We resolve your issues
cost-effectively to meet your commercial needs.
About Us
At Aqran Vijandran, we understand that every company is different and that, accordingly, your needs are unique. We provide personalised, effective legal solutions that align with your specific goals, while embodying our core values: responsiveness, excellence and dynamism.
Your success is our priority. We take pride in our client-focused approach, working closely with you to understand your challenges and aspirations. Our mission is to build lasting relationships based on trust, transparency, and a relentless pursuit of your best interests.
Raja Nadhil Aqran
Nadhil is a commercial lawyer with broad expertise in transactional matters and complex disputes, serving clients across various sectors, including government-linked companies and multinational organisations. His expertise spans various sectors, allowing him to provide tailored legal solutions that address the unique challenges faced by each client. He provides strategic guidance on corporate structures, Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), franchising, and compliance with anti-fraud and ESG regulations, especially for public-listed companies. His comprehensive understanding of these areas ensures that clients are well-equipped to navigate regulatory requirements and capitalise on business opportunities.In litigation, Nadhil represents clients at all levels of Malaysian courts, handling commercial disputes, shareholder conflicts, aviation issues, construction matters, and fraud cases. His approach is results-driven, with a focus on achieving outcomes which align with his clients’ commercial interests.Beyond his legal practice, Nadhil is dedicated to driving positive social impact. He is committed to legal advocacy and education, contributing through his writing and partnerships with NGOs. Nadhil also recognises the significant role businesses play in societal advancement and actively participates in initiatives that foster this progress. His dedication to social impact is further evidenced by his credentials from the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned ESG certificates, namely ESG and Climate Change, ESG Risks and Opportunities and ESG Impact: Investor Perspective and ESG and Social Activism.
Expertise
Qualifications & Professional Affiliations
Qualifications
- Advocate and Solicitor, High Court of Malaya (2017)
- LL.B (Hons), International Islamic University of Malaysia (2016)
Professional Affiliations
- Member, Young Practitioners Group, Asian International Arbitration Centre
- Member, HK45 (Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre)
- Associate, Young and International (Y&I) group of the International Centre for Dispute Resolution
Selected Experience
Corporate Advisory
- Advised a foreign entity and reviewed a bank guarantee for a sum of money of over USD 50 million.
- Advised a State Government development agency and statutory body in relation to a development agreement to avoid disputes worth approximately RM500 million.
- Advised a statutory body in respect of the purchasing of a piece of land in another jurisdiction with the total contractual price of exceeding USD 4 million.
Commercial Litigation & Company Law
- Acted for a major government agency in a claim for a disputed sum of approximately RM52 million arising from non-performance of a contract.
- Advised clients and acted in applications for stay of execution at the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court respectively.
- Advised and worked closely with a former Group CEO of a group of companies under the umbrella of an established local university in respect of any potential claims against the university.
Fraud and Asset Recovery
- Acted for a client in a hearing in the High Court to set aside clients’ judgment-in-default against a Third Party for a sum exceeding RM5 million.
- Acted for a client in a claim before the High Court for a sum exceeding RM5 million against several individuals and companies premised on fraudulent trading for dissipation of assets in anticipation of a judgment which was obtained via previous High Court proceedings.
- Acted for a client in a claim of more than RM20 million against several individuals and companies for fraudulent misrepresentations made to induce an individual to join the group of companies.
Aviation Disputes
- Acted for an international air carrier in respect of a dispute in the Sessions Court on delivery of cargo under the Carriage by Air Act 1974.
- Provided legal assistance to a US citizen who was a pro se plaintiff in the District Court of Guam.
Land Disputes
- Acted for a client in a hearing before the Court of Appeal on behalf of a State Government development agency and statutory body in respect of an appeal against a High Court judgment ordering eviction of squatters and granting vacant possession pursuant to Order 89 of the Rules of Court 2012.
- Acted for a client in defending a claim in the High Court in respect of a land dispute involving a land with a value of at least RM2.2 million.
- Acted for an established local company in the business of landlord and tenancy in several disputes with tenants.
