ALUMNI NEWSLETTER MAY 2026 EDITION
PROFESSOR LEE PEY WOAN Dean, Yong Pung How School of Law MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN Dear Alumni, 2025 was a particularly busy and eventful year for our community. SMU celebrated its 25th anniversary and, for me personally, the year carried special significance as it also marked 25 years of service at SMU. Pausing to reflect on my journey here fills my heart with deep gratitude. A huge part of that joy comes from the privilege of sowing into the lives of our students, many of whom have since become highly capable lawyers, professionals, and individuals making meaningful contributions to society in their own unique ways. Watching our graduates flourish across the profession and beyond has been one of the greatest blessings and privileges of my career. Importantly, many of you also continue to play a critical role in building and advancing the School – through your active service as adjuncts, mentors, moot coaches, speakers, employers, donors, and supporters of our programmes and events. Your willingness to give generously of your time, expertise, and resources has profoundly enriched the student experience and strengthened the culture of our community. This newsletter captures only a snapshot of the remarkable developments within YPHSL over the past year. We celebrated historic achievements in mooting, including Singapore’s first Jessup championship in 24 years, alongside multiple international titles and recordbreaking performances by our students. We also saw important advances in scholarship, impactful research collaborations, meaningful pro bono and outreach initiatives, and the continued growth of our alumni and mentorship networks. What stands out most strongly across these stories is the spirit of community that continues to define YPHSL. SMOO Challenge 2025 was a wonderful example of this, bringing together faculty, staff, students and alumni to walk, run, and simply journey alongside one another in support of a shared cause. And of course, many of you exemplify this spirit by mentoring students, supporting one another professionally, contributing to public discourse, or simply staying connected with the School. As the legal profession continues to evolve amidst technological disruption, geopolitical uncertainty, and increasingly complex societal challenges, the role of a strong and engaged legal community becomes even more important. We remain deeply committed to preparing future-ready lawyers who possess not only legal expertise, but also the judgment, adaptability, and sense of responsibility needed to contribute meaningfully to society. We are immensely proud of all your achievements and look forward to building the next chapter of our School together with you. I warmly invite all of you to continue writing this exhilarating SMU Law story with us. 2 YONG PUNG HOW SCHOOL OF LAW ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
STUDENT AND ALUMNI MATTERS In 2025, we celebrated SMU’s 25th anniversary. In 2027, we will celebrate YPHSL’s 20th anniversary. When YPHSL first came onto the scene, there was much uncertainty. Can our graduates find jobs? Can they be competitive? Are we only a corporate law school? That nobody really asks that of our graduates these days speaks to how well our alumni have done. We now see many of our alumni in senior positions in practice, government, and corporations. Many alumni have also returned to help, be it teaching, mentoring, coaching, or sponsoring. This has resulted in even greater levels of excellence for our students: for instance, we went from exhibition champions in our debut at the Jessup in 2011 to world champions in 2025; we have gone from producing 3-4 JLCs on average in the first years to 9-10 in more recent years. We invite all our alumni to celebrate the school’s 20th anniversary with us — we particularly welcome opportunities to engage with our students and reconnect with faculty and friends. We are only a message away. CHEN SIYUAN Professor of Law, SMU Associate Dean (Student & Alumni Matters); Director of Ian R. Taylor Mooting Programme TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from the Dean 02 Alumni Spotlight 04 Alumni Features Alumni Events 15 16 Staff Awards and Farewell 14 SMU Teaching Excellence Awards 13 YPHSL Alumni Giving Polaris 18 19 Stay Connected 20 Law School Highlights 06 Research Events Highlights 08 Publications Highlights 09 Moots Highlights 10 Summer Events 2025 12 Message from the Associate Dean - Student and Alumni Matters 03 MESSAGE FROM THE ASSOCIATE DEAN MAY 2026 EDITION 3
