December 2012 ISSN: 0219-6441

Chan Sek Keong The Accidental Lawyer

Against All Odds Interview with Nicholas Aw

Be The Change Sustainable Development from Scraps

THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE FACULTY OF LAW Contents DEAN’S MESSAGE A law school, more so than most professional schools at a university, is people. We have no laboratories; our research does not depend on expensive equipment. In our classes we use our share of information technology, but the primary means of instruction is the interaction between individuals. This includes teacher and student interaction, of course, but as we expand our project- based and clinical education programmes, it also includes student-student and student-client interactions. 03 Message From The Dean MESSAGE FROM The reputation of a law school depends, almost entirely, on the reputation of its people — its faculty LAW SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS THE DEAN and staff, its students, and its alumni — and their 05 Benefactors impact on the world. 06 Class Action As a result of the efforts of all these people, NUS 07 NUS Law in the World’s Top Ten Schools Law has risen through the ranks of our peer law 08 NUS Law Establishes Centre for Asian Legal Studies schools to consolidate our reputation as Asia’s leading law school, ranked by London’s QS Rankings as the 10 th p12 09 Asian Law Institute Conference 10 NUS Law Alumni Mentor Programme best in the world. 11 Scholarships in Honour of Singapore’s First CJ Let me share with you just a few examples of some of the achievements this year by our faculty, our a LAWMNUS FEATURES students, and our alumni. 12 Chan Sek Keong ’61: The Accidental Lawyer 15 AG Steven Chong ’82: The Art & Craft of Litigation OUTSTANDING FACULTY 18 Priscilla Shunmugam ’06: Dressed For Success Our faculty continues to grow in number and prestige. 20 Nicholas Aw ’97: Against All Odds In 2012, we launched the new Centre for Asian 22 Pamela Yeo ’11: Be the Change — Legal Studies, which is fast becoming a global centre Sustainable Development from Scraps of excellence for the study of law in Asia. Our aim is p18 nothing less than to move the focus of Asian legal CLASS REUNIONS studies as a discipline from Europe and North America 24 Homecoming Dinner@BTC: to Singapore. A Reunion for the Classes of 1974 – 77 NUS Law faculty, in addition to teaching, produced 26 Class of ’92 Reunion: The Event Worth Waiting For impactful scholarship — ranging from textbooks 28 Alumni Day 2012 at Bukit Timah Campus that define a field to insightful articles that reshape 29 NUS International Business Law LL.M. thinking about an issue. We continued to engage Alumni Reception directly with the profession, notably through pro bono work that frequently involves students, but also “A LAW SCHOOL, MORE SO on issues of law reform where our views are sought THAN MOST PROFESSIONAL by government. p22 FACULTY FEATURE 30 Long Service Award Tribute SCHOOLS AT A UNIVERSITY, IS PEOPLE.” Do you have news that you would like to share with us, or have an announcement you want to make to your old schoolmates? We want to hear from you! Write to us at: email: [email protected] Golden Years Project — Helping those in need tel: (65) 6516 3616 HIGH-ACHIEVING STUDENTS Our students continued to excel both in the classroom fax: (65) 6779 0979 and beyond. Among many academic prize winners, this year’s Update your personal particulars at: valedictorian, Amos Toh ’12, topped the first class www.law.nus.edu.sg/alumni/update_particulars.asp honours list at NUS Law and then found out the next week that he had also come first in the Traditional LawLink. NUS Faculty of Law LL.M. at NYU, where he completed his NUS LL.B. under 469G Bukit Timah Road, Eu Tong Sen Building, our concurrent degree programme with NYU. Singapore 259776 website: www.nuslawlink.com www.law.nus.edu.sg/alumni

3 Law School Highlights Other prizes established this year include the David Ernest S. Chelliah Medal and Prize and the Roger Fisher Prize in Negotiation. Such awards encourage our students to ever greater achievements, as well as honouring the names of individuals who offer role models and inspiration to us all.

