Members of Laworld Executive Committee represented by senior partners of firms from Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey, Holland, Colombia, Germany, UK and the United States.

History was made in Lisbon, Portugal, on 11 May 2026, when Dato’ Mohamed Ridza Abdulla was officially elected as the Global Chair of LAWorld. This milestone appointment marks a significant achievement for the Malaysian legal community, as Dato’ Mohamed Ridza, who is the Managing Partner of Mohamed Ridza & Co, becomes the first Malaysian to lead this prestigious international legal network in its 30-year history. LAWorld is a global powerhouse consisting of nearly 70 independent law firms and over 1,500 lawyers across 100 cities, providing a seamless bridge for businesses navigating complex international legal landscapes.

Dato’ Mohamed Ridza is no stranger to the LAWorld network, having been a dedicated member since his firm joined in 2007. Over the past two decades, he has climbed the leadership ranks, serving as Treasurer and subsequently as the Chair of the Asia Pacific region. His unanimous election during the Annual General Meeting in Lisbon is a testament to his expertise and the growing influence of Malaysian legal professionals on the global stage. This new role will see him leading an executive committee of exceptional lawyers from diverse jurisdictions to ensure that LAWorld remains a gold standard for legal excellence.

Dato’ Mohamed Ridza Abdulla, Managing Partner of Malaysian law firm Mohamed Ridza & Co

The leadership expansion also extends to the younger generation of lawyers. In a simultaneous announcement, Muhammad Akhlil, a senior associate at Mohamed Ridza & Co, has been appointed as the Director of LAWorld’s NextGen Programme for the Asia Pacific region. This program is a core initiative of the network, designed to nurture emerging legal talent through leadership training and international secondments. These appointments collectively ensure that Malaysia remains at the forefront of the network’s efforts to foster cross-border collaboration and professional development.

As he steps into his role as Global Chair, Dato’ Mohamed Ridza has set an ambitious agenda to modernize and expand the network. His vision includes growing the organization’s presence in underrepresented markets, specifically across Africa and the Gulf region. He also aims to enhance the network's digital governance and connectivity, making it easier for member firms to coordinate on international investments and cross-border disputes. By strengthening these professional ties, the network offers Malaysian clients a "one-stop center" for global market entry while providing international clients a trusted gateway into the Malaysian economy.

Reflecting on his appointment, Dato’ Mohamed Ridza highlighted the natural synergy between this global role and Malaysia's heritage as a historic trading nation. He emphasized that unlike many other corporate legal networks, LAWorld is built on personal professional relationships, which allows for faster and more reliable legal advice regardless of the timezone. With his appointment taking effect immediately, the Malaysian legal industry celebrates a new chapter of international leadership, proving that local expertise is more than capable of guiding the global professional ecosystem.