LEGAL
SERVICE
COMMISSION
ANNUAL REPORT 2013
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 1
Our Mission
The mission of the Legal Service
Commission is to maintain a dedicated
corps of officers with integrity and
ability to staff the Judiciary, the
Attorney-General’s Chambers and the
Legal Service departments of various
Ministries and other arms of
Government.
2 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Contents
02
29
06
90
16
96
Foreword by the President,
Legal Service Commission
Leadership
Towards Organisational
Excellence
Advancing the Rule of Law
Milestone Programmes
Pride in Service
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 1
Foreword by
The President,
Legal Service
Commission
2 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
The legal industry in Singapore
continues to expand in volume,
complexity and vibrancy following the
rapid development and liberalisation
of the legal services sector. At the
same time, the demand for high
quality legal services has permeated
the public sector, and timely legal
inputs have become crucial in effective
policy making and the promotion
of good public governance. As we
witness the evolution of a sophisticated
legal profession, the Legal Service
has strived to ensure that our human
resource policies and talent
development frameworks are
reviewed and enhanced so that we
might remain attractive and at the
forefront in a challenging and
competitive market for talent. framework proposed by the Human
Resource Committee. This includes
the core Legal Foundational Posting
for all new officers, followed by
Rotational and Experiential Postings
in the various divisions of the Legal
and Judicial Branches of the Legal
Service. This enhanced framework
provides young officers a firm legal
grounding and exposes them to a
structured training programme in the
formative years of their careers within
the context of the wide and varied
spectrum of legal work available in
the Legal Service.
A refinement of the performance
appraisal framework to place greater
weight on an LSO’s currently
estimated potential as a lawyer in the
initial years of his or her career
will allow all officers to concentrate
first on becoming excellent lawyers
before being gradually advanced
into positions with management
responsibilities. The introduction of
Lock-Step promotions for LSOs in
Grades 6B and 6A will ensure that
all officers are afforded sufficient time
and opportunity to demonstrate their
potential and performance before
being differentiated on the basis of
their abilities.
The Legal Service has continued to
build on the groundwork laid by the
recommendations of the Legal Service
Human Resource Committee in 2012.
The key principle underpinning those
recommendations was a cultural shift
in emphasis from operational “talent
management” to individual “talent
development” – we believe that each
officer is an immediate reflection
of the quality and values of our
organisation and we remain fully
committed to investing in the longterm intellectual, professional and For those who wish to specialise in
personal development of every defined fields of law, the new
Legal Service Officer (“LSO”).
Specialist and Expert Posting/
career tracks will be a welcome
We have since fully institutionalised development. These officers will have
the career development and progression the opportunity to develop deep
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 3
expertise in particular areas of
strategic importance and so can expect
to be closely involved in the evolution
of law and policy in their fields
of interest. Suitable officers will be continuously
identified and groomed for key
leadership positions under the
Talent Development Scheme’s
pipeline and the Legal Service
Succession Planning framework.
The various leadership appointments
and assignments, complemented by
other vocational exposure and
milestone programmes, will stretch
them to their full potential and ensure
a ready pool of officers for a smooth
stream of succession in the Legal
Service. The leadership pipeline is
porous and dynamic and all officers
will be continually evaluated on the
basis of performance, potential and
merit. We have continued supporting
our officers in pursuing postgraduate
degrees at top universities and
attending leadership and executive
development programmes.
undoubtedly bring with them a diverse
wealth of experience and new visions
and ideas. We also created 17 new
LSO-positions to meet the increasing
demands from the public sector for
specialised legal advice and services.
We have also made changes to enhance
the involvement of the Legal Service
in staffing various Ministries and
statutory bodies, in line with the goal
of strengthening the Civil Division
of the Attorney-General’s Chambers
and enabling it to better discharge
its responsibilities as the principal
legal advisors for Government. Apart
from the new career pathways that
LSOs may look forward to, these
new responsibilities place additional
demands on our officers, key among
which is the need to develop greater
commercial and business exposure
and knowledge and a varied skill set.
