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It’s clear that ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations are becoming increasingly important in the legal and business landscape. ESG factors go beyond just financial metrics and delve into a company’s impact on the environment, its social responsibility, and its corporate governance practices. This broader perspective allows investors and stakeholders to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a company’s operations and its overall contributions to society.

“At the end of the day, every single lawyer has to be an ESG lawyer” – Timothy Wilkins’ statement highlights the idea that all lawyers, regardless of their specialization, should have a basic understanding of ESG principles. This is because legal issues are often intertwined with these ESG factors. For instance, legal professionals may need to advise companies on compliance with environmental regulations, labor practices, or ethical business conduct. As companies face increasing scrutiny for their ESG performance, lawyers need to be equipped to navigate these complex issues and offer strategic advice to clients.

In Malaysia, as mentioned, the relevance of ESG considerations has been growing due to factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and various corporate issues. The pandemic has underscored the importance of social responsibility and employee welfare, while also highlighting the vulnerabilities of supply chains and the need for environmental sustainability. Additionally, recent issues with Malaysian companies may have brought attention to governance concerns, further emphasizing the significance of strong corporate governance practices.

For legal professionals, understanding ESG issues not only enhances their ability to provide effective advice but also aligns with the changing expectations of clients and society at large. Companies that prioritize ESG considerations tend to attract more socially conscious investors and customers, which can ultimately impact their long-term viability and success.

As ESG continues to gain traction globally, lawyers’ involvement in ESG-related matters is likely to increase. This could include advising on ESG compliance, assisting with disclosure and reporting, participating in sustainable business practices, and addressing legal risks associated with ESG factors. ESG is no longer just a concern for specialized environmental or sustainability lawyers—it’s becoming an integral part of legal practice across various fields.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals to work together and take actions that contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future. Many organizations, companies, and governments incorporate the SDGs into their strategies and initiatives to address global challenges and promote positive change on a local and global scale.

Certainly, here’s how Ricky Tan & Co align with both SDGs and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles:

 

SDG Integration:

Identify Relevant SDGs: Determine which specific SDGs align with the firm’s expertise, values, and mission. For instance, when the firm play their part in improving social justice by operating and contributing in the Community Legal Clinic as their Corporate Social Responsibility by providing free legal advice, seminar and training.

Set SDG Goals: Establish clear goals that reflect how the firm will contribute to the chosen SDGs. These goals could encompass pro bono legal work, community engagement, or initiatives that support the selected SDGs.

Client Education: Offer educational resources to communities or clients, explaining how our legal services align with specific SDGs. This can enhance client understanding and engagement.

 

ESG Implementation:

Environment:

Energy Efficiency: By raising awareness about energy-saving practices, the firm contributes to reducing its carbon footprint. This proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to sustainable resource management.

Recycling Process: The use of recycled paper for internal correspondence and implementing a paper recycling process helps reduce paper waste in an industry known for significant paper consumption. This practice showcases a responsible approach to resource consumption.

E-Filing System: Adopting a paperless court filing system not only streamlines operations but also contributes to minimizing paper usage, aligning with environmental sustainability goals.

 

Social:

Employee Diversification: By prioritizing employee diversification, the firm promotes an inclusive and diverse workplace, which fosters creativity and different perspectives.

Safety During Pandemic: Implementing safety measures during the pandemic shows the firm’s commitment to the well-being of its employees, reinforcing a supportive and caring work environment.

Employee Benefits: Offering employee benefits goes beyond legal requirements, demonstrating the firm’s dedication to the welfare and job satisfaction of its staff.

Community Legal Clinic: Providing free legal advice through a legal clinic serves the community and underscores the firm’s commitment to social responsibility.

Seminar and Training: Offering seminars and training sessions on legal knowledge not only enhances employee skills but also contributes to professional development.

Encouraging Participation: Encouraging lawyers to participate in legal clinics and providing incentives for seminar and training achievements sets clear expectations for community engagement and continuous learning.

 

Governance:

Non-Discrimination Policy: Implementing a non-discrimination policy promotes a fair and inclusive workplace that values diversity and equal opportunities.

Performance-Based Bonus and Incentives: Connecting bonuses and incentives to performance promotes a culture of accountability and excellence.

Annual Salary Increment: Offering annual salary increments demonstrates the firm’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding employees’ contributions over time.

Ricky Tan & Co’s practices showcase our commitment to a holistic approach to sustainability, emphasizing environmental responsibility, social inclusivity, and strong governance practices. These efforts not only align with ESG principles but also position the firm as a responsible and progressive organization, likely to attract socially conscious clients, employees, and partners.

