Competition Bites by Rajah & Tann Asia
By Rajah & Tann
Competition Bites by Rajah & Tann AsiaOct 04, 2021
Competition Bites: Handling of Merger Filings in Vietnam
We're excited to unveil our new short podcast series, a platform for quick updates on competition, antitrust, and trade laws across the region. Each episode packs a punch with expert insights from different countries, served in bite-sized segments. In our first episode, we explore "the handling of merger filings in Vietnam" with Duy Cao, Partner at Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers. Duy sheds light on the increasing trend of merger filings in Vietnam, where most cases are cleared at the preliminary assessment phase — a sign of the heightened compliance and activity in the country's merger control landscape. Tune in for a deeper dive into Vietnam's competition law developments. Find out more about our Regional Competition & Antitrust and Trade Practice here: https://www.rajahtannasia.com/our-practices/competition-antitrust-and-trade We welcome your feedback! Do provide us with suggestions on what you would like us to discuss on our future podcasts. You may reach out to us at competitionlaw@rajahtann.com.
Regional Competition Conference EP5
We are excited to bring you the grand finale of our thought-provoking discussions from our Regional Competition Conference!
In the rapidly evolving landscape shaped by technology and the post-COVID19 trade environment, our final panel, "Ecommerce meets the reality of moving goods across borders – When Trade Moves from Physical to the E-world, what are the Trade, Customs, Consumer Protection and Other Regulatory Issues to deal with?", delves into the intricate challenges businesses face when navigating the intersection of e-commerce and traditional trade practices.
• How is customs declaration managed?
• What are the export control implications especially as regards intangible technology transfer?
The panel provides practical guidance in addressing these questions and more, sharing real cases to guide businesses on their journey.
As we wrap up this podcast series, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support. We look forward to welcoming you at our Regional Competition Conference next year!
Regional Competition Conference 2023 EP4: Sustainability and ESG – When trade flows and supply chains are impacted given ESG concerns, how does one work around this?
Sustainability and ESG have taken over the world like a storm. They are important considerations for business, even as countries tax carbon emissions. Even more importantly, supply chain disruptions have a direct impact on the production lines as well as on exports.
Titled “Sustainability and ESG – When trade flows and supply chains are impacted given ESG concerns, how does one work around this?”, episode 4 of our podcast series takes a pragmatic approach, examining critical questions that are reshaping industries:
• What must businesses do differently?
• What is the potential competition law impact as businesses seek to comply with sustainability requirements?
• Can they collaborate to improve on sustainability in the industry?
• What if a trade association recommends certain steps and all businesses follow?
• What is the impact of changing laws in the EU, US, UK and even Singapore have on trade in the region?
This episode offers more than insights; it provides a practical examination of the challenges and opportunities businesses encounter in the intricate tapestry of global trade influenced by ESG concerns.
Regional Competition Conference 2023 EP3
In our latest episode of our podcast series for the Regional Competition Conference 2023, we delve into the intricate intersection of data protection regulations and competition law, with a focus on the challenges posed by data dominance.
Entitled “Regulation of Personal Data, Collection of Data, Usage and Management of Data, and AI and the cross-over impact from competition laws – How can businesses manage this multi-prong regulatory environment with different regulators?”, we explore how the collection and utilisation of data, especially by parties with significant data holdings, can establish dominance in the market. Discussing the digital market landscape, we also address the potential risks associated with AI, such as collusion and discriminatory practices, while acknowledging its role in enhancing competition through targeted marketing.
Regional Competition Conference 2023 EP2: How to manage a regional M&A transaction from a competition law perspective?
Introducing Part 2 of our podcast series for the Regional Competition Conference 2023, where we delve into insightful conversations with our next panel of distinguished competition lawyers.
Entitled "How to manage a regional M&A transaction from a competition law perspective?", this panel takes you on a journey through the intricacies of managing an M&A transaction while adhering to competition law regulations. We explore the hypothetical scenario of an M&A transaction and discuss the practical aspects of addressing competition law considerations. We also cover the essential elements of complying with merger control requirements in the region.
Regional Competition Conference 2023 EP1: Cartels, Abuse of Dominance and Unfair Trade Practices – Impact on Your Day-to-Day Business and Transactions in Thailand and the Region
Rajah & Tann Asia’s Regional Competition Conference was successfully held in Bangkok in October 2023. In case you were not able to join us for the live event, we are pleased to introduce our new podcast series capturing key highlights of the conference. Part 1 of the podcast series will immerse you in the thought-provoking discussions of the first panel, titled “Cartels, Abuse of Dominance and Unfair Trade Practices – Impact on Your Day-to-Day Business and Transactions in Thailand and the Region”. This session takes a practical look at the impact competition laws on your business in the following areas: (i) your everyday business, whether you are selling or manufacturing and distributing; (ii) planned collaborations with your customer or; and (iii) what actions may be deemed unfair practices. We analyse the concept of market power and share real-life examples of enforcement actions by regulators in the region and the associated penalties. Our discussion also illuminates regulators’ information sharing and communication practices, shedding light on the regional enforcement landscape. While doing so, we explore the nuanced topic of leniency, addressing its significance, even in the absence of a formal leniency program in Thailand.
