(From left) Tan, Dr Ahmad Fareed, Dr Thirunavukarasu, Prof Shazme, LaCroix, Zainun, Chan, A. Razak, Tengku Mohamed Fauzi and Mohd Radhi at the book launch in Kuala Lumpur.
Boutique law firm Chan Ban Eng and Co (CBE) has launched a book titled Directors & Officers Liability Insurance: Selected Articles, Cases and Materials.
The publication was authored by CBE managing partner JJ Chan and Kevin LaCroix, a global directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance expert.
It fills a critical gap in the region’s legal literature on D&O liability.
The launch of a special edition of the book with a foreword by Tan Sri Zainun Ali, Universiti Malaya (UM) pro-chancellor and former Federal Court judge, took place at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
In her opening remarks, Zainun called the book “pioneering and necessary”, noting it would serve as a meaningful reference for directors, scholars and policymakers in Malaysia and across the region.
She added that the publication would deepen understanding of D&O liability and insurance among board members, regulators, insurers and the judiciary.
“It is the first publication of its kind in the Asia-Pacific on a niche yet emerging area of law – where until now, there has been no such publication in Malaysia or this region, and no clear judicial or authoritative guidance,” she said.
In a media release, CBE said the book featured a selection of articles authored by Chan and LaCroix, blending global perspectives with regional relevance.
Chan is a recognised counsel in financial circles, corporate and directors and officers’ liability, insurance/reinsurance and medical negligence litigation.
He became the first Malaysian lawyer recognised across Asian Legal Business’ Asia’s Top 30 Litigators and Super 50 Disputes Lawyers, Malaysia and South-East Asia Law Awards and Asia Business Law Journal’s A-List: Malaysia’s Top Lawyers 2025.
LaCroix has over 40 years of experience in D&O liability insurance with his insights cited globally by publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and Financial Times.
Chan recounted searching extensively for similar works, including from Wildy and Sons in London, a renowned legal bookstore for barristers and law students alike.
“They only had books from the United Kingdom and the United States, none from Asia-Pacific,” he said.
“That was when I decided we should write the first one ourselves from Malaysia.”
Chan reached out to LaCroix, who agreed to co-author the book.
Chan said the publication was also driven by a desire to contribute to nation-building, adding that he hoped the book would demonstrate a “Malaysia Boleh” moment.
“Being the absolute best that we can be, and contributing to our country and society, might just be the truest and best form of patriotism,” he said.
He hoped the book would inspire younger Malaysians to make their mark locally.
“You don’t have to go overseas to be the best in your field. You can still be in our country, Malaysia, and be the best or one of the best in whatever you do.
“You just have to aim big, dream big and contribute something that has never been done before,” he said.
The self-published work is not commercially available as it is prepared primarily for academic purposes, knowledge-sharing and the development of legal scholarship, as well as the advancement of corporate governance and board effectiveness.
Copies of the book have been presented to significant public figures including the Prime Minister, Chief Justice of Malaysia and Cabinet ministers, as well as leading universities.
At the launch were Health Ministry deputy director-general (Medical Practice Division) Dr Ahmad Fareed A. Rahman, Prime Minister’s Department Advisory Board chairman Mohd Radhi Abas and Health Ministry deputy director-general (Medical Practice Division) Dr Ahmad Fareed A. Rahman.
Also present were Suhakam vice-chairman Tengku Mohamed Fauzi Tengku Abdul Hamid, Malaysian Insurance and Takaful Brokers Association chief executive officer Prof Datuk Shazme Sulaiman, General Insurance Association of Malaysia assistant general manager William Tan, Malaysian Medical Association president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo and Shangri-La Malaysia chairman Tan Sri A. Razak Ramli.
Other guests included representatives from the healthcare, insurance, corporate governance and government sectors.