 

Reporting and Communication:

ESG Reporting: Develop a comprehensive ESG report that showcases the firm’s performance in relation to its environmental, social, and governance practices.

Client Engagement: Communicate with clients about the firm’s commitment to ESG principles and how their legal matters contribute to broader sustainability goals.

 

Continuous Improvement:

Education and Training: Offer training to employees on ESG and SDG concepts to ensure a shared understanding of their importance.

Feedback and Adaptation: Seek feedback from clients, employees, and stakeholders on the firm’s ESG initiatives and make necessary adjustments to improve their effectiveness.

By integrating SDGs and ESG principles, Ricky Tan & Co demonstrate its commitment to responsible business practices, attract socially conscious clients, and contribute positively to global sustainability efforts. This alignment can elevate the firm’s reputation and contribute to a more sustainable future.

As Ricky Tan & Co journey on ESG development, it has received the “Anugerah Organisasi Kemakmuran Bersama 2022” award from the Malaysia Productivity Corporation. This recognition underscores the firm’s commitment to implementing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in their operations. It also highlights the positive impact the firm has on sustainability, responsible business practices, and community engagement.

Receiving such an award not only validates the efforts Ricky Tan & Co has put into aligning with ESG principles but also positions the firm as a leader in responsible and sustainable business practices within the legal sector.

As Ricky Tan & Co moves forward, it’s important to continue the momentum by sustaining and further enhancing their ESG initiatives. Regularly assessing and improving their ESG practices will ensure that they continue to align with global sustainability goals, make a positive impact, and maintain their status as a responsible and forward-thinking legal firm.

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Yan Shin Chuan

Yan brings a diverse and dynamic background to the legal profession, making him a versatile and highly skilled asset to Ricky Tan & Co. He earned his Bachelor of Laws degree (Hons) from the University of London in 2010, setting the stage for his journey into various industries, including banking, advertising, corporate advisory, and construction. His multi-faceted experiences enriched his perspective on law and business.

In 2021, Yan took the next step in his legal career by obtaining the Certificate in Legal Practice from the Malaysian Legal Profession Qualifying Board, ultimately leading to his call to the Malaysian Bar in 2022. His commitment to professional growth is further reflected in his possession of a Professional Diploma in International Arbitration (MIArb).

Yan’s practice is anchored in diverse areas of law, with a particular focus on estate planning, non-contentious probate, administration advisory, family and matrimonial dispute resolution, and adoption and citizenship matters. His expertise extends to managing the intricate Notary Public process, including advisory services on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and individual Embassy’s legalisation of documents.

In addition to his legal acumen, Yan is linguistically adept, proficiently conversing in Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and English, while also demonstrating conversational proficiency in Cantonese and Hokkien. His ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages fosters strong client relationships and ensures clarity and understanding in every legal matter.

Yan’s unique journey and multi-dimensional skills make him an invaluable member of the Ricky Tan & Co team, and his commitment to delivering exceptional legal solutions aligns seamlessly with the firm’s dedication to excellence.

Eunice Kwong Sook Wen

Eunice is passionate in law and has embarked on her journey in the field of law with zeal and dedication.

She holds an LL.B. (Hons) degree from the University of London, which she attained in 2016, and subsequently completed her Certificate in Legal Practice in 2017.

Her remarkable journey at Ricky Tan & Co commenced as a Pupil-in-Chambers, where she had the privilege of learning under the tutelage of Dato’ Ricky Tan. She was called to the Malaysian Bar in 2018, and has been an invaluable part of our firm since then Eunice has established herself as a proficient commercial litigator, consistently engaging in complex and high-value disputes across all tiers of the Malaysian Court system. 

Her expansive portfolio covers a diverse spectrum of civil and commercial litigation, including company and shareholder-related disputes, restructuring and insolvency matters, fraudulent trading cases, trademark and copyright infringement issues, land ownership disputes, Judicial Review, compulsory land acquisition, professional liability claims, probate and administration, and family law matters.

Furthermore, Eunice’s expertise extends to the domain of construction dispute resolution, including adjudication (CIPAA), domestic and international arbitration. She represents various construction companies, including foreign entities operating in Malaysia, in initiating and defending construction claims.

Eunice is also actively engaged in the review and drafting of corporate agreements, such as share sale agreements, franchise agreements, joint-venture agreements, and other essential legal documents.

Her passion for law and her commitment to achieving excellence make Eunice a valuable asset to Ricky Tan & Co, and her unwavering dedication to serving clients is a testament to the firm’s commitment to providing top-tier legal services.

