestic clients, comprising startups, tech and telecoms providers, and leading multinationals. Operating within the banking, energy, and media industries, the group has extensive experience in providing regulatory advice on telecoms matters, namely OTT service offerings, 5G, the leasing of sub-sea and terrestrial fibers, and the establishment of data centres. Other key strengths include negotiating infrastructure contracts and tech agreements and obtaining regulatory and licensing approvals from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. Industry veteran Charmayne Ong spearheads the group, leveraging her steady relationships with public institutions and regulators to advise on all things IP and TMT. Jilian Chia is well versed in privacy and data protection matters, regularly instructed by global tech players, while Natalie Lim Yen Kuan is a go-to for regulatory work, such as cloud computing and satellite communications.

Renowned for its ‘excellent industry knowledge’, Raja, Darryl & Loh secures stellar feedback for its commercial approach. The firm is proficient in guiding clients through data breaches, cross-border data transfer risk assessments, compliance matters, and the drafting of IT contracts. Recent work highlights include advising on AI-enabled health applications, in addition to handling procurement, software development, cloud computing, and e-commerce agreements. Engaged by clients in the securities, banking, and real estate sectors, the ‘highly competent’ Tong Lai Ling leads the practice, advising tech companies on data protection laws. The ‘sharp’ Jed Tan Yeong Tat is recommended for his work in the structuring of complex TMT contracts.

Distinguished by its popularity with multinational clients, Shearn Delamore & Co’s ‘agile and innovative’ TMT department advises social media and tech platforms and digital banks on a wide gamut of matters. The group demonstrates tenacity in the negotiation of software development and licensing agreements, regulatory compliance matters, data protection work, and digital bank development projects. With recent ventures including AI and the Internet of Things, other strengths involve cross-border data transfers, data protection, and related tax concerns. Timothy Siaw, an expert on matters at the intersect of IP and tech, leads the practice alongside the ‘eminently reliable’ Janet Toh, who represents clients in outsourcing and software development deals. Christina Kow focuses on fintech matters, Shanti Mogan handles tech disputes and regulatory compliance, and Lilien Wong concentrates on e-commerce and gaming litigation.

‘Standout’ boutique firm Shin Associates houses a destination media and entertainment practice. The group frequently assists film production companies with copyright reports and title searches, in addition to handling various legal matters in relation to domestic and international film projects. Well versed in advising on animation, gaming, music, and theatre, Jessie Tan is regarded for her ‘excellent service’ and is a key contact for data protection and IP matters. Liew Sue Yin advises tech sector clients on policies, regulations, and procedures, while Joel Prashant, who is reputed for going ‘above and beyond’, concentrates on the implementation of data protection measures and the licensing of IP.

Benefiting from Baker McKenzie’s global network of offices, Wong & Partners is noted for its prowess in the TMT space, and routinely advises on AI matters, data privacy, cloud services, and novel telecoms-related issues. Core workflows include licensing and regulatory considerations, advising leading tech corporations on projects in Malaysia, various e-payment matters, and advising on regulatory issues arising from digital businesses. Kherk Ying Chew has extensive experience in the practice, with illustrated skill in media and advertising law, cybersecurity, and outsourcing agreements. Serene Kan is a key contact within the department, with expertise spanning licensing agreements and complex tech transactions.

Active across a broad spectrum of matters in the TMT arena, LAW Partnership operates within the banking, telecoms, financial services, and construction industries. The practice is experienced in issues pertaining to fintech, medtech, the Internet of Things, software development, and e-commerce. The ‘very capable’ Suaran Singh Sidhu anchors the department and concentrates on cybersecurity and regulatory compliance procedures and policies in Asia Pacific, in addition to guiding corporations on the legal implications of online transactions. Sidhu is ably supported by Raphael Tay and Brian Law, the latter of which is a key contact for matters in the media and entertainment fields.

Clients come to Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill for its ‘profound expertise’ in the TMT space. Recognised for its strengths in TMT disputes, the group’s workflow also includes licensing and compliance advice, crisis management for businesses experiencing data breaches, and issues in the context of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. Regularly advising digital infrastructure providers and policymakers, the team is led by G. Vijay Kumar, noted for his ‘elite legal prowess’ in handling disputes concerning cloud computing, outsourcing, and software development. Teo Wai Sum frequently represents major telecoms in complex contracts, while Chan Mun Yew’s strengths include litigation concerning broadcasting and sponsorship agreements and the implementation of network facilities. Harvey Ng Yih Xiang has impressive experience at all levels of Malaysian court, often defending telco providers in high-value disputes.

Engaged by banks, start-ups, and e-commerce platforms, Rahmat Lim & Partners is well versed in fintech regulatory and compliance work, and often advises on online payment systems and equity crowdfunding platforms. With demonstrable experience in TMT disputes, the group is collectively led by Azman bin Othman Luk, Wan Kai Chee, and Pauline Khor, who is skilled in matters concerning IP and tech. Karen Foong is a key contact, as is Penny Wong, who handles personal data protection and cloud computing work.

Active across the energy, media, and hospitality industries, Zain & Co’s TMT offering includes advising telco providers on various corporate and commercial mandates. Key strengths range from handling the licensing of software and hardware arrangements, data protection considerations, e-commerce matters, and advising film companies on distribution requirements. Salwah Abdul Shukor leverages her corporate background to assist clients in transactions involving tech acquisitions. Pauline Ngiam has ample data protection know-how, where recent work highlights include advising on data centre deals.

The TMT practice at Zul Rafique & Partners lies under the steady leadership of Darren Kor Yit Meng, who has considerable expertise in multimedia regulatory work, corporate tech matters, and IT contracts. The firm represents national communications and multimedia providers in IT procurement and e-commerce deals, data protection matters, and the sale and purchase of telecoms assets.

Boutique firm Imaduddin & Lew Chambers is noted for its capabilities in the TMT arena, demonstrated through its impressive clientele, which comprises multinational corporations and government agencies. The group routinely advises on cloud computing, domain name disputes, tech procurement structures, and personal data protection. The practice is jointly led by Imaduddin Suhaimi and Brian Lew, who is well-versed in IT and IP transactions, data privacy, contentious IT work, and software and hardware procurement.

Counting public listed companies and domestic corporations amongst its client roster, Mohamed Ridza & Co guides clients through rapidly evolving regulatory landscapes, primarily in relation to e-commerce, personal data protection, and software. Recently venturing into fintech, cryptocurrency, and online education spaces, the group also conducts due diligence exercises for tech startups. The group’s TMT department is collectively led by Mohamed Ridza Bin Abdullah, Mohamed Nazran Basirun, a key contact for tech-focused corporate deals, and Naseem Binti Mohamed Abdulla.

With niche expertise in the sports law dimension, Richard Wee Chambers is well-equipped to aid governmental bodies and domestic corporations in navigating fintech, sports tech, and blockchain-related regulation. Richard Wee, who has extensive experience in fintech, multimedia, and NFT regulatory work, oversees the practice alongside Darren Lai. Kimberly Chan is a key contact for e-sports matters.

Sought out by government agencies and regulators alike, Zaid Ibrahim & Co (in association with KPMG Law)’s TMT practice involves fintech, data protection, and digitalisation work. The group handles licensing applications, advising payment systems providers on audits and data privacy compliance, and the procurement of IT solutions. Nadarashnaraj Sargunaraj heads the team, drawing from experience in the multimedia, communications, and personal data protection sectors. Jonathan Lim is recommended for his work in tech-related corporate mandates, while Cheong Yuen Wei frequently advises tech start-ups on telecoms regulations.