My journey at SMU Law has been shaped by many firsts. I had the opportunity to conduct scholarly research under the close mentorship of professors, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and represent Singapore in international competitions. Looking back, two defining aspects of SMU Law made these experiences possible. First and foremost, the dedication of the faculty was central to my growth and development as a law student. In the classroom, professors were consistently patient and generous with their time, taking care to engage thoughtfully with our questions and encourage deeper inquiry. This support extended well beyond formal class hours. Whether through eLearn discussion boards, email correspondence, or consultation sessions organised outside the syllabus, professors made themselves readily available to help students clarify doubts and strengthen their understanding of the law. More importantly, their commitment to student development went far beyond academic instruction. Our professors took an active interest in our broader growth, offering guidance on research, competitions, and career pathways. This support also extended to reviewing applications, sharing professional insights, and offering advice on next steps. Even after graduating, I continue to feel a strong sense of belonging. Many of my professors continue to check in on me, offering guidance and support even as I pursue my studies abroad, and I was fortunate to briefly reconnect with some of them in person while overseas. The faculty were also passionate advocates of experiential learning, opportunities that allow students to apply legal principles in practice. Many of us benefited from programmes such as international moots, alternative dispute resolution competitions, and advanced legal writing initiatives. I personally participated in several of these activities, each of which played a formative role in shaping my skills and interests. Among them, one of the most defining experiences of my time at SMU Law was my participation in the IISL Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition, an experience documented in last year’s edition of this newsletter. During the Lachs Space Moot, my team and I received extensive guidance that pushed us to refine our arguments, sharpen our advocacy, and approach complex legal problems with creativity and rigour. It was through this competition that I truly began to appreciate the second defining feature of an SMU legal education, the strength of its alumni network. After the Lachs Space Moot concluded, my team and I felt that we still had more to give. Once again, we were supported by the SMU Law alumni community that stepped forward without hesitation. Alexander Lee’18 and Melissa Ng’18, who had supported us during the qualifying rounds for the Lachs Space Moot, along with many other alumni, including Professor Nicholas Liu’15, Professor Aaron Yoong’19, Joel Fun’22, and Meredith Soh’23, devoted countless hours to mentoring us whenever we needed help, even on weekends and late evenings. Their support was never perfunctory. It was driven by a genuine desire to see juniors succeed and to give back to the community that had supported them. Beyond our own experience, many alumni continue to return to SMU Law to coach moot and alternative dispute resolution teams, mentor students in legal writing and research, and share candid insights from their professional journeys. This culture of mentorship and paying it forward is deeply embedded within the SMU Law community. It creates an environment in which students are encouraged to pursue ambitious goals, push their boundaries, and take intellectual risks, secure in the knowledge that they are supported at every step. Reflecting on my journey, it is clear that my development was made possible by a supportive ecosystem, defined by dedicated faculty and a deeply engaged alumni network, that consistently encouraged exploration, excellence, and growth. These two pillars of SMU Law have shaped my time as a student, and will continue to influence how I approach the law and my career long after graduation. RAELEE TOH ‘Reflecting on my journey, it is clear that my development was made possible by a supportive ecosystem, defined by dedicated faculty and a deeply engaged alumni network, that consistently encouraged exploration, excellence, and growth. ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 4 YONG PUNG HOW SCHOOL OF LAW ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
SMU Yong Pung How School of Law offered me the opportunity to begin again. Returning to SMU for law school as an alumna of the Lee Kong Chian School of Business (Class of 2011), I entered the Juris Doctor programme after more than 15 years in show production and media, where I worked largely behind the scenes on complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and tight constraints. Over time, I came to see my work in show production as a puzzle: defining the objective, understanding the limits, and aligning each moving part so that everything comes together seamlessly. What increasingly drew my interest was not just execution, but structure; how responsibility is allocated, how risk is managed, and how decisions are made. Close collaboration with legal teams on contracts, licensing, and regulatory issues revealed a different kind of problem-solving and ultimately prompted me to consider whether I was ready to take on a new professional