Mary-Ann Ooi Suan Kim

Mary-Ann Ooi Suan Kim

  • Adjunct Professor of Practice
Centre for Commercial Law and Justice
  • Ƶ Business School

Biography

Mary-Ann Ooi Suan Kim (“Kim”) is a dual-qualified UK - Malaysia barrister with over 18 years of legal experience spanning litigation, dispute resolution, governance, sustainability, conveyancing and corporate advisory. She is a Barrister-at-Law of Lincoln’s Inn and an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya. Kim is the Managing Partner of O S Kim & Associates, where she advises corporations, institutions and high level stakeholders on complex cross-border disputes, regulatory compliance, governance, sustainability and strategic risk.

Her practice spans corporate, commercial, property, environmental, estate, civil and criminal matters, with extensive experience appearing before all levels of courts in Malaysia as well as in arbitration proceedings. Kim combines legal expertise with strong operative experience in corporate governance, ESG, finance, entrepreneurship and technologies including AI, enabling her to provide strategic and forward-looking advice in complex regulatory and commercial environments. Known for her strategic clarity and analytical rigour, she advises organisations navigating regulatory complexity, risk management and long-term value creation.

In 2025, Kim was appointed Adjunct Professor of Practice at Ƶ University and serves as External Advisor to the Faculty of Law at National University of Malaysia. Kim is also member of the Board of Advisors of the School of Law at University of Sheffield since 2017, contributing to academic strategy, industry engagement and international collaboration in higher education. Actively involved in initiatives with the British Council, Kim is committed to promoting higher education and bridging the benefits of British and Malaysian higher education - its merits, international outlook and global reputation with Malaysian universities - while adeptly navigating the nuanced interplay of local cultures within the Asian and broader international context.

As Treasurer of Inns of Court Malaysia, Kim contributes to professional stewardship, public service and strengthening the relationship between legal practice and academia. She regularly engages with leading universities in Malaysia to support curriculum development and enhance graduate employability and future ready graduates through industry-aligned legal education.

Earlier in her career, Kim pioneered the award-winning “waste-to-wealth” renewable energy initiative, producing sustainable solid biofuel from 2010 to 2017. The innovation created green employment opportunities in rural communities and was co-fired by large-scale commercial energy users and GENCOs globally, supporting regulatory compliance with renewable energy and emissions targets.

Kim has received multiple awards recognising her leadership in sustainability, entrepreneurship, renewable energy innovation and women in leadership. A committed advocate for lifelong learning and leadership development, she frequently speaks locally and internationally on topics including sustainability, governance, law and innovation. She has also moderated numerous high-level panels featuring national, regional and global leaders across government, academia and industry.

Kim holds an LL.B (Hons) from the University of Sheffield and completed the Bar training at the Inns of Court School of Law. She was called to the Bar of England and Wales as a Barrister of Lincoln’s Inn in 2007 and admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in 2008.

Academic & Professional Qualifications

  • ICA International Diploma in Governance, Risk & Compliance, University of Manchester (2017)
  • PGDip. Professional Legal Skills, City Law School, University, London (2007)
  • LL.B (Hons), The University of Sheffield, United Kingdom (2003 - 2006)

