Light in the Heart, Path Under the Feet
Reflections from the Singapore Exchange Programme
When I learned that I had been selected for the “Shanghai-Singapore Lawyer Exchange Programme” and would have the honour of leading the delegation to Singapore for a three-month exchange activity, I was extremely excited.
This is the first lawyer exchange programme in the history of Shanghai and Singapore, and it is also a major characteristic project of the Shanghai Lawyers Association in promoting internationalization. Although I have had brief experience studying and working in the UK, Singapore’s dramatic national development history and its multicultural atmosphere, like a poem of multiculturalism, are repeatedly touted by many people, which aroused my interest. In this land of rule of law, I have witnessed the power of law, the spirit of lawyers, and I have felt the harmonious dance of law and civilization.
In addition to daily legal practice, Singapore’s culture also left a deep impression on me. From the diverse food culture to the open social habits, every encounter shows Singaporeans’ respect for different civilizations and cultures. Such cultural exchanges not only broadened my horizons but also helped me better understand the impact of cultural differences on communication in legal practice. This journey not only strengthened my determination to pursue law, it clarified the direction of future law practice development. I also experienced the patriotic sentiment of young lawyers in this era and the important responsibilities and missions they bear. The light in my heart is gradually lit, and the road under my feet is getting wider and wider!
1. The Glory of Century-Old Law Firms: The Goal of Shanghai-Style Law Firms Setting Sail
Although Singapore’s history as a nation is relatively short, it has nurtured many century-old law firms through its inclusive and open judicial system. Today, the brilliant achievements of these firms in the legal field have become calling cards of Singapore’s legal civilization, scattered all over the world.
It can be said that Singapore’s law firms have witnessed the initial formation of Singapore’s legal system. Although its development originated in the colonial period and the initial purpose of the firms was mainly to provide corporate legal consulting services to local enterprises, with Singapore’s move towards independence, these law firms began to actively participate in the construction of the national legal system, contributing to the formulation of laws and regulations and the resolution of legal issues. Moreover, by representing a series of important cases, Singapore’s law firms have continuously injected advanced legal concepts and vitality into the state’s legal system, leveraging their practical advantages.
In recent years, Singapore’s law firms have firmly grasped the national development direction and gradually begun to make a mark on the international legal stage. By actively engaging in international cooperation, an increasing number of firms have started to represent clients in international commercial disputes, making Singapore a strong contender to replace London as the center for international dispute resolution in the Asia-Pacific and even globally. Behind these achievements lies the quiet dedication and support of Singapore’s law firms. Some of these firms are also attempting to introduce innovative technologies into legal services to promote the development of digital legal services.
As witnesses to Singapore’s legal history, these law firms have not only created remarkable achievements in the past but will continue to carry the traditions of legal studies and inject new momentum and vitality into the future legal landscape. In this era full of challenges and opportunities, Singapore’s law firms are not only a palace of law but also guides on the path of the rule of law, contributing unique wisdom and strength to the prosperity and development of Singapore’s legal affairs, which is worth our in-depth consideration and learning.
2. The Professional Charm of Lawyers: The Model for Shanghai-Style Lawyers to Chase Their Dreams
As a lawyer specializing in domestic and international commercial dispute resolution, I pay particular attention to the skills and methods of Singaporean lawyers in handling international arbitration and mediation. At present, Shanghai lawyers’ experience in the field of international dispute resolution is not yet very wide. Only by continuously collaborating with international teams can we broaden our international horizons, become familiar with the rules of different legal systems, and integrate the experience of dispute resolution into our case-handling processes.
Moreover, Singapore’s supporting facilities in the field of dispute resolution, both in terms of hardware and software, are extremely well-developed. The judicial authorities and lawyers place great emphasis on digital case-handling methods, and they use advanced technological measures to improve efficiency. For example, the full disclosure of case progress and judicial documents, the electronic submission of evidence, and even real-time transcription, translation, and digital recording during arbitration hearings all indicate that the era of legal technology has arrived.
