2021 was not the year when the world shook off COVID-19 as we had all previously hoped, but the past two years have not been wasted. Our longstanding strategic focus on digitalisation, regionalisation and collaboration which started well before COVID-19 has put us in a much stronger position now to chart our future path. This is an encouraging sign, but we are not yet out of the woods.
Our business environment remains uncertain, challenging, and prone to external headwinds. To thrive above the challenges of a new normal, we need a driven team that is agile to adapt to evolving situations, one that trusts the process of change in order to do what we do much better and stay ahead.
To become the preferred Firm for tomorrow, we must reimagine the future of practice and take the first step on the road less travelled towards purposeful growth.
Our commitment to achieve net-zero carbon by 2030 and our philanthropic efforts through RHT Rajan Menon Foundation reflect our aspiration to be a responsible and sustainable Firm. To help our clients on their own green journey, we also launched our ESG practice. Sustainability will continue to be key for ourselves and our clients.
Restricted travel has not stopped us from strengthening our ASEAN+ links as it remains a key pillar of our value proposition to clients. We are ONE across Asia and our industry focus will be expanded across the region as we go to market as ONE APG to deliver deep expertise and seamless service for clients.
As the market continues to evolve amidst rapid advances in technology, the way lawyers traditionally do business will be challenged. We see this as an opportunity, not a threat. Through our collaboration with RHT Group of Companies, we have a foot in the door that opens new possibilities powered by blockchain, including marketplaces for carbon credits, digital assets and NFTs, bringing us to the forefront of the latest innovations.
We will need to learn new skills to broaden our capabilities and meet new challenges that come with innovation. In 2022, we will implement new continuing education programmes to prepare us for the changing face of law practice. With much of our work now happening online and virtually, the metaverse is closer than you think.
Things are only impossible until they’re not. To go boldly where no law firm has gone before, we must continue to evolve and we look forward to going through this journey together with you in 2022.
We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Azman Jaafar
Managing Partner
RHTLaw Asia LLP
RHTLaw Asia is a member of ONERHT, an integrated network of multidisciplinary professional and specialist services which empowers stakeholders to achieve purposeful growth.
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