challenge. Returning to school through the SMU JD programme was, in many ways, a return to first principles. After years in a professional environment shaped by experience and instinct, stepping back into academia required relearning how to learn, becoming comfortable with uncertainty, and allowing space for experimentation before committing to a particular path. SMU Law provided that space. Through opportunities such as directed research and research assistant work at the Singapore Global Restructuring Initiative, I was able to engage with the law in varied ways while repeatedly returning to fundamentals. This breadth of exposure made it possible to learn through exploration rather than premature specialisation. One such avenue of exploration was oral advocacy. Mooting did not come naturally to me at first, but by continuing to return to the programme and engage with practice rounds and feedback, I gradually found confidence in the work itself. The experience reinforced the value of persistence and steady effort over any single outcome. I am deeply grateful to the professors, coaches, and alumni who offered guidance and encouragement throughout this journey. Their patience, generosity, and belief in the value of sustained learning made a lasting difference. Looking back, SMU Yong Pung How School of Law was a formative chapter of reinvention. It refined how I think, grounded me in a community defined by rigour and collegiality, and shaped the values I carry forward. As I look ahead, I hope to continue learning, contributing, and giving back in ways that reflect the generosity and trust that defined my time at SMU Law. SAMANTHA LOH I am deeply grateful to the professors, coaches, and alumni who offered guidance and encouragement throughout this journey. Their patience, generosity, and belief in the value of sustained learning made a lasting difference. ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT MAY 2026 EDITION 5
The SMU Yong Pung How School of Law is honoured to host this year’s SMU-Judiciary Lunch on 16 April 2025 for esteemed members of the Supreme Court Bench and the faculty members of the Law School to come together in a spirit of collaboration. This annual event is more than just a gathering; it is an opportunity for in-depth discussions on the latest reforms in legal education and the evolving legal landscape. It provides a unique forum for exchanging ideas, sharing perspectives, and forging stronger bonds between the judiciary and academia. The luncheon is a testament to YPHSL’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in legal education and the advancement of Singapore law. It underscores the importance of staying abreast of the latest developments and ensuring that our legal education system remains relevant and forward-looking. By fostering a collaborative environment, we can better prepare future legal professionals to meet the challenges of a dynamic and complex legal landscape. Our 2025 winning team of the Phillip C Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition had the opportunity to join the luncheon and share their experiences with the judges who were illustrious alumni of past moot competitions. The SMU Yong Pung How School of Law is pleased to collaborate with Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) for an inaugural modular programme. Over two days, students were immersed in an engaging introduction to the study and practice of law through a series of classes and hands-on outdoor activities led by our faculty members - Associate Professors Eugene Tan and Michelle Lim, and Assistant Professors Benjamin Ong, Lau Kwan Ho and Aaron Yoong. The programme offered students a glimpse into the breadth and diversity of legal education, with sessions spanning areas such as the Singapore Legal System, Commercial Law, International Law, Biodiversity and Sustainability Law, and Constitutional Law. Beyond the classroom, students also had the opportunity to connect informally with our LLB students — who are ACS (I) alumni themselves — during casual lunchtime Ask-Me-Anything conversations about studying law, university life and the legal profession. We are grateful for the opportunity to engage with our local schools through meaningful outreach initiatives such as this, and look forward to building more similar collaborative partnerships in the years ahead. LAW SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS 6 YONG PUNG HOW SCHOOL OF LAW ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