When it comes to cross-regional and cross-cultural communication, Singaporean lawyers also have their key strategy. Based on Singapore’s multicultural society, Singaporean lawyers are not only familiar with the behavioural habits of different cultures and ethnic groups but also maintain close contact with governments and enterprises from all over the world. Therefore, cross-cultural communication has naturally become the strength of Singaporean lawyers.
As the birthplace of Shanghai-style lawyers, Shanghai has unique geographical and economic development advantages. We can draw on the experience of Singaporean lawyers in terms of international vision, application of legal technology, cross-cultural communication, and legal research. By paying attention to the latest developments in the field of international law, actively participating in international cooperation projects, and deepening the practice of digital legal services, we can enhance our competitiveness in the field of dispute resolution. Through these learnings, the Shanghai-style lawyers will be bound to contribute to the realization of the great Chinese dream of the rule of law.
3. The Construction of Foreign-related Law: The Continuation of the Grand Blueprint of the Spirit of the Rule of Law
For a long time, Singapore has been widely recognised for its open and diverse legal environment, especially in the field of foreign-related legal services. Singapore’s legal system is renowned for its clarity and efficiency. During my interaction with Singaporean legal counterparts, I have witnessed their adherence to the rule of law and continuous innovation in legal practice. This has also given me a clearer understanding of the development direction of Shanghai’s legal system: Only by further improving the transparency of the rule of law, ensuring the stability of laws and regulations, and enhancing the legal protection for foreign investment and trade, can we better attract international enterprises to settle in Shanghai.
In addition, Singapore attaches great importance to the introduction of international legal talent and is eager to recruit professionals with cross-cultural communication and international legal practice experience. Therefore, we need to continuously strengthen legal exchanges and contacts with other countries and regions, actively participate in international legal research and cooperation projects, and introduce professionals with cross-border legal practice experience to continuously enhance Shanghai’s competitiveness on the international stage and build a highland for international dispute resolution centers. At the same time, we also need to strengthen the construction of professional talent teams and cultivate the rule of law culture, and improve the public’s sense of identity and trust in foreign-related legal construction through rule of law education in universities, publicity and promotion, academic seminars and other ways.
The journey to Singapore was a fusion of law and culture. It not only deepened my understanding of law but also allowed me to walk more confidently on the international stage in the future. This exchange was not only a professional journey but also a life experience, providing me with a clearer direction for the future of my legal career. Legal practice is a melody, sometimes resounding and passionate, sometimes gentle and lingering. On the legal stage in Singapore, I personally felt the warmth of international cooperation. The exchange among different legal jurisdictions was like the convergence of promises, flowing into my heart. The business discussion with Singaporean counterparts was not only a collision of legal thinking but also a wonderful expectation for future cooperation. Amidst challenges and gains, I felt the resonance of the soul. Between opportunities and difficulties, I experienced the joy of struggle. Through this exchange, I profoundly understood the great value of cross-border legal practice for our personal growth. My enthusiasm for the development of the rule of law in China has been continuously inspired, and at the same time, I cherish even more the legal practice in Shanghai. I look forward to integrating the experience gained from this journey to Singapore into my future legal services, creating new value for clients and contributing to the construction of the rule of law in Shanghai!
“Evergreen Shanghai, Ever-new Singapore” is the message I left for the Singapore Ministry of Law and the Law Society of Singapore on behalf of all members of the delegation at the end of the programme. The Chinese character “申 (Shēn)” has the same pronunciation as “生 (Shēng)”, symbolizing the continuous flow of exchanges amongst Shanghai lawyers., while the character “新 (Xīn)” has the same pronunciation as “心 (Xīn)”, representing the voices and heart of Singaporean lawyers. I hope that with the continuous advancement of the “Shanghai-Singapore Lawyer Exchange Programme,” more and more Shanghai and Singaporean lawyers can build bridges of friendship, further strengthening mutual cooperation, just like the ever-flowing Yellow River, becoming more entrenched with the integration of Chinese culture, and a shared purpose. At the same time, I firmly believe that China’s foreign-related legal path will become wider and wider, because the light in the heart of every lawyer has been ignited!