Competition Bites EP 5: Cartel Enforcement
Cartels have long been recognised as a significant threat to competition, and competition authorities have been actively combating these clandestine practices. How are cartels regulated in different Southeast Asian jurisdictions? What interesting cases have been observed, and what can we expect in the coming months?
Tune in to our podcast, where representatives from our Competition & Antitrust Team in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam provide insights into how cartels are regulated in their respective jurisdictions, share interesting cartel cases, and discuss trends in cartel enforcement. The speakers also shed light on proposed amendments to competition laws and emphasise the importance of complying with competition regulations and avoiding anti-competitive behaviours.
Moderator: Yon See Ting
Speakers from Rajah & Tann Asia’s Competition & Antitrust team
Indonesia: HMBC Rikrik Rizkiyana
Malaysia: Jane Guan
Singapore: Joshua Seet
Vietnam: Duy Cao
Find out more about our Regional Competition & Antitrust practice here: https://www.rajahtannasia.com/our-practices/competition-antitrust-and-trade
Please feel free to drop us your feedback on this session and provide us with your suggestions on what you would like us to discuss on our future podcasts. You may reach out to us at competitionlaw@rajahtann.com.
Competition Bites EP 4: Leveraging Free Trade Agreements in Southeast Asia
Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are great enablers allowing for business growth such as market expansion and establishment of product presence in the member state. However, what should businesses bear in mind to leverage FTAs effectively? With the rise of e-commerce and electronic trade, are there any FTAs that cover digital trade and what are the roles of Digital Economy Agreements (DEAs)?
Tune in to our 26-min podcast, where representatives from our Competition & Antitrust Team in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam address and converse about some of the key regional FTAs in Southeast Asia, and what potential challenges that businesses in the region should be aware of.
Moderator: Kala Anandarajah
Speakers from Rajah & Tann Asia’s Competition & Antitrust team
Indonesia: A. Pritahayu R. D.
Malaysia: Tracy Wong
Singapore: Tanya Tang
Vietnam: Duy Cao
Read more about our Regional Competition & Antitrust practice here: https://www.rajahtannasia.com/our-practices/competition-antitrust-and-trade
Please feel free to drop us your feedback on this session and provide us with your suggestions on what you would like us to discuss on our future podcasts. You may reach out to us at competitionlaw@rajahtann.com.
Competition Bites EP 3: Competition Issues in the Digital Market in Southeast Asia
Digitalisation is reshaping economics and societies in many fronts, and can be disruptive in the case of failure to adequately adjust policy frameworks to recent developments and inability to cater to the surfacing key challenges. With recent developments on competition in the digital market, what have national competition authorities done, particularly in relation to businesses and economy?
Tune in to our 29-min podcast, where representatives from our Competition & Antitrust Team in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia address and converse about the key challenges and trends, and what we can expect in the coming years.
Moderator: Vovo Iswanto
Speakers from Rajah & Tann Asia’s Competition & Antitrust team
Indonesia: Farid Nasution
Singapore: Tanya Tang
Malaysia: Jane Guan
Read more about our Regional Competition & Antitrust practice here: https://bit.ly/3rf7Acu
Please feel free to drop us your feedback on this session and provide us with your suggestions on what you would like us to discuss on our future podcasts. You may reach out to us at competitionlaw@rajahtann.com
Competition Bites EP 2: Merger Notifications in Southeast Asia: Do Not Ignore!
It is common for businesses to participate in M&A for various commercial reasons. However, many businesses are unclear about merger control rules that apply to specific types of M&As.
For instance, can an acquisition of assets or acquisition of minority shareholding be seen as a ‘merger’ and thus scrutinised by competition regulators? When should parties notify their mergers to competition regulators? What kind of mergers will be prohibited by competition regulators?
Tune in to our 25-min podcast episode where we discuss the types of transactions that are subject to merger control rules across Southeast Asian jurisdictions, the notification requirements in these jurisdictions, and the practical impact that merger control rules may have on the completion of merger transactions.
Moderator: Yon See Ting
Speakers from Rajah & Tann Asia’s Competition & Antitrust team
Indonesia: Farid Nasution
Philippines: Norma Margarita Patacsil (Norge)
Singapore: Dominique Lombardi
Vietnam: Duy Cao
Click here to read more about our Competition & Antitrust practice.
Please feel free to drop us your feedback on this session and provide us with your suggestions on what you would like us to discuss on our future podcasts. You may reach out to us at competitionlaw@rajahtann.com
Competition Bites EP 1: Does your distribution agreement comply with competition laws in Southeast Asia?
There is a common misconception that competition law is only concerned about agreements between competitors. Why might competition regulators be looking at distribution agreements which is not a horizontal agreement between competitors but a vertical agreement? Tune in to this 25-min podcast episode where we discuss how distribution agreements are assessed under competition law across Southeast Asian jurisdictions, and highlight what companies need to be thinking about when drafting a distribution agreement.
Moderator: Kala Anandarajah
Speakers from Rajah & Tann Asia’s Competition & Antitrust team
Indonesia: Vovo Iswanto
Malaysia: Jane Guan
Singapore: Tanya Tang
Thailand: Supawat Srirungruang
Please feel free to drop us your feedback on this session and provide us with your suggestions on what you would like us to discuss on our future podcasts. You may reach out to us at competitionlaw@rajahtann.com.