Singapore Management University students embarked on a transformative legal outreach project, titled ‘Project Lexplore’ in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from 22 June to 5 July. Recently, a group of 11 Singapore Management University students embarked on a transformative legal outreach project, titled ‘Project Lexplore’ in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from 22 June to 5 July. This overseas community service project was spearheaded by the SMU Pro Bono Centre, with BABSEACLE as the local NGO partner. During this trip, they engaged with the local community by producing picture books and delivering talks on legal rights, teaching English at a village library, as well as volunteering at the Widlflower residential home run by the Good Shepherd Sisters for abused women. Our students also worked together with law students from Chiang Mai University, Faculty of Law, exchanging insights and strengthening the pro bono spirit. Conveying her support for this project, Prof Lee Pey Woan, Dean of the Yong Pung How School of Law shared, “I am pleased that our students had a safe and rewarding journey through this project. This initiative not only allowed them to apply legal knowledge they had learnt in school in a meaningful way but also served as a platform to enhance access to justice and legal education in the region”. LAW SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS MAY 2026 EDITION 7
RESEARCH EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS The Singapore Academy of Law’s Annual Review of Family Law Dentons Rodyk Dialogue 2025 2025 HSFK–SMU Asian Arbitration Lecture Yong Pung How Distinguished Visiting Professorship Lecture 2025 Competition Policy as a Driver of Economic Integration - An EU Perspective Singapore Open Legal Informatics Database (SOLID) Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More 8 YONG PUNG HOW SCHOOL OF LAW ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
Publication of prize-winning research article in the Journal of World Trade by Asst Prof Stefanie Schacherer titled The Agility Paradigm: Rethinking Regulatory Policy Commitments in Free Trade Agreements Publication of journal articles co-authored by Assoc Prof Saw Cheng Lim and alumni Duncan Lim (LLB’24) titled The Case for AI Authorship in Copyright Law and Unpacking Copyright Infringement Issues in the GenAI Development Lifecycle and a Peek into the Future Publication of an article in Singapore Law Gazette by student Lam Yu Han titled Civil Liability for Invasions of Privacy: Whither Singapore? Publication of article in the Asia Pacific Law Review by PhD student Tran Hoang Tu Linh titled Commercial Arbitration in Asia: Legal Developments and Regional Dynamics from an ASEAN Perspective Publication of a book co-authored by Assoc Prof Warren Chik and alumna Leow Jiamin (JD’14) titled Foundations of Cybersecurity Law in Singapore Publication of the fifth volume of the Singapore Law Journal (SLJ) by Lexicon-SMU: A Student Publication Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More PUBLICATIONS HIGHLIGHTS MAY 2026 EDITION 9
MOOTS HIGHLIGHTS JESSUP 2025 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Members: Raelee Toh, Elizabeth Ho, Lovein Sui, Erica Wee, Genieve Wu Coaches: Nicholas Liu’15, Ivana Fu’26 SMU’s 4th world championship final since 2013, and Singapore’s first Jessup win since 2001. The Jessup is the world’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious international moot with a record 807 teams participating in 2025. The final was judged by past and present judges of the International Court of Justice VIS EAST 2025 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Members: Jonathan Teo, Evangeline Han, Adele Ling, Aiswarya Salkade, Samantha Loh Coaches: Deya Dubey’14, Tan Jun Hong’16, Surya Jayakumar’20, Soh Kian Peng’21 SMU extends its tournament record for most championships to 3 and most championship final appearances to 4 in the world’s second largest arbitration moot INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT 2025 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Members: Lea Yeo, Dewi Husnan, Justin Chew, Elsa Abdullah, Wong Zi Yang, Timothy Cheng Coaches: Andrew Chia’20, Lovein Sui’25, John Hoy’25 SMU extends its tournament record for most championships to 6 and most championship final appearances to 7 in the world’s largest moot on international criminal law. The final is typically judged by a sitting judge of the ICC, and takes place in one of the actual ICC courtrooms 10 YONG PUNG HOW SCHOOL OF LAW ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
MOOTS HIGHLIGHTS RED CROSS INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW 2025 CHAMPIONSHIP Members: Damien Teo, John Hoy, Ryan Tan Coaches: Chen Lixin’18, Ezra Lim’24, Eugene Ho’25 SMU’s second championship in the world’s largest moot on international humanitarian law SPORTS LAW ARBITRATION MOOT 2026 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Members: Kyran Narayanan, Darius Alexander, Ameerul Putra, Samantha Chong Coach: Jordan Chia’24 SMU successfully defended the world championship it won in 2025. The competition is held at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerlandarbitration moot MAY 2026 EDITION 11
SUMMER EVENTS 2025 LAW CAMP 2025 LAW FRATERNITY GAMES 2025 LAW GRADUATION NIGHT 2025 MENTORSHIP 2025 12 YONG PUNG HOW SCHOOL OF LAW ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
