ALB Asia 40 Under 40 list continues its tradition of recognising exceptional legal talent across Asia. The list features lawyers from diverse jurisdictions and practice areas, selected from over 500 outstanding nominees. The selection process involves a thorough evaluation of their work quality, client and colleague recommendations, and potential for future growth. The list is in alphabetical order, and some lawyers have been profiled.
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Yudistira Adipratama
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Yudistira Adipratama, managing partner at K-CASE Lawyer, has emerged as a pioneering figure in Indonesian sports and entertainment law, focusing on esports. As leader of Indonesia's first esports-dedicated law firm, he has driven significant industry changes both nationally and internationally. His clientele and collaborators span the entire esports ecosystem, ranging from game publishers, and esports clubs, to government organisations. Adipratama played a pivotal role in amending the Indonesian Sports Law, ensuring esports' recognition as a competitive sport. Additionally, he has drafted regulations for the Esports Federation of Indonesia governing esports implementation which prevails across the whole country, and advised the drafting of a presidential regulation on the national games industry. Under his leadership, K-CASE Lawyer was nominated for TMT Law Firm of the Year 2023 at the Asian Legal Business Awards, as well as ranked on the Indonesian Firms to Watch list. Related to esports policies, Adipratama has represented Indonesia at high-profile conferences like the Asian Sports ADR Summit in Kuala Lumpur, the World Esports Summit in Busan, and the Australia-Indonesia Business Council Conference in Darwin. He has also legally supported Indonesia's national team participation in major international multi-sport events, including the 19th Asian Games 2022, the 14th IESF World Esports Championships and the 2023 SEA Games. Beyond legal practice, he authors articles for Indonesia's leading online legal resource platform, and serves as the exclusive Southeast Asian partner for Esports Legal News, a Zurich-based platform. Presently, he's also collaborating on a Wiki/Online Commentary dedicated to legal esports terminology.
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Richard Henrick I. Beltran
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Richard Henrick I. Beltran is a prominent partner at Villaraza & Angangco (V&A Law) in the Philippines, specialising in banking and finance, project finance, mergers and acquisitions, and fintech. Having joined the firm in 2014, he became a partner in January 2022. With ten years of experience in the legal field, Beltran has made a significant impact in managing complex financial and commercial transactions. Among his key accomplishments is serving as the Partner-in-Charge for the $3.8 billion project finance deal for DITO Telecommunity Corporation. This notable transaction has earned multiple recognitions, including the 2023 Project Finance Deal of the Year at the ALB Philippine Law Awards and the 2024 Project Finance Deal of the Year at the ALB Southeast Asia Law Awards. Beltran successfully guided a diverse team through the intricacies of this highly regulated sector, ensuring compliance with all legal stipulations and facilitating a seamless closing process. Beltran also actively advises clients in M&A and fintech transactions. Among his notable transactions is the sale of assets involving a major international shipbuilding firm, where he actively assisted a consortium of major local Philippine banks. He has also actively advised multiple clients in the financial services sector as they navigate legal and regulatory issues concerning their market entry in the Philippines. Looking ahead, Beltran aims to strengthen the Corporate and Project Finance practice at Villaraza & Angangco. He is committed to maintaining and enhancing the firm’s prestigious rankings in the capital markets, banking & finance, and fintech & financial services areas.
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Raegan L. Capuno
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Raegan L. Capuno is a distinguished partner at Siguion Reyna Montecillo and Ongsiako Law Offices in the Philippines, specialising in taxation, corporate law, and litigation. With eight years of legal experience, Capuno has established a remarkable track record. “Capuno has extensive knowledge and ability in tax and commercial issues, and litigations. Every time we have dealt with pressing legal tax issues, Capuno has been our guide with his calm and well-thought-out plan. He has the capacity to provide timely and efficient solutions to stressful situations even on short notice. He has extended services to us and our business relations that go above and beyond our expectations.” said Roberto Juanchito Dispo, Chairman of Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific Company Manila, Inc. Atty. Cristina Reyes, General Counsel of Unilever Philippines, Inc. remarked that “Capuno’s effectiveness in his role is also expressed by his “system thinking” or ability to balance between short-term wins and long-term objectives for his clients. His legal advice is generally accompanied with risk analysis and mitigating actions.” In high-stakes negotiations, Capuno led clients to achieve their goals. “We have often relied on Capuno as lead counsel during various complex negotiations, and it is arguably in such circumstances that we have had our most fruitful partnerships.” Said Dr. Brian Vincent L. Belen, President of First Asia Venture Capital. In addition to his legal practice, Capuno is a published author of two widely used taxation law volumes and a dedicated law professor and pre-bar reviewer.
