Nurul Nabila Jaafar
Legal Associate
LLB (Hons), National University of Malaysia (UKM)
Advocate & Solicitor, High Court of Malaya
Called to the Malaysian Bar: 2021
Summary Profile
Nurul Nabila Binti Jaafar is a Legal Associate at Rahayu Partnership, specializing in sophisticated corporate structuring and regulatory compliance, Nabila delivers legal counsel to both domestic and international clients. Her practice extends offshore support services, where she adeptly handles complex cross-border transactions and regulatory challenges.
Nabila began her legal career at Rahayu Partnership, where she swiftly established herself by mastering intricate corporate frameworks. She then advanced to the role of Senior Executive in Integrity and Governance Department at Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). This position allowed her to further refine her expertise in corporate governance and compliance, focusing on the digital economy.
Her early career in the tourism industry, driven by a genuine passion for the sector, offered her crucial insights into licensing, regulatory frameworks, and the broader business dimensions of tourism. This experience, gained before she embarked on her legal career, has been integral to her legal career, enhancing her proficiency in regulatory compliance and business aspects.
Currently, Nabila’s focus has shifted to the Technology, Multimedia, and Telecommunications (TMT) sectors. She is deeply committed to advancing her specialization in this dynamic field, applying her MDEC experience to navigate and address complex regulatory and compliance challenges with enthusiasm and expertise.
Practice Areas
- Corporate & Commercial
- Corporate Secretarial Services
- Regulatory & Compliance
- Conveyancing & Real Estate Practice
- Technology, multimedia and telecommunications
Work Highlights
• Advised foreign clients on compliance with Malaysian Advertising Board (MAB) guidelines for medicine advertisements and Medical Device Authority (MDA) regulations for medical devices, ensuring adherence to local standards and procedures.
• Facilitated the acquisition of an Employment Agency License (Type C) for foreign client by handling all documentation and submission procedures. Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements through meticulous preparation and coordination with authorities, streamlining the approval process.
• Managed the application process for a travel agency license for a new company, covering inbound, outbound, and ticketing services. This involved liaising with foreign travel agencies, setting up office infrastructure, and submitting necessary documentation to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC).
• Expanded the scope of an existing travel agency license to include Umrah services and managed the renewal process for inbound, outbound, and ticketing services. Oversaw all documentation and ensured regulatory compliance to maintain and enhance the agency's operational capabilities.
• Conducted due diligence exercises on local companies for project finance facility applications, evaluating financial health, compliance, and other critical factors to support financing decisions
• Drafted and perfected corporate banking facility agreements and supporting documentation for financial institutions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Managed the registration and discharge of vessel mortgages in Malaysia, coordinating between foreign entities and local company. This involved preparing and submitting documentation to the Marine Department of Malaysia and other relevant authorities.
• Drafted various joint venture agreements, including those for investments in oil and gas exploration, development, and production, as well as for establishing a silica processing plant. Developed detailed agreements outlining investment terms, roles, and responsibilities, ensuring compliance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
• Conducted compliance and due diligence activities in accordance with the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) and regulations pertaining to beneficial ownership. Performed thorough checks to ensure adherence to AMLA requirements, including verification of client identities and assessment of transaction risks. Managed documentation and reporting related to beneficial ownership, ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance.
• Managed the registration and renewal of trademarks for both local and foreign clients, including preparing and submitting applications to the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO). Conducted thorough trademark searches, ensured compliance with legal requirements, and provided strategic advice on intellectual property protection. Facilitated the smooth processing of applications and renewals, effectively safeguarding clients' brand identities and intellectual property rights.
• Provided comprehensive secretarial services in Malaysia, including company formation, regulatory filings, and maintenance of statutory records. Managed compliance with local corporate governance requirements, facilitated director and shareholder meetings, and ensured accurate documentation of corporate resolutions and minutes.
• Advised foreign clients on setting up operations in Malaysia, providing comprehensive guidance on legal and regulatory requirements. This included advice on company formation, tax obligations, liability considerations, and compliance with local business practices.
• Managed the full lifecycle of property transactions in Malaysia, including the purchase, sale of residential and commercial properties.
• Advised clients on the incorporation of Labuan entities, including Labuan foundations and trusts. Provided guidance on the regulatory framework and benefits of establishing entities in Labuan, including tax advantages and legal structures. Assisted with the preparation of necessary documentation, ensuring compliance with Labuan Financial Services Authority (LFSA) regulations and other relevant laws. Offered strategic advice on structuring Labuan foundations and trusts to meet clients’ financial and estate planning objectives.
• Managed the legalization of documents such as with the Chinese and Russian embassies, including liaising with notary public and obtaining attestations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Prepared and submitted necessary documentation for authentication and legalization, ensuring compliance with embassy requirements
• Advised corporate clients and foreign individuals on the requirements and procedures for opening bank accounts. Provided comprehensive guidance on documentation, regulatory compliance, and bank selection to ensure a smooth account setup process. Coordinated with banks to facilitate account openings, addressing any issues and ensuring all legal and regulatory requirements were met. Assisted clients in navigating the complexities of banking regulations.
• Advised foreign clients on visa requirements and the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program, offering comprehensive guidance on eligibility criteria, application processes, and necessary documentation.
• Drafted comprehensive legal opinions on a variety of issues, including corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and contractual matters. Conducted thorough legal research and analysis to provide well-founded advice on complex legal questions. Delivered clear, actionable recommendations to clients, ensuring that all opinions were aligned with current laws and regulations and addressed clients’ specific needs and concerns.
• Drafted and provided strategic advice on termination letters based on the main contract, ensuring alignment with contractual provisions and legal requirements. Reviewed the main contract to identify relevant termination clauses and drafted clear, formal letters to effectively terminate the contractual relationship. Advised clients on the implications of termination, including outstanding obligations and potential liabilities, and provided guidance on managing the termination process to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with all contractual and legal obligations.
• Advised and drafted and a range of commercial contracts, including Power of Attorney (POA), Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA), Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Shareholders Agreement. Ensured all documents were tailored to meet clients' specific needs, aligned with legal and regulatory standards, and effectively mitigated risks