China Ready Programme
Mooted by Minister Edwin Tong (Second Minister for Law) in 2019, we concluded the third instalment for China Ready Programme for Singapore’s Legal Industry in November 2022. Close to 50 lawyers completed the intensive 12 weeks – 60 hours course, quite a feat given their heavy workload!
Launched by the Singapore Ministry of Law in partnership with HCE, the programme provided participants with a deeper understanding of the Chinese culture, business environment, legal system and laws, and training in Business Mandarin in the legal context.
Apart from gaining practical skills and knowledge in dealing with their Chinese clients and partners, the programmealso enabled the participants to forge lasting friendships with the trainers and fellow participants.
All participants benefitted from an insightful panel discussion with esteemed members from our Advisory Committee – 谢锦发先生 (Mr Chia Kim Huat, Regional Head, Corporate & Transactional Practice Group, Rajah & Tann Singapore), 王刚先生 (Mr Wong Gang, Partner, Shook Lin & Bok), 王瀚教授 (Mr Wang Han, President, International Law Research Centre, President, Silk Road Regional Cooperation and Development Law Institute, Northwest University of Political Science and Law), and 王俊峰先生 (Global Chairman, King & Wood Mallesons).
We are now in the planning stage for the next run in 2023. We will share the information here once it is confirmed, watch this space!
Closing Remarks by Minister Edwin Tong for the inaugural run of the China Ready Programme
Comments From Our Participants
“The scheduling was rather intense given work commitments…. I almost wanted to skip class on some days. But it was one of the things that you were glad you went for it after the event. I would strongly recommend this programme to lawyers working with Chinese parties.”
Loh Kia Meng
Chief Operating Officer & Senior Partner,
Dentons Rodyk & Davidson LLP
“The China Ready Programme was very engaging and useful in giving me an insight into the Chinese legal system, laws and cultural background. The course was well-organised and the trainers were knowledgeable and communicated the material in a way that was accessible and easy to understand. I would highly recommend this programme for anyone interested in the Chinese legal market.”
Doreen Chia
Partner,
Rajah & Tann Asia
“… … …With the growing influence of the Chinese market, any in-house counsel like me would also have to learn on how to interact with the Chinese and how to appreciate the Chinese way of doing business.
The main difference between this programme and other traditional legal training is that ….a lot of practicalities are injected in the programme … I am pleased to validate this course as one that is not only suitable for all practicing lawyers but also for any lawyers who are interested in China…and the Chinese Legal System.”
Teo Kar Hian
Business Unit Counsel Chemtech and Expert Counsel T&C APAC,
Sulzer Singapore Pte Ltd
“… …The Ministry of Law, Singapore and SPH Media have ultimately created an intense and colourful programme - made better by a wonderful group of coursemates who could ask the difficult questions I wanted to ask but didn't know how to….We analysed hundreds of Chinese contracts from M&As to tenancies to agreements to mediate. And, we also learnt how there's a power-distance etiquette to exchanging Wechat contact info.”
Aloysius Goh
Founder and Chief Executive Officer,
Sage Mediation Pte Ltd
“The trainer was very prepared and engaging. The use of actual documents to show use of specific technical phrases and terminology was very helpful. Its good to know what to say when describting a legal concept to Chinese Clients”
Joey Chng
Partner,
Wong Partnership LLP
“The programme provides a good overview of the Chinese legal system and law. I am now more aware of the legal and cultural background when discussing with my Chinese counterparts.”
Foong Yuen Ping
Partner,
Allen & Gledhill LLP
“Good presentation and engagement. I have gained knowledge about Singapore-China bilateral relationship, Chinese civil code, Chinese contract law, administrative acts etc. The overview on data protection laws was also useful in advising clients on what to look out for when investing in China.”
Tan Tian Hui
Senior Associate,
Rajah & Tann LLP
“Trainers are knowledgeable. I have also gained a greater understanding of the evolution of the Sino-Singapore relationship which will help in having greater sensitivity when communicating with Chinese clients.”
Tao Tao
Partner,
Rajah & Tann LLP