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David Fong
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David Fong is a director at Davinder Singh Chambers, specialising in international arbitration and dispute resolution, with a decade of experience in the legal field. At just 34 years old, Fong has made significant contributions to high-stakes legal matters, establishing himself as a formidable presence in the realm of arbitration and litigation. Fong’s main area of expertise is in international arbitration. He acts for a wide variety of clients in complex, multi-jurisdictional and high-stakes disputes, across a wide range of industries, with values that regularly exceed hundreds of millions or billions of dollars. He also specialises in arbitration-related court proceedings, and has deep experience in applications for injunctive relief in support of arbitration, jurisdictional challenges, challenges to arbitrators, setting aside, enforcement and resisting enforcement of arbitration awards. In addition to his arbitration work, Fong is engaged in civil and commercial litigation before all levels of the Singapore Courts, including the Singapore International Commercial Court. His recent work includes commercial disputes, trust disputes and defamation matters. He was appointed as Young Amicus Curiae for the Singapore High Court in Lau Soon and anor v UOL Development (Dakota) Pte Ltd [2021] SGHC 195.
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Minhee Jung
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Minhee Jung is a seasoned partner at Bae, Kim & Lee, specialising in finance, project finance, and capital markets. With over 11 years of experience, she has developed a robust practice advising a diverse range of clients on complex financial transactions and compliance matters. Jung has been instrumental in numerous high-profile projects, including the Incheon Yeongjong Island Inspire Casino Complex development and the acquisition financing for the landmark CENTERFIELD building in Gangnam, Seoul. Additionally, she has provided expert counsel on the establishment of project financing vehicles for major developments, such as the Ananti at Gangnam and the luxurious Nine One Hannam apartment complex. Her offshore alternative investment experience is equally impressive. Jung advised Nonghyup Bank on investments in Amazon data centre loans in the U.S. and assisted NH Investment & Securities in acquiring senior loans from notable entities, including the French ID giant Idemia Group. She has also guided KB Kookmin Bank in financing the northern Seoul Station area development, which involves constructing a 38-story complex featuring a hotel, exhibition centre, and shopping mall. Jung's advisory expertise extends to significant international projects, including loan investments in FPSO Agogo in Angola and a biomass power plant in the UK. Additionally, she has advised major banks on compliance matters, including anti-money laundering practices and sanction risk assessments. Her comprehensive understanding of the evolving financial landscape ensures that her clients adhere to the highest standards while successfully navigating complex transactions and regulatory requirements.
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Kong Man Er
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Kong Man Er is a highly experienced director in Drew & Napier’s dispute resolution practice, based in Singapore. With more than 13 years of legal experience, she has carved out a niche in handling complex and high-stakes disputes. Appointed as an Equity Director in 2021, Kong regularly represents shareholders in multi-million-dollar disputes, focusing on shareholder and company disputes. Her work spans both the Singapore Courts and confidential international arbitration proceedings. Notably, Kong successfully acted in the landmark case of Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels Inc v Global Gaming Philippines, where she defended against applications to set aside and resist enforcement of awards totaling around $300 million. The case, which raised significant legal questions about the powers of arbitral tribunals, is a testament to her expertise in international arbitration. Her track record includes successfully striking out multi-million-dollar claims, such as those brought by a foreign joint venture partner against a Singapore-listed company, and defending an international bank in claims related to foreign exchange derivative transactions. She also successfully represented a Senegalese company in a jurisdictional challenge before the Singapore Court of Appeal and defended a global investment bank in a complex S$20 million dispute. Kong's extensive experience is further highlighted by her involvement in major cases, including representing SMRT Trains Ltd in a national inquiry and acting for a leading sports management company in an ICC arbitration. Her earlier roles as a Justices’ Law Clerk and Assistant Registrar of the Supreme Court of Singapore further underscore her legal acumen.
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Narada Kumara
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Narada Kumara, managing partner at Tamba & Kumara Law Offices (T&K), is a prominent figure in the legal sector, with expertise spanning dispute resolution, restructuring and insolvency, banking and finance, mining and natural resources, and construction and real estate. With over 12 years of experience, he has successfully represented a wide range of clients, including multinational corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. Since co-founding T&K in 2022, Narada has attracted high-profile clients across various industries. As a qualified administrator and trustee in bankruptcy, he is well-positioned to expand his involvement in cross-border restructuring and insolvency matters. He also has experience being appointed as Indonesian law counsel in international arbitration matters as well as Indonesian law expert for international arbitration proceedings. Beyond his legal practice, Narada is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Indonesian lawyers and actively participates in pro bono initiatives to support the broader community. Narada's expertise has been recognised by his peers. He has been invited to speak at industry events and has been involved in various pro bono initiatives to support the community. Building upon this strong foundation, Narada has continued to impress at T&K. In just one year, the firm has garnered significant recognition from ALB and other prominent legal publications. These accolades include ALB Indonesia Firm to Watch 2023, and finalist for "Rising Star Full-Service Law Firm of the Year". Most notably, several of T&K's practice areas have already been ranked as Elite (tier) I, II, and III, demonstrating the firm's rapid ascent in the legal landscape.