ENGAGED ALUMNI BENEFACTORS Valedictorian Amos Toh delivers his moving Our alumni continued to make us proud, with many speech at this year’s commencement. From January 2012 – October 2012 achievements worthy of recognition. Among these, we Our students also had great success in mooting and celebrated with former Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong other international competitions. Among other ’61 the end of an illustrious career on the bench. achievements, Benjamin Moh ’12 and Eddy Hirono He is succeeded by another alumnus, Chief Justice ’13 won the International Negotiation Competition Sundaresh Menon ’86. Another senior appointment (INC) in Belfast, UK; second year LL.B. students Trent was that of Attorney-General Steven Chong ’82, who DEAN’S CIRCLE — ALUMNI CIRCLE — FACULTY CIRCLE — Ng ’15, Ramandeep Kaur ’15 and Larisa Cheng ’15 also serves on our new Advisory Council, chaired by ABOVE $1,000 UP TO $1,000 UP TO $500 came in tops at the inaugural International Banking former Deputy Prime Minister Prof S. Jayakumar ’63. Allen & Gledhill Scholarship Asia-Pacific Centre For Environmental Law (APCEL) Class of 1995 Award and Investment Law (IBAIL) Moot Court Competition Alumni contribute to the life of NUS Law in many Allen & Gledhill LLP Lye Lin Heng, Irene ’73 Quark Kok Sin, David ’95 2012, held at Jaipur, India; while Kelvin Chong ’15 ways. In November we launched a new NUS Law Class of 1986 Bennett Lam Scholarship Fund APAA Book Prize Faculty of Law General Account and Xiao Hongyu ’14 won the Asian British Alumni Mentor Programme (“LAMP”). This initiative Chang Cheng Mei, Caroline ’86 Asian Patent Attorneys Association — Kwek Jin Peng, Yvonne ’06 Parliamentary Debating Championships 2012, held in links first and second year students with recent alumni, Lee Ho Wah ’86 Singapore Group Tan Wei Chean, Paul ’10 Jakarta, Indonesia. who can provide insights and guidance to the practice Sundaresh Menon ’86 Yeap Poh Leong, Andre ’86 Class of 1992 Pro Bono Grant Kwa Geok Choo Bursary of law. At the same time, we hope the programme will Liow Wang Wu ’92 Ang Carolyn provide an opportunity for greater engagement with David Ernest S. Chelliah Prize Yip Hsien Chang ’92 Annaik Limited our alumni. Jazmyn Chelliah JS Process System Pte Ltd Law Club Book Grant L & P Blasting & Coating Co Kwa Geok Choo Bursary Allen & Gledhill LLP Topsteel Solutions Asia Pte Ltd Aranda Investments Pte Ltd Chew Sui Gek, Magdalene ’95 Drew & Napier LLC Harry Elias Partnership LLP Lee Sheridan Legal Education Fund Heat Exchangers Specialist (S) Pte Ltd HOH Law Corporation A Navanitha ’12 Lee & Lee NUS Law Students Ang Wei Ming, Gregory ’12 Lee Hsien Loong Shook Lin & Bok LLP Chan Mei Sum ’12 Coach Associate Professor Joel Lee, Benjamin Tan Kwang Hwee Straits Law Practice LLC Chen De Zhi, Daniel ’12 Moh ’12, Eddy Hirono ’13, INC Exco member Wong Boon Huat Chen Jing LLM ’12 Professor Nancy Schultz. Lionel A. Sheridan Professorship of Law Cheow Jing Xuan ’12 Kwa Geok Choo Distinguished Visitor Yusuf Jumabhoy Dilip s/o Vasu Theavan ’12 We also had the opportunity to award new prizes Mentors and Mentees get a chance to meet Wing Tai Foundation Er Ewen ’12 WongPartnership LLP Kwa Geok Choo Bursary Fatin Nadiah Bte Masud ’12 and scholarships, notably our first Wee Chong Jin each other at the recent official launch of the programme on campus. Allalloy Dynaweld Pte Ltd Gatot Prasetyo Soemartono PHD ’12 Scholarship in Law. The award is to support law Kwa Geok Choo Professorship in Property Law Chia Kuan Wee Jikku Seban George LLM ’12 students pursuing their undergraduate studies at Another way in which alumni can contribute is through Rajah & Tann LLP Ho Gim Hai, Sam Johannus Houston Tian Jin ’12 Ngee Ann Kongsi Mclink Asia Pte Ltd Koh Rui Zhen, Clara ’12 NUS Law who embody similar values to the late Mr donating to NUS Law. We are lucky to have the support Singapore Press Holdings Limited Rotating Offshore Systems Pte Ltd Lee Jian Le, Marcus ’11 Wee. In celebration of their 110 th anniversary, Allen of government in offering a solid foundation for our Lee Ming-Le, Jonathan ’10 & Gledhill also made a generous contribution to activities. But to reach the very top tier of law schools Kwa Geok Choo Scholarship Shook Lin & Bok Fund for Annual Maintenance Li Weiduo ’12 Tote Board of Undergraduate and Graduate Student Lounges Lim Ruo Lin ’12 support academically outstanding but financially in the world — and to ensure that in doing so we do Aranda Investments Pte Ltd Shook Lin & Bok LLP Lim Xinxuan, Bernice ’12 needy students. not leave deserving students behind — we must seek Stamford Law Corporation Lim Zi Yao ’12 additional support from the wider community. Muhammad Asfian Bin Mohaimi ’12 Lee Sheridan Legal Education Fund NUS America Foundation, Inc The Class of 1992 offers an example of how much of Foo Tuat Yien ’76 Poh Zi Mi, Charmaine ’12 a difference this can make. At their 20 th year reunion, KhattarWong LLP Poon Kal-Lynn ’12 they established a new Pro Bono Fund, which will Kronenburg Edmund Jerome ’96 Poon Pui Yee ’12 Lai Siu Chiu ’72 Prateek Sharma LLM ’12 encourage and support the pro bono activities of NUS Law School Class of 1991 Quek Jun Haw, Joey ’12 future generations of students. Other alumni support Teoh Su-Ling, Linda ’90 Quek Wei Bin ’12 enables needy students to attend law school with less Tnee Zixian, Keith ’10 Shen Haoyu LLM ’09 Wu Di Tan Xiang Yun, Brenda ’12 worry about the financial impact on their families, Tan Yee Kiat ’12 Mrs Cecilia Wee Chong Jin (centre) introducing or enables us to expand our academic offerings by Lionel A. Sheridan Professorship of Law Tatiana Anpilogova LLM ’09 the biography, The First Chief: Wee Chong bringing in visiting faculty. Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara ’88 Teng Xiang Ting ’12 Jin — A Judicial Portrait, to the inaugural Wee Koh Eng Tian ’61 Teo Chin Ghee ’12 Chong Jin Scholarship in Law recipients — I hope you enjoy reading in these pages about some Sachi Saurajen ’61 Wong Jian Jie, Ronald ’12 NUS law undergraduate Seng Han Ting (left) of the activities taking place at NUS Law. There are Goh Yong Hong ’61 Wong Peck LLM ’10 and SMU law undergraduate Eugene Neo many other stories that we could share; I encourage Wong Shengzhi, Kelvin ’12 Zhi Wei (right). Wee Chong Jin Scholarship In Law Wong Sook Jing, Sabrina ’12 you to pay us a visit to find out more. Cecilia Wee Chong Jin & Family Xi An ’12 Zhong Chonglu LLM ’12 Dean Tort Law Prize Simon Chesterman Sweet & Maxwell Asia

* Some donors have asked that their contributions be made anonymously.

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CLASS ACTION NUS LAW IN THE WORLD’S TOP TEN SCHOOLS

Congratulations to Emeritus Professor Koh REUNIONS! Kheng Lian ’61 who has been awarded the Are you celebrating a land- 2012 Elizabeth Haub Prize for Environmental mark year in 2013? If you are Law. Founded in 1973, the prize is adminis - from the following classes: tered by the International Council of Environ- Class of ’73 – 40th Anniversary mental Law (ICEL) and Stockholm University. Class of ’78 – 35th Anniversary Laureates in recent years have included Pro - Class of ’83 – 30th Anniversary fessors Edith Brown-Weiss, Laurence Boisson Class of ’88 – 25th Anniversary Class of ’93 – 20th Anniversary de Chazournes, and Philippe Sand. The Prize, Class of ’98 – 16th Anniversary which includes a diploma and a gold medal, Class of ’03 – 10th Anniversary will be awarded at a ceremony in Stockholm The Alumni Relations team next year. can help to organise your In its explanation of decision, the Interna - Reunion. Please contact us at tional Jury stated: “The Prize is awarded in email: recognition of her important and pioneering [email protected] contributions to the development and evolu - tion of environmental law in Singapore and or

in the whole ASEAN region. Her contribu - tel: tions have been particularly significant as re - (65) 6516 3616. gards both capacity building and scholarship “I AM PARTICULARLY PLEASED THAT THIS in the field of ASEAN environmental law.” NEWS WILL CREATE EVEN MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR GRADUATES TO MAKE AN IMPACT Bryna Yeo ’07 and Louis Ng ’08 were married in a lovely solemnisation and dinner on 22 IN THEIR CHOSEN FIELD, IN SINGAPORE September, 2012. The wedding was well at - AND AROUND THE WORLD.” tended by family, friends and members of the bench and bar. Louis and Bryna are grateful for the love and support of family, friends and colleagues over the years, and look for - The National University of Singapore’s Faculty of Law Climbing up 14 places from last year to be placed ward to a lifetime together. (NUS Law) leads the way for Asia, as it moves up the among the world’s top ten law schools of 2012, NUS rankings to being among the top 10 law schools in the Law reaffirms its position as Asia’s Global Law School, world. In the latest release of “2012 World University being the only law school from Asia to join the likes of Congratulations to Valerie Oh ’03 and Dean Rankings by Subject” by London-based Quacquarelli top universities such as Harvard and Oxford. Cher ’03 on their cute bundle of joy! Here’s Symonds (QS), NUS Law is placed at 10th position in Law, Students of NUS Law are given rigorous legal st baby Claire celebrating her 1 month with shooting up from its previous ranking of 24th in 2011. training, together with personal and professional skills proud parents Valerie and Dean. “NUS Law is Asia’s Global Law School and aspires to that allow them to expand beyond their boundaries. be one of the very best law schools in the world. This This includes an opportunity to spend a semester latest recognition of our achievements is testimony to or more at partner law schools in over 15 countries, the hard work of our faculty and students, but also or completing the final year with a Masters of Laws the successes of our alumni,” says Professor Simon degree from New York University or Boston University. Chesterman, Dean of NUS Law. “I am particularly pleased Together with the NUS Centre for International Law, it that this news will create even more opportunities for also recently announced the creation of the Singapore our graduates to make an impact in their chosen field, International Arbitration Academy, which welcomed its in Singapore and around the world.” first candidates in November this year.