International Organisation
- Assisted in advising an international body on its status as an international organisation under the International Organizations (Privileges and Immunities) Act 1992 and the relevant privileges and immunities which may be conferred thereunder.
- Assisted in advising an international body on the relevant immigration laws in Sabah.
Vishnu Vijandran
Based in Kuala Lumpur, Vishnu Vijandran is a dynamic and proficient lawyer specializing in international arbitration. With a notable track record in AIAC (Asian International Arbitration Centre) and HKIAC (Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre) arbitrations, Vishnu has adeptly navigated complex legal landscapes, offering strategic and effective solutions in high-stakes environments. His deep understanding and application of international arbitration laws have been pivotal in resolving intricate disputes, underscoring his expertise in this field. Beyond his case work, Vishnu is also a committed advocate for the growth of arbitration knowledge. He has actively contributed to the legal community by actively contributing to and participating in several seminars on arbitration in several countries including Malaysia, Vietnam and Uzbekistan. Vishnu's unique blend of practical experience in prominent international arbitrations, coupled with his active involvement in educational initiatives, makes him an invaluable asset to anyone seeking expertise in international arbitration.
Expertise
Qualifications & Professional Affiliations
Qualifications
- Barrister-at-Law (Lincoln’s Inn) (2021)
- 1st Class LL.B (Hons) University of Exeter (2020)
Professional Affiliations
- Member, The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
- Member, Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn
- Member, Young Practitioners Group, Asian International Arbitration Centre
- Member, HK45 (Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre)
- Member, International Commercial Court, Young Arbitrator’s Forum
- Associate, Young and International (Y&I) group of the International Centre for Dispute Resolution
- Member, Young Singapore International Arbitration Centre
Selected Experience
Corporate Advisory
- Advised a foreign entity and reviewed a bank guarantee for a sum of money of over USD 50 million.
- Advised a foreign company in respect of the setting up of a Joint Venture Agreement with a local company.
- Advised an Austrian conglomerate on the refurbishment of a hydroelectric energy production facility, which involved advising on corporate structure, performance guarantees/bonds and the circumstances in which a call on an on-demand/unconditional bond may be restrained.
- Advised one of the largest aviation companies in Malaysia on a dispute involving a subcontractor’s stoppage of work arising due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Commercial Litigation & Company Law
- Acting for a Malaysian Public Listed company in a construction adjudication initiated under the scheme provided for in the Construction Industry Payments and Adjudication Act 2012.
- Acted in applications for stay of execution at the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court respectively.
Prof. Dr. Harald Sippel
Harald facilitates the business transactions of foreign companies in Malaysia. With over 15 years of experience as an international lawyer, out of which 10 were in East Asia (China, Indonesia, Korea and Malaysia), Harald’s clients regularly seek his advice because of his deep understanding of Malaysia and the East Asian Region as a whole, as well as his ability to navigate between different cultures with ease. For foreign companies, Harald continually acts as trusted advisor from the moment they decide to enter Malaysia and closely works with them towards their market success. Relying on his vast experience, he is often involved in negotiations, assisting his foreign clients to reach the best-possible outcome or overcoming impasses. Recently, a major part of Harald’s work is on ESG matters in supply chains. He is the co-founder and Executive Director of the consulting boutique firm, ESG in Malaysia and takes a leading role in ESG consultancy in Malaysia. Harald is also a sought-after expert on dispute resolution. He has successfully aided many companies in avoiding disputes with their East Asian counterparts, and has gained a reputation as a fierce counsel when dispute avoidance has become impossible. Previously, he headed the case management team at the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) and oversaw more than 2,000 disputes. He is one of only three Thought Leaders in Arbitration in Malaysia (Who’s Who Legal, 2024). Harald is a native German speaker and is fluent in English, French, Italian and Korean. In addition to his professional work, he is a Visiting Professor at Keio University, Tokyo/Japan, and Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung/Indonesia, where he lectures on ESG, international dispute resolution and transnational law.
