“Why Are You Still Doing This Manually?”
That question changed everything for Veon Szu.
He wasn’t trying to be a tech entrepreneur. He was just a lawyer—running his own law firm in Malaysia—facing the same pain many SME owners know all too well: long hours, too many files, too much admin, and not enough time to focus on what truly mattered.
But when someone asked him that simple question about his team’s manual work, something clicked.
That moment marked the start of an unexpected journey—one filled with late nights, trial-and-error with software, lonely research, and moments of deep self-doubt. But also a journey filled with breakthroughs, renewed purpose, and a vision that now drives his practice into the future.
It Was Just One Thing After Another…
When Veon Szu first decided to digitize his law firm, there was no grand strategy or expert consultant guiding the way.
“I must admit that until today, it’s not very systematic… It was just one thing after another, naturally flowed.”
He had no background in tech. No IT department. And no one in the legal industry around him who was doing the same. It was a lonely path.
“There were no peers or colleagues to talk about this. The only possible people to talk to were from IT—but they don’t know how law firms work.”
In an industry often perceived as slow to change, Veon Szu was an outlier. While others saw digitization as optional—or even irrelevant—he saw it as inevitable. And urgent.
Facing the Digital Learning Curve (Alone)
The early stages were rough. Software was confusing. Vendors were unhelpful. And resources? Limited.
“I mean, we’re just a law firm. By default, there’s no technical talent onboard.”
Veon Szu invested in multiple tools—some worked, many didn’t. He tried accounting software, CRM systems, and even Google Workspace. But the biggest struggle wasn’t buying the tools—it was using them well.
“Our vendors were happy to sell us products, but not to train us. They just refer you to some online tutorial or YouTube video.”
Despite paying for solutions, he often only used the most basic features. The rest remained locked away—buried under clunky interfaces and vague instructions.
“I believe there are more features that can make our life much easier and more effective… if only someone helped us set it up and showed us how.”
Eventually, frustrated but determined, he subscribed to an Australian training service just to learn how to make the most of Google Workspace.
“I just don’t have time to go through all the tutorials myself. I needed someone to guide and help troubleshoot.”
Courage to Lead Where Others Won’t
Despite the setbacks, Veon Szu kept going.
What fueled him wasn’t just the dream of efficiency—it was a deeper sense of purpose. He wanted to reimagine what a modern law firm could look like.
“I believe the future is digital. Even defamation cases now happen online—on social media, not on paper.”
He began exploring areas like AI, legal tech, copyright in the digital age, and even cybersecurity. He partnered with domain experts and started offering training sessions on these topics.
But getting others in the industry to join the movement? Still a struggle.
“I tried to recommend to a lot of law firms. Somehow, they don’t see the urgency. Maybe they understand the need, but they don’t see the urgency.”
From Legal Practice to Legal Innovation
Now, Veon Szu envisions something bold: transforming his firm into a “digital law firm.”
And no, not just using software. He means building something bigger—a model that integrates tech into the very DNA of legal services.
“If we have better resources and like-minded business partners, I believe we can even provide digital consulting. Why not resell the good tools that help us?”
He imagines a hybrid role: legal advisor, tech enabler, and innovation consultant. Because he sees clearly what many still don’t—that law is no longer separate from tech.
“Legal tech, AI, cybersecurity—these are part of legal services now. You can’t run from it.”
Leading with Vision, Purpose, and Grit
Behind every late night wrestling with confusing software and every setback with unhelpful vendors was a leader who refused to give up. Veon Szu’s journey wasn’t just about adopting new tools—it was about reshaping the very way his firm worked, guided by a clear vision of what the future could be. He didn’t just want to survive in a changing world; he wanted to lead.
With unwavering determination, he stepped out of his comfort zone, learning on the fly and investing in his own growth, even when it meant burning through money and facing frustration alone. What kept him going wasn’t just efficiency or profit—it was a deep sense of purpose. He believed that by embracing technology, he could not only improve his own practice but also help his team work smarter and his clients navigate the digital age with confidence.
This commitment to continuous improvement and resilience transformed Veon Szu from someone overwhelmed by digital tools into an inspiring figure who saw innovation as a path to meaningful change. In a field often resistant to change, Veon Szu’s courage to push forward with empathy and vision made him a rare example of purposeful leadership—a reminder that true transformation comes not just from technology but from the grit and heart behind it.
Digital Law Is the Way Forward
In the end, Veon Szu’s story isn’t just about tech.
It’s about courage to break free from tradition. About seeing possibilities where others see hassle. And about building a version of your business—and your life—that aligns with the future you believe in.
It’s about asking: What if we didn’t have to do this manually anymore?
And then doing something about it.
Do you know someone like Veon Szu?
We are looking for SME Digitization Heroes who:
- Transformed their traditional business through digital tools
- Created innovative solutions, even with limited resources
- Inspired others in their community to embrace change
These SME Digitization Heroes aren’t just about their digital success. They’re about vision, resilience, and the courage to break free from old ways and embrace new possibilities. They’re also focused on creating the life they really want—one that fits their passions, dreams, and values.