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NUS LAW ESTABLISHES CENTRE FOR ASIAN LAW INSTITUTE CONFERERENCE ASIAN LEGAL STUDIES

In February this year, the National and events. It will concentrate University of Singapore (NUS) in particular on justice and law Faculty of Law established a major reform issues across Asia, seeking NUS Law hosted the ninth Annual Conference range of topics, with the papers organised under seven new centre that will be a leading to foreground Asian perspectives of the Asian Law Institute (ASLI) from 31 May to general categories: forum for research on Asian law. on these issues. 1 June this year, attracting participants from no The Centre for Asian Legal Studies In recent years, NUS Law has less than twenty-eight countries ranging from »» Corporate Law and Governance Business Law (CALS) is headed by Professor hired an outstanding group of neighbouring Asian countries to as far afield as »» International and Comparative Law Andrew Harding. younger scholars specialising on Italy, Belgium and Brazil. »» Human Rights The decision to launch the Centre East, South, and South-East Asia. »» Criminal and Public Law is part of a strategy to position NUS This Centre offers the chance to Executive Director of ASLI, Assistant Professor Sundram Peter Soosay, reports. »» Law and Development; and Law as Asia’s Global Law School. capitalise on those developments »» Legal Theory. Legal developments in Asia are now and provide a critical mass for ASLI exists to encourage collaboration among scholars of critical importance to Singapore comparative work. in Asia and those working on legal research related Participants presented research on matters as diverse as and to the entire world. The Director of CALS, Professor to Asia. The annual ASLI conference has been firmly asset partitioning in China, tort law in Vietnam, anti- Prof Harding heads the Centre for Asian Legal Studies. “The Centre for Asian Legal Andrew Harding began his academic established as a highlight of the academic calendar terrorism law in Indonesia, arbitration law in Malaysia Studies establishes NUS Law as a career at NUS Law, before moving understand the role of law in such for many teachers and scholars, drawing enthusiastic and the law of evidence in Singapore. The sessions global centre of excellence for the on to SOAS, University of London, developments — and perhaps have participants from around the world. This year was gave participants an invaluable opportunity to learn study of law in Asia,” said NUS Law where he was appointed Head of an influence on the role law plays no exception. something of the experience of their neighbours and Dean Professor Simon Chesterman. the Law School, and latterly the in shaping the country’s future.” The theme of this year’s conference was “Law: An generated enthusiastic discussion, an engagement “Andrew Harding is a renowned University of Victoria in Canada, CALS will play a role in developing Asian Identity?” Participants were asked to consider that we are sure will continue as participants go on to scholar in the field who has made where he was Director of the Centre legal scholarship in the region. It the ways in which legal systems across Asia address the cultivate the many warm relationships initiated over the major contributions in Asian for Asia-Pacific Initiatives and Chair will build on NUS Law’s capacity- legal needs of their populations: two-day conference. and comparative legal studies, in Asia-Pacific Legal Relations. building work in areas such as At the Opening Dinner, NUS marked a new milestone as well as law and development. Aceh, Indonesia, as well as offering »» Is there a distinctive Asian approach or approaches, by launching the Center for Asian Legal Studies (CALS). Together with other NUS Law regional scholars to spend time in as is sometimes assumed, a peculiarly Asian way of CALS was honored to have had our former Dean, “ T H E R E C E N T O P E N I N G faculty working in the field and our Singapore to research, teach, and doing law? Professor Tan Cheng Han SC ’87, launch the centre. network of partners, I am confident UP OF MYANMAR/ participate in conferences. »» Are the much-debated “Asian values” a demonstrable The Distinguished Lecture this year was delivered that he will move the focus of The Centre will also attract top influence; or is the reality rather one of rich and by Professor Tommy Koh ’61 (pictured above), Am- B U R M A H I G H L I G H T S Asian legal studies as a discipline students and researchers from growing diversity, with the various legal systems bassador-At-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. from Europe and North America T H E I M P O R TA N C E O F around the world. But it is also likely across Asia all finding their own way to solutions Professor Koh’s lecture was titled “Law and Justice: An to Singapore.” to be of interest to practitioners, appropriate to their unique needs and expectations? Asian Perspective”. Professor Koh drew from his own T H E R E S E A R C H C A L S The Centre is the first of its government, and the media for its »» If so, what similarities and differences can be experience as a diplomat in his usual insightful and kind to be established in Asia. It WILL BE DOING” expertise on country-specific and observed across the larger practice of law in Asia? Is entertaining manner, to the great appreciation of the builds on NUS Law’s collaborations regional trends. there discernible convergence as we move into the audience. The lecture was followed by an engaging with other law schools around An upcoming event is the NUS- twenty-first century? question and answer session with the Director of ASLI, the region as part of the Asian “The recent opening up of SMU-HKU Symposium 2013, which Professor Andrew Harding. Law Institute (ASLI). This network Myanmar/Burma highlights the will discuss the topic titled, “Rights These questions and more were explored repeatedly The conference was closed with a presentation by has brought 86 visiting fellows importance of the research CALS in Asia — Naming, Blaming & over the two days, often with fascinating results. Professor R Venkata Rao, Vice Chancellor of the National from partner universities to NUS will be doing,” said Professor Claiming”. The event will take On the morning of the first day of the conference, Law School of India, Bangalore. The National Law School and organised successful annual Harding. “NUS Law has an place from 10 to 11 January at NUS the keynote speech was delivered by Former Deputy will be hosting the conference in 2013, a particular conferences since 2004. unrivalled cluster of scholars with Law. To find out more about events Prime Minister Professor S. Jayakumar ’63. honour as the conference enters its tenth year. CALS will focus on cutting edge relevant expertise. Having CALS by CALS, you are welcome to email In the course of the conference, over 130 papers As Professor Rao put it to the audience: “Bangalore Asian law research, publications, as a focal point will enable us to us at [email protected]. were presented across seven parallel sessions on a wide beckons.” We hope to see you there!

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NUS LAW ALUMNI MENTOR PROGRAMME SCHOLARSHIPS IN HONOUR OF SINGAPORE’S FIRST CJ

