Adelyn Koh’s journey into the legal profession is a reflection of resilience, adaptability, and determination. She began her career in Malaysia, where she started practicing law before migrating to Australia nearly 18 years ago. This move marked the beginning of a new chapter, filled with both challenges and opportunities. Adelyn has worked across a wide spectrum of roles, from private practice at top-tier law firms to in-house positions in multinational corporations and global conglomerates, both in Malaysia and Australia. Each of these experiences has contributed to shaping her into the professional she is today. At EliteX, we are proud to have Adelyn Koh as part of the edition: Prominent Women in Legal World, 2025.
Adelyn Koh | Head of Legal – Asia Pacific | Fresenius Medical Care
One of the most significant hurdles Adelyn faced was the process of transitioning to a new country and profession. As a young legal practitioner moving from an emerging market to a more mature legal system, she found herself having to adapt and integrate into a society with a completely different set of expectations, values, and legal principles. In particular, she had to learn the local laws while redefining her professional identity in this new environment. It was not easy, but Adelyn views her diverse background as one of her greatest strengths. With her world-class legal training from an Australian law firm and a deep understanding of Asian cultures and languages, she brings a unique perspective that bridges the gap between Eastern and Western markets.
“Great leaders empower others to shine, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond their own sphere of influence.”
In particular, Adelyn’s dual expertise allows her to offer global standards of governance, compliance, and legal practices, tailoring them to meet the specific needs and challenges of emerging markets. She often acts as a “cultural translator” for companies navigating Asian markets, ensuring smoother cross-border collaborations, better stakeholder alignment, and stronger business partnerships. This ability to understand the complexities of Asian business culture has been an invaluable asset to her throughout her career.
As a woman in the legal profession, Adelyn faced challenges that many other women encounter, particularly in a predominantly male-dominated field. One of the biggest obstacles she dealt with was the concept of “double jeopardy,” where she was not only confronted with the traditional glass ceiling that many women face but also with the bamboo ceiling, which refers to the barriers people of Asian descent often face when attempting to climb the corporate ladder. This dual challenge made her path even more difficult, but Adelyn was determined to succeed.
She also faced the challenge of starting her legal career in a new country without the same educational pedigree as many of her peers. Not having graduated from Ivy League schools or worked at the prestigious firms that some of her colleagues had, Adelyn initially struggled to build a professional network in a highly competitive environment. The legal profession often places great importance on connections and networks, which can sometimes be a disadvantage for those starting from scratch.
Despite these challenges, Adelyn managed to rise above them through a combination of resilience, sponsorship, and strategic growth. She was fortunate to have mentors and sponsors who believed in her abilities and advocated for her potential. These individuals opened doors for her and helped her demonstrate her talents, giving her the chance to prove herself in a competitive industry. Over time, Adelyn also made an effort to expand her skill set beyond technical legal expertise. She recognized that in addition to legal knowledge, it was crucial to understand business dynamics, stakeholder management, and the broader drivers that influence the industries she worked in. This helped her overcome the obstacles she faced and chart a successful career path.
“Your unique skills, perspectives, and approach are your greatest strengths.”
Adelyn’s personal experiences and journey have deeply influenced her approach to mentoring other women in the legal field. She strongly believes in supporting women who face similar barriers, providing them with the tools and confidence they need to succeed. Her advice to young women pursuing a career in law is simple yet powerful. First, she encourages them to stay true to themselves. Many young women may feel the pressure to conform to certain leadership stereotypes or to imitate the behavior of others in order to succeed. However, Adelyn stresses that authenticity is key to long-term success and fulfillment. She believes that the unique skills, perspectives, and approaches women bring to the table are their greatest strengths. Instead of succumbing to imposter syndrome, women should embrace their individuality and leverage it as a competitive advantage.
Another important piece of advice Adelyn offers is to embrace resilience. In any career, there will be both good and bad days, and the legal profession is no exception. The challenges faced in law can sometimes seem overwhelming, with high stakes, long hours, and difficult dynamics. But Adelyn encourages young women to view setbacks as opportunities for growth. By surrounding themselves with a strong support network and focusing on self-care, they can navigate difficult moments and emerge even stronger.
Adelyn also emphasizes the importance of continuously developing new skills. While technical legal expertise is crucial, it is not enough to succeed in the modern legal profession. As careers progress, it becomes increasingly important to develop broader skills such as business acumen, commercial awareness, and relationship management. These skills help legal professionals not only advise on legal issues but also contribute to broader business decisions. Adelyn advises young women to think strategically, stay adaptable, and cultivate a diverse skill set to thrive in a constantly evolving field.
In addition to her personal success, Adelyn is deeply committed to mentoring and supporting young women who aspire to enter the legal field. Her approach to mentoring is grounded in empowerment, connection, and authenticity. She believes in providing young women with the practical tools they need to succeed, while also encouraging them to embrace their individuality. She helps her mentees understand that being different can be an asset, especially in an increasingly globalized legal world.
Adelyn also takes an active role in connecting her mentees with other leaders and professionals who can offer diverse perspectives and experiences. By exposing young women to different viewpoints, she helps them expand their horizons and see possibilities beyond their immediate environment. Adelyn’s approach to mentorship is not just about providing advice, but also about leading by example. She demonstrates that success comes from staying true to oneself, embracing one’s identity, and using those qualities to build relationships, influence others, and drive positive change.
“Authenticity is key to long-term success and fulfillment.”
Looking ahead, Adelyn’s goals and aspirations are focused on making a lasting impact in the legal profession and the lives of others. At this stage in her career, she is less concerned with personal milestones and more focused on helping others reach their full potential. Through mentorship and sponsorship, she hopes to open doors for others, enabling them to realize their potential and thrive. Adelyn is passionate about empowering the next generation of leaders, regardless of gender, to navigate the challenges they face and find their voice in their respective fields.
Adelyn also sees herself as a disruptor in the legal profession, challenging traditional perceptions of leadership. She believes that leadership is not about conforming to stereotypes but about embracing a blend of strength and empathy, foresight and humility. Inspired by Simon Sinek’s principle of leadership, she believes that great leaders empower others to shine and create a ripple effect that extends beyond their own sphere of influence. Looking forward, Adelyn aspires to continue disrupting the traditional notions of leadership, promoting a more inclusive, empathetic, and forward-thinking approach to leadership in the legal profession.
Ultimately, Adelyn Koh’s story is one of overcoming obstacles, embracing authenticity, and striving to make a positive impact on both the legal profession and the broader community. She remains committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders, helping them navigate challenges, and empowering them to make their mark on the world. Through her work and mentorship, Adelyn is inspiring others to lead with integrity, authenticity, and empathy, leaving a lasting legacy in the legal world.