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Future of Asia: Driving Growth, Embracing Change

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Transcending borders, unlocking opportunities. Whether you're seeking to navigate new markets or strengthen your presence in established ones, our experts are here to guide you.

As the leading international law firm from Asia, for the world, we help clients and communities to seek lasting prosperity.

Here, we share insights on developments and trends across the region. From the rapidly evolving carbon markets in China and innovative digital assets in Hong Kong, to emerging AI regulations and data centres across Southeast Asia, we bring you perspectives on the changes that matter.

Insights from the AFR Asia Summit

Insight

Can the data centre goldrush go green? Malaysia’s Johor shows we can move fast, but more is needed

Johor sits at the southern tip of Malaysia, minutes away from neighbouring Singapore. Lesser known than the nation’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, and less developed than its most populous state of Selangor, Johor – and its capital Johor Bahru – are rapidly rising in prominence.

29 August 2024

Insight

No need to wait for LA or Brisbane for our next golden opportunity: our dynamic region holds M&A promise

There are many reasons why Australia celebrated 53 medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics – 18 of them gold. Our swimmers dominated, as they do. Our athletes and cyclists stood strong on podiums, too. We didn’t send anyone for fencing, handball or volleyball.

15 August 2024

FEATURED INSIGHTS
The Year of the Dragon is here: and it promises evolution and opportunities across energy, ESG and technology
06 March 2024
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The long-awaited renewal of the China Certified Emission Reductions (CCER) market is expected to drive trading activity, develop the market and spur innovation. This is a critical step towards China reaching its ‘30.60’ decarbonisation target: peak emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060.
26 January 2024
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In our country chapters, we look at initiatives to encourage the transition to a net zero economy – across emissions reduction targets, carbon markets, financing, transport, housing and buildings, and agriculture. Here is a brief snapshot. More detail and examples are in the country chapters.
24 November 2023
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Nickel is set to become one of the most important critical minerals in the net zero transition, reaching a predicted global market of almost US$60bn within 5 years. Future industry growth will be driven by the dramatic increase in demand for lithium-ion EV batteries – of which nickel is a key component. Given the exponential growth in demand, there is still a high risk that supply will fall short in the coming decade.
12 October 2023
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Our Insights from Asia

Insight

Navigating Net Zero: APAC Climate Guide - China

Already the world's largest producer of solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicles, China is expanding to new industries and export opportunities. With its strong manufacturing base and increasing focus on R&D, China can innovate in areas like energy storage, smart grids and carbon capture technologies.

11 December 2024

Insight

Japanese involvement in large M&A transactions: will the trend continue?

In October, the newly elected Prime Minister of Japan met with Prime Minister Albanese at ASEAN related summit meetings in Laos.

12 November 2024

Insight

Navigating Net Zero: APAC Climate Guide - Japan

In the first chapter of our Navigating Net Zero: APAC Climate Guide, we look to Japan. Our regional experts share their insights on the significant challenges and opportunities as Japan aims for a net-zero economy.

12 November 2024

Insight

Japanese M&A - Can the wave continue?

In this M&A in the City Podcast from KWM, Will Heath is joined by Nicola Charlston, fresh from chairing an M&A committee meeting of the International Bar Association in Tokyo.

12 November 2024

Insight

Update on Strategic Investment in Listed Co by Foreign Investors

We have previously summarised the key pathways for foreign investors to acquire A-shares of Chinese companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges (see previous alert: China removes quotas for foreign institutional investors under the QFII and RQFII schemes ). As noted in that alert, a key available pathway which has long existed is the ability to purchase A-shares of listed companies by way of “strategic investment”. This regime has historically been aimed at investments of at least 10% in a listed company, and subject to other stringent requirements, which has limited its suitability to a specific set of material transactions. Since the regime commenced in 2005, foreign investors have completed a total of approximately 600 transactions with A-share listed companies through the strategic investor pathway. Earlier this month, the PRC Government finalised significant amendments designed to relax these requirements and make strategic investment a more attractive option for a broader range of foreign investors. Notably, for the first time foreign investors will be permitted (with regulatory approval) to acquire A-shares through the strategic investment pathway using equity in overseas unlisted companies as consideration. Further detail on the changes, and revised eligibility requirements, is set out below. The changes take effect from December 2, 2024.securities and capital markets-m and a of listed companies

07 November 2024

Insight

Unlocking green energy in Vietnam: How Corporate PPAs are a game changer

The Vietnamese government has introduced Corporate PPAs in response to business demand to buy green energy directly from the source.

06 November 2024

Insight

Offshore Wind – a Game Changer for net-zero?

Offshore wind-powered electricity generation offers efficient and unobtrusive renewable energy, capable of delivering scale without the land use debates characteristic of the onshore industry.

04 November 2024

Featured Insight

Blue Finance – Unlocking the Power of the Blue Economy

As the world prepares for the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), a relatively overlooked area is set to increase in prominence and importance: the health and sustainable use of our oceans. Safeguarding the eco-systems of our seas will demand significant investments. It’s critical for businesses to understand the associated climate risks.

31 October 2024

Insight

The world’s first Global Nature Positive Summit: reflections, takeaways and updates on Australia’s nature positive reforms

From 8 to 10 October 2024, the Australian and New South Wales governments co-hosted the world’s first Global Nature Positive Summit (Summit) in Sydney, which KWM attended.

15 October 2024

Insight

Uranium, the energy transition & the nuclear fuel global supply chain

In 2023, the Sapporo 5 (a strategic partnership between the United States, Canada, France, Japan, and the United Kingdom) agreed to collaborate to develop a secure and resilient global nuclear supply chain.

16 September 2024

Featured Insight

A (net zero) Future Made in Australia: what to expect and how the tax system plays a key role

As the world transforms to net zero emissions and undergoes the most significant changes since the industrial revolution, the Federal Government’s decarbonisation plan aims to make Australia an indispensable part of the global economy.

13 September 2024

Insight

Consumer Energy Resources: AI and automation

Consumer energy resources (CERs) are consumer-owned devices that generate, store, or manage electricity.

05 September 2024

Insight

Can the data centre goldrush go green? Malaysia’s Johor shows we can move fast, but more is needed

Johor sits at the southern tip of Malaysia, minutes away from neighbouring Singapore. Lesser known than the nation’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, and less developed than its most populous state of Selangor, Johor – and its capital Johor Bahru – are rapidly rising in prominence.

29 August 2024

Insight

The rise of carbon trading between governments: Can businesses benefit from Intergovernmental Carbon Credits under Article 6.2?

We talk a lot about global carbon trading markets – yet relatively little about the mechanism by which countries trade emissions reductions. That mechanism - Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) – is a strategic tool for nations to not only comply with their climate commitments but also to leverage their carbon sink resources effectively.

26 August 2024

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