Law students now have an opportu- “As an undergraduate, your ex- nity for greater engagement with the posure to legal practice is almost faculty’s alumni. A joint collabora- zilch — save of course if you do tion between the Career Centre@ internships over the holidays, but Law and the Law Alumni Office, the even that is quite different. Hav- NUS Law Alumni Mentor Programme ing a mentor practitioner to share (LAMP) links first and second year their personal experiences, to clar- law students with recent alumni ify doubts and answer questions, who are willing to pledge their time is an invaluable opportunity for seen as a young (well maybe not to provide mentorship and guidance students. The mentors, being re- anymore) lawyer. Finally, I am NUS law undergraduate Seng Han Ting (left) and SMU law Mrs Wee addresses the event. Puan Noor Aishah (in blue outfit), wife of former undergraduate Eugene Neo Zhi Wei (right) receiving the President of the Republic of Singapore Yusof Ishak to student mentees on the practice cent graduates, are easy to talk to happy that NUS Law School is taking biography, The First Chief: Wee Chong Jin — A Judicial seated among guests. of law. because there isn’t any communica- an added step in its preparation of Portrait, from Mrs Cecilia Wee Chong Jin (centre). tion barrier that normally accrues its students for practice. We alumni from generation gaps. I’m defi- are proud of where we come from, nitely going to tap on this platform but the batches that follow us “CELEBRATING THE MEMORY OF AN to gain an insight into life as a will have more to be grateful for practicing lawyer and be more pre- with innovative programmes such OUTSTANDING JURIST AND A ROLE pared for what lies ahead of me!” as LAMP.” MODEL FOR THE NEXT GENERATION shares Kenny Low, president of the Participants are required to NUS Law Club, and a mentee in commit to the programme for a OF LAWYERS AND JUDGES” the programme. period of one year, where they are expected to meet each other in person at least once a semester. Other than having a one-to-one The family of the late Mr Wee Chong Jin, the Republic best qualities in a lawyer: young men and women Under this programme, student meeting each semester, Mentors of Singapore’s first Chief Justice, has set up an of outstanding academic ability who are also deeply mentees will benefit from the shared and Mentees will get to interact endowed fund for students at the National University engaged in their communities,” said Professor Simon experience of the alumni mentors, with each other at planned events of Singapore (NUS) and Singapore Management Chesterman, Dean of NUS Faculty of Law. “As NUS Law providing them with information which includes the launch and a University (SMU). strives to be one of the very best law schools in the that will better equip them in their closing celebration. During these With the gift, NUS will establish up to two Wee Chong world, it is important that we do so without leaving professional development. interactions, Mentors can share Jin Scholarships in Law, while SMU will establish one deserving students behind. Through the generosity Officially launched on 8 Novem- their professional experiences or Wee Chong Jin Scholarship in Law and the Wee Chong of the Wee family, these scholarships help us achieve ber 2012, LAMP has 87 registered about life in general, enriching Jin Prize for the Most Outstanding Juris Doctor Graduate. that aim — while also celebrating the memory of mentors and 133 mentees to date, the mentees’ and equipping them “Chong Jin was loved and well-respected by many. an outstanding jurist and a role model for the next a number that is set to increase. to make informed decisions about My children and I felt that bequeathing scholarships generation of lawyers and judges.” At the official launch held at the their future. for needy undergraduates in his name was a meaning- The inaugural Wee Chong Jin scholars, fourth-year faculty, mentors and mentees ful way to remember him by. We hope that present NUS law student Seng Han Ting and second-year SMU had the opportunity to meet and Sunil Sudheesan, from RHT Taylor and future students in both law schools will be in- law student Eugene Neo Zhi Wei, were announced at mingle over a buffet dinner, as an Wessing, who signed up as a spired by the qualities of integrity, passion and hard the Wee Chong Jin Scholarship Appreciation Event introduction to one another. mentor, said: “I was very pleased work which marked his lifetime achievements and le- held on 26 September 2012, at the Supreme Court. to learn of and participate in gal career,” said Mrs Cecilia Wee Chong Jin, wife of the Both students were elated to receive from Mrs Cecilia LAMP. LAMP will hopefully give late Mr Wee Chong Jin. Wee a biography of the late Mr Wee, entitled ‘The those students participating insight NUS will award up to two Scholarships a year, First Chief: Wee Chong Jin — A Judicial Portrait’, which into the realities of practice and valued at S$10,000 each. The award is to support law will enable them to get a full appreciation of Mr will similarly give mentors the students pursuing their undergraduate studies in NUS Wee’s contributions to the Judiciary and judicial sys- opportunity to keep in touch with Faculty of Law who embody similar values to the late tem of Singapore. the positive developments in Law Mr Wee. The candidate should be a law student who The appreciation event was graced by Guest-of- School. As a mentor, I hope to is active in community or charity work, and display a Honour, then Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong. Also enrich my mentees with the varied For more information on spirit of sportsmanship and collegiality. present at the event was Puan Noor Aishah, wife experience I enjoyed in Law School the programme, please visit: “The Wee Chong Jin Scholarships in Law will help of former President of the Republic of Singapore and the vagaries of practice I have http://law.nus.edu.sg/lamp.html financially needy students who epitomise the very Yusof Ishak.

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CHAN SEK KEONG ’61: Professor Tommy Koh went on to become Singapore’s ambassador to THE ACCIDENTAL LAWYER the United States and the United Nations. There is former law dean When Mr Chan became the Chief Justice six years ago, he was the first local law Thio Su Mien and former law graduate to helm the highest court in the land. But it was just the latest in a series society president T P B Menon. of firsts in a glittering career that spanned close to half a century. Former police commissioner Goh Yong Hong was also their classmate. By Teh Joo Lin ’14 In the book ‘The Law In His Hands: A Tribute to Chief Justice

Chan Sek Keong’, he said, “I can’t The first batch of students during lecture. recall that life in law school then was either difficult or was exciting… the LL.B. (Hons) degree. He had fair judge who keeps a close eye on But social life in the campus was in fact completed his six months’ fairness and justice as he navigates a certainly exciting.” pupillage. Mr Chan had already field of legal technicalities. He met his wife there. performed his pupillage with Before he entered public service, “After staying (I wouldn’t want Bannon & Bailey in Kuala Lumpur. Mr Chan practised with Braddell to use the word ‘living’) one week The sticking point was that the law Brothers and then Shook Lin & Bok. at the Dunearn Road hostel, a class- recognising the law degree had Over 25 years in private practice, mate recommended that I move to been delayed. he became Singapore’s leading Kingsmead Hall where he was liv - He petitioned to be called once corporate lawyer — the go-to ing. I was glad I did as Kingsmead the legislation was passed. guy for many banks, accountants Hall was an infinitely more peace - Girded for battle, the Bar Coun - and businesses. ful and civilised place for somewhat cil of the Federation of Malaya, So it was perhaps inevitable disoriented students from up coun- represented by its Chairman, then that he was called upon to lend his try. Incidentally, it was also during the leading advocate in the coun - expertise in the aftermath of what my stay in Kingsmead Hall that I try, opposed the petition on the may remain the largest corporate met the girl (Ms Elisabeth Eber) ground that the Advocates and collapse in Singapore history. that I was destined to marry a few Solicitors Ordinance required that Marine salvage company Pan- years later,” he said. the applicant to show that he had Electric sank into receivership after it sufficient “reasons” to justify an failed to repay hundreds of millions CALLED TO THE BAR abridgement of time. He argued in loans, dragging down with it An aim of many fledging lawyers is that Mr Chan could muster up just scores of other businesses and In 1961, Mr Chan was in the pioneer batch of law He said, “My English Literature teacher, Dr A Etherton, to have their court cases appear in one reason, ie: delay in the passing bankrupting stockbroking firms that graduates from the then University of Malaya, the pulled me aside one day and told me that I should the law reports and/or noted in the of the legislation. had been caught up in financing forerunner of the National University of Singapore. study law instead of some arts subject, like History law journals. After he graduated, The Bar Council’s objection deals called forward contracts. This In public service, he was appointed Singapore’s first or Economics, as I had a ‘crafty’ (in the good sense Mr Chan achieved just that — but was rejected by Justice H T Ong, caused an unprecedented three-day judicial commissioner in 1986. In 1992, he was also the of the word) mind. I put the suggestion to my father, as his own petitioner in applying a formidable judge who later closure of the Singapore and Kuala first local graduate to become the Attorney-General. but he left it to me to decide. Since in those days, I for admission to the Malayan Bar. became Chief Justice of the States Lumpur stock exchanges. But all this was far from his mind when he decided thought that the teacher knew best about his students’ The Bar Council objected to his of Malaya. But for Mr Chan, the closure in to settle in Singapore after he was called to the Bar intellectual ability, I acted as advised.” application to abridge the period The experience would set the 1985 would have lasted beyond in Malaysia. He came to law school armed with a sharp memory, of pupillage he had to serve under tone for Mr Chan’s career in the three days. In an email interview with LawLink, the recently which he is legendary for. the delayed legislation recognising judiciary. He has been said to be a He said: “The Stock Exchange, retired Chief Justice explained why he ended up Mr Chan explained that in school, he was “made the which had closed for three days, practising here: “Because the girl I was then courting, class scribe” because he knew “a little more English had to open the next day, as other - and later married, was living in Singapore.” than his classmates”. wise it might have been a setback He said, “My function was to take down all the new for Singapore’s goal to be a finan - DATE WITH DESTINY words used by the English teacher (he was a Cambridge cial centre.” By his own admission, Mr Chan “became a law student graduate) and read them out in the next class On receiving instructions from by accident”. whenever a student, when asked, did not remember certain officers of the Monetary He had already been admitted into the arts the meaning. So, I developed a good memory from the Authority of Singapore, he set faculty of the University of Malaya in Singapore — exercise and also, as a lawyer, made sure that when about drafting a lifeboat agree - for the term of Sept 1957 — when Dr Lionel Astor I go to court I would know more about the legal issues ment (which he first dictated to Sheridan, the first Professor of Law and Head of than my opponent.” a secretary) within a couple of the Law Department, travelled to his school in Ipoh. The pioneer batch of local law graduates is widely- hours, so that it could be signed The professor was recruiting students for the new acknowledged as the most illustrious class ever. by all the stockbrokers and fund - law course. Mr Chan’s class roster reads like a list of “Who’s Who”. ing banks by the wee hours of Class of 1961: The first local law school graduates. the morning.

