The Gift of Perspective

At NUS Law, alumni, law firms and friends work in partnership with NUS Giving, the University’s philanthropic arm, to see the possibility in every student and in the future of the legal profession. Our donors’ generosity in establishing prizes does more than support programmes; it affirms potential, rewards perseverance and makes excellence possible.

In the following stories, we feature three donors who took the time to meet the recipients of their prizes, showcasing how their generosity goes beyond the monetary. We hear the backstories of the givers—the importance they ascribe to inspiring a new generation of lawyers, through sharing insights from lived experience—and listen to the receivers on being part of a larger legal community invested in their growth.

Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP

Partners of Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP—Mr Hoo Chi Tern (back), Ms Ho Mei Shi (third from right) and Mr Joshua Seet ’12 (third from left)—with the AY 2025/2026 winners of one of their prizes, the Rajah & Tann Asia Prize in Legal Systems of Asia.

Our five donated prizes reflect our firm’s belief that Excellence with Heart is about more than just professional achievements; it is also about caring for people and investing in the future of the legal profession. As a purpose-driven firm, we believe that doing good should come from a genuine sense of responsibility and conviction, simply because it is the right thing to do.

Over a meal with the students, we got to understand their hopes for the future and share our experiences as those who have walked a similar path. Many talked about their excitement in exploring the world during their student exchange and graduation trips, the challenges of being a law student today, and the anticipation in embarking on a new journey as a lawyer. These conversations were also a reminder of how encouragement and support, given at an important stage of their legal journeys, can affirm confidence and shape aspirations. We hope the students will go on to build their careers with integrity, compassion and courage, and to contribute meaningfully to the communities they serve.

We also hope to encourage fellow alumni, law organisations and students to remain connected to the legal education ecosystem, recognising that access to justice is a shared responsibility shaped by how we educate, support and sustain the next generation of lawyers. It is through our collective efforts of philanthropy and sustained engagement that a strong, compassionate and values-driven legal community can continue to grow and serve society meaningfully.

Emeritus Professor Koh Kheng Lian ’61, LLM ’66, PhD ’72

A shared commitment to environmental law and stewardship: (from left) Ms Liana Mahadi, from NUS Development Office; Emeritus Prof Koh Kheng Lian ’61, LLM ’66, PhD ’72; and Li Minghan ’25.

Establishing the Sim Pei Fang Environmental Steward Award was a meaningful way to give back to NUS Law, while encouraging greater attention to an area that touches all our lives. When I began working in environmental law in the early 1990s, it was a relatively new field. Over time, it became clear that environmental issues are never merely “local”. Singapore’s geography and our place within ASEAN mean that we are deeply affected by transboundary challenges such as pollution, forest fires and the haze. Supporting a student award in this space is my way of affirming that environmental stewardship matters, and that the legal profession has an important role to play in shaping practical, lasting solutions.

Meeting Li Minghan ’25, this year’s award recipient, over lunch brought that purpose to life. In a relaxed setting, our conversation moved naturally from his interests and experiences to the broader realities of environmental governance in the region. I was heartened by his thoughtfulness and openness to learning. It also reminded me that when we make space to speak about the environment, we begin to notice more, and to think more carefully about what responsible action might look like. Moments like this show how giving can go beyond recognising achievement: It can create connection, spark reflection, and strengthen a sense of shared responsibility.

The award is also a personal tribute to my mother, Madam Sim Pei Fang—an educated working mother who served with the Salvation Army and believed in doing what she could, simply because it was the right thing to do. Her resilience and commitment to service shaped my own values, and this gift is one way of carrying those values forward. Looking ahead, I hope recipients will develop a broad view of environmental issues: understanding how land, water and sea interact, appreciating the competing interests that make solutions difficult, and recognising that progress often requires patience, experimentation and the courage to take thoughtful leaps of faith. Above all, I hope this support affirms students who care about these issues and encourages them to contribute, in their own ways, to a more sustainable future.

Clyde & Co Clasis Singapore Pte Ltd

Mr Chong Ik Wei ’96, Managing Director of Clyde & Co (second row, second from left), and the firm’s lawyers met the prize recipients to connect, through exchanging insights and sharing about their professional journeys.

Supporting NUS Law through our prize, the Clyde & Co Clasis Prize in Introduction to Legal Theory, is a way to affirm the legal community’s role in society. It is also an opportunity to give back in recognition of the education we received, while encouraging the next generation of lawyers.

Meeting the students and sharing a meal with them in a more intimate setting was both inspiring and rewarding. The exchange provided a platform to share insights not only from our own professional journeys, but also to learn from the students’ perspectives and aspirations as they look to embark on their legal careers. Their enthusiasm and openness made the experience meaningful and served as a reminder of the importance of engaging with and supporting future members of the profession. They will play a pivotal role in ensuring law firms remain at the forefront, addressing clients’ challenges with insight and agility.

We hope they will go on to contribute to society and to the legal profession. Law is a profession that asks a lot of us, and every day brings new challenges and shifting priorities which lawyers need to navigate with competence, confidence and often with empathy. For those working in such a demanding and rewarding environment, staying connected with alumni and the legal education landscape, as well as philanthropy efforts, plays a vital role in creating long-term impact by investing in the development of those who will shape the future.

This story was first published in the December 2025 issue of LawLink. Click here for past issues of the magazine.