With this in mind, we have inaugurated
a new scheme for officers to be
attached to specific companies and
organisations for periods of up to
18 months to gain commercial
experience as part of their professional
development component. We have
also continued to provide structured
programmes for officers to be
attached to top barristers’ chambers
in the United Kingdom and private
law practices both locally and
overseas.
We have over the last five years
expanded our capacity and talent
pool significantly, with the number
of officers increasing by more than
80% in that time, from 307 (as at
31 December 2008) to 564 officers
currently, comprising approximately
10% of all practising lawyers in
Singapore. A total of 91 officers Another important role undertaken
joined us this year. Many of these by LSOs is as Judicial Officers of
are mid-career officers who will the State Courts. These LSOs play
4 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
a critical role in delivering quality
justice every day to the majority of
Singaporeans. They have continued
to maintain the high quality of
work, the high disposition rate
of cases and receive very favourable
feedback from court users who come
from almost every sector of our
population.
Even as we reposition ourselves
to attract and retain a fair share of
talent as an employer of choice,
we have not lost sight of the fact
that the enduring mission of the
Legal Service is to maintain a
dedicated corps of officers not only
with the ability, but also the integrity
to uphold and advance the rule of
law and the administration of justice.
An appointment as an LSO is not
just an intellectually rigorous and
challenging vocation, it is also a
distinct privilege as LSOs are placed
in a unique position to uphold public
trust and confidence and influence
the tides of societal change. The
intangible satisfaction and rewards
offered by the Legal Service cannot
be replicated elsewhere, and I have
full faith that all our officers will
continue to view the law as an
instrument to further the public good.
The Legal Service has been dedicated
to discharging its constitutional role
of advancing the rule of law since
1959. It has been a long journey to
where we find ourselves today. I
have the great honour and privilege
to helm a mature and key institution
with a clear strategic vision and an
abundance of talent to translate this
vision into reality. I am confident
that all our LSOs will ensure that
the Legal Service will continue to
acquit itself admirably in the years
to come.
I wish, finally, to express our deepest
gratitude to Dr Philip Pillai and
Mr Michael Lim, who both retired
from the Legal Service Commission
in November 2013. They each
rendered invaluable service and made
distinguished contributions to our
work over the last six years. We
warmly welcome Justice Chao Hick
Tin and Mr Gautam Banerjee who
have been appointed Members of
the Commission for a three-year
term from November 2013. Chief Justice
Sundaresh Menon
President
Legal Service Commission
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 5
LEADERSHIP
6 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
The Legal Service Commission
The Legal Service Commission (“LSC”) is constituted under Part IX of the
Constitution of the Republic of Singapore. Article 111(1) of the Constitution
mandates that there shall be an LSC, whose jurisdiction shall extend to all
officers in the Singapore Legal Service (“Legal Service”).
Article 111(2) and Article 111(2A) of the Constitution provide that the LSC shall
consist of:
(a) the Chief Justice, as President of the LSC;
(b) the Attorney-General;
(c) the Chairman of the Public Service Commission (“PSC”); and
(d) at least three but not more than six other Members, each of whom shall be
appointed by the President if he, acting in his discretion, concurs with the
advice of the person nominating the Member(s), based on the following
arrangements:
(i) at least one but not more than two persons nominated by the Chief Justice;
(ii) at least one but not more than two persons nominated by the Chairman
of the PSC; and
(iii) at least one but not more than two persons nominated by the Prime Minister.
If the Chief Justice, the Chairman of the PSC or the Prime Minister, as the case
may be, nominates two persons, at least one must be a person who has, for an
aggregate period of not less than ten years, been a qualified person within the
meaning of section 2(1) of the Legal Profession Act (Cap. 161). These Members of
the LSC shall hold office for such period as the President may specify (being not
shorter than three years and not longer than five years) and be eligible for
re-appointment.
The LSC has the duty under Article 111(3) of the Constitution to appoint, confirm,
emplace on the permanent establishment, promote, transfer, dismiss and exercise
disciplinary control over officers in the Legal Service.