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The exchange re-opened for business on the “THEY ALWAYS HAVE YOUR AG STEVEN CHONG ’82: fourth day. Over the next few days, he helped the INTEREST AT HEART AND THE ART & CRAFT OF LITIGATION stockbroking firms to execute debentures WANT THE BEST FOR YOU.” — in the form of floating charges — as secu- Attorney-General Steven Chong ’82 assumed office as the seventh rity for bank loans. As required under the Attorney-General of Singapore on 25 June 2012. He speaks to law, he went on to register the details of the the law but of your own feeling about the Victor Katheyas ’13 about encouraging young lawyers, charges before billing the Stock Exchange for consequences of your decision. and maintaining passion and professionalism in the law. the work. “Sentencing was particularly challenging But to his “utter surprise, they refused to and difficult.” (Photos by Kelvin Ma ’03, Mofyphotos) pay on the ground that I had overcharged His experience has led him to conclude them. So, I wrote them a polite letter and that judges are probably born and not made. informed them that I would send a full bill “I think the qualities of a judge are more for work done and could have it taxed, as innate than acquired. Some people have a the bill would be much higher than the one I judicial temperament. Some don’t. Some had sent.” lawyers can tolerate a lot of tedium: some After a few days, the Stock Exchange paid may not be able to adjust to an isolated the bill, presumably after receiving advice existence,” he said. from another firm of lawyers. Mr Chan counts the episode as his most EXPANDING LEGAL SCENE memorable experience as a lawyer. Mr Chan leaves the legal limelight at a time when the industry is expanding, with more foreign law firms and law graduates entering the fray. In his self-effacing manner, Mr Chan said he might not be able to do well if he had been a law student today. He said: “Legal practice today is much more competitive and therefore more chal - lenging and difficult for young lawyers to Classmates from the Class of 1961 together again at get judicial or peer recognition. I would have the Bukit Timah Campus a very hard time surviving, much less prosper- There’s a lot going on right now at the Attorney-General’s TIME AT THE BENCH ing, in today’s environment.” Chambers (AGC). What are your more pressing commitments? Mr Chan’s achievements as an attorney- He has some advice for future lawyers: When I decided to do this job, I had a couple of priorities. general and judge are a matter of public “Listen to your teachers. They always have First, I was sensitive to the fact that we’ve had a number of AGs over record. Recently, Law Minister K. Shanmugam your interest at heart and want the best for the last few years. So I wanted to ensure that there would be stability and described him as one of Singapore’s greatest you. Your success is their pride.” consistency. So I spent some time understanding the changes introduced jurists. Still, it bears reminder that by the He also urged practitioners to remember by my predecessor AG Sundaresh Menon ’86 — who was my partner at time he retired after his 75 th birthday, some that law serves a social purpose — to hold Rajah & Tann for many years — I wanted to ensure that I understood the 380 judgments bore his name. society together. thinking behind his policies and could carry through those policies. And Recent landmark decisions included He said: “The law is still a noble pro- that was my way of demonstrating to my officers that this would be a United Overseas Bank Bebe bte Mohammad fession when it is used to fulfil its social fairly seamless change. in 2006, a land law case that reiterated purpose. Lawyers should use and apply the Second, I wanted to know the nature of the work; because this is like the centrality of certainty in land dealings law wisely for their clients as a body of a big law firm. But it is unique in the sense that unlike private practice in Singapore. ethical and moral principles.” which is profit driven, here, I don’t have to look for the next brief and I He said of his decisions: “My role is have no billing targets to meet. However in discharging my duties, I must to administer justice. Every judgment is THE ROAD AHEAD bear in mind the social impact of my decision, about public perception of satisfying when I feel that my decision is Mr Chan said that he would stay in contact the office. the correct decision on the evidence and with legal practice “if my services are Public confidence in the judiciary and in the prosecution arm is critical in the circumstances of the case. Judicial needed, and I can meet the need.” to our society. One of my big challenges, moving forward, is to strike a satisfaction is best enjoyed vicariously.” Meanwhile, he will spend time reading balance in deciding when and how to engage the social media. I have While he does not recall a particularly “all the books I have collected but not read.” done it in the last month because I felt it was necessary. But it is not always hard judgement to make, the toughest cases So far, his only fixed plan is the one that possible for this office to respond to every criticism, every comment. were always been those that attracted the led him to pack his bags for Singapore in the The third is to examine what refinements can be introduced in the hangman’s noose. first place. working relationship between AGC and the enforcement agencies to He said: “The hardest cases are usually the “(I have) no firm or specific plan, except maintain a fair, efficient and effective criminal justice system. I have capital cases, but that may not be because of to spend more time with my family,” he said. initiated a couple of projects since I came on board. My senior officers are working through the details for implementation.

