Halim Hong & Quek (“HHQ”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Cynthia Gabriel as Partner of the firm, effective 1 October 2026, strengthening the firm’s capabilities in ESG and Regulatory Compliance, particularly on corporate governance, anti-bribery and anti-corruption compliance, business and human rights due diligence, risk management and broader regulatory matters.
A qualified Advocate and Solicitor, accredited professional trainer and qualified chemist, Cynthia has worked with multinational companies and corporate leaders on governance, integrity, risk management and conflict-of-interest matters.
Her international experience includes appointments with the Global Council of Thinkers for Transparency International, the Global Maritime Network on anti-corruption, and consultancy work with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Asia Development Bank and the OECD. She also previously served on the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Councils on economic and corporate governance.
Cynthia has contributed to policy and institutional initiatives in Malaysia, including the Government task force on Business and Human Rights and several Malaysian Bar Council committees. She was also appointed to the drafting committee for Malaysia’s inaugural National Anti-Corruption Plan 2019–2023.
Her work has received international recognition, including the Global Anti-Corruption Champion Award in 2022. In 2021, she addressed the United Nations General Assembly at its first special session against corruption.
Commenting on her appointment, Cynthia Gabriel said:
“I am pleased to join Halim Hong & Quek at a time when ESG, governance and regulatory compliance are becoming increasingly important for businesses. I look forward to working with the HHQ team to help clients navigate these developments in a practical and commercially relevant way, while contributing my experience in governance, anti-corruption and business and human rights.”
Dato’ Quek Ngee Meng, Managing Partner of HHQ, remarked:
“We are delighted to welcome Cynthia to HHQ. Her experience across ESG, governance, anti-corruption and regulatory compliance add an important dimension to the firm’s capabilities. Her multidisciplinary background and extensive exposure to policy, international institutions and corporate governance will further strengthen the support we provide to clients navigating increasingly complex regulatory and sustainability requirements.”
Founded in 2000, HHQ combines top-tier legal expertise with a commitment to excellence, delivering practical and outcome-driven solutions across diverse practice areas. The firm is recognised as a leading legal practice in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific region, particularly in Real Estate, Corporate/M&A, Technology, Banking & Finance, and Dispute Resolution.
View Cynthia Gabriel’s profile here: https://hhq.com.my/team/partner/cynthia-gabriel/
