Asia Pacific is a very important part of the world and one whose significance continues to grow. These are a group of countries with large populations who are starting to grow very, very quickly. Individually, their economies are developing, while their engagement with the global economy is changing. Increasingly, they’re seeking external investment, while demand from consumers for goods and services continues to grow.

Continue reading “Foreword: Todd McClay”

For the past three decades, Asia Pacific has been the engine of growth for the global economy. In the wake of the East Asian financial crisis in the late 1990s, a gradual opening of economies and markets, most notably from China, has led to a boom – establishing new pillars of global economic strength alongside traditional mature economies in the region.

Continue reading “Recalibrating the global trade compass”

Lego, world famous makers of toy building bricks, declares that its mission is to ‘inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow’. It had this ethos front of mind when it began unveiling a state-of-the-art design concept for some of its major global offices.

Continue reading “The building blocks of working differently”

It’s a common refrain: law firms are not giving in-house teams what they want, in the way that they want it.

Amid the disruption of alternative providers and increasing automation of services, law firms should be listening closely to their clients. But, according to a recent report published by LexisNexis in collaboration with Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge, many are not.

Continue reading “Connection – it goes both ways”

GC: Transitioning from a law firm in Washington DC to a startup in Singapore is quite a change, how did you find it?

Christopher Chan: It’s great to shake up your life every now and then to get new perspectives and experiences. There is nothing like leaving behind a cushy, well-paid job in the United States to go someplace where you’re not sure if the company is going to exist three months from now – it pushes you beyond boundaries of personal risk tolerance and out of your comfort zone! However, it is an exhilarating experience, and I can honestly say I love what I do.

Continue reading “In conversation: Christopher Chan, general counsel, RedMart”

While the concept of social responsibility and ethical behaviour by business has been a component of the corporate playbook in North America and Europe for more than a decade, Asia has somewhat lagged behind in the sustainability stakes. With troubling corruption levels, poor reporting standards and significant environmental risks a prominent feature of many countries in the region, the lofty standards now frequently expected by consumers were historically falling well short of the mark.

Continue reading “A social conscience – sustainability and Asia”

The GC Powerlist is a publication designed to highlight the most influential and innovative general counsel in a given market, involving a three-month process of nominations, background research and interviews. Each individual has made a demonstrable impact to their team, company or industry through innovative approaches to their everyday work.

Continue reading “GC Powerlist: Southeast Asia”

GC: How did you come to be leading the legal function for Heineken across Asia Pacific?

Geraldine Lim: I joined Heineken in 2012 from Asia Pacific Breweries, after being responsible for handling much of the legal side of the integration of the two businesses. The amount of compliance and regulations that had to be followed as part of the acquisition, including de-listing a company that had been on the stock exchange since the 1930s was a big deal! But I’ve been working in beer for a long time now.

Continue reading “In conversation: Geraldine Lim, regional legal director, Heineken”

Corporations today are facing far greater regulatory scrutiny than ever before. Companies are grappling with stricter enforcement around corruption, cybersecurity, fraud, money laundering and data protection, to name but a few. Those operating in sectors such as banking, financial services, insurance, energy, pharmaceuticals and information technology are finding themselves increasingly under the spotlight, where penalties for non-compliance can be substantial.

Continue reading “The changing face of compliance”

GC: Could you tell me about your own background and how you came into the role with LagfargeHolcim?

Patrick McGlinchey: Before the Lafarge and Holcim merger took place, I worked as the regional general counsel for East Asia Pacific for Holcim, based between Sydney and Singapore. Following the merger, I now lead the legal and governance function for LafargeHolcim APAC. I have been in practice for over 20 years in London, Sydney and Singapore and have been a general counsel with a few MNCs, as well being an M&A lawyer by training.

Continue reading “In conversation: Patrick McGlinchey, regional general counsel, LafargeHolcim”

‘The clearest way to show what the
rule of law means to us in everyday
life is to recall what has happened
when there is no rule of law.’

So said Dwight D. Eisenhower. But for global businesses, often headquartered in countries that have long enjoyed the benefits of a robust judiciary, the connection between rule of law and profitability might not always be so obvious.

Continue reading “Respect for the law: the Bingham Centre Business Network”

‘I find it strange that whether or not we use technology is still such a common question asked of general counsel, because I can’t understand how any legal team can work without it,’ remarked Jenni Aldrich, director of legal – APAC, at Google.

Continue reading “Dinner with GC – Singapore”