Saravanakumar Ponnampalam

Strategic and high-impact legal leader with over 28+ years of experience, including 18+ years in senior legal and compliance roles across high-growth and regulated sectors such as oil & gas, capital markets, infrastructure, telecommunications, and financial services. Proven track record in shaping legal strategy, driving governance reform, managing risk, and leading legal operations transform legal functions within regulated industries, including oil & gas, infrastructure, aviation, fintech, and government technology.

Demonstrated excellence in advising on national infrastructure, complex cross-border transactions, ESG compliance, and crisis/litigation management. Extensive exposure to Board-level engagement and executive decision-making across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Positioned to contribute to Malaysia’s strategic growth through transformative legal leadership in infrastructure and global expansion initiatives.

Adept in managing legal departments, corporate governance, cross-border compliance, contract negotiations, infrastructure projects, and litigation management.

Strong expertise in contract negotiation and lifecycle management, with deep knowledge of vendor, procurement, and public sector governance frameworks. Delivered legal project support on strategic infrastructure initiatives, including refinery modernization, digital platforms, customs automation systems, logistics ventures, and aviation-linked commercial development.

Extensive regional experience covering Southeast Asia, Africa (East and West), the Middle East, and Asia Pacific. Demonstrated ability to shape strategic direction, manage complex legal and regulatory environments, and build high-performing teams. Proven leadership in managing legal teams and supervising multi-functional legal working groups.

Experienced in engaging with Boards, Ministries, and GLC stakeholders, providing high-level legal strategy, risk insights, and regulatory alignment for mission-critical projects.

Highly skilled in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and litigation management, supporting both strategic and business-as-usual (BAU) operations. Adept at balancing risk mitigation with business enablement in fast-paced, highly regulated environments.

HENGYUAN INTERNATIONAL SDN BHD

Regional Head of Legal, Risk & Compliance / Acting Head of IT

2022 – May 2025

• Established and led the Group’s legal, risk, and compliance functions, strengthening governance and regulatory alignment

• Advised Board and senior leadership on legal, regulatory, and commercial strategy in a highly regulated oil & gas environment

• Structured and negotiated high-value EPC, maintenance, and procurement contracts, improving risk allocation and reducing exposure

• Developed a procurement contract governance framework, enhancing internal controls and audit readiness

• Led legal strategy in multi-million ringgit disputes and arbitration, achieving controlled and favourable outcomes

• Strengthened cybersecurity governance and IT risk management in concurrent leadership role

BRILLIANCE INFORMATION SDN BHD

Chief Legal Officer

2017 – 2021

• Built and led legal and compliance function, advising Board and executive leadership

• Negotiated and secured major government contracts, including GST and uCustoms systems

• Managed litigation exposure of RM45 million, reducing liability through strategic legal actions

• Structured consortium and contractual frameworks for large-scale government projects

• Ensured compliance with public sector procurement and regulatory requirements

MAHS INVESTMENT HOLDING LTD (REGIONAL)

Group Head of Legal

2014 – 2016

• Established legal and governance frameworks across 21 companies in multiple jurisdictions

• Advised Chairman and Board on cross-border legal, regulatory, and commercial matters

• Implemented corporate governance structures, policies, and compliance frameworks

• Reduced reliance on external counsel, improving efficiency and cost control

TUNE GROUP / AIRASIA AFFILIATED ENTITIES

Senior Legal Counsel

2011 – 2014

• Advised on fintech, insurance, aviation, and digital business operations

• Supported M&A, IPO, and regulatory approvals

• Structured cross-border partnerships and commercial agreements across ASEAN

• Ensured compliance with Bank Negara Malaysia regulatory requirements

OSK TRUSTEES BERHAD (OSK INVESTMENT BANK GROUP)

Senior Vice President

2010 – 2011

• Led legal and compliance for capital markets transactions (bonds, PDS, REITs)

• Advised on trust structures, regulatory compliance, and fiduciary responsibilities

• Supported M&A and corporate restructuring exercises

ASIASPACE SDN BHD

Senior Legal Manager

2008 – 2009

• Established legal and regulatory framework for telecommunications operations

• Negotiated key agreements with major telcos (Maxis, Celcom, TM, Digi)

• Secured regulatory approvals and licences (WiMAX)

RHB BANK BERHAD / RHB ISLAMIC BANK

Manager, Legal & Regulatory Compliance

2000 – 2007

• Provided legal advisory across banking, capital markets, and regulatory compliance

• Reduced legal disputes through strategic negotiation and settlement

• Strengthened legal documentation and compliance monitoring systems

EDUCATIONS & QUALIFICATIONS

University of Wolverhampton (1992-1995) - LLB. BA Hons Second Class

Juara Academic (1990-1991)- A Levels 2 Principles

Institute Sri Intan (1988-1989) -STPM 3 Principles

S.M.Methodist Sentul (1986-1987) SPM Second Grade