The three-year term of the six non-ex-officio Members of the LSC concluded
on 31 October 2013. The President approved the re-appointment of four Members
and appointment of two new Members for three years with effect from
1 November 2013.
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 7
The Legal Service Commission
(Left to Right) Front Row:
Mr Steven Chong, S.C. (Attorney-General),
Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon (President, LSC),
Mr Eddie Teo (Chairman, PSC)
(Left to Right) Back Row:
Mr Gautam Banerjee, Mr Lucien Wong Yuen Kuai,
Justice V K Rajah, Justice Chao Hick Tin,
Justice Lee Seiu Kin, Mr Lee Tzu Yang
8 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
The Chief Justice, who is the President
of the LSC, recorded his deep appreciation
to two Members, Dr Philip Pillai and
Mr Michael Lim, who completed their
terms on 31 October 2013 after having
served with distinction as Members
from 1 November 2007. The President
of the LSC also welcomed the new
Members, Judge of Appeal Justice Chao
Hick Tin and Mr Gautam Banerjee.
The LSC comprised, as at 31 December
2013, Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon
as President; and the Attorney-General
Mr Steven Chong, S.C., the Chairman of
the PSC Mr Eddie Teo, Judge of Appeal
Justice Chao Hick Tin, Judge of Appeal
Justice V K Rajah, Justice Lee Seiu Kin,
Mr Lucien Wong Yuen Kuai, Mr Lee
Tzu Yang and Mr Gautam Banerjee as
Members.
Article 111AA of the Constitution
provides for the establishment of one
or more personnel boards to exercise
all or any of the powers and functions
of the LSC under Article 111 over
Legal Service Officers (“LSOs”). The
powers and functions of the LSC are
devolved to the personnel boards,
save for the power to dismiss and
exercise disciplinary control over all
LSOs as well as all powers in relation
to LSOs at and above the designated
“threshold” grade of Superscale Grade 2.
In 2013, the LSC deliberated and decided
on matters concerning the Legal Service
including:
The Legal
Service Commission
(as at 31 December 2013)
President
Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon
The Chief Justice
Members
Mr Steven Chong, S.C.
Attorney-General
Mr Eddie Teo
Chairman, PSC
Justice Chao Hick Tin
Judge of Appeal,
Supreme Court
Justice V K Rajah
Judge of Appeal,
Supreme Court
Justice Lee Seiu Kin
Judge, Supreme Court
Mr Lucien Wong Yuen Kuai
(a) the assessment of the potential and
performance of LSOs at Superscale
Grade 2 and above;
Mr Lee Tzu Yang
(b) the award of the Performance
Bonuses, the Variable Increments,
Mr Gautam Banerjee
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 9
the Legal Professional Allowance
and the Long-Term Incentive to
LSOs at Superscale Grade 2 and
above;
(c) the suitability of LSOs for promotion
to Superscale Grade 2 and above; and
(d) the implementation and refinement
of various human resource functions
and frameworks in the Legal Service.
The LSC has devolved specific personnel
functions to the Legal Service Special
Personnel Board and the Legal Service
Senior Personnel Board since December
2007.
The Special
Personnel Board
The term of the Legal Service Special
Personnel Board (“Special Personnel
Board”) concluded on 30 November 2013.
The Special Personnel Board then
comprised the Chief Justice Sundaresh
Menon as Chairman; and the AttorneyGeneral Mr Steven Chong, S.C., Judge
of Appeal Justice V K Rajah, Justice Lee
Seiu Kin and Dr Philip Pillai as Members.
The President, concurring with the advice
of the LSC, approved the re-appointment
of the Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon
as Chairman; and the Attorney-General
Mr Steven Chong, S.C., Judge of Appeal
Justice V K Rajah and Justice Lee Seiu
Kin as Members. The President also
approved the appointment of Judge of
Appeal Justice Chao Hick Tin as a
Member.
