Our Investment & Law Reform Department, led by Afif Che Had, acted as Malaysian counsel in assisting a major Turkish shipbuilder with its strategic market entry and operationalisation in Malaysia.
The mandate involved end-to-end legal, regulatory and investment advisory support across multiple workstreams, including the incorporation of the Malaysian entity, regulatory and compliance structuring, coordination with agencies such as the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) on potential incentives and grants, engagement with relevant local authorities, sector-specific licensing considerations, bank account opening, and HR and employment operationalisation.
This matter is significant not only as a foreign investment mandate, but also for its potential contribution to Malaysia’s growing shipbuilding and maritime ecosystem. The entry of an established international shipbuilder into the Malaysian market presents opportunities to create specialised employment, develop local technical capabilities, support knowledge and skills transfer, and strengthen Malaysia’s positioning as a regional shipbuilding and maritime hub.
With capabilities spanning commercial vessels as well as law enforcement and defence-related vessels, the client’s market entry reflects the type of strategic, industry-specific investment that can contribute to Malaysia’s long-term industrial development and high-value talent growth.
Beyond corporate establishment, our work focused on helping the client navigate the practical legal, regulatory, governance and institutional requirements necessary to transition from market entry planning to operational readiness in Malaysia.