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Gabriel Li
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Gabriel Li, a seasoned corporate lawyer, serves as VP Legal at Kredivo Group, a leading fintech unicorn in Southeast Asia. At Kredivo Group, Li leads the international legal function, managing a wide array of complex groundbreaking transactions and ensuring compliance across more than six jurisdictions. His expertise in venture capital and private equity law has earned him recognition as the youngest recipient of the Singapore Business Review's under 40 legal luminaries award in 2022. In addition to his professional responsibilities with Kredivo Group, Li frequently volunteers time towards shaping the legal landscape of venture capital fundraising transactions in Southeast Asia. He is an active member of the Venture Capital Investment Model Agreements working group, spearheaded by the Singapore Academy of Law and the Singapore Venture and Private Capital Association, contributing to the development of standardised agreements for use in the region. Li's commitment to the community is evident through his extensive volunteer work. He has led corporate social responsibility initiatives at Kredivo Group, including organising a Supreme Court tour for at-risk youth, providing lectures on non-profit legal structures in collaboration with the Temasek Foundation, and arranging family outings for underprivileged families with TOUCH Community Services. As a father of three, Li is passionate about mentoring the next generation of legal professionals, striving to inspire others through his leadership and dedication to both his profession and community.
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Sam Ng
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Sam Ng is an of counsel in CMS Holborn Asia’s corporate team, leveraging over a decade of expertise in corporate law, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity, and venture capital investments. Based in Singapore, Sam has established a strong track record in managing complex international and domestic transactions across diverse sectors, including technology, e-commerce, energy, healthcare, food tech, financial services, and sustainability. Currently the youngest of counsel within the firm, Sam has evolved from a deals executor to a leader, taking charge of significant corporate matters. His responsibilities encompass deal structuring, negotiations, due diligence, documentation and transaction execution, where he consistently delivers commercially viable and practical solutions. Notably, he has played a pivotal role in several high-value international M&A transactions, demonstrating his capability to navigate intricate legal frameworks effectively across multiple jurisdictions. Sam is frequently sought after for his expertise in Singapore law, collaborating on multi-jurisdictional matters involving foreign counsels from Europe, the USA, and Asia-Pacific. He has contributed to numerous publications on corporate law, enhancing the firm’s thought leadership. Moreover, Sam is committed to nurturing CMS Holborn Asia’s corporate transactions practice, contributing to its recognition in various rankings, including the ALB M&A Rankings. He also actively participates in the firm’s equIP program, supporting early-stage start-ups, and is dedicated to pro bono initiatives, expanding the firm’s client base while providing vital legal support to underserved communities.
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Takahiro Oishi
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Takahiro Oishi is a distinguished partner at Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu (NO&T) in Japan, specialising in corporate law, particularly in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances, and venture capital investments. With 13 years of legal experience, Mr. Oishi has built a formidable reputation for his expertise in navigating complex corporate transactions that often involve multiple jurisdictions. He holds an LL.M. from Columbia Law School, where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar, and earned his J.D. and LL.B. from The University of Tokyo. His strong academic foundation enhances his ability to address the diverse needs of his clients. Throughout his career, Mr. Oishi has adeptly represented both foreign and domestic clients, providing strategic legal guidance on a wide range of intricate cross-border deals. His deep understanding of the nuances of Japanese corporate law, combined with his fluency in English, enables him to bridge cultural and legal gaps, facilitating smooth negotiations and successful outcomes for his clients. With a keen analytical mind and a proactive attitude, Takahiro Oishi continues to be a trusted advisor for clients seeking to navigate the complexities of corporate transactions in today’s dynamic market environment.