Congratulations to all our faculty winners of the SMU Yong Pung How School of Law Teaching Awards for Academic Year 2024-25 We are truly grateful to every faculty member for their passion, hard work, and the knowledge that they generously share. Indeed, their commitment to bringing about a positive classroom experience makes a real difference in creating a meaningful and inspiring learning journey for all our students. UNDERGRADUATE TEACHING AWARD WINNERS DEAN’S TEACHING AWARD WINNERS POST-GRADUATE TEACHING AWARD WINNERS Most Outstanding Teacher Award: Prof Maartje de Visser Assoc Prof Darius Chan Juris Doctor Recipient: Assoc Prof Alvin See Most Outstanding LGST Teacher Award: Prof Dan Puchniak Prof Locknie Hsu Asst Prof Stefanie Schacherer Most Promising Teacher Award: Asst Prof Aaron Yoong Prof Gary Chan Assoc Prof Kenny Chng Master of Laws Recipient: Asst Prof Lim How Khang Most Outstanding Adjunct Award: Mr Tan Boon Heng Asst Prof Vincent Ooi Prof Yeo Tiong Min Assoc Prof Dorcas Quek-Anderson SMU TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARDS MAY 2026 EDITION 13
STAFF AWARDS & FAREWELL STAFF LONG SERVICE MEDAL AT NATIONAL DAY AWARDS The SMU Yong Pung How School of Law congratulates our faculty and staff recipients who were awarded the Long Service Medal at this year’s National Day Awards. The Awards recognise various forms of merit and service to Singapore. FACULTY • Prof Lee Pey Woan. Dean, SMU Yong Pung How School of Law • Assoc Prof Saw Cheng Lim ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF • Mr Tan Teck Kiang. Assistant Dean (Administration) • Ms Melissa Nicole Chang. Assistant Director • Ms Rehjubinsa d/o Peer Mohamed. Senior Manager The school is grateful for their continued dedicated service and contributions to Singapore Management University and their commitment to Singapore’s continued progress in the tertiary education sector. FAREWELL TO PROFS LOW KEE YANG & DAVID LLEWELYN The SMU Yong Pung How School of Law extends its deepest appreciation to Prof David Llewelyn and Assoc Prof Low Kee Yang for their outstanding contributions and enduring impact on our community. A leading authority in intellectual property law, Prof Llewelyn has shaped legal thought and practice in Singapore and globally through his scholarship, public service, and teaching. During his tenure as Deputy Dean, he played a key role in advancing postgraduate programmes, strengthening research initiatives, and building international partnerships. His commitment to education and mentorship has also left a lasting impression on generations of students. Assoc Prof Low’s contributions have been foundational to the School’s identity and growth. As a founding member and Interim Dean, he helped establish the core structures, curriculum, and ethos that continue to define SMUYPHSL today. Beyond his leadership, he is deeply remembered as a dedicated educator and mentor, whose warmth, generosity, and gift for making complex legal concepts accessible have inspired countless students. Together, Prof Llewelyn and Assoc Prof Low have left an indelible legacy that will continue to shape and inspire the School for years to come. Read More Prof Lee Pey Woan Assoc Prof Saw Cheng Lim Mr Tan Teck Kiang Ms Melissa Nicole Chang Ms Rehjubinsa d/o Peer Mohamed 14 YONG PUNG HOW SCHOOL OF LAW ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
ALUMNI FEATURES SMU ALUMNI AWARDS We congratulate Assoc Prof Kenny Chng (LLB’12) on being SMUYPHSL’s inaugural recipient of the SMU Alumni Awards. Launched in celebration of SMU’s Silver Jubilee and conferred every five years, the SMU Alumni Awards recognise outstanding alumni who embody SMU’s core values of inclusion, sustainability and community upliftment, while demonstrating exceptional professional achievement, integrity and purpose. It also celebrates individuals who are visionary, adaptable and impact-driven, who not only excel in their fields but also lead with empathy, innovation and a commitment to creating positive change. Associate Professor Chng has distinguished himself as an exceptional scholar, educator, and proud alumnus of the SMU Yong Pung How School of Law. He is the school’s first graduate to be appointed Associate Professor with tenure—a landmark achievement that reflects both his academic excellence and his deep commitment to his alma mater. His scholarly journey is equally trailblazing: he is the first SMU Law alumnus to pursue further studies at both Harvard University and the University of Oxford. At Oxford, he is completing a DPhil in Law as a Senior Hulme Scholar of Brasenose College and is the inaugural recipient of the prestigious SMU Yong Pung How Fellowship. His research, published in leading international journals, has garnered judicial recognition, with citations by the High Court of England and Wales as well as the Singapore Court of Appeal. A multiple recipient of SMU’s teaching awards, he exemplifies the highest standards of academic rigour, impactful scholarship, and dedicated service to his students and the University. NUR SHUKRINA SALAM She could have pursued a lucrative pathway in private practice, but