What Does It Mean to Be a Singapore Lawyer Abroad? A National Day Reflection
Here’s the thing about Singaporeans — we travel. Not just for that annual food pilgrimage to Bangkok or Tokyo, but for something deeper: purpose, possibility, and sometimes, profession. And as the Lion City turns 60 (not that she looks a day over 35), we turn our gaze to a group of wanderers with a calling — Singapore lawyers who’ve taken that uniquely local brand of efficiency abroad.
From Melbourne to Shanghai and beyond, these are the individuals who show up in global spaces with an unmistakable Singapore cadence — precise, pragmatic, and politely relentless. They may no longer order kopi C kosong siew dai by reflex, but make no mistake: the red passport is worn proudly, even from 10,000 miles away.
So, as fireworks light up the Marina skyline and Majulah Singapura plays once more, we ask: What does it mean to be a Singaporean lawyer overseas — to carry both passport and principle into the wider world? This is our National Day tribute to them — a celebration of roots, reach, and the quiet power of doing Singapore proud, wherever they may be.
Hello from the fragrant harbour!
It feels like just yesterday that I left my practice as a Singapore lawyer to begin a new chapter as an offshore lawyer in Hong Kong. These days, milk tea, egg waffles (雞蛋仔), curry fishballs (咖喱魚蛋), and wanton or beef brisket noodles have become my go-to orders — replacing kopi-C siew dai, kaya toast, chicken rice and laksa, just to name a few. I still crave them though.
Even though I’m 1,606 miles away, Singapore will always be home — from family, to friendships forged through some truly challenging times in practice (and there were plenty!). And as any Singaporean abroad knows, you’ll always find another nearby whose story isn’t too different from yours. Six degrees of separation? More like two. That’s probably why I’m rarely ever homesick.
But on the occasions when I am, I think of all the good times — and there are many. As the saying goes: you can take a Singaporean out of Singapore, but you can’t take Singapore out of a Singaporean.
Happy 60th birthday, Singapore!
Kimberley Leng
Counsel
Carey Olsen Hong Kong LLP
Hello from Shanghai! If you had told me at the start of my legal career that I would spend my time traipsing around high-speed rail stations in China, on the way to client meetings and conferences, I wouldn’t have quite believed you. Other than the fact that high-speed rail in China was only about to take off back then (which gives you a hint as to how old I am), I wouldn’t have imagined how our work would become so “international” in nature. A good part of our work now involves cross-border matters, and for good reason, due to the relative size of our country and our reputation as an “honest broker”.
China, and in particular Shanghai, is an incredibly dynamic place to be, particularly as more Chinese companies look toward expanding into Southeast Asia. We are also building deeper ties with our lawyer counterparts in the region, with our Law Society organising multiple study trips to various cities in China, and MinLaw’s ongoing exchange programme fostering deeper collaboration between Singapore and Shanghai lawyers. All in all, you should absolutely spend some time in Shanghai if you have the chance!
That said, the Singaporean in me still craves our local food, and I would hunt it down whenever I’m back in Singapore. After all, home is where the heart (and nasi lemak!) is. Happy birthday Singapore!
Joel Chng
Partner
Wong Partnership LLP
G’day from Melbourne, where the autumn leaves are giving in to the winter chill in June. Life here moves at a different pace, perfect for slowing down over a good coffee and exploring the great outdoors. One thing hasn’t changed though, being a lawyer is still a hustle even in laid-back, banter-filled Australia.
I’ve come to appreciate that Aussie and Singapore laws aren’t that different after all. It’s a reminder to me that we’re all part of the same common law legal system and heritage. We’re small, but part of something much larger, including the invisible web of connections we share with the community in Singapore, even if our paths take us far apart.
Happy 60th Birthday, Singapore. We carry your lessons with us, especially how you’ve educated us and prepared us for the world.
With gratitude,
James Teo
I am fortunate to have been given the opportunity as a Singaporean to work as a barrister in Essex Court Chambers, London. My practice focuses on commercial litigation/arbitration, and I have a particular interest in technology-related disputes.
Working in London has been both rewarding and challenging. I have been given the chance to work on exciting cases, to appear before various courts and tribunals, and to learn from many excellent advocates. I have benefited greatly from the wide range of legal areas I have been exposed to, and the quality of training that I have received. However, this has by no means been a straightforward process, with numerous hurdles such as visa issues, cultural differences, and the steep learning curve of early years in practice (especially as a self-employed lawyer) to navigate.
In addition to my development as an individual practitioner, I am glad to see that the Singaporean legal community in London has grown considerably over the years. When I began my pupillage, the community of Singaporeans at the bar was virtually non-existent. It is heartening to see that many have joined the ranks over the years, and I look forward to seeing more fellow Singaporeans in this profession.
Finally, living abroad has also been helpful in areas outside of my legal practice: for example, giving me the opportunity to work with a London-based publisher for my debut photography book, to be launched later this year.
Wei Jian Chan
Barrister
Essex Court Chambers, London
Greetings from Hong Kong, where winter’s gentle retreat has given way to summer’s unrelenting heat — a warmth that, in many ways, feels reminiscent of home.
Working in Hong Kong has been an enriching experience, offering insights into different legal frameworks, cultures, and fresh perspectives. Yet as I walk through bustling neon-lit streets, I’m reminded that no matter how far I go, Singapore will always be the place that shaped me.
As Singapore marks an incredible 60 years as a nation, I send my warmest wishes from across the South China Sea. Singapore’s journey — marked by resilience, innovation, and the seamless fusion of tradition with modernity — is nothing short of inspiring.
Happy 60th Birthday, Singapore! Here’s to six remarkable decades and an even brighter future ahead. 加油 (Ga Yau) — Majulah Singapura!
Sanjev Guna
Senior Associate
Harney Westwood & Riegels
I moved to London to undertake pupillage at Twenty Essex in 2023 after a number of years working in the Singapore Legal Service and Judicial Service. Since completing pupillage, I have been practising as a barrister at Twenty Essex in London while also spending time in Singapore, where Twenty Essex has an outpost and a strong arbitration practice.
In my time at the English bar I have found that the experience and skills picked up during my legal career in Singapore have served me extremely well. It is also clear that there is considerable respect for Singapore law which is only growing, including in the increasing frequency with which Singapore jurisprudence is cited before the English courts and in English judgments, and the steady recruitment of Singapore-qualified lawyers to work in England. Both in London and in Singapore there is no shortage of international disputes with a Singapore element, and I look forward to strengthening and extending my connections in Singapore as I build my new practice.
Huang Jiahui
Barrister
Twenty Essex, London
