[CALS] CATPLI 2026 Firm Visit to Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP

On 2 February 2026, as part of the Centre for Asian Legal Studies – Thammasat University Faculty of Law Peer Learning Initiative (CATPLI), 9 National University of Singapore (NUS) students and 7 Thammasat University (TU) students visited Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP (R&T). The firm visit aimed to provide students with insights into cross-border legal practice, highlighting how regional connections have shaped R&T into one of Asia’s leading law firms.

The session began with an opening address by Mr Kelvin Poon SC (Deputy Managing Partner of R&T and Head, International Arbitration). He observed that while young lawyers are often familiar with legal developments in the United States and the United Kingdom, they are comparatively less aware of developments within Southeast Asia. Commending CATPLI as a platform for meaningful regional exposure, he highlighted how this aligns with the vision of the Rajah & Tann Asia (RTA) network “to encourage young law students to be interested in, to deepen [their] familiarity and to really get immersed into Southeast Asian legal systems”.

CALS Researcher Mr Toh Ding Jun then delivered opening remarks, introducing the history and pedagogy of the CALS Peer Learning Initiative (CAPLI). He highlighted that when NUS Law students exchange ideas with their peers from other jurisdictions through CAPLI, they not only broaden their legal knowledge but also build professional relationships and trust. Over time, this forms an important backbone for regional cooperation in Southeast Asia.

This theme of regional engagement was further developed by Ms Rebecca Chew (Chairperson, Rajah & Tann Foundation; Co-Head, Medical, Healthcare & Life Sciences; and Co-Head, China Practice). She explained the history and development of the RTA network, which comprises member firms spanning 10 countries in Southeast Asia that are supported by country desks in Brunei, Japan, and South Asia.

Ms Chew reflected on how the robust RTA network has stood the test of time, attributing its longevity to a shared core philosophy of integrity, collegiality, compassion, excellence with heart, innovation, and justice. In line with RTA’s commitment to developing “lawyers who know Asia”, the Rajah & Tann Asia Academy was established to train RTA lawyers to deepen their understanding of the different cultures, legal systems, and professional practices across the network.

Her sharing was particularly impactful for the NUS and TU students, as it illustrated how CATPLI could serve as a foundation for building valuable regional connections – mirroring the vision of the RTA network, where compassion and mutual understanding across jurisdictions have been key contributors to its success.

Following Ms Chew’s insightful presentation, a vibrant Q&A session took place between the visiting students and R&T’s lawyers. The TU students took the opportunity to seek Singaporean perspectives on the Thai legal industry. They also enquired about how the

RTA network supports offices operating in jurisdictions facing unique geopolitical challenges.

In response, Ms Chew explained that lawyers in these jurisdictions often build strong relationships with foundational clients, whose continued support enables the firms to remain resilient despite difficult circumstances. Mr Poon SC further added that the close ties and connection across the network’s offices provide strength and solidarity, allowing the network to continue supporting its member firms throughout the region.

Overall, the firm visit offered the NUS and TU students a meaningful opportunity to better understand the dynamics of regional legal practice and the growing importance of cooperation within Southeast Asia’s increasingly interconnected legal landscape. During the opening address, Mr Poon SC expressed his support for CATPLI, noting that “CATPLI is a wonderful initiative, and we think it is going to be a very fruitful initiative for all the young law students to get greater exposure to what Thai law involves”. His remarks underscore the importance of CAPLI in fostering meaningful knowledge exchange and academic collaboration between NUS students and their counterparts from neighbouring jurisdictions.

CALS extends its sincere appreciation to R&T for generously hosting CATPLI.