Asia Pacific Regional Forum ebulletin: 6 August 2025
Dear Members,
We are pleased to the first issue of the IBA Asia Pacific Regional Forum (APRF) ebulletin for 2025. In this instalment, we have curated a selection of articles that delve into the intersection of law, business and government across the Asia Pacific region. This issue explores a variety of topics, including Australia's strategic trade diversification amidst rising geopolitical tensions, India's ambitious journey towards electric vehicle dominance and the intriguing legal ramifications of the Uber Eats-Foodpanda merger in Taiwan. A recurring theme throughout this issue is the formidable challenge that governments face in updating their legal frameworks to keep pace with rapid technological advancements and shifting geopolitical landscapes.
We extend our gratitude to all the members who contributed their insightful articles to this newsletter. Your contributions are invaluable, and we warmly encourage members to continue sharing articles on noteworthy developments in your jurisdictions.
In February we brought to you the Fundamentals of Legal Business Practice in Hong Kong on 19 February 2025 and the 8th IBA Asia Pacific Regional Forum Biennial Conference: Vibrant Asia Land of opportunity and promise in Hong Kong on 19-21 February 2025. We are thrilled to report that the conference was a resounding success. We envisage that the second e-bulletin for 2025 will reflect the discussion that took place at the Hong Kong conference.
We now look forward to the upcoming Annual conference in Toronto in November.
Please continue to check the APRF webpage for more details and to register your interest for any of these events.
Best regards,
Dinesh Dhillon
Co-Chair, IBA Asia Pacific Regional Forum
David Liu
Co-Chair, IBA Asia Pacific Regional Forum
In this issue:
By David S Lobel-Mandrake
This article highlights the importance of strategic diversification and balanced alliances for Australia’s economic resilience and stability in the Asia Pacific region. Lobel-Mandrake provides some key sectors for diversification as well as regional frameworks which can be utilised to facilitate greater autonomy in a dynamic and rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
Electric mobility in India: aspirational dream or foreseeable reality?
By Suhana Islam Murshed, Kanchan Modak and Milind Anand
The authors provide a comprehensive look at India's electric vehicle (EV) ambitions, evaluating the feasibility and the potential trajectory towards an EV-dominant future that reflects environmental stewardship, technological advancements, and economic opportunities. India's adoption of a '30 by 30' target which entails 30 per cent EV penetration by 2030 is underpinned by aggressive Government policies, however, its success is ultimately dependent upon consumer confidence, infrastructure readiness and affordability.
Personal data protection in recruitment: key takeaways from the regulatory developments in Vietnam
By Yonggeun Bae, Ujin Ahn and Anh Dung Tran
A critical analysis of how personal data is managed within the recruitment sector in Vietnam, with a focus on how this new framework is anticipated to introduce obligations for data controllers and processors. Under the new framework, there will be a greater onus on companies regarding data collection, processing and archiving which seeks to mirror global standards on data privacy in an effort to prioritise safeguarding and improve compliance with changing regulations.
The proposed merger between Uber Eats and Foodpanda in Taiwan
By Hung Ou Yang
Following a high-profile merger between two food delivery giants, the Taiwan market now faces a range of legal challenges which have been assessed by the country's Fair Trade Commission (FTC). This case has highlighted the risks associated with corporate amalgamation including potential monopolisation, reduced wages and degraded working conditions as well as the broader implications for the region such as increased labour market competition and the need for continuous regulatory compliance.
By Yousaf Amanat
A comparative study that explores the nuances of Pakistan’s data protection legislation vis-à-vis the established EU framework. The article grapples with the concepts of authorisation and consent under Pakistan's data protection laws, whilst highlighting that the current framework lacks clear principles on the legal use of data in Pakistan. Amanat suggests that adopting best practices from the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a feasible way to address the current inefficiencies of Pakistan's legislation.
Unjust laws, uncertain future: Taiwan's struggle against authoritarian infiltration
By Joshua Tai
Tai examines Taiwan’s constitutional crisis triggered by amendments to the Constitutional Court Procedure Act and delves into the legal battles and the broader implications of authoritarian influence on Taiwan's democratic fabric. The author highlights how these changes have undermined judicial independence in Taiwan and calls for diplomatic support on an international scale as a failure to act poses a risk of emboldening authoritarian regimes worldwide. Hence, potentially threatening democratic resilience across Asia and the Pacific.
A glimpse of the draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules in India
By Gagan Anand
Anand offers insights into India’s proposed data protection rules and the potential effects on privacy and corporate compliance. The Draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules 2025 aim to establish more onerous obligations on data fiduciaries and principles, aligning the country's regulations more closely with international standards including the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Is there a role for artificial intelligence in the pricing of legal services?
By Richard W Smith
This article contemplates the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in legal service pricing, noting the potential to transition this art form to more of a science, discussing both the opportunities and challenges it presents. Smith addresses the current challenges when pricing legal services which is a complex and often subjective exercise, but suggests how AI can be used to automate routine pricing tasks, leverage segmentation and increase win/loss ratios for bids and tenders. Ultimately, proving how AI can be used to enhance client satisfaction and increase profitability.
The enforceability of interim orders under Indian law
By Shreya Jain and Sanjana Kattoor
The authors provide an authoritative commentary on the legal standing and practical enforceability of interim orders within international arbitration in India. Under the Indian legal framework, parties can apply for interim relief to arbitral tribunals or Indian courts, regardless of the arbitration seat. However, the enforceability of interim orders is ultimately dependent on the specific laws of a particular jurisdiction which the authors highlight as a key strategic consideration for parties when deciding on interim relief.
By Anshul Prakash, Deeksha Malik and Shubhangi Zite
A nuanced exploration of employer responsibilities in India and the legal framework surrounding instances of employee self-harm, analysing how courts attribute accountability to employers. The authors highlight how the current legal employment framework does not contemplate employee self-harm and the variety of legal tests which can be applied to establish culpability of employers. Employers are encouraged to adopt an array of best practices in order to prioritise workforce well-being alongside productivity, through developing robust policies, aligning leadership and creating comprehensive feedback mechanisms.