Expertise
Qualifications & Professional Affiliations
Qualifications:
- Magister iuris, University of Linz (2007)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA), Seoul National University (2008)
- Doctor iuris, University of Linz (2010)
- Postgraduate Diploma in International Arbitration, Queen Mary, University of London (2012)
- Certificate in Supply Chain Management, Rutgers University (2022)
- Certificate in Compliance, University of Pennsylvania (2022)
- Certificate in The Materiality of ESG Factors, University of Pennsylvania (2022)
Professional Affiliations:
- Admitted to practice before all courts in Austria (Rechtsanwalt)
- Admitted as a Foreign Lawyer to the Malaysian Bar
- Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
- Specialist Mediator, Singapore International Mediation Centre
- Guest Professor, Keio University
Accolades:
- Recognised as a National Leader for Southeast Asia – Arbitration 2023 – Harald Sippel garners extensive endorsements as "a dynamic arbitrator" with "excellent knowledge of the Asian market".
- Recognised as a recommended ‘Global Leader’ in the Who’s Who Legal Arbitration 2023 - Harald Sippel with Skrine holds “an international profile” as “an excellent counsel and arbitrator” with “a diverse background” and “a great understanding of different cultural approaches”.
- Recognised as a recommended ‘National Leader’ in the Who’s Who Legal Southeast Asia Arbitration 2022
- Featured in Legal 500 Private Practice Powerlist 2022 for Arbitration Southeast Asia (inaugural list)
- Recognised as Future Leader in Who’s Who Legal – Arbitration in 2018 (inaugural list), 2019, 2010 and 2021 in Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Selected Experience
Foreign and Commercial Investment
- Facilitate a renewable energy project in Malaysia for German client by providing advice on financing and overall contractual framework.
- Draft and negotiate several framework supply agreements for German company with Indian counterparts in the renewable energy industry
- Provide strategic advice to US company with respect to ESG-related provisions in its contract with Malaysian counterpart
- Design and implement an exit plan for a German company in the education sector to divest its assets and negotiate its withdrawal from the Korean market
International Arbitration
- Significantly reduce a claim against the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia in a multi-million USD ICC arbitration.
- Obtain an arbitral award worth USD 80 million in HKIAC arbitration for a Korean venture capital company in a dispute against the British Virgin Islands.
- Acted as lead counsel in a claim against the Ministry of Defence of Indonesia in an arbitration over satellite technology against a European claimant (ICC Rules, Singapore; reported on GAR)
- Acted as counsel in a USD 9 billion dispute over the adaptation of the price of natural gas under a long-term agreement between a Russian supplier of natural gas and a Central European purchaser (UNCITRAL Rules, Vienna)
- Appointed as President of the Tribunal in a dispute between a Danish and an Australian company over a license agreement (DIA Rules, Copenhagen)
ESG
- Ensure compliance with the German Lieferkettengesetz (Supply Chain Due Diligence Act) across the East Asian supply chains of a major German conglomerate.
- Conduct due diligence under the EU Deforestation Regulation for Malaysian exporter to ensure future exports to the EU.
- Provide strategic advice to Malaysian electronics company on the measurement and management of carbon emissions.
Strong values at the core of everything that we do.
Responsive
Responsiveness is at the heart of our core values. We prioritise active listening and swift action. We recognise the importance of truly understanding the needs of our clients, team members, and community. We are committed to timely and effective communication, ensuring that every interaction is met with the urgency and attention it deserves. We aim to not only meet expectations but to exceed them.
Excellent
Excellence is the cornerstone of our identity, reflecting our commitment to surpassing standards. We achieve excellence by continuously improving our skills, processes, and services. This pursuit of excellence means we are dedicated to innovation, meticuluousness and leveraging new technology. Our dedication to excellence ensures that we are always pushing the boundaries of what is possible, aiming to deliver exceptional value and satisfaction.
Dynamic
Dynamism is all about embracing change and innovation with open arms.
We thrive on creativity and always look for new ways to solve problems and seize opportunities. We are agile, forward-thinking, and always ready to pivot our strategies to meet the changing needs of our clients, the legal landscape, and global markets. We foster a culture that values growth, learning, and adaptability.
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