The Chief Justice recorded his deep
appreciation to Dr Philip Pillai who
completed his term on 30 November 2013.
10 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
The Special Personnel Board comprised,
as at 31 December 2013, the Chief
Justice Sundaresh Menon as Chairman;
and the Attorney-General Mr Steven
Chong, S.C., Judge of Appeal Chao Hick
Tin, Judge of Appeal Justice V K Rajah
and Justice Lee Seiu Kin as Members.
The new term of the Special Personnel
Board is from 1 December 2013 to
31 March 2014.
The Special Personnel Board exercises
specific powers and functions of the LSC
over LSOs in the following areas:
Recruitment and Appointment
(a) the interview and appointment of
candidates to the Legal Service as
LSOs at Superscale Grades 4 and 3;
and the provision of its views to
the LSC with respect to the possible
appointment of suitable candidates
to the Legal Service as LSOs at
Superscale Grades 2, 1 and Staff
Grade;
(b)
the re-employment (including retired
officers after their compulsory
retirement upon reaching the age
limit) of all LSOs at Superscale
Grades 4 and 3; and the provision
of its views to the LSC with respect
to the possible re-employment of
LSOs at Superscale Grades 2, 1 and
Staff Grade;
(c)
the emplacement on the permanent
establishment of all LSOs at
Superscale Grades 4 and 3; and the
provision of its views to the LSC with
respect to the possible emplacement
of LSOs at Superscale Grades 2, 1
and Staff Grade;
The Special Personnel Board
(Left to Right):
Justice V K Rajah,
Mr Steven Chong, S.C. (Attorney-General),
Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon (Chairman, Special Personnel Board),
Justice Chao Hick Tin,
Justice Lee Seiu Kin
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 11
(d)
the transfer to and from the Legal
Service Scheme of Service of all
LSOs and candidates at Superscale
Grades 4 and 3; and the provision
of its views to the LSC with respect
to the possible transfer of LSOs and
candidates at Superscale Grades 2, 1
and Staff Grade;
(e)
the review of the eligibility criteria
for possible appointment to the Legal
Service as LSOs at all the Timescale
grades and Superscale Grades 4
and 3; and the provision of its
views to the LSC with respect to
the eligibility criteria for possible
appointment to the Legal Service as
LSOs at Superscale Grades 2, 1 and
Staff Grade;
(i)
the promotion of all LSOs to
Superscale Grades 4 and 3; and the
provision of its views to the LSC
with respect to the promotions of
LSOs from Superscale Grade 3 to
Grade 2; Grade 2 to Grade 1; and
Grade 1 to Staff Grade;
Secondments
(j)
the secondment to and from the
Legal Service of LSOs and
candidates at all the Timescale
grades and Superscale Grades 4
and 3; and the provision of its
views to the LSC with respect to the
secondment of LSOs and candidates
at Superscale Grades 2, 1 and Staff
Grade;
Assessment and Promotion
Training and Development
(f) the approval of the Currently
Estimated Potential (“CEP”) of all
LSOs at the Superscale grades;
and the confirmation and approval
of the CEP assessments of the Legal
Service Senior Personnel Board of
all LSOs at the Timescale grades;
(g) the approval of the performance
gradings of all LSOs at the
Superscale grades;
(k)
(h)
the award to all LSOs at Superscale
Grades 4 and 3 of the Performance
Bonuses, the Variable Increments,
the Legal Professional Allowance,
the Long-Term Incentive and other
remuneration components that are
specific to the Legal Service; and
the provision of its views to the
LSC with respect to the award of
these remuneration components to
LSOs at Superscale Grades 2, 1 and
Staff Grade;
12 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
the award, in consultation with
the L egal S er vice Talent
Development Committee/Succession
Planning Committee, of LSC
Scholarships and Training Awards
to LSOs at all the Timescale and
Superscale grades, to study for or
undertake postgraduate Masters
programmes in law and general
management, specialised training
programmes in law and milestone
leadership or management courses;
Postings
(l)
the approval of the postings of all
LSOs at the Superscale grades (the
Chief Justice and the AttorneyGeneral continue to oversee and
approve all postings at the
Timescale grades);
Exits
(m)
(for non-disciplinary cases) the
termination of contract service of
LSOs at Superscale Grades 4 and
3; and the provision of its views
to the LSC with respect to the
termination of contract service of
LSOs at Superscale Grades 2, 1
and Staff Grade;
Programmes Specific to the
Legal Service
(n)
the placement on the supernumerary
posts (including those on no-pay
leave) of all LSOs at the Superscale
grades; and
Others
(o)
the endorsement of the nominations
of LSOs at all the Timescale and
Superscale grades for the National
Day Awards.
