Legalink Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting 2025
Penang | 30 July – 1 August 2025
Azman Davidson & Co was pleased to host the Legalink Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting 2025, held from 30 July to 1 August 2025 at the historic Eastern & Oriental Hotel in George Town, Penang. The meeting brought together Legalink members and legal practitioners from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond for three days of substantive discussions, knowledge-sharing and networking.
The meeting commenced with a Welcome Dinner at Kebaya Dining Room, where our Senior Partner and Vice Chairperson of Legalink, Sonia Abraham, welcomed delegates alongside Legalink Chairman Christopher Trowbridge. Guests were also presented with traditional batik wear by the Firm, offering an introduction to Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage.
The first day opened with remarks by Christopher Trowbridge and our Managing Partner, H.Y. Chong, followed by a roundtable discussion on legal developments across the delegates’ respective jurisdictions and opportunities for greater cross-border collaboration among Legalink member firms.
The morning sessions featured a presentation by Dato’ Seri Siew Hai Wai, President of the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association, on “Opportunities & Challenges in the Semiconductor Industry”. He shared insights into Malaysia’s semiconductor industry and Penang’s significant role in the sector.
This was followed by a session with Dato’ Loo Lee Lian, Chief Executive Officer of InvestPenang, who spoke on Penang’s position as an international investment hub and the opportunities presented by key industries, including semiconductors, information technology and communications, and MedTech.
The first day concluded with a roundtable discussion among delegates on US tariffs and their potential implications for businesses and international trade.
The second day focused on developments in international arbitration, with our Senior Partner Rajendra Navaratnam joining Legalink practitioners from Singapore, India, Vietnam and the Philippines for a panel discussion on “Arbitration Trends in Model Law Countries with a Focus on ASEAN / Asian Countries”. Moderated by Christopher Trowbridge, the session provided an opportunity for delegates to exchange perspectives on arbitration developments across their respective jurisdictions.
The substantive programme concluded with a discussion on opportunities for greater collaboration and cross-border marketing among Legalink member firms.
Beyond the formal programme, delegates had the opportunity to experience Penang’s renowned culture and heritage, including a historical tour of George Town, before gathering for a farewell dinner.
Azman Davidson & Co extends its sincere appreciation to all delegates, speakers and guests who travelled from near and far to participate in the meeting and contribute to its success. It was a privilege to host our Legalink colleagues in Penang, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen the professional relationships and cross-border collaboration that are central to the Legalink network.
