An interview with Azrin Razman, Senior Legal Counsel at Asia Digital Engineering (ADE) in Malaysia.
How would you describe the state of the GC Community in your region? How has it changed since you first moved in-house?
Over the past decade, the role of general counsel in Malaysia has undergone a profound transformation. What was once a primarily compliance-driven function has evolved into a strategic pillar of business, shaped by a confluence of factors. The increasing complexity of regulations – from data privacy and anti-corruption laws to ESG compliance – has placed greater demands on in-house counsel, pushing them beyond legal risk management into corporate governance and strategic advisory roles. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this shift, forcing GCs to take centre stage in crisis management, contract renegotiations, workforce restructuring, and regulatory navigation. At the same time, digital transformation and the rise of legal tech have streamlined operations, enabling leaner legal teams to do more with less. Meanwhile, the GC community in Malaysia has grown more connected, with stronger industry networks fostering collaboration and shared advocacy. Today, legal departments are no longer just corporate safeguards – they are business enablers, helping organisations navigate uncertainty with agility, foresight, and resilience.
Why is expanding your network important to you? What kinds of connections or discussions would be most valuable to you?
Expanding your network as an in-house counsel is no longer just a career advantage – it’s a necessity. The legal landscape is evolving rapidly, with new regulations, digital transformation, and global disruptions reshaping the way businesses operate. Staying connected with peers, practicing lawyers, industry leaders, and regulators gives you the insights and foresight needed to navigate these complexities effectively.
Whether it’s keeping up with the latest in ESG compliance, understanding shifts in data privacy laws, or anticipating regulatory changes, a strong network ensures you’re always ahead of the curve.
But networking isn’t just about legal updates – it’s about broadening your perspective beyond the law. Engaging with business leaders, CFOs, and policymakers helps you develop a commercial mindset, aligning legal strategies with corporate goals. The role of general counsel today extends far beyond contracts and compliance; it’s about risk mitigation, governance, and business resilience. Meaningful conversations on topics like crisis management, negotiation strategies, and the impact of AI in legal operations can sharpen your ability to add value beyond the legal department.
A well-connected GC is also a more influential one. Strong industry relationships open doors to leadership opportunities, board positions, and thought leadership platforms. They provide access to exclusive insights, benchmark best practices, and even innovative solutions that can transform how legal teams operate. Whether it’s through legal associations, business forums, or cross-industry collaborations, expanding your network isn’t just about who you know – it’s about the opportunities, knowledge, and strategic advantage you gain along the way.
What do you want to achieve by collaborating with other GCs and senior in-house lawyers? Are there specific topics, challenges, or experiences you’d like to share or learn more about?
Collaboration among general counsels (GCs) and senior in-house lawyers is more than just a professional exchange – it’s a powerful way to elevate legal leadership in an increasingly complex business landscape.
Today’s GCs are no longer confined to contracts and compliance; they are key decision-makers shaping corporate strategy. Engaging with peers allows you to refine your ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives, ensuring legal teams are seen as business enablers rather than roadblocks.
Discussions around corporate governance, risk management, and regulatory engagement can provide valuable insights on how to position the legal function as a strategic pillar within the company.
At the same time, legal and regulatory challenges are becoming more dynamic, particularly in sectors such as aviation and the creative economy – both areas I’ve navigated in my career. Sharing experiences with other GCs on topics like ESG compliance, evolving data privacy laws, and the impact of AI on legal operations can help future-proof legal strategies. Understanding how different industries tackle regulatory shifts and risk mitigation can provide fresh perspectives that may be applicable across sectors.
Additionally, discussions on government relations and policy advocacy can offer insight into how in-house lawyers can play a more proactive role in shaping regulations rather than just reacting to them.
Beyond legal expertise, collaboration fosters innovation in how legal teams operate. With increasing demands and tighter resources, efficiency is key. Conversations about digital transformation, contract automation, and legal tech adoption can help streamline workflows and maximise impact. Meanwhile, learning from peers about crisis management – whether navigating COVID-19, economic downturns, or geopolitical uncertainty – can strengthen your ability to lead through disruption. By actively engaging with the GC community, you not only expand your knowledge but also contribute to a more agile, influential, and forward-thinking in-house legal profession.