14 15 aLawmnus Features

HIS SHORT-LIVED FOOTBALL CAREER

What do you remember best of your Law School days? “Y O U K N O W Y O U Nothing to do with law. Football! H A V E N O S A F E T Y Because our class was very small, we didn’t have that many sportsmen. So our soccer team was our N E T W H E N Y O U squash team, tennis team and our captain’s ballteam. G O T O C O U R T, In short, our all-purpose sports team. When we were in final year, we got to the finals of Y O U T E N D T O B E inter-year soccer competition. In the finals we played MORE PREPARED.” the first year team and, if my memory serves me right, more than half that team represented the faculty and a number of them played for the university. I “volunteered” to play goalie, even though I was more comfortable playing as a left-winger. (Laughs) The whole game was in our half, because they were when we finished our last exam paper, we camped in to be more prepared. When you win a case, when you attacking us throughout the match. We had one shot Beckman’s house overnight to finalise the submissions. achieve a certain result, the satisfaction is infinitely where the ball crossed the other half,and Peter Ng ’82 Our Respondent’s memorial won the Richard Baxter higher than if you are second or third chair. You will scored the only goal of the match. prize for the best overall memorial. In the printing, also learn when the outcome is unfavourable by Through that miracle, we became unexpected and we actually missed out part of a sentence. So when examining where you went wrong. I think the lack of some would say undeserving champions of the inter- we reviewed it, we realised that the sentence ended opportunity to do independent work has contributed A HISTORY-MAKING CLASS year soccer. (Laughs) That was quite a coup. abruptly… But we still won! (Laughs) Best memorial of to the high attrition rate among the younger set. the entire competition! (Laughs harder) You were part of the Class of 1982. This is a class ALL-STAR JESSUP TEAM MAINTAINING THE PASSION that Professor Robert C. Beckman remembers very I suppose the most significant event, which defined YOUNG LAWYERS AND LITIGATION fondly. ( Editor: see Professor Beckman’s interview my time in NUS, was my participation in the Jessup What advice do you have with regard to keeping in the May 2012 issue of LawLink. ) This class has Moots. It was an incredible experience. Other Jessup Having been on the Bench for a while, do you yourself sufficiently motivated when you work? produced Judges of Appeal, Attorneys-General, mooters from my class eventually became my partners think the lack of court exposure is palpable Many lawyers from my generation will leave at some Senior Counsel, Deans, professors and managing — Davinder, Jimmy and VK. I am the only member of among younger lawyers? point. At every stage of your career there are chal- partners. What was it like to be part of that class? the team who can say, “I was a partner with all three In the trials that I had presided over, it was quite rare lenges, but there are milestones for you to cross which First, it was a very small class — no more than 80 of of them” (not at the same time). to have young lawyers acting as first chair. It has to do would spur you to carry on. us. Because it was a small cohort, we knew each other with awareness by clients. Perhaps due to rankings in It’s very important to maintain the passion because quite well. So, if you ask me did we think we were So between football and the Jessups, if you had law directories or the status of Senior Counsel, clients it is a stressful and demanding calling. As a profession, special (laughing), I can say yes? (Laughs harder) to choose… are now more aware of who they want to represent people expect high standards from you. They pay top I think if you had asked me, when we were in Law The Jessups, definitely! Fantastic experience. Our win them. In my time, the clients would choose a law dollar for you. And it’s not easy to always maintain School, that in thirty years’ time two of my classmates in football was a fluke! firm. They wouldn’t always insist on specific senior the interest level if you don’t maintain your passion in would be in the Court of Appeal, that I would be the We were fortunate: one of our former Law School partners handling the cases. They were quite prepared the profession. Attorney-General, that Davinder (Singh SC ’82) would lecturers, Ralph Tyler III (who taught us evidence) in most cases to accept the recommendations of the One thing I did, in my early years — I was very keen be the Managing Partner of Drew & Napier, I probably had returned to practice in Washington DC — we senior partners. in shipping/admiralty practice — it was important to wouldn’t have thought that would happen! slept in his living room in the advanced stages of the Today, clients will say, “I want so-and-so to argue translate the enthusiasm in the practice to interest in But did I think that we would produce some great competition because we couldn’t afford a hotel. That the case.” You know, with litigation and cross-exam- the industry. I made it a point to keep myself updated lawyers? I would say, “yes”. I think it was a very special was because in those days, funding was limited to ination, you develop those skills through experience on the commercial developments in the maritime class. Several of my classmates became my colleagues. only two students. After our win, we wrote a paper — getting it right, getting it wrong, and improving. world — the freight market, bunker prices, changes Davinder was my partner for 15 years at Drew & to convince the faculty to send four members to have There is simply no substitute for first-hand experience. in the top management of leading shipping and Napier. Jimmy (Yim ’82) was my partner for close to any decent chance to do well in the competition. It insurance companies etc. In this way, I could speak the 10 years. Leena Pinsler ’82 was my partner for 15 years was accepted. Subsequent teams benefitted from our So what’s the solution if you’re a young language of the industry. I regularly delivered papers in Drew and thereafter at Rajah & Tann. VK (Justice recommendation. lawyer, and you’re just doing memos for your at Conferences. This helps you to gain recognition V K Rajah ’82) was my partner in Rajah & Tann for six We were there to have a good time! We were senior partners? amongst your peers and the industry leaders. The years before he went to the Bench. Justice Phang and watching movies, enjoying ourselves… we hardly spent I think the solution is for the big law firms to be recognition will in turn motivate you to carry on, Justice Rajah were my fellow judges on the Bench. So anytime sparring with each other. By then, we were more willing to get their younger lawyers to do more because you know that you are making a significant I was very fortunate to have worked with a number of either ready or not. independent work. contribution to your practice. my classmates. We didn’t have a coach with us at the competition I was glad when they did it, because I was there to In my new office as the AG, I work with government unlike many of the other teams. While preparing in guide them, to encourage them. That was my part in agencies like the Singapore Land Authority — Chief Singapore, Prof Beckman advised us closely. We did encouraging the young to participate in the trial process. Executive Vincent Hoong ’82 was my classmate. Head many, many drafts, and we barely made the submission As a young lawyer, you take a lot more ownership of Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, deadline, because the critical period leading to the and pride in your work if you are first chair, you know Read the full interview in the August issue of LawLink Juthika Ramanathan ’82, was also my classmate. deadline was also our exam period. I remembered you have no safety net when you go to court, you tend at www.nuslawlink.com.

16 17 aLawmnus Features

PRISCILLA SHUNMUGAM ’06: DRESSED FOR SUCCESS “THE MOST IMPORTANT Known for its line of contemporary fashion infused with Asian influence for the THING LAW SCHOOL stylish women of today, local fashion label Ong-Shunmugam was among the outstanding local names chosen to debut their latest selection at this year’s TAUGHT ME WAS TO Paris Fashion Week. LawLink catches up with its founder, Priscilla Shunmugam’06, HAVE THE AUDACITY who shares with us her experience, and a glimpse into the glamorous event. TO THINK ABOUT WHAT I SHOULD DO WITH THE REST OF MY ADULT LIFE.”

Priscilla in a media interview at Paris Fashion Week. Spring/Summer 2013 collection.

How did you feel to be among those featured What are your upcoming business at the Paris Fashion Week? development plans? Every designer dreams of having a show at Paris The business has grown alarmingly fast and has left Fashion Week, you know? But making it there in less me playing catch up most of the time. In the next year than two years is something else altogether. It was an or so we hope to become better and more efficient incredibly humbling experience, yet at the same time what we do and of course, to expand our presence to it made me realise how much potential the label has, key fashion capitals across the world, if not Asia. The quite simply because we have a point of view that options are plenty — the trick lies is knowing how to matters and matters well. say no.

What inspires your selection of designs How has your experience at NUS Law helped you? to showcase at the Fashion Week? I’m incredibly proud of my time at Law School and I We showed our Spring/Summer 2013 collection which always tell journalists that. While I struggled to find is essentially a ready-to-wear line of cheongsams in my footing in the beginning, I graduated with a kind contemporary silhouettes and interpretations based of clarity and discipline that I doubt I could have on a field study of old architecture across Asia. It is honed elsewhere. The most important thing Law sometimes as literal as referencing tiles, minarets, School taught me was to have the audacity to think arches and turning these into design elements, and about what I should do with the rest of my adult life. other times the references are more cognitive.