Notable Publications

Published and Reported Judgments

  1. Puncak Gali Harmoni Sdn Bhd v Emrail Sdn Bhd [2025] 9 AMR 180 (successfully dismissed and set aside Originating Summons, interim injunction and Erinford injunction)
  2. Novabrite Lighting v Emrail Sdn Bhd; Balaranee Construction [2024] CLJU 2554; [2024] AMEJ 2661 (Successfully stayed the High Court ruling at Court of Appeal as at 21.3.2025 under Section 44 Courts of Judicature Act 1964; and successfully overturned High Court decision by Court of Appeal on 27.8.2025, setting aside the High Court decision, with Federal Court striking out leave to appeal on 16.1.2026, making the Court of Appeal judgment final)
  3. Seng San Bing v Satin Straits Sdn Bhd (W-03(IM)-38-10/2025 and W-03(IM)-41-20/2025) (successfully dismissed application by aggrieved party to intervene at Court of Appeal)
  4. Seng San Bing v Peter Charles Smerling & Anor [2022] CLJU 3220 (on successful termination of Investment Agreement at the Court of Appeal. Final judgment affirmed by the Federal Court on 2.7.2024. Security for costs successfully obtained)
  5. Mah Yoke Keong v Perbadanan Pengurusan Genting Permai Park & Resort & others [2025] CLJU 1886 (successfully established defamation claim against management body of condominium and its management committee, together with damages and losses)
  6. MK1 Development (3) Sdn Bhd & Anor v. Public Bank Berhad & Anor [2025] CLJU 1985 (on O14A Rules of Court 2012 and discovery of documents)
  7. Hup Fatt Plywood Hardware Sdn Bhd v Creative Junction Sdn Bhd [2024] CLJU 1378; MLRHU 1120; AMEJ 1465 (Appeal successfully struck out; amendment successfully resisted; successfully established that service of writ was defective)
  8. Lingkaran Hartaniaga Sdn Bhd v Lembaga Tabung Haji & Anor [2024] 9 CLJ 405 (on enforcement and setting aside of arbitral award. Appeal to take place on 26.6.2025)
  9. L&S Cosmetics Sdn Bhd v PCC Sdn Bhd [2024] CLJU 1079 (on Sale of Goods Act and Consumer Protection Act, successfully established liability at Court of Appeal) 
  10. Ang Wei Jun v Boo Honn Chin (JA-B53F-3-04/2024) (Successfully obtained judgment at appeal under Order 14A Rules of Court 2012 to overturn sessions court decision on the defence of absolute privilege in defamation)
  11. Emrail Sdn Bhd v Premala Era Com Construction (M) Sdn. Bhd. [2023] 1 LNS 3019 (Fortuna Injunction and permanent injunction successfully obtained)
  12. Public Prosecutor v Liu Yan [2023] PA-83D-2389-08/2023 (Successful discharge and acquittal of the Defendant under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952)
  13. Hup Fatt Plywood Hardware Sdn Bhd v Creative Junction Sdn Bhd [2021] 2 SMC 38 (Successful application for Joinder allowed) 
  14. Satin Straits Sdn Bhd v Seng San Bing [2020] 8 MLJ 553 (Successfully defended and resisted RM18million claim on breach of warranties, affirmed by Court of Appeal and Federal Court) 
  15. Shanghai Capital v Tenaga Nasional Bhd (Petitioner) [2020] 5 CLJ 130 (on termination of winding up) 
  16. L&S Cosmetics Sdn Bhd v PCC Sdn Bhd [2020] 10 CLJ 206; 11 MLJ 163 (successful amendment application and affirmed by Court of Appeal) 
  17. Liew Then Song & Anor v Percetakan Yelian Sdn Bhd & Ors [2019] 10 MLJ 73 (Winding up on just and equitable grounds successfully allowed for quasi-partnership under Section 465(1)(h) Companies Act 2016 based on, inter alia, shareholder deadlock) 