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Ushan Premaratne
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Ushan Premaratne is a director at Meritus Law in Singapore, specialising in complex commercial disputes and international arbitration. With almost 14 years of tried and tested experience, Premaratne is a trusted counsel for international and local clients, handling high-profile disputes that often involve cross-jurisdictional issues. Noteworthy work under his belt includes instructions arising from the collapse of Wirecard, Zilingo and Hin Leong Trading, each presenting their unique factual challenges. At age 32, Premaratne successfully went before the Court of Appeal on a novel issue concerning rights of discretionary beneficiaries, which demonstrated his legal acumen and appellate advocacy. Premaratne’s diverse experience includes advising an international sports federation on the widely-publicised suspension of its Honorary President, which entailed collaboration with foreign counsel across the UK, Switzerland and Canada. His portfolio also features representing an UHNW individual in a multi-jurisdictional fraud involving cryptocurrency valued at over $75 Million and advising a Global Financial Institution on the insolvency of a publicly listed water treatment company. Premaratne has acted in cases that contributed to Singapore's legal landscape, including on issues of judicial mercy, video-link evidence and equitable tracing. His work reflects a commitment to excellence, making him a foremost practitioner in his field. “For Ushan, it is his extra-legal natural skillsets that set him apart. As they say, clients choose lawyers they know, like and trust and Ushan ticks off the boxes for all three,” said Alfred Lim, Managing Director of Meritus Law.
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Rizki Dwianda Rildo
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Rizki Dwianda Rildo is the managing partner at KARNA Partnership in association with Withersworldwide, based in Indonesia. With 12.5 years of legal experience, Rizki has built a reputation as a versatile legal expert in corporate, M&A, financial services, HNWI, family businesses, state-owned companies, capital markets, and tech. At 35, he co-founded KARNA Partnership during the pandemic, leading it to become one of the youngest yet most reputable firms in the industry. In 2024, KARNA's success was further cemented when it became an associated firm of Withersworldwide, a global law firm headquartered in the UK. KARNA now regularly collaborates with Withers KhattarWong, Withers' Singapore office, further expanding its international reach. Over the past year, Rizki has led KARNA in several high-profile transactions. He was instrumental in restructuring intercompany equity and loan arrangements of portfolio companies of Meloy Fund, an ESG Fund from the US, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency. He also advised HNWIs and their businesses, including for capital markets transactions, restructuring, and an acquisition of a Rural Bank. In tech sector, Rizki supported the Indonesia office of Ensign Infosecurity (Ensign), Asia’s largest pure-play end-to-end cybersecurity solutions provider, in managing daily operations, including negotiating legal-commercial matters with customers. He counseled Chinese and European fintech companies on market entry strategy. His team also assisted Indonesian Fintech Association (AFTECH) in examining membership documents. Rizki’s leadership and strategic vision continue to drive KARNA's growth, positioning it as a leading legal firm in Indonesia.
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Alfa Dewi Setiawati
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Alfa Dewi Setiawati is a partner at ATD Law in association with Mori Hamada & Matsumoto, based in Indonesia. With 13 years of legal experience, Setiawati has made significant strides in banking & finance, energy, projects & infrastructure, mergers & acquisitions, and capital markets. At 34, she was the earliest member of ATD Law, established 15 months ago, serving as a Partner and helping to establish it as a rising force in the Indonesian legal landscape. Setiawati is renowned for her expertise in advising financial institutions on complex onshore and offshore financings. She also handles intricate cross-border M&A matters, particularly in the financial and energy sectors. Her notable achievements include advising on a major syndicated offshore financing deal involving numerous international banks across Asia. Additionally, she represented a major Japanese bank in one of the series of $270 million funding round for a major key player in Indonesia’s digital financial services industry. She also served as counsel to a major oil and gas company in up to $190 million financing from a major national bank in Indonesia. Setiawati is a prolific author, contributing to various legal publications, including the Indonesian chapters of Getting the Deal Through – Loans and Secured Financing and Global Legal Insights – Mergers & Acquisitions. Recognised as one of ALB Indonesia's Rising Stars in 2024, she was previously the youngest Partner at a renowned independent firm in Indonesia. Looking ahead, Setiawati aims to bolster ATD Law’s presence in ASEAN, particularly in finance and projects, and to contribute to Indonesia’s net zero emission target by positioning the firm as an ESG leader.
