From India to Singapore: Alumnus Rishabh Malaviya’s path to international arbitration

Even as an undergraduate law student in India where he was born and raised, Rishabh Malaviya LLM ’18 had a long term vision to build a career overseas and to specialise in international arbitration.

That clarity of purpose led him to NUS Law’s specialised LLM Programme in International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution, a decision that he has never looked back on. Today, Rishabh is Counsel and Team Lead at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), where he recently marked three years at the organisation.

Why NUS Law

When Rishabh chose to pursue his LLM straight after completing his LLB in India, NUS Law was the top choice for him for many reasons. “I was drawn by the courses on offer and by the prospect of studying under some of the foremost names in international arbitration,” he explained.

The fact that his then girlfriend, now wife, was offered a place in the same programme, made the decision an easy one. The year they spent in Singapore turned out to be deeply enriching, both personally and professionally.

“The emphasis during the course was on imparting practical knowledge, which helped me begin thinking about how the law is applied to solve real-world commercial problems,” said Rishabh, explaining how the environment proved to be a favourable training ground in guiding him towards legal application rather than theory, as well as in helping him convert his research into published papers.

“On the personal front, I made great friends, many of whom I’m still in touch with. Because of my current role, I frequently interact with my former professors in a professional capacity as well.”

The Road Back to Singapore

Despite his goal of an international career, Rishabh returned to India after completing his LLM to deepen his litigation experience. “It was important for me, as an India-qualified lawyer exploring opportunities in international arbitration, to have a sound understanding of the jurisdiction I am qualified in,” he said.

That choice proved to be strategic. Years later, armed with substantial experience as a disputes lawyer and a strong understanding of how arbitration works in India, which is a key market for SIAC, he saw a job opening for the position of Deputy Counsel at the organisation and applied for the role. He successfully made it through the selection process and moved back to Singapore in 2022.

Interestingly, he had applied to SIAC for an internship during his LLM year, but his application then was rejected. “I learnt that effort doesn’t always bear fruit immediately, but that should not discourage you,” he reflected.

On the Frontline of Arbitration

At SIAC, Rishabh plays a dynamic role. As Counsel and Team Lead, he manages a wide portfolio of international cases, works closely with leading arbitrators and contributes to the institution’s strategic projects.

“Working at an institution offers a unique perspective of the arbitral process. I have a bird’s eye view of hundreds of international arbitrations across jurisdictions, and I also get the opportunity to assist some of the foremost arbitrators in the world. This allows me to see how different disputes play out in different contexts.”

One of his memorable projects has been the revision of the SIAC Rules to its seventh edition, transitioning from the 2016 to the 2025 edition. Rishabh helped to draft provisions, gather feedback, and brainstorm with SIAC’s management and Court of Arbitration on how best to implement the provisions—all of which are aimed towards enhancing the efficiency and maintaining the integrity of the arbitration process.

“Sitting in on the plenary session where the Court of Arbitration debated the almost-finalised draft felt like being in Parliament,” he commented.

Working in Singapore

Because of its international environment, Rishabh sees Singapore as the ideal location to build his arbitration career.  “At SIAC, I have the opportunity to work with lawyers from over 13 jurisdictions. This is a great learning experience, not just professionally, but also culturally.”

He relishes the dynamic nature of the field, describing how his work has never pigeonholed him. On any given day, he may be involved in roles spanning writing, lecturing, critiquing and managing—for instance, he has been in the position to draft intervention applications on behalf of SIAC to participate in Supreme Court hearings in India. The only constant? “My wife and I try to end each day by taking our dog for a walk,” he added in good humour.

He credits NUS Law for equipping him with the global exposure to take on this role. “This is the advantage of studying for an LLM with an international cohort and being taught by seasoned, global practitioners. I had the chance to network with peers and seniors in the field, broadening my thinking and helping me to start building my brand.”

Giving Back through LAMP

Rishabh continues to stay connected with NUS Law through the Law Alumni Mentor Programme (LAMP), where he now serves as a mentor.

“My time at NUS Law shaped me in many ways, and I was keen to give back. I signed up hoping to pass on whatever mentees would find helpful,” he said.

“As a student, I hesitated to ask for help, which is not good for growth. I encourage students to abandon any notions that they should be doing everything themselves. LAMP provides an excellent platform to connect with practitioners in a structured way—use it!”

He’s been struck by how sharp and focused recent LLM students are. “The students I’ve met have more clarity of thought than I did during my LLM. It’s a great sign that anyone pursuing an LLM at NUS Law will be part of an excellent cohort.”

Lessons on Life

While he misses his extended family in Mumbai—”living in Mumbai meant there was always great home-cooked food available to me”, he quipped—Rishabh values how living abroad has helped him grow. “Living on your own teaches you responsibility and forces you to balance aspects of life you may not have previously thought about. I’ve learnt to cook and bake, important skills I would never have picked up if I’d stayed in my comfort zone back home.”

Professionally, he describes his time working in Singapore as invaluable. “I have learnt a lot and started building an international network that I hope will serve me well in the years to come,” he said.

Advice for Aspiring International Lawyers

For those hoping to work overseas, Rishabh offers a mix of practical and personal advice. “Start preparing your applications early. Rejections are inevitable, don’t take them personally. Strong references can go a long way, so plan for them early.”

He also encourages students to connect with practitioners as much as possible to hear their stories and learn from their journeys. But take it with a pinch of salt, he said. Ultimately, his advice is this: “Chart your own path. What worked for someone else may not work for you, and that’s okay.”