Malaysia's RDS Partnership Reinforces Commitment to China by Recruiting Strategically from CLO
RDS Partnership Strengthens Corporate and Infrastructure Practices with Key Hires and Strategic Alliance
Malaysian law firm RDS Partnership is expanding its reach and capabilities in the corporate and infrastructure sectors. The firm, known for its innovative performance-based remuneration structure for partners, has made several strategic moves to meet the growing demand in Southeast Asia.
In mid-2025, RDS appointed two partners, Sharifah Hamzah and Hurriyyah Kamaruzzaman, to bolster its corporate practice. Sharifah Hamzah, with over 30 years of experience in project advisory, renewable energy, and infrastructure projects, will bring valuable expertise to the table. Hurriyyah Kamaruzzaman, with a decade of experience in corporate, real estate, and finance transactions, will also contribute to the firm's growth.
The firm's strategic alliance with China's DeHeng Law Offices, announced earlier in the year, has also played a significant role in its expansion. Teo Siang Ly, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in both domestic and international transactions, including bilateral and syndicated financing, has joined RDS from Christopher & Lee Ong. Teo's background advising Chinese banks and corporate borrowers on cross-border loan financing is particularly valuable following the DeHeng partnership.
In addition to this, RDS has recruited a new partner to lead its infrastructure team, enhancing its presence in public-private partnership (PPP) projects in Malaysia. This move demonstrates RDS's targeted expansion across corporate law and infrastructure sectors to meet regional demand growth.
The firm has also strengthened its disputes practice with the addition of Vinayak Sri Ram. On the other hand, Steven Perian has joined as head of the economic crimes, fraud, and anti-money laundering practice. Notably, RDS is probably the only law firm in Malaysia that has invested in an international business consultant firm.
Raphael Tay, who joined as a partner and is the corporate head at LAW Partnership, and Falisa Abu Bakar, who joined from Zul Rafique & Partners, are also among the five new partners added to the firm. Michael Soo, an intellectual property veteran, rounds off the new additions.
The comprehensive approach taken by RDS Partnership reflects its intent to scale up capabilities amidst evolving market demands in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. These strategic moves are expected to position RDS as a leading player in the region's corporate and infrastructure sectors.
[1] Source: The Malaysian Reserve [4] Source: The Edge Markets
- As part of its strategic expansion, RDS Partnership, in addition to its focus on disputes and economic crimes practices, has brought on Michael Soo as a partner, bolstering its intellectual property capabilities.
- The strategic alliance between RDS Partnership and DeHeng Law Offices has not only expanded RDS's reach but also added Teo Siang Ly, a seasoned professional with expertise in cross-border loan financing and trade finance, to its finance and business transaction practices.