The Senior
Personnel Board
The term of the Legal Service Senior
Personnel Board (“Senior Personnel
Board”) concluded on 30 November
2013. The Senior Personnel Board
then comprised the Attorney-General
Mr Steven Chong, S.C. as Chairman; and
Judge of Appeal Justice V K Rajah,
Justice Lee Seiu Kin, Dr Philip Pillai,
Judicial Commissioner Mr Tan Siong
Thye, the Solicitor-General Mrs Koh Juat
Jong, S.C. and the Registrar of the
Supreme Court Mr Foo Chee Hock
as Members.
The President, concurring with the advice
of the LSC, approved the re-appointment
of the Attorney-General Mr Steven
Chong, S.C. as Chairman; and Judge of
Appeal Justice V K Rajah, Justice
Lee Seiu Kin, Judicial Commissioner
Mr Tan Siong Thye, the Solicitor-General
Mrs Koh Juat Jong, S.C. and the Registrar
of the Supreme Court Mr Foo Chee Hock
as Members. The President also approved
the appointment of Judge of Appeal
Justice Chao Hick Tin as a Member.
The Chief Justice recorded his deep
appreciation to Dr Philip Pillai who
completed his term on 30 November
2013.
The Senior Personnel Board comprised,
as at 31 December 2013, the AttorneyGeneral Mr Steven Chong, S.C. as
Chairman; and Judge of Appeal Justice
Chao Hick Tin, Judge of Appeal Justice
V K Rajah, Justice Lee Seiu Kin,
Judicial Commissioner Mr Tan Siong
Thye, the Solicitor-General Mrs Koh
Juat Jong, S.C. and the Registrar of the
Supreme Court Mr Foo Chee Hock
as Members. The new term of the Senior
Personnel Board is from 1 December 2013
to 31 March 2014.
The Senior Personnel Board exercises
specific powers and functions of the
LSC over LSOs in the following areas:
Recruitment and Appointment
(a) the interview and appointment
of candidates to the Legal Service
as LSOs at all the Timescale grades;
(b) the re-employment of all LSOs at
the Timescale grades; (c) the confirmation and emplacement
on the permanent establishment of
all LSOs at the Timescale grades;
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 13
The Senior Personnel Board
(Left to Right):
Mr Foo Chee Hock (Registrar, Supreme Court),
Dr Philip Pillai (until 30 November 2013),
Justice V K Rajah,
Mr Steven Chong, S.C. (Attorney-General) (Chairman, Senior Personnel Board),
Justice Lee Seiu Kin,
Mrs Koh Juat Jong, S.C. (Solicitor-General [until 31 January 2014])
Not in picture:
Mr Tan Siong Thye (Chief District Judge [until 30 September 2013] &
Judicial Commissioner [with effect from 1 October 2013])
14 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
(d)
the transfer to and from the Legal
Service Scheme of Service of all
LSOs and candidates at the Timescale
grades;
Assessment and Promotion
(e)
the assessment and endorsement of
the CEP of all LSOs at the Timescale
grades (as recommended by the
Heads of Department [“HODs”] and
moderated by the Legal Service
Branch Performance Ranking
Panels, with the Special Personnel
Board continuing to maintain
oversight and confirm and approve
the CEP assessments);
(f)
the approval of the performance
gradings of all LSOs at the Timescale
grades (as recommended by the
HODs and moderated by the Legal
Service
Performance
Ranking
Panels);
(g)
the award to all LSOs at the
Timescale grades of the Performance
Bonuses, the Variable Increments, the
Legal Professional Allowance, the
Long-Term Incentive and other
remuneration components that are
specific to the Legal Service;
(h)
the promotion of all LSOs at the
Timescale grades up to Grade 5A;
and the recommendation to the
Special Personnel Board of the
possible promotion of all LSOs
from Timescale Grade 5A to
Superscale Grade 4;
Postings
(i) the postings of all LSOs at the
Timescale grades within and across
the Legal and Judicial Branches (in
conjunction with the Legal Service
Talent Development Committee/
Succession Planning Committee and
the specific approvals of the Chief
Justice and the Attorney-General);
Exits
(j)
(for non-disciplinary cases) the
termination of probationary and
contract service of all LSOs at the
Timescale grades; and
Programmes Specific to the
Legal Service
(k)
the placement on the supernumerary
posts (including those on no-pay
leave) of all LSOs at the Timescale
grades.