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“AN ENVIRONMENT PAMELA YEO ’11: WHERE THERE IS BE THE CHANGE — A GENUINE THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND TEACHERS SO FROM SCRAPS GENEROUS WITH Lawlink speaks to Pamela Yeo, founder of Saught about the social business THEIR TIME and how her education at NUS Law has helped her.

AND SHARING By Celestine Chan THEIR WISDOM”

Managing a business that turns scrap metals into » The de-mining/munitions-cutting organisations in fashionable jewelry, Law graduate Pamela Yeo Cambodia — The jewellery pieces serve as a plat- together with Ng Sook Zhen ’11 and Adeline Heng form for advocacy for problems of indiscriminate from SMU, has walked the road less travelled to weaponry used during war, and its repercussions promote peace and sustainable development in » NGO artisanal workshops — They support and countries affected by conflicts. help grow their social impact to fight poverty and Saught, a social business co-founded by the trio, build capacity creates jewellery from landmines and unexploded » Designers and design students — An opportunity to ordnance to support sustainability in post-conflict do good with their talents, and to have their work countries. The products are then up for purchase and inspiration showcased internationally through an online store (http://saught.com.sg/) set up earlier this year, where the proceeds are reinvested BACKED BY LEGAL EDUCATION into the company to further sustainability efforts. Recently nominated as a finalist of the “Yahoo! The company’s vision is “to create a work integration Singapore 9”, a campaign which honours young model implemented across post-conflict countries. Singaporeans under the age of 35, Pamela attributes We want to create an international community part of her success in pursuing her cause to her legal of advocates through our collaborative model, education background. She hopes that her legal championing for peace building efforts.” background has honed her advocacy skills and abilities While many law students look forward to starting to translate that to the social business and the social their legal career after graduation, Pamela and her causes that they campaigned for. friends took a leap of faith in pursuing her calling. “In fact, Sook Zhen and I had much support from Prof Stephen Phua in the Business and Finance for HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Lawyers class in 2011! We were just getting Saught In 2011, they obtained the NUS Enterprise’s Innovation off the ground then, and used our work for the & Entrepreneurship Practicum Grant, established Live Business project under his module. He provided Saught and entered into partnership with the much guidance and insight for us as we started out,” Cambodian Mine. she shared. The business seeks to provide a solution that is a re - On her best memories of NUS Law, Pamela recalls sult from international and civil conflict. According to fondly, “definitely around the beautiful campus the company, post conflict countries often find them - grounds — the meaningful and insightful conversations selves in an active pursuit of peace. With landmines enjoyed with friends, an environment where there is a and unexploded ordnance continuing to plague the genuine thirst for knowledge, and teachers so generous country, it becomes unsafe for locals to carry on their with their time and sharing their wisdom. I loved classes daily lives for fear of these explosive remnants of war. by Prof Thio Li Ann — her Human Rights, and Public The destruction of infrastructure also leads to situations International Law classes always sparked off great of poverty due to a lack of employment opportunities. debates; and mediation classes by Prof Joel Lee, which It was a challenge starting a business while juggling were conducted in such an interactive manner.” final year studies, completing Part B and training She hopes to see Saught grow and expand their contracts. However, the thought of giving up never did impact to other post-conflict countries such as Sri come up, as the company focused on three main groups Lanka, Timor-Leste, and Laos. All of us at NUS Law wish that stand to benefit from their social business model: her the very best in her pursuit!

22 23 Class Reunions

HOMECOMING DINNER @ BTC: A REUNION FOR THE CLASSES OF 1974 – 77

By Bernard Doray ’76

They say some things never change. The reunion of 77 law graduates from the years of 1974 to 1977 together with about 10 lecturers of that era was testament to that. After almost 38 years, and although some may have gone broad or bald, their characteristic attributes remained unchanged. First there was Chandra Mohan ’76; the organised one. His reliable lecture notes helped many in his cohort of 1976 sail through law school. True to form, he headed the organising committee for the reunion

Soh Eng Kiau & Rosita Yeo with diligence and responsibility, ensuring that everything moved like clockwork and delivered on time. Of course, he was ably supported by the organising committee comprising Mohandas Naidu ’74, John Abraham ’74, S Radakrishnan ’75, Aziz Tayabali ’75, Denis Tan ’75, Carla Barker ’75, Bernard Doray ’76, Bobby Chia ’76, Peter Low ’77, Sujatha Bhargavan ’77, Sarjit Singh ’77, Belinda Ang ’77, and NUS Law Faculty colleagues, Trina Gan ’04, Goh Mia Yang ’92, Zafira Yusoff, and NUS Development Office colleagues, Emilie Jouno and Gregory Lee. Then there was Radakrishnan, a student unionist and USSU President who graduated in 1975. As always he had everyone cracking up with Gathering by Class of 1977 with Professor Geoffrey his recollections of the student union uprisings, cutting classes and yet Bartholomew & Professor Tan Sook Yee finishing law school. (Were they much smarter then?) John Abraham (formerly and fondly known as Mahinder) and once a great varsity and national athlete, graduated in 1974 but recalled how he almost ‘graduated’ after his first year in law school, if not for the kind intervention of the then Vice Dean Mrs Tan Sook Yee. Then there was Kim Seah Teck Kim ’77; the serious one. From top student to Assoc Prof, and finally making it as law practioner. Deborah Barker and Edmond Pereira ’76 as MCs kept the tone of the evening reminiscent with their oratorical skills and never at a loss for words. Everyone remembered them as our university debaters who made “AT THE END, AS WE MOVE ON TO OUR us proud and especially Edmond for his disc jockey skills by night at a local club to pay his way through law school. His raspy voice remained AUTUMN YEARS IT IS ALL ABOUT OUR unmistakable not withstanding long years at the Bar! Trishaw pageant in 1972. COLLECTIVE EXPERIENCES AND MEMORIES.” The Dean of NUS Law, Prof Simon Chesterman opened the evening with a warm welcome message. Prof Tommy Koh ’61, Dean to most of us in our undergraduate days, demonstrated his customary selflessness in delivering a message that touched the hearts of all. He highlighted the widening While the reunion catered food and beer from the and of course the many Malaysian friends who made gap between the have and have-nots and urged the well heeled among us timeless NUSS Guild House, it also reminded us of our up almost half the cohort of the ’70s. who have benefitted from a university education to give back to society. poorer undergraduate days when students hung out at At the end, as we move on to our autumn years it Mrs Tan Sook Yee took the honours for the evening though. She the old Guild House at Evans Road to sniff out the best is all about our collective experiences and memories. appeared at the reunion brimming with unmatched eloquence reminding looking girls from Eusoff College, and concurrently May we always stay connected to our alma mater and all the “boys” of their major crush as students. Undoubtedly, it was an attempt to scrounge a free beer from seniors who had give back to the law faculty, NUS and society with evening where most of us relived wonderful memories, notwithstanding made it on graduation. compassion and kindness. To all our friends who were wet weather. The photo montage put together by Bobby Chia and the And so the night ended remembering those who there (and those who could not make it this time), accompanying mischievous jingles of yesteryear by the “Elderly Brothers” had passed on, thanking the organisers and those who hoping to meet again, sooner rather than later. Thanks Gathering at University Road. (recorded by the Class of ’72) was a hit. had come from as far away as Europe and Australia for the memories!