Paper presentations and Speaking Engagements

  1. Panel Speaker on “Corporate Governance in Transition – The Evolving Role of the Company Secretaries in Malaysia’s Legal Landscape” at the Virtual Conference on Corporate and Commercial Law 2025 organised by Bar Council, 13 November 2025 
  2. Panel Speaker on StudyUK Alumni Awards as past Award winner and Award Judge organised by British Council, 2 October 2025 
  3. Panel Speaker on “Corporate Governance in the Crosshairs: Legal Duties, Digital Compliance & Director Accountability” at the Tax & Legal Conference oragnised by Wezmart International at CCEC, 26 September 2025 
  4. Keynote Speaker on “What’s the Reality of the Law Profession?” organised by University of Reading, Malaysia (UORM), 13 August 2025
  5. Moderator with Datuk Seri Norazlan Mohd Razali former Deputy Chief Commissioner of MACC for the BGAM Lecture Series on “Black, White or Grey? Navigating Ethics, Power and Compromise in the War on Corruption” organised by HELP University and British Graduates Association, Malaysia at HELP University, 25 May 2025 
  6. Moderator for the Expert Panel Discussion with Honourable Judges: Justice Datuk Mohamed Zaini Mazlan, Justice Atan Mustaffa, Justice Adlin Abdul Majid, Prof Jason Chuah and Chairman of Johor Bar Fadhil Ihsan on “Legal Tech Recolution: How to the Profession and the Judiciary Navigate and Fluorish Today and Tomorrow?” organised by University of Reading Malaysia (UORM) and ICM at UORM, 17 May 2025 
  7. Panel Speaker representing University of Sheffield on “Future-Proof your Career: Unlocking creativity through UK higher education” workshop organised by British Universities’ International Liaison Association (BUILA), February 2025 
  8. Panel Speaker on “Business Development: Building your personal brand and network” at the Young Lawyers Forum 2025 at Asian International Arbitration Centre, February 2025 
  9. Panel Speaker on “Navigating the Complexities of Shadow Directorship and Conflicts of Interest in Digital Corporate Governance” at the Wezmart Tax Budget 2025 Digital Conference, KLCC, November 2024 
  10. Panel Speaker on “Lessons and Insights from Real Case Studies from Legal Experts – The Role of a Company Secretary: Through Fire and Water” at the Malaysian Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (MAICSA) Annual Conference, October 2024 
  11. Moderator with a panel of distinguished international Arbitrators including the former Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri David Wong on “Asian Frontier: What does it take to be a Premier Seat of Arbitration?” at the International Arbitration Congress 2024, Asian International Arbitration Centre, August 2024 
  12. Panel Speaker on “Ethical Leadership in Governance” at the Malaysian Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (MAICSA) Forum, May 2024 
  13. Panel Speaker on “Governance Excellence: Lessons from Industry Leaders” at the Corporate Secretaries International Association CSIA Global Governance Awards, April 2024 
  14. Speaker on “Experiences studying in the UK” to MRSM Taiping at the British Council, February 2024 
  15. Speaker on “Studying in the UK and my career pathway as Barrister” at the British Council Malaysia Johor Roadshow, in University of Reading, Malaysia, October 2023 
  16. Panel Speaker on “the Circular Economy – HERstory” at the American National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO, Washington DC), April 2023 
  17. Speaker on post-graduate options in the UK and the post-graduate pathways through UK alumni sharing at the UK-Malaysia University Consortium Student Conference, July 2023 
  18. Panel Speaker on “What makes me who I am”’ at the British Council Alumni UK Symposium 2023, February 2023 
  19. Moderator with a panel of sitting Judges: Justice Datuk Mohamed Zaini Mazlan, Justice Datuk Seri Mohd Firuz JAffril and Justice Datuk Noorin binti Badaruddin on “Graduating from law school. What’s next”’ at Multimedia University (MMU), January 2023 
  20. Moderator with esteemed Speaker YABhg Tun Zaki Tun Azmi the 12th Chief Justice of Malaysia and the then Chief Justice of Dubai International Financial Centre Courts on the “Live to Inspire Series by the British Graduates Association Malaysia”, January 2023 
  21. Panel Speaker representing British Graduates for the Royal Malaysian Police on Communist Insurgency in Malaysia, at Maktab Polis Diraja Malaysia, August 2022 
  22. Moderator with the esteemed Speaker and Statesmen YBhg Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar on the “Live to Inspire Merdeka Series by the British Graduates Association Malaysia”, August 2022 
  23. Panel Speaker on “Reminiscing the UK Experience, Achievements and Education” for the British Council, at British Council Malaysia, March 2022 
  24. Keynote Speaker on “A Journey through the City Law School to the Bar”, for City University of London, November 2021 
  25. Moderator with esteemed Speaker and Statesmen YBM Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah on the “Live to Inspire Series by the British Graduates Association Malaysia”, November 2021 
  26. Expert Practitioner and Contributor for the Future Leaders Connect Programme 2021 for the British Council, September 2021 
  27. Moderator with esteemed Speaker YABhg Tun Haniff Omar the 4th Inspector General Police of Malaysia on the “Live to Inspire Merdeka Series by the British Graduates Association Malaysia”, August 2021 
