Associate Profiles

Ahmad Ridhwan bin Zulkifli

Background

Ridhwan graduated with an LL.B (Hons) from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and was admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in 2023.

Experience

Ridhwan advises a broad range of clients, including financial institutions, property developers, and corporate entities, on matters relating to banking and finance, corporate and commercial transactions, and real estate.

His practice covers both advisory and transactional work. He has been extensively involved in the drafting, reviewing, and negotiation of financing, security, and commercial documents, and is frequently called upon to provide strategic legal advice aligned with clients’ business objectives.

Ridhwan regularly acts for major commercial banks. His scope of work includes the vetting and preparation of financing documentation, power of attorney, deeds of assignment, open and close monies security documents, company resolutions, letters of offer, undertakings, and other security documents which protect the bank’s interests. He also advises on compliance and perfection of securities, ensuring that banks’ interests are adequately protected at every stage of the financing process.

He has also provided legal views to financial institutions on the treatment of Housing Development Account (HDA) surplus funds and compliance with the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act 1966, as well as the implications of depositing duplicate charges at the land office and mechanisms to protect the bank’s interest.

In the corporate and commercial sphere, Ridhwan advises clients on the drafting, reviewing, and negotiation of a wide range of agreements including shareholders’ and subscription agreements, investment and settlement agreements, agency and manufacturing supply agreements, joint venture agreements, transportation and design services agreements, and non-disclosure agreements.

He has reviewed and advised on commercial contracts involving prominent multi-national companies, ensuring contractual clarity, enforceability, and alignment with client objectives. He also assists in due diligence exercises and corporate restructuring projects, particularly those involving the acquisition of shares in property-holding companies and corporate entities. His exposure to both local and cross-border commercial transactions gives him a comprehensive understanding of corporate documentation and compliance frameworks.

Ridhwan’s property and conveyancing experience includes handling housing development projects, sub-sale transactions (including foreign consent cases and double transfers), lease renewals, title conversions, and the perfection of transfers and charges. He has drafted and reviewed sale and purchase agreements requiring approvals from the Valuation and Property Services Department (JPPH) and the Ministry of Economy (formerly Economic Planning Unit (EPU)), and liaised directly with relevant authorities in procuring the necessary consents and documents. He has also prepared and advised on tenancy and lease agreements involving government-linked entities, as well as handled novation agreements for large commercial projects and mixed-use developments. He has also assisted in matters relating to estate administration and litigation, including the preparation of cause papers for letters of administration applications.

Directorships & Memberships

Independent Non-Executive Chairman, MTAG Group Berhad (ACE Market, Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad)
Independent Non-Executive Director, Hup Seng Industries Berhad (Main Market, Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad)
Secretary General and General Committee Member, Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) — National Level
Chairman, MICCI Southern Region

Notable Work Highlights

Banking & Finance

Assisted in the preparation, review, and perfection of security documentation for both conventional and Islamic financing facilities for various financial institutions.
Provided legal advisory on Housing Development Account (HDA) surplus funds and compliance under the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act 1966.
Advised banks on the legal implications of depositing duplicate charges at the land office and on mechanisms to protect the banks' interests.

Property and Conveyancing

Advised developers on residential and commercial projects, including the drafting and vetting of sale and purchase agreements and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements under the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act 1966.
Prepared and reviewed tenancy and services agreements for retail, office, and mixed-use developments, including novation and assignment of tenancy rights.
Drafted sale and purchase agreements requiring approval from the Valuation and Property Services Department (JPPH) and the Ministry of Economy (formerly Economic Planning Unit), and liaised with the relevant authorities to secure the necessary consents and endorsements.
Advised developers and purchasers on development-related covenants, including facade control, signage, defect liability, and vacant possession provisions in commercial sale and purchase agreements.
Acted for corporate clients and government-linked entities in renewal and extension of lease agreements.
Provided legal advice on surrender and re-alienation applications, subdivision of titles, and perfection of transfer and charge.

Corporate and Commercial

Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated a wide range of commercial contracts including shareholders' and subscription agreements, joint venture term sheets, investment and settlement agreements, agency and manufacturing supply agreements, transportation agreements, and non-disclosure agreements.
Advised on commercial contracts involving major international entities, focusing on risk allocation, limitation of liability, and regulatory compliance.