24 25 Class Reunions

CLASS OF ’92 REUNION: THE EVENT WORTH WAITING FOR

By Judy Chang ’92

Twenty years have flown by in a blink of an eye. The Class of ’92 held our 20th year reunion on 2 November. This was preceded by many mass emails, Facebook posts, last-minute persua- sions (read badgering) on the phone, voice-mails, instant messaging trying to round up everyone. Almost 90 classmates, a number that is close to half of the class attended the reunion, and it was the biggest turnout of the three reunions we organised so far. The Dean, Prof Simon Chesterman gave the opening speech, followed by our AV man, Andrew Chan speaking in remembrance of Winston Wong, our classmate who had suddenly passed away earlier this year and leading the group in a minute of silence in Winston’s memory. Gregory Vijayendran closed the serious part of the night with an exhortation of the pro bono grant the class is creating and shaping, and encouraged everyone to contribute. The fun part was trying to recognise one another! Many have gone greyer, some have completely lost their hair, while a few lucky ones looked practically unchanged over the years, whether attributable to good genes or external help. The best part about this reunion was not only that we had a chance to meet up, but that it served as a catalyst for many of us to renew old friendships that were developed during the best years of our lives and to arrange further catch-ups. For those who had missed this, the fun continues on our Facebook group page so check us out — “NUS Law Faculty — Class of 1992”!

26 27 Class Reunions Class Reunions

ALUMNI DAY 2012 AT BUKIT TIMAH CAMPUS NUS INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LAW LL.M NUS alumni flocked back to the Bukit Timah Campus for Alumni Day 2012. ALUMNI RECEPTION

Trina Gan ’04 reports By Alexander Grafe, LL.M ’10

The 8th of July, 2012 saw a record number of 900 NUS alumni coming back to the Bukit Timah campus for Alumni Day @ Bukit Timah Campus. Organised by the NUS Office of Alumni Relations, the annual event is always popular with our alumni, particularly those who spent their undergraduate years on the campus. Especially well-represented at this year’s Alumni Day was Law School’s pioneer class, represented by then Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong ’61 (accompanied by his wife Elisabeth Chan ’64), S Rajendran ’61, Sachi Saugen ’61, and T P B Menon ’61. Alumni were treated to a night of laughter and mem- ories, with a programme that included performances by The fourth annual National University of Singapore (NUS) International alumni, as well as a photo exhibition consisting of pic- Business Law (IBL) Masters of Law (LL.M.) programme alumni reception tures contributed by alumni themselves. took place on 20th October, 2012. This year, the gathering was hosted on Sounds like fun? It certainly was! Make sure to join us the top floor of the Four Seasons Hotel in Shanghai, China. for Alumni Day next year! The reception became a forum for over 170 participants including both current and former students, prominent members of the local and international community, recruitment directors and head-hunters, and industry friends. Guan Jian Jun, Deputy President of the Shanghai Bar Association, delivered one of two key-note speeches on the importance of developing the legal industry within China. Doreen Jaeger-Soong, Managing Director of Hughes-Castel, delivered the second key-note speech identifying the ever growing demand for lawyers within China for both international and Chinese lawyers. As an added surprise, Professor Simon Chesterman, Dean of NUS Law, addressed the participants of the reception on the big-screen. In 2005, the NUS, in partnership with the East China University School of Political Science and Law (ECUPL), established a unique opportunity for students and lawyers to pursue graduate legal studies in two growing global financial hubs, Singapore and Shanghai, with a focus on international business law. The alumni consist of a global network of highly-accomplished lawyers and students.

For more information, visit www.nusiblalumni.com

28 29 Faculty Feature

LONG SERVICE AWARDS TRIBUTE

Professor Leong Wai Kum, Professor Walter Woon Cheong Meng ’81, Professor Teo Keang Sood, Professor Tan Cheng Han S.C. ’87, Assoc Prof Gary Bell, celebrating 35 years of service. celebrating 30 years of service. celebrating 20 years of service. celebrating 15 years of service. celebrating 15 years of service.

NUS Law is proud to celebrate “The years have flown by. It appears “I came back to NUS after thirteen Most memorable moment: Every Most memorable moment: It would “In 2002, a team of students together with our outstanding to be true that time flies when you years away because I felt that this time when I know that I have done have to be the day in early-2001 I was coaching won the Vis Moot academics who received Long enjoy yourself. I can say with some was my natural habitat. Contact good teaching in class. when I was summoned to the Vice- in international commercial Service Awards this year. honesty that I look forward to work with the students is what I enjoy Look forward to most in their Chancellor’s office where I was told arbitration in Vienna. They were When LawLink asked our each day. There have been many most. They haven’t yet lost their work: That has to be meeting my that he wanted me to succeed Prof the best of 108 teams from all over awardees to share their most good moments over the years but idealism and become jaded or students in class — teaching and Chin as Dean. I remember suddenly the world. They made me feel very memorable moment and what one that is memorable to me was cynical. In any case, as a profession interacting with them. feeling the weight of responsibility privileged and proud of teaching look forward to most in their when, fairly early in my career, Mrs we are responsible for training the and wondering if I was up to the at a law school that attracts such work at NUS Law...here’s what Lu Sinclair who was a formidable generations that come after. Senior demands of the office! fantastic, smart and hardworking “ E V E R Y T I M E W H E N they shared. Registrar of NUS in her time, lawyers have always been involved Look forward to most in their students. The corporate name of telephoned me one afternoon. She in professional education. This is I K N O W T H A T I H A V E work: I enjoy very much interacting McGill University, where I went to told me that, having looked into the only way to ensure that the with the student body. They are by law school and first taught law, D O N E G O O D T E A C H I N G the points I earlier raised with her, aspiring lawyers are properly fitted and large a good bunch of young is the 'Royal Institution for the she agreed that married female to survive in the real world.” I N C L A S S . ” people and aside from the law, Advancement of Learning'. Maybe staff members have the legal I’ve had conversations with them that is why my former Dean at right to continue to use their own about sports, gaming, movies, McGill used to welcome the first “ I FELT THAT THIS WAS surname and that the salutation music and relationships. year class by addressing them as ‘Ms’ had become the appropriate MY NATURAL HABITAT” ‘Dear fellow students of the law’. salutation of such women. I was It is a privilege to be an academic: “ I R E M E M B E R touched by her kindness. Back I am paid to learn through research then ‘Prof’ was reserved only for S U D D E N LY F E E L I N G and teaching, and to share what I full professors and I was happy to have learned through teaching and T H E W E I G H T O F be the first married woman to be publications. To me, there could formally addressed as ‘Ms’ instead RESPONSIBILITY” be no better job. I am looking of ‘Madam’. Mrs Sinclair made a forward to learning more, which is considered educated response even why I became an academic in the though the suggestion emanated first place.” from a junior colleague.”

Congratulations to all our Name of Staff Years of Service Name of Staff Years of Service long service award recipients! Prof Leong Wai Kum 35 Prof Teo Keang Sood 20 Prof Woon Cheong Ming, Walter 30 Prof Loy Wee Loon 20 Prof M Sornarajah 25 Prof Tan Cheng Han 15 Assoc Prof Ng Siew Kuan 25 Assoc Prof Gary Bell 15 Prof Thio Li-ann 20 Prof S Jayakumar 10 Assoc Prof Chan Wing Cheong 20 Assoc Prof Daniel Seng Kiat Boon 10

30 31 www.nuslawlink.com