Singapore Shanghai Lawyers Exchange Programme

[To embed CED's video on the Singapore-Shanghai Lawyers Exchange Programme]

About the programme

The Singapore-Shanghai Lawyers Exchange Programme was introduced in 2023, pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Singapore Ministry of Law, the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Justice, The Law Society of Singapore and the Shanghai Bar Association.

The goal is to facilitate knowledge exchange, and promote understanding of the business environment and culture between the two cities.

There are two separate programmes:

1.             Two-month attachment, where Singapore-qualified lawyers are attached to Chinese law firms in Shanghai for two months. Funding support is available.

2.             One-week study visit, where Singapore lawyers will visit selected Shanghai law firms, institutions, businesses and agencies, and engage with potential clients and partners.  

WHY IT MATTERS

China is the second largest economy in the world. and one of Singapore’s most important trade and investment partners. As Singapore enterprises expand their presence in China, and Chinese companies increasingly use Singapore as a gateway into Southeast Asia and global markets, the scale and sophistication of cross-border commercial activity is expected to grow. 

In this environment, lawyers on both sides must navigate not only different legal systems, but also distinct regulatory frameworks, business cultures, and professional practices. The Singapore–Shanghai Lawyers Exchange Programme offers a structured and valuable platform for practitioners to gain first-hand exposure to how law is practised in each jurisdiction, deepen their understanding of local legal frameworks, and build trusted professional networks.

Through these exchanges, lawyers develop practical, on-the-ground insights that strengthen their ability to advise clients on complex cross-border matters, manage legal and commercial risk more effectively, and support the continued growth of trade and investment between Singapore, China, and beyond.

TESTIMONIALS

“I thought the experience was life-changing. I certainly gained a new perspective on how to conduct business and how to make friends, meet clients. And all of these, I think, helped me a lot in my practice, even until today.” – Davis Tan, Director, Deputy Head of Litigation, Incisive Law LLC

“I would encourage anyone who is open to trying and exploring this new market to sign up.” – Grace Goh, Director, Incisive Law LLC

“You can really learn so much and make so many meaningful connections that are normally not available. Basically, this programme has really opened the door for us.” -  Chua Cheng’An, Associate, Asia Practice LLC

Read their thoughts at Singapore to Shanghai: Learning Beyond Borders

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE

·        Singapore citizen or permanent resident

·        Advocate and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore

·        Working in a Singapore law practice and nominated by the firm

·        At least two years of post-qualification experience preferred

ENGAGE WITH US!

·        Interested in future programmes? Contact us at MLAW-LID-IPU@mlaw.gov.sg.