CML Port Side Opening Reception, ‘Singapore’s Rise in Maritime Dispute Resolution in Asia’

CML was pleased to welcome more than 40 people to its Opening Reception on 23 January 2026 at University Town, Kent Ridge Campus. This included practitioners from the Singapore maritime bar, recent graduates who had completed maritime law studies at NUS, and current NUS students enrolled in maritime law courses. This marks the first Port Side event since CML moved from the Bukit Timah Campus to Kent Ridge at the end of 2025. Mr Leong Kah Wah, Partner and Head of Shipping & International Trade, Rajah & Tann Asia LLP, delivered a presentation in the CML Conference Room, which was standing room only. He spoke on the topic of ‘Singapore’s Rise in Maritime Dispute Resolution in Asia’. He discussed how Singapore became an international maritime centre, with a comprehensive maritime ecosystem and strong dispute-resolution infrastructure for maritime litigation and arbitration. Finally, he complimented CML on its work in research and teaching in maritime law and offered his congratulations. Participants thereafter adjourned for an evening reception for networking over food and drinks.

CML Port Side is an initiative to provide opportunities for students and young alumni members to engage with the local maritime law community and, by doing so, increase the visibility of the career opportunities that this industry has to offer.