our alumna Nur Shukrina Salam chose a quieter path instead - serving migrant workers who often have nowhere else to turn. Learn more about her journey and the heart behind her work. Read More ASOKA MARKANDU From a decades-long career in finance to the frontlines of criminal law and pro bono advocacy, Juris Doctor alumnus Asoka Markandu’s journey is a compelling example of purpose-driven reinvention. After pivoting to law through SMU’s Juris Doctor programme, he went on to serve as a prosecutor before moving into criminal defence, gaining a holistic perspective of the justice system and the communities it serves. Beyond his legal practice, Asoka remains deeply committed to giving back — mentoring SMU law students through pro bono work and guiding them on real cases that make a difference. Read More MAY 2026 EDITION 15
ALUMNI EVENTS POSTGRADUATE ALUMNI REUNION We were pleased to recently host the #SMUYPHSL Postgraduate (PG) Alumni Reunion, which saw several batches of Master of Laws (LLM) and Juris Doctor (JD) returning to campus to reminisce and catch up with one another. Together with a healthy turnout of current students, the great growth of our PG programmes was evident, as pointed out by our postgraduate associate Dean Associate Dean (Postgraduate Matters) Assoc Prof Zhang Wei as he addressed the group in his welcome speech. CLASS OF 2015 REUNION We were delighted to host the 2025 edition of the annual SMU Yong Pung How School of Law Alumni Homecoming Reunion — a wonderful afternoon of reconnection and celebration! This year, we welcomed back our Class of 2015 alumni for a lively catch-up with cohort mates and faculty over lunch, filled with great conversations and shared memories. A big thank you to Penelope Ng and Jasselyn Seet from the Class of 2015 for bringing everyone together and helping make the reunion such a success! Read More Read More 16 YONG PUNG HOW SCHOOL OF LAW ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
DENTONS RODYK – ALUMNI NETWORKING SESSION –29 AUG 2025 In collaboration with the SMU Office of Advancement and SMU Office of Alumni Relations, #SMUYPHSL is grateful to Dentons Rodyk for hosting us for the SMU Dentons Alumni Networking Session. This session follows on from earlier ‘pop-up’ events with law firms Rajah & Tann LLP and WongPartnership in the heart of the CBD. The event was an excellent opportunity for the school to strengthen partnerships with Dentons, while catching up with 35 of our alumni. ALUMNI EVENTS SMOO CHALLENGE 2025 The school would like to thank all our superhero donors for their support and fuelling our journey for SMOO Challenge 2025! With your support, our Justice League teams collectively clocked 4,309kms, with Team 1 raising $40,888 to become the Number 1 SMOO Ambassador Team! We would also like to thank our steadfast ‘SMOO Challenge Legend’ – Assoc Prof Saw Cheng Lim, who clocked the highest distance at SMOO Challenge 2025 and for his tireless contributions in previous editions of the challenge. We urge our alumni to please persuade him not to bow out and retire! The generosity, encouragement, and kindness of our donors; including many alumni; certainly leaves a lasting impact by helping us create opportunities and shape brighter futures for our students in need. Thank you for standing with us with each step, each kilometre clocked and for every dollar raised! Read More Read More MAY 2026 EDITION 17
YPHSL ALUMNI GIVING We are pleased to announce the following distinguished contributions from our YPHSL alumni: Chen Siyuan Prize for Best Researcher in International Moots 2 In 2025, our alumni community came together to establish the Chen Siyuan Prize for Best Researcher in International Moots 2 in honour of Professor Chen Siyuan’s tireless dedication in building the SMU Moot Programme. Through the Moot Programme, Professor Chen has been able to create a valuable community of mooters, alumni, and above all an ecosystem of friends and relationships. In the 15th year of the IM Programme, this endowed Prize was created to motivate exceptional students within the International Moots Programme at the University’s Yong Pung How School of Law (“YPHSL”) and spur them to greater heights of excellence. The Prize seeks to recognise one top student researcher in the LAW430 International Moots 2 module and support the continuing aspirations of future SMU mooters. Stephanie Yeo – Stephanie Yeo Scholarship We celebrate the generosity of alumna Stephanie Yeo (LLB 2012) who established the Stephanie Yeo Scholarship to benefit female undergraduate law students with demonstrated financial needs. This 4-year scholarship will start from Academic Year 2026/2027. KY Tan Research Grant on Corporate Restructuring and Insolvency We recognise the generosity of alumna Tan Kai Yun (LLB 2014), who established the KY Tan Research Grant on Corporate Restructuring and Insolvency for full-time students in their third or fourth year of the Bachelor of Law (LLB) program, or second or third year of the Juris Doctor (JD) program at YPHSL of the University. Grant recipients will provide research support and prepare research articles on topics approved by the relevant committee within the Singapore Global Restructuring Initiative (SGRI). Nick Chiam Prize We celebrate the generosity of alumni Nick Chiam (LLB 2017) who established the Nick Chiam Prize for the Top Student in IT and the Law to recognize the top student from the IT and the Law course offered by YPHSL. 18 YONG PUNG HOW SCHOOL OF LAW ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