  28. Speaker on “The Big Conversation: values and international cooperation in a changing world” by the British Council representing Malaysia, November 2020 
  29. Panel Speaker on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 5 for the Commonwealth Say “No More”, September 2020 
  30. Panel Speaker on “No Consent: NO EXCUSES! Sexual harassment and #MeToo” in conjunction with women empowerment for International Women’s Day at the Chevening Alumni Dialogue by the Chevening Alumni Malaysia, March 2019 
  31. Panel Speaker at the Commonwealth 2018 Future Youth Summit, Ƶ University, November 2018 
  32. Keynote Speaker on “Creative Industries and Economic Development” at the Global Women’s Trade Summit 2018 in Ulaanbatar, Mongolia by the International Women’s Federation of Commerce and Industry, Mongolia, September 2018 
  33. Panel Speaker representing Malaysia on Women in Leadership at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2018 in London. The other panellists were former Prime Minister of New Zealand, The Rt. Hon. Helen Clarke, April 2018 
  34. Roundtable Speaker representing Malaysia on “What works with business to progress inclusive economic empowerment” at the joint Women's and Business Forum in London in conjunction with Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018 (CHOGM), April 2018 
  35. Moderator on Malaysia’s Women Empowerment Year 2018 on “Peak and Pause, Strive to Peak, Pause to Reflect”, March 2018 
  36. Keynote Speaker at KDU University on legal experiences themed “changing lives and enriching communities for a better world”, February 2018 
  37. Panel Speaker in “Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability: How the two can be mutual” organised by the British High Commission, January 2018 
  38. Speaker in “Focus Exchange on SME Ecosystem” organised by Focus Malaysia and MATRADE, January 2018 
  39. Speaker on “SME Support (Entrepreneurship through Information Technology)” presented at the Third Country Training Programme: Palestine, organised by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), October 2017 
  40. Panel Speaker on “R&D Needs and the Fourth Industrial Revolution” presented at the Research Funding and Powering the Innovation Engine Conference, Malaysia by University of Nottingham and MIDA, August 2017 
  41. Keynote Speaker on "Free Trade Agreement: What’s in it for SMEs" presented at ASEAN- Korea Capacity Building and Trade Facilitation Support to Promote Internationalisation of SMEs by SME Corp, Malaysia, May 2017 
  42. Keynote Speaker on “Leading Minds in Entrepreneurship and Innovation – Invention vs Innovation” presented at Global Women’s Trade Summit 2016 in Melbourne, Australia, by International Women’s Federation of Commerce and Industry, October 2016 
  43. Moderator for panelist session comprising of Japanese and ASEAN companies on “Food” at the 42nd ASEAN Japan Business Meeting in Sapporo, Japan, October 2016 
  44. Rapporteur for panelist session comprising of Japanese and ASEAN companies on “Closing Remarks and Revitalising the economy of Hokkaido” at the 42nd ASEAN Japan Business Meeting in Sapporo, Japan, October 2016 
  45. Panel Speaker on “Trans Pacific Partnership Act (TPPA) Knowledge Sharing Session with YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry” in Ministry of International Trade and Industry in Malaysia, April 2016 
  46. Panel Speaker at the Forum on “Product Carbon Labels: Opportunities for Policy Makers & Financial Institutions in A Low Carbon Economy” in Malaysia, November 2015 
  47. Represented Malaysia as Speaker and for the Leadership Programme in Osaka, Japan for the KANSAI Economic Federation ASEAN-JAPAN Management Meeting, November 2014 
  48. Represented Malaysia in Washington DC, United States of America for Malaysia-US Chamber of Commerce Conference, October 2014 
  49. Speaker on “Sustainable Development” presented at the FMM Women in Business Networking Session, in Malaysia, August 2015 
  50. Speaker on “From Innocence to Experience” presented at the MyWIN Academy, Women in Innovation in Malaysia, August 2014 
  51. Speaker on “Women Inventors and Inventions: Bringing an Idea to the Marketplace” presented at the Global Summit of Women 2014 in Paris, France, June 2014 
  52. Panel Speaker on “Turning Residues to Revenues” presented at the FMM Forum on Developing and Strengthening Women Entrepreneurship in Malaysia, May 2014 
  53. Keynote Speaker on “Doing Business in ASEAN – Challenges and Opportunities” presented at ASEAN Japan Young Entrepreneurs in Siem Reap, Cambodia, February 2014 
  54. Speaker on “Reality Checks on Biomass Pellets Production in Malaysia” presented at 3rd Biomass Pellets Trade Asia 2012 in Seoul, South Korea, September 2012 
  55. Keynote Speaker on “Biomass Pellets Production: Reality Redefined” presented at EU-Asia Biomass Best Practices and Business Partnering Conference 2012 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, May 2012 
  56. Speaker on “Challenges of Biomass Pellets Production in Malaysia” presented at Bioenergy International Asia Expo & Conference 2011 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, December 2011 
  57. Speaker on “Impact of Regulatory Measures on Biomass Pellets Production and Usage” presented at 2nd Biomass Pellets Trade Asia in Seoul, South Korea, September 2011 

