The amendments to the CAS Code and Schedule of Arbitration Costs which came into force on 1 July 2025, show a wavering commitment to expediting its procedures, thus enhancing efficiency and ensuring much clarity in the arbitral process. The formal inclusion of in-house clerks, removal of outdated communication methods, and the updated cost structure underscore a remarkable shift towards a more swift and cost-effective mode of dispute resolution in international sports arbitration.
We previously wrote about key changes introduced under the expansion of Sales Tax and Service Tax (SST) in our article dated 24th June 2025. Since the first announcement of the SST expansion on 9th June 2025, the Ministry of Finance (“MOF”) and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (“RMCD”) have made several revisions and released guidelines and tax policies, after considering public opinion.
Some revisions were announced barely a week before the expansion came into effect on 1st July 2025.
On 23 June 2025, Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad (BMD) released the Trading Participants Circular 12/2025, announcing updates to Directive No. 6.25(1)-001. This directive outlines the list of foreign exchanges that Malaysian derivatives Trading Participants are permitted to access, in line with Rule 6.25(1)(b) of the BMD Rules.
The primary purpose of the Electronic Commerce Act 2006 is to provide legal recognition for electronic communications in the formation of contracts. In simple terms, it means that contracts made through emails, websites, or apps are recognised by law and are legally binding just like paper documents. The goal is to make it easier and safer to do business online by giving legal validity to electronic communications and transactions. More importantly, these electronic records can be used as valid proof to take legal action and resolve disputes.
In esports, Web3 and blockchain technology are set to transform how games are played, owned, and monetised. One of the most exciting developments is the use of NFTs (non-fungible tokens). These are unique digital certificates stored on the blockchain that prove who owns a particular digital item. Each NFT includes a unique ID and metadata that cannot be copied or altered.
Things like an in-game sword, a video highlight of a clutch play, or a rare digital trading card can become NFTs. The blockchain keeps a permanent record of who owns each item, even if the image or video itself isn’t stored on the blockchain.
In 2024, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, along with the Inland Revenue Board, announced a new tax relief for Malaysian taxpayers for the assessment year 2024. The tax relief covers 103 types of sports listed in the First Schedule of the Sports Development Act 1997 (‘the SDA’). The newly introduced tax relief for sports equipment and sports activities for oneself, parents, spouse, and/or child is up to RM1,000.
On 9 June 2025, the Ministry of Finance issued a Press Release to announce a major expansion of its Sales and Service Tax (SST) effective 1 July 2025.
The announcement was foreshadowed in Budget 2025 (albeit without much detail) to increase government revenue and support fiscal reforms. The new structure will cover a wider range of taxable services and introduce changes to the sales tax on locally manufactured and/or imported goods.
The key to understanding the expansion is the Malaysian Government’s oft-repeated statements that the expansion aims to increase revenue without burdening the ordinary man on the street.
Antitrust laws are designed to promote competition by restricting the ability of one single company from dominating the market Ensuring mergers and acquisitions do not overconcentrate market power or form monopolies, also breaking up those that have formed monopolies. It also prevents multiple firms from colluding or forming a cartel to limit competition through practices such as price fixing. The rise of Esports brings up several antitrust concerns, especially since Microsoft and Sony dominate much of the video game industry.
The Forum on the Future of Work 2025 (‘the Forum’) was hosted by Richard Wee Chambers in collaboration with E2 Workforce Consulting Sdn Bhd. The Forum was held at Asian International Arbitration Centre (‘AIAC’), on 11 June 2025, from 9am to 12pm.
Richard Wee Chambers (‘RWC’) and E2 Workforce Consulting Sdn Bhd (‘E2 Workforce Consulting’) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the beginning of a strategic partnership. This collaboration brings together Richard Wee Chambers’ expertise in legal matters with E2 Workforce Consulting strengths in workforce development, enabling both parties to offer comprehensive solutions that address the evolving needs of businesses and employees.
