At I.V. Merchant & Co. (IVM), we believe that law is more than just a service—it's a partnership. Since 1968, we've stood by our clients, not just as legal advisors, but as strategic allies, committed to navigating the complexities of the business world. With a foundation built on trust, innovation, and excellence, our aim is simple: to provide legal solutions that propel businesses forward, locally and globally. Whether it's addressing the intricacies of litigation or supporting entrepreneurial ventures, we offer more than just advice - we offer outcomes.

Indonesia's land ownership regulations restrict foreign ownership under the Basic Agrarian Law (BAL). Recent initiatives, like the Golden Visa program, aim to balance national land sovereignty with economic growth, particularly in developing the new capital city, Nusantara.

In today’s fast-paced digital environment, legal teams face increasing pressure to streamline processes, cut costs, and enhance efficiency. Leading legal teams are looking to technology to help meet these challenges – and those who adopt solutions purpose built for arbitration early in the dispute lifecycle can gain an advantage and maximise the value of their solution.

Mr. Masataka Ogasawara, the visionary founder and managing lawyer of ZeLo, a Tokyo-based law firm, has been recognized for his exceptional leadership and innovation in the legal field. In June 2024, he was awarded the prestigious "Managing Partner of the Year" at the ALB Japan Law Awards, becoming the youngest recipient in the history of this honor. Additionally, he had already made his mark in 2021 by being named the youngest recipient of the "Young Lawyer of the Year" award. Under his leadership, ZeLo has experienced remarkable growth over the past seven and a half years, staying true to its ambitious vision of "Reforming legal services to contribute to the creation of laws and provide a legal platform for myriad economic activities."

Shin Ushijima, partner at Japanese law firm Ushijima & Partners and one of ALB’s top 15 North Asia litigators this year, emphasizes the importance of client success to the firm's success, highlighting a growing trend in Japan of increased foreign investment and shareholder activism.

Il Yeon Kim, a partner at Bae, Kim & Lee, discusses his recognition as one of the 2024 ALB Asia Top 15 Litigators.

ALB speaks with Siew Ling Yap, director at Avant Law in Singapore. The firm is ranked as one of the best firms for deal work in Asia in 2024. Avant Law has transformed its corporate practice and is now a leading legal advisor in the capital markets space.

ALB speaks with Matthew Teo, director of employment at Helmsman, about the challenges, critical determinants of successful restructuring versus insolvency, comparison of Singapore's restructuring and insolvency laws with international standards, and advice for companies facing financial difficulties or contemplating restructuring in the maritime industry.

With the global surge in AI and cloud computing, Thailand is swiftly positioning itself as a significant hub for data centers, attracting both local and international tech companies keen to capitalize on its favorable business environment. This growth is fueled by rising demand for cloud-based applications, rapid digitalisation across various industries, and the growing need for data storage. Government initiatives like the Thailand 4.0 policy further support these developments. The country’s advanced infrastructure and appealing incentives also contribute to such market’s growth, with 5G technology expansion expected to further boost demand.

In June 2024, Singapore faced a significant environmental crisis when over 400 tonnes of oil leaked into Singapore waters when a Netherlands-flagged dredger, Vox Maxima, collided with a stationary Singapore-flagged cargo tanker, Marine Honour, in Singapore waters. This Q&A with Managing Partner of PDLegal LLC, Peter Doraisamy, explores the implications of the oil spill from Singapore’s legal framework.