Halim Hong & Quek (“HHQ”), a member firm of Andersen Global, proudly announces its recognition at the prestigious Asian Legal Business (ALB) Malaysia Law Awards 2025, taking home two major awards and being named a finalist in several competitive categories.
HHQ was awarded:
- Fintech Law Firm of the Year (for the second consecutive year)
- Labour and Employment Law Firm of the Year
These wins reflect the firm’s continued excellence in high-growth and emerging practice areas, as well as its commitment to delivering strategic and forward-thinking legal solutions across industries.
Ong Johnson, Partner and Co-Lead of the Technology Practice Group, shared:
“This back-to-back win is a reflection of the trust our clients have placed in us, and the sheer tenacity of our fintech team to keep evolving with the market. We don’t just advise on the law—we help shape the future of innovation in financial services.”
Lo Khai Yi, Partner and Co-Lead of the Technology Practice Group, added:
“We are extremely grateful to our clients for placing their trusts in us – the achievement is only possible because of our clients’ support.”
In addition to these victories, HHQ was a finalist in the following firm and deal categories:
- Malaysia Law Firm of the Year
- Banking and Financial Services Law Firm of the Year
- Construction and Real Estate Law Firm of the Year
- Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law Firm of the Year
- Project Finance Deal of the Year – Syndicated Financing for Malaysia’s Iron and Steel Industry
- Young Lawyer of the Year (Law Firm) – Noelle Low Pui Voon
HHQ’s Labor & Employment Practice Group, led by Senior Partner Thoo Yee Huan and Principal Associate Chau Yen Shen.
“This recognition is deeply meaningful for our team. Employment law touches lives and livelihoods—so we approach every case with diligence and empathy,” said Chau.
“This win affirms the depth and maturity of our employment practice. It’s also a celebration of the steady, behind-the-scenes efforts of a committed team over the years. We’re proud to be serving both employers and employees with clarity and fairness.” added Thoo.
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized across such the range of categories, including practice group excellence, firmwide performance, and dealmaking,” said Dato’ Quek Ngee Meng, HHQ’s Managing Partner. “These acknowledgements are a testament to our people, our lawyers and professionals who continue to strive for excellence with humility, purpose, and client-first thinking.”
HHQ continues to cement its position as one of Malaysia’s most dynamic and innovative law firms, with a growing regional presence through Andersen Global and BRIDGE.
Congratulations, Halim Hong & Quek!
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 16, 2025 — Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, has further enhanced service between Southeast Asia and the United States with the launch of its first direct flight from Singapore to Anchorage. This new route makes FedEx the only logistics provider offering a direct, non-stop connection from Singapore to the continental U.S. Key industries, including aerospace, healthcare, industrial, high-tech and semiconducting materials will benefit from enhanced supply chain efficiency and improved connectivity to major U.S. markets, supporting businesses in Southeast Asia, especially in fast-growing economies like Malaysia.
Operating six times a week with a dedicated Boeing 777 freighter, the flight departs from the FedEx South Pacific Regional Hub at Changi Airport in Singapore. With this enhanced connectivity, shipments from Malaysia will be consolidated in Penang and Kuala Lumpur before being transported to Singapore for the direct flight to Anchorage, ensuring a more seamless and efficient journey to the U.S. There is also a direct return flight from Anchorage to Singapore operating once a week, with plans to expand to five flights per week in the summer to support the seamless flow of goods in both directions. The flight improves transit times, allowing shipments picked up in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand on Saturday to arrive in the U.S. a day earlier on Monday. Businesses shipping from across this dynamic region will enjoy enhanced connectivity when importing and exporting to the U.S.
Trade between Southeast Asia and the U.S. remains an important corridor driven by e-commerce, high-tech electronics and manufactured goods. As a major manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is set to benefit from this new flight, particularly in key industries such as semiconductors, electrical and electronics, and medical devices, with the U.S. remaining one of its top trading partners.
“With this new service, FedEx reaffirms its dedication to supporting Malaysian businesses in their pursuit of global success,” said Tien Long Woon, Managing Director of FedEx Malaysia. “By providing a more reliable link to the U.S., we are empowering businesses in key hubs like Kuala Lumpur and Penang to navigate the complexities of international trade with confidence. As Southeast Asia’s trade landscape evolves, FedEx remains committed to delivering innovative logistics solutions that help Malaysian businesses stay competitive and thrive in the global marketplace.”
On 9 April 2025, the US administration announced a 90-day postponement of the individualized reciprocal tariffs for most countries while maintaining the baseline tariff of 10% on these countries without a specified end date. Therefore, the 24% reciprocal tariff on Malaysian imports into the US will be postponed during the 90-day period (9 April 2025 until 8 July 2025), and the baseline tariff of 10% will apply instead.
This decision was made to allow for negotiations with over 75 countries that have expressed concerns about the tariffs. However, the US administration has announced additional tariffs on Chinese imports, bringing the total tariff rate on Chinese-originating goods to 145%.
Japan’s top negotiator Ryosei Akazawa said they have started the tariff negotiations with the US and hope to reach a deal soon.
Akazawa met with US President Donald Trump before holding trade talks with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to seek a reprieve from the Trump administration’s tariffs.
The talks did not result in an immediate halt on the tariffs, but preparations are underway for the second round of talks to take place later this month, Akazawa said in Washington on April 16.
The European Union (EU) has suspended the application of planned special tariffs on US products in the trade conflict with Washington until July 14.
German News Agency reported that the EU published a notice in the EU Official Journal that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had announced last week that the measure, which was earlier planned for mid-April, would be suspended for around three months.
The postponement is a reaction to the actions of US President Donald Trump who had unexpectedly decided to grant many countries a 90-day break from certain tariffs.
US President Donald Trump ordered a probe Tuesday that may result in tariffs on critical minerals, rare-earth metals and associated products such as smartphones, in an escalation of his dispute with global trade partners.
Trump has upended markets in recent weeks with his sweeping on-off levies, and this investigation could see him impose further tariffs if it shows that imports of critical minerals and their derivatives endanger US national security.