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 15
TOWARDS
ORGANISATIONAL
EXCELLENCE
16 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Recruitment & Establishment
Recruitment
The principal recruitment criterion for fresh graduates and candidates with five
years or less of relevant legal working experience for possible appointment
to the Legal Service as a Legal Service Officer (“LSO”) remained a Second
Class Upper Honours law degree (or the equivalent) from the National
University of Singapore (“NUS”), the Singapore Management University (“SMU”)
or one of the approved overseas universities. Those who graduated with a Second
Class Lower Honours law degree (or the equivalent) but were keen on a
career in the Legal Service continued to be considered on a case-by-case basis. Candidates with more than five years of relevant legal working experience and with
at least a Second Class Lower Honours law degree (or the equivalent) continued
to be considered for possible appointment as mid-career LSOs. Applications for possible appointment to the Legal Service of law undergraduates
who had completed at least their second year at the NUS, the SMU or one of the
approved overseas universities were also processed. Those selected were offered
conditional appointments subject to their being awarded at least a Second Class
Upper Honours law degree (or the equivalent) and, where applicable, their successful
completion of the Part A of the Singapore Bar Examinations.
The principal recruitment criterion for possible appointment to the Justices’ Law
Clerks (“JLC”) programme remained a First Class Honours law degree (or the
equivalent). The JLC programme continued to be a critical portal for the Legal
Service to attract its fair share of bright young graduates. The JLC programme was
enhanced with the selected candidates being initially deployed to the
Attorney-General’s Chambers (“AGC”) and re-deployed to the JLC pool after
their completion of the Part B of the Singapore Bar Examinations.
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 17
A total of 288 applications for possible
appointment to the Legal Service were
received in 2013. The details are at
TABLE 1.
TABLE 1:
Recruitment
(as at 31 December 2013)
Applicants
288
Interviewed
194
Selected
117
Appointed
in 2013
911
Excluding any secondment to the Legal Service. Including
43 candidates and three Public Service Commission Scholars
who were interviewed in 2010, 2011 or 2012; and an LSO who
was re-employed upon reaching the compulsory retirement age
of 62.
1
A total of 194 candidates were shortlisted
and interviewed in 2013 over 20
recruitment exercises. Sixty-three were
undergraduates, 108 were fresh graduates
or those who had five years or less
of relevant legal working experience
and the remaining 23 were mid-careers.
Fifty-one had a First Class Honours
law degree (or the equivalent) while 58
had a Second Class Upper Honours law
degree (or the equivalent).
One hundred and seventeen candidates
were selected in 2013 for possible
appointment to the Legal Service. Fortyfour of the 117 assumed appointment
in 2013. The appointment of five of
the 44 was on the basis of a transfer of
Service from the Management Executive
Scheme of Service to the Legal Service
Scheme of Service. Twelve of the 44
were, pursuant to the Enhanced JLC
programme, initially deployed to the
AGC to complete the Part B of the
18 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