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Nicholas Tan
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Nicholas Tan, a partner at Chua & Partners in Singapore, brings over 13 years of dedicated legal expertise to his practice in dispute resolution. At 38, he has established himself as a leading figure in the legal landscape, particularly in international arbitration. Nicholas’s expertise is exemplified by his recent successful representation of an agency managing emerging talents in Asia's competitive e-sports arena, where he apetly opposed an application for interpleader relief, setting a significant precedent in the field. In the landmark case Singapore Asia Trust Company v Avium Origins and another [2023] SGHCR 18, his strategic acumen led to a pivotal court ruling that clarified the interpretation of "liability" within statutory interpleader conditions, further cementing his reputation as a legal innovator. His role as lead counsel in DEM v DEL [2024] SGHC 80 showcased his profound understanding of SIAC award enforcement, where he navigated critical issues such as the proper service of Notices of Arbitration and the precise definition of “proper notice”. He currently leads the appeal arising from this matter, underscoring his role in contributing and setting new legal precedents under Singapore law. He is also spearheading a complex case to set aside a statutory demand related to an arbitral award, addressing novel questions about the enforcement rights of award creditors amidst ongoing challenge proceedings, reflecting his innovative approach to legal challenges. As a co-founder of Chua & Partners, a boutique dispute resolution firm, Nicholas consistently excels in high-stakes cases, including defending an ex-director against claims exceeding S$350 million and representing a renowned doctor and beauty brand in substantial misrepresentation and minority oppression claims. His accomplishments highlights his commitment to delivering exceptional legal solutions.
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Javier Yeo
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Javier Yeo is a director in the intellectual property & dispute resolution practice at Drew & Napier in Singapore. With 8 years of legal experience, he has established himself as a formidable advocate in complex litigation, particularly in intellectual property matters. Javier has been instrumental in high-profile cases, such as successfully defending IIa Technologies in a patent infringement suit brought by Element Six Technologies, a subsidiary of the De Beers Group. His deep understanding of the technical aspects of the case was critical in securing a full victory for his client, including the revocation of both patents asserted by Element Six. Javier has also represented major clients in significant disputes, such as acting for KuDOS Pharmaceuticals Limited, a subsidiary of AstraZeneca, in a patent-linkage case against Natco Pharma Asia, and defending Tanaka Electronics Singapore in a global patent litigation dispute with Nippon Steel Chemical & Material. Beyond intellectual property, Javier has handled a variety of complex corporate litigation matters. He successfully defended a client in a case involving breach of directors’ duties and conspiracy to injure, obtaining a declaration from the court that settled the matter favourably. His work often involves cutting-edge legal issues, and he has been recognised for his ability to navigate challenging technical disputes with skill and precision. At 34 years old, Javier's achievements underscore his specialisation in navigating intricate IP disputes and corporate litigation with precision and depth. His success in high-stakes cases demonstrates not only his legal expertise but also his ability to craft innovative strategies tailored to the complexities of each case. This has earned him recognition as a key figure in Singapore’s legal community, where his work continues to influence the evolving landscape of intellectual property and dispute resolution law.
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Nichol Yeo
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With a decade of extensive legal experience, Nichol Yeo serves as the Director at Nine Yards Chambers in Singapore, specialising in litigation, arbitration, and advisory work within corporate and commercial law. Since co-founding Solitaire in 2019, Yeo has demonstrated remarkable leadership, guiding the firm to achieve significant recognition for its outstanding dispute-resolution capabilities. In 2022, he established Nine Yards Chambers, which quickly garnered accolades for excellence in commercial law and criminal law. Under his leadership, the firm was also recognised as a finalist at the ALB Southeast Asia Law Awards event in 2024. Yeo's notable litigation successes include defending a high-profile trust claim in Er Kok Yong & Anor v Tan Cheng Cheng & Ors, obtaining a landmark High Court declaration regarding shareholders in USP Group Limited v Hinterland Energy Pte Ltd, and resolving complex trust issues in Quek Peng Hock Henry v Chia Swee Hun. Additionally, he successfully defended a claim exceeding S$16 million in the renewable energy sector during domestic arbitration, as well as representing clients in significant contractual disputes involving intricate legal principles.
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ALB ASIA 40 UNDER 40 2024 |
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LAW FIRM |
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Yudistira Adipratama Richard Henrick I. Beltran Raegan L. Capuno Vincent Chan Vaibhav Choukse David Fong Jerald Foo Shu Min Ho Hoang Duong Aarushi Jain Minhee Jung Hayato Kimura Kong Man Er Narada Kumara Chai Lertvittayachaikul Chloe Leung Sophie Lyall Andrew Meyer Sam Ng Takahiro Oishi |
Natalie Ooi Wan Qing Shaun Paulian Peh Zu Hao Ken Prasadtyo Ushan Premaratne Theeranit Pongpanarat Rizki Dwianda Rildo Fergus Saurin Alfa Dewi Setiawati Monika Srivastava Yaowalak Suleesathira Tommy Tam Sze Chung Tan Pang Leong Nicholas Edward Taylor Ho Thuy Ngoc Tram Tanya Uppal Javier Yeo Nichol Yeo Jisung Yi Ahmad Zakaria |
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IN-HOUSE |
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Gabriel Li Isabel Guidote-Pangalangan Ojasvita Srivastava Christine Tambunan Winston Yu |
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