Former AirAsia X Berhad and Shell Malaysia in-house counsel, Datin Shelina Razaly Wahi, has joined Abdullah Chan & Co as partner in its Kuala Lumpur office.

Wahi works across all spheres of aviation – with particular focus in aircraft leasing and financing, engines and avionics, and aerospace regulatory matters. She was also involved in AirAsia X Berhad’s initial public offering in July 2013.

"The aviation industry is very close-knitted - members move around the different entities involved in the aviation industry for example, banks, law firms, operators and lessors. But generally remain within the aviation sphere," Wahi told IFLR1000. "As [Abdullah Chan & Co is] the first Malaysian law firm that is looking to further develop and enhance its aviation practice, I felt that this would be the best opportunity for me to continue developing and contributing my expertise in aviation, and at the same time, to help further develop the aviation practice area in Malaysia, working closely with clients in Malaysia and across the region."

Before joining Shell Malaysia as corporate counsel, Wahi worked as a litigator. In 2007 she became legal and human resources director at AirAsia and then legal and regulatory director at the end of 2010.

Datin Shelina is a graduate from the University of Bristol and was called to the Malaysian bar in 1998.