Lee Pay Wen

Pay Wen is an accomplished legal professional with a unique blend of academic excellence and practical industry experience. She holds an undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a distinguished postgraduate degree, Master of Laws in International Commercial Law, both from the esteemed University of Northumbria, Newcastle, England. Her academic background forms the foundation of her expertise.

Before embarking on her legal career, Pay Wen gained invaluable industry insight through her work in an insurance company and a corporate advisory firm in Beijing. Her diverse professional background equips her with a holistic understanding of legal and commercial complexities.

Pay Wen’s primary areas of legal practice revolve around construction and engineering, with a strong focus on adjudication and arbitration. She is a trusted advisor to clients seeking guidance on corporate matters and is adept at conducting meticulous due diligence exercises on behalf of her clients.

 

One of Pay Wen’s key strengths lies in her ability to provide legal solutions that are not only legally sound but also commercially sensible. She understands the importance of aligning legal strategies with her clients’ business objectives, ensuring that her legal counsel adds tangible value to their endeavors.

With her robust academic foundation, coupled with practical experience in the corporate world, Pay Wen is a vital asset to Ricky Tan & Co, and her commitment to delivering strategic legal solutions reflects the firm’s dedication to excellence.

Mah Mun Yan

Mun Yan is an accomplished legal professional, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to the Ricky Tan & Co team. She earned her Bachelor of Laws from the esteemed University of Malaya and was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in 2012.

With a steadfast commitment to the practice of law, Mun Yan has maintained a dynamic litigation portfolio since her admission to the Malaysian Bar. She is a familiar face across all levels of Malaysian courts, showcasing her adeptness in resolving intricate legal matters.

Her areas of expertise span a wide spectrum, encompassing commercial, corporate, and contractual disputes, land and property conflicts, as well as cases involving negligence and defamation. From offering valuable pre-litigation counsel to effectively managing the enforcement and execution of judgments, Mun Yan’s legal proficiency shines.

In addition to her extensive litigation background, Mun Yan has carved a niche in strata management issues, an area of law that gained significance with the introduction of the strata management regime governing stratified buildings in Malaysia.

Furthermore, Mun Yan capably handles contentious and non-contentious family, probate, and administration matters, consistently delivering empathetic and pragmatic legal solutions.

Mun Yan’s multilingual proficiency, including English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Mandarin, with conversational Cantonese, enables her to communicate effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds. Her dedication to excellence and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction make her an invaluable member of the Ricky Tan & Co team.

Rammit Kaur

Rammit is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrator and accredited Mediator of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrator UK. She is empaneled with AIAC as Arbitrator, Adjudicator, Mediator and the Director of Training and Education CIArb Malaysian Branch. She is also a Chartered Secretary & Administrator.

She predominantly deals in ADR including strategizing dispute resolution mechanism, draft and review dispute resolution clauses, act as counsel to prepare & represent parties in arbitration, mediation & adjudication proceedings. She regularly sits in as arbitrator, mediator & adjudicator and has vast experience in construction related matter.

We also take pride in her ability to provide in-house legal education and training. Rammit has drafted the KLRCA Arbitration Rules 2011 &2013; KLRCA Fast Track Arbitration Rules; KLRCA i-Arbitration Rules, the KLRCA Mediation Rules 2013, proposed and drafted the Practice Direction No.4/2016 on Mediation.

Vanessa Goh

Vanessa Goh has joined us since 2007 and is our Corporate Manager (non lawyer). She is a LL.B graduate from University of London in 2003. She has vast experience in conveyancing and corporate work. She has been specifically tasked with our firm’s automation, business delivery and development.

Further, Vanessa is an Accredited Mediator of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Members of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) and International Mediation Institute (IMI).

Marcus Tan

Marcus has joined Ricky Tan & Co and set up the Pandan Indah Office since 2010. He completed his LL.B at University of UWE Bristol, United Kingdom.

Since his admittance into the Malaysian Bar, Marcus has vast experience in a diverse range of corporate dispute resolution, corporate rescue mechanism and intellectual property disputes. In 2014, Marcus underwent 2 weeks of legal training in Nanning, China under Guangxi Law Association exchange program. In 2017, Marcus was also appointed as the honorary adviser for China-ASEAN Legal Corporation Center.”

Marcus is Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, United Kingdom. He is also appointed and empaneled by the Nanning Arbitration Commission as arbitrator. Marcus is also an International Mediation Institute (IMI) qualified Mediator.

Marcus is currently the Head of the Litigation Department in Messrs Ricky Tan & Co.