Focus Areas:
AML/Anti-Bribery/Corruption Governance
AI & Technology / Digital
Corporate, Contracts & Commercial Affairs
Data, Privacy, & Cybersecurity
Employment, Compensation & Benefits
ESG, Climate & Sustainability
Professional Summary
Shamila is a legal strategist known for her forward-thinking approach within the spheres of corporate, commercial, employment, renewable energy, and technology law. Anchored in a multi-jurisdictional practice, she leads the forefront of emerging legal trends and technological advancements in the commercial sector. Her experience includes advising companies, state entities, owners, and key individuals within the technology, manufacturing, renewable energy, and healthcare industries. She is committed to delivering commercially sound solutions that balance strategic legal outcomes with business objectives. This involves resolving complex disputes, crafting strategic contracts, and providing regulatory guidance. Shamila also advises on alternative dispute resolution, including mediation.
As Head of Peter Ong & Nair's Corporate and Commercial Practice and Data, Privacy, and Cybersecurity Practice, Shamila advises on issues related to cross-border commerce, payment regulations, investments and securities; data protection and privacy frameworks, including PDPA, GDPR, and CCPA, inbound and outbound transfer of data between EU and non-EU countries; SDGs, REA, SEDA, MyRER, GTFS, NEM, corporate disclosures, and sustainability reporting. She also manages cross-border employment issues.
In addition to her legal roles, Shamila serves as the CEO of a management consulting company in Dubai, enhancing her exposure and influence within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Her extensive experience across the GCC has equipped her with unique insights into the business and regulatory environments of these markets. Drawing upon her qualifications as an Advocate & Solicitor and a Registered Foreign Lawyer in Singapore, Shamila provides strategic and innovative legal solutions to individuals and organisations of all sizes.
Shamila has been recognised on Asia Law Portal's "30 People to Watch in the Business of Law in Asia." Asian Legal Business Thomson Reuters has named her a finalist for Women Lawyer of the Year 2024 and Young Lawyer of the Year 2024.
As President of the Malaysian Association in Singapore for two consecutive terms (2021 - 2023), Shamila played a pivotal role in facilitating collaborations and negotiations between the Malaysian community and esteemed entities such as CIMB, Causeway Link, EcoWorld, Jen Hotel by Shangri-La, Maybank, and Teleport Asia, as well as government and trade organisations including the High Commission of Malaysia in Singapore, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Sarawak Trade and Tourism Co, Sabah Trade and Tourism Co, Tourism Malaysia, and Malaysian Investment Development Authority.
Experience
Technology, Data Protection & Privacy:
Providing strategic advice to a Malaysian tech company on cross-border commercial and contractual issues for the development of technologies through a joint venture with a Singaporean entity.
Advising a global Japanese construction company on data privacy and drone law issues related to the implementation of smart construction technology across their thousands of projects in the Asia Pacific region.
Advising a Japanese industrial machinery manufacturer on aligning data privacy laws and regulations in Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Vietnam to ensure compliance with the new Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC).
Advising a US-based POS and OMS commerce company on data protection and privacy laws for drafting data agreements, including a Global Data Processing Agreement compliant with GDPR, CCPA, and local laws in multiple Asian jurisdictions.
Corporate, Contracts & Commercial Affairs:
Advising a multimillion-dollar American digital creative services company on multi-jurisdictional contractual matters and global independent contractor management, including guidance on critical terms and the implementation of Independent Contractor Agreements with their international contractors in Asia.
Advising a global Hong Kong tech component manufacturer on anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws and Adequate Procedures for a partnership venture.
Advising a Malaysian cancer research entity and its associated technology division on multimillion-dollar projects, including the negotiation and structuring of laboratory service agreements and collaboration agreements with local and foreign parties to advance critical research initiatives.
Advising and supporting a global Danish textile company on business exit strategies for their entity in Pakistan to ensure compliance with local laws and a seamless closure of their operations.
Advising a Singaporean construction and dormitories management company in connection with a breach of contract action, and representing them in mediation at the Singapore Mediation Centre, where the matter was successfully resolved.
Successfully advised and represented a Chinese national and business owner in an application to set aside a Statutory Demand for the sum of approximately USD 2 million.
Providing strategic counsel to an Irish business owner on exit strategies and a structured withdrawal from commercial ventures in Malaysia.
Successfully advised and defended a Malaysian city council in a licensing action related to breaches of planning permits, involving a claim of approximately USD 34 million.
ESG, Climate Law & Sustainability:
Advising a global German oil and gas company on Malaysia's decarbonisation legal framework, regulations, and policies for implementation across their supply chain.
Advising a multibillion-dollar Spanish energy company on the green investment regulatory framework and policies for renewable energy investments in Vietnam.
Advising a multibillion-dollar French sportswear manufacturer and retailer on energy efficiency legal frameworks and laws in Bangladesh and Vietnam for implementation across their supply chain and manufacturers.
Awards and Recognitions
Finalist Women Lawyer of the Year, Asian Legal Business Malaysia Law Awards 2024.
Finalist Young Lawyer of the Year, Asian Legal Business Malaysia Law Awards 2024.
30 People to Watch in the Business of Law in Asia.
Publication(s)
Singapore Blue Plan 2018, by The Singapore Institute of Biology, Oct 1, 2018
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