Achievements & Accolades

  1. Asia Practical Guidance Expert for the LexisNexis Practical Guidance for Corporate Law module in Companies Act 2016
  2. Publication of Corporate Governance in the Crosshairs: Legal Duties, Digital Compliance and Director Accountability in the Thomson Reuters Sweet & Maxwell Law Review, [2025] LR 469
  3. Group Lead for the University of Sheffield Alumni Malaysia (2025 to present)
  4. Judge for the MAICSA Company Secretary Awards, October 2025 and July 2024 
  5. Judge for the MyBar Sports Arbitration Mooting Competition (MyBar SAMCO), October 2025 
  6. Panel Adjudicator for the Bar Council Compensation Fund, November 2024 
  7. Invitation by UM, IIUM, UITM and UKM as Judge of The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, February 2026, February 2025, March 2024 and March 2023
  8. Advisory Board panel for the Asian Law Students’ Association United Kingdom (ALSA UK) 2024 and continuing 
  9. Arbitrator for the Sports Arbitration Mooting Competition, March 2023
    Judge of the British Council UK Malaysia Challenge Fund 2023, February 2023 
  10. Judge of the Asian Law Students’ Association (Malaysia) Mediation Competition, November 2022 
  11. Judge of the British Council Study UK Alumni Award for year 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2022 
  12. Appointed member of the Steering Group of the British Council – London School of Economics in 2020 for The Big Conversation on Values. The resulting publication analyses on Values, what it means and how it resonates for a new world order in a multipolar world
  13. Represented Malaysia as Commonwealth Observer at the 2018 Zimbabwe Presidential elections by the Commonwealth
  14. Selected to represent Malaysia in the British Government's Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (“FCDO”) International Leadership Programme (“ILP”) in 2017. The ILP is an international leadership development and networking programme which selects potential global leaders of the future and brings them to the UK for high-level meetings, diplomatic visits, briefings and immersion into cutting-edge innovative technologies of the future.

Professional Associations

  1. Adjunct Professor of Practice, Ƶ University 
  2. External Advisor (Industry) for Board of Studies, Law Faculty, National University of Malaysia (UKM) 
  3. Advisory Board Member, School of Law of The University of Sheffield 
  4. Member, Bar Council of United Kingdom (51643)
  5. Member, Bar Council of Malaysia (BC/M/1808)
  6. Hon. Treasurer, Inns of Court Malaysia 
  7. Board Member (Emerging Leaders), Malaysian Institute of Management (MIM) 
  8. Legal Advisor to Malaysia Chinese Women Entrepreneur's Association 
  9. Legal Advisor in the panel of Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) Advisory & Women’s Aid Centre (LAWA) 
  10. Legal Advisor to Malaysian Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (MAICSA) 
  11. Executive Committee Member, The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn Alumni Association, Malaysia 
  12. Counsel and panel solicitor for Bar Council 
  13. Disciplinary Committee for the Advocates & Solicitors Disciplinary Board investigating misconduct of members 
  14. Executive Committee member of ASEAN Law Association, Malaysia 
  15. Standing Committee member for International Law, ASEAN Law Association, Malaysia 
  16. Ordinary Member, Institute of Corporate Directors Malaysia (ICDM) 
  17. Professional Member (MICA) International Compliance Association 
  18. Advisory Board panel for the Asian Law Students’ Association United Kingdom (ALSA UK) 2024 and continuing