Meritas® – 2024 Asia Regional Meeting Recap

Last week, Luca Citton, president of Boughton Law and Chair of the Board for Meritas®, attended the 2024 Meritas Asia Regional Meeting in Bali. Hosted by HHR Lawyers, the event gathered Meritas members from across the region for two days of inter-firm collaboration and shared learning.

The event began with a welcome speech by Asia Co-chairs, Philip Wong and Kowit Somwaiya, and host Nini Halim of HHR Lawyers, setting a collaborative atmosphere for the discussions that followed.

Envisioning the Future

A key highlight was the Chairman’s Add

ress by Luca Citton, where he outlined his vision for Meritas. “As we look ahead, our goal is to leverage the collective expertise within Meritas to deliver even greater value to our clients,” says Citton. “By strengthening our regional and global ties, we can more effectively navigate the increasingly complex landscape of cross-border legal services.” His remarks underscored the role of innovation and relationship-building in adapting to shifting market dynamics.

Exploring Technology and Innovation

A session on digital regulation, featuring legal experts Norio Mitsuuchi and Harold Godsoe of Kojima Law Offices, addressed emerging trends in AI law and dig

ital taxation. The discussion delved into the evolving regulatory landscape, with participants sharing insights on the challenges and opportunities presented by these developments.

“Technology is reshaping the legal sector in profound ways,” explains Citton. “Our discussions around AI and digital taxation not only highlighted current regulatory trends but also offered practical strategies for navigating this digital shift in a way that adds substantial value to both our firms and our clients.”

Developing Future Leaders

Leadership development was another key theme, with a session dedicated to the network’s Asia Emerging Leaders examining whether business development is an inherent skill or one that can be cultivated. Sue-ella Prodonovich, the Meritas ANZ Regional Director, led the discussion, which was followed by presentations from emerging leaders on innovative business development strategies.

Citton highlighted the significance of leadership development. “The focus on nurturing future leaders within our firms was particularly engaging,” he said. “It’s vital that we not only identify emerging leaders but also equip them with the tools and opportunities to thrive in our evolving industry.”

Advancing Women in Leadership

Reflecting Meritas’s ongoing commitment to diversity, the meeting featured a panel titled “Female Leaders Are From Venus and Male Leaders Are From Mars – True or False?”. This session examined different leadership styles and how diverse perspectives can drive innovation.

“The panel on gender and leadership was more than just a discussion—it was a call to action,” explains Citton. “It challenged us to think about the unique contributions of both men and women in leadership roles and how we can create more inclusive environments that harness these strengths to drive our collective success.”

Fostering Collaboration and Learning

The event provided a platform for diverse discussions, ranging from the unique challenges of the Indonesian business landscape to the complexities of cross-border M&A. “The diverse range of topics and the depth of expertise among speakers truly emphasized the value of the Meritas network,” says Citton. “It was a fantastic opportunity to share knowledge, debate ideas, and gain practical views that will benefit all of our firms moving forward.”

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