POLARIS “My experience with POLARIS has been great. My mentor, Shriram Jayakumar, has been a great source of inspiration, advice and friendship! The first time we met, we met up for drinks and chatted for close to 3 hours. In particular, Shriram shared in-depth about his experience moving from a local Big 4 firm, to an international firm in Singapore, and finally to practicing in New York in a White Shoe firm. He gave me highly actionable advice, drawing from his own experiences, as to how to make the transition from law school to work while avoiding common pitfalls in practice. His advice and guidance has shaped how I approach law school and my internships for the better. Additionally, his genuine interest in my career and shared love for movies made the conversation flow extremely easily! Thank you Shriram and the POLARIS team for this opportunity.” CHRISTIAN FOO, YEAR 3 LLB MENTEE POLARIS is SMU Law’s alumni mentorship initiative designed to connect students with graduates who can offer perspective that only experience provides. Over the course of a year, mentors support mentees in thinking beyond immediate academic milestones—towards professional identity, practice-area fit, and the habits that sustain a long legal career. The programme emphasises candid conversation, practical guidance, and reflective decision-making, giving students a clearer sense of direction while strengthening bonds between the School and its alumni community. Beyond individual guidance, POLARIS also builds a wider mentorship culture through curated touchpoints that encourage meaningful exchange and long-term connection. By bringing alumni and students into ongoing conversation about the profession, its realities, expectations, and opportunities, the programme helps students approach their development with greater intentionality and helps alumni shape the next generation in a direct, personal way. By coming onboard as a POLARIS mentor, you support students through candid conversations about the realities of practice, share valuable perspectives on career and professional development, and provide steady guidance as they navigate key decisions in law school and beyond. We are grateful for the strong interest received this year and have since closed mentor registrations for the current cycle. If you would like to be considered for the next edition of POLARIS, we warmly invite you to reach out to us to express your interest. We would be delighted to connect and share more about how you can be part of our mentor community in the year ahead. For queries, please contact: Kristen Ng Chin Woon (Chairperson) kristen.ng.2024@law.smu.edu.sg Abiram Prasant Nambiar (Internal Vice-Chairperson) abiram.pn.2024@law.smu.edu.sg Chai Rui Shan (External Vice-Chairperson) rs.chai.2024@law.smu.edu.sg Amber Tng Kai Enn (External Selections Director) amber.tng.2024@law.smu.edu.sg MAY 2026 EDITION 19
ALUMNI GIVING IN SUPPORT OF THE SMU YONG PUNG HOW SCHOOL OF LAW STUDENT FUND The Yong Pung How School of Law Student Fund provides a vital support for financially challenged students, be it as bursaries, emergency relief, student awards, law study mission grants, student exchange grants, and textbook grants. For a donation of $300 or more to the School of Law, your name will be inscribed on our Alumni Wall. Click or Scan here to give and make a difference. PLEASE STAY IN TOUCH! The School would like to connect with you and keep up to date with your recent achievements, career and professional developments, and pursuit of postgraduate studies. We look forward to document and feature your achievements in the School’s publications and social media platforms, and may also get in touch with you for features in our Alumni publications. Feel free to also email us at adrianjneo@smu.edu.sg if you would like to share more details. Stay Connected with SMUYPHSL by joining our Alumni Channel on Telegram to receive news and information on alumni and school events, benefits and services. SMUYPHSL ALUMNI NEWSLETTER TEAM Prof Chen Siyuan Adrian John Neo Kenneth Liang Benjamin Lim Qian Shan (Year 2 LLB) Darielle Alisantoso (Year 2 LLB) STAY CONNECTED 20 YONG PUNG HOW SCHOOL OF LAW ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
YONG PUNG HOW SCHOOL OF LAW 55 ARMENIAN STREET SINGAPORE 179943 law.smu.edu.sg smuyphsl SMUYPHSL Almuni Official Telegram Channel Information is correct at time of publication – May 2026 sgsmuyphsl sgSMUYPHSL sgsmuyphsl law@smu.edu.sg
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