Elaina Foo

I am a commercial lawyer with a particular focus on helping clients navigate the converging technology and media sectors across the Asia-Pacific region.

In the technology space, I have significant experience guiding both Industry 4.0 players on their efforts to scale and incumbents on their strategic digital transformation efforts, including advising on a landmark US$100 million deal on the sourcing of autonomous haulage trucks, on the regional launch of a major ride-hailing app, on a APAC roll-out of a connected car offering for a major manufacturer, on the commercialisation of applications powered by artificial intelligence, and on innovative uses of data in the banking and insurance sectors.

In the media space, I regularly support established content owners and pay TV channels on the more traditional aspects of their business in the region, including recently advising on the launch of a new pay TV channel.

In addition, I am the go-to contact for both traditional content owners and newer entrants looking to launch new OTT platforms in the Asia-Pacific region. I have contributed articles to industry publications, such as AVIA's Asia Video Industry Report 2019, on this topic. Further leveraging on my experience in both media and autonomous vehicle technology, I have also advised car manufacturers and global technology companies on the media aspects of their developing connected and autonomous vehicles strategies.

My approach to these projects is also grounded in my technology sourcing, cybersecurity and data protection background. This includes substantial experience advising on the full life cycle of data protection and cybersecurity matters, from engaging with regulators on proposed legislation, negotiating these issues as part of complex technology transactions and designing internal policies, to advising on regulator engagement and investigations following a data breach.

• Advised Comcast on media regulatory issues across Asia arising from its $65bn bid for 21st Century Fox.
• Advised a major ride-hailing service on its privacy strategy across Southeast Asia.
• Advised Les Mills on the Asia Pacific roll out of its 'Les Mills On Demand' subscription OTT streaming service.
• Advised Microsoft on commercial, policy and regulatory matters across the Asia-Pacific region, including data protection law across several jurisdictions, cloud computing strategy, and artificial intelligence-powered solutions including an AI-powered retinal imaging software.
• Advised Holland & Barrett on its direct entry into and re-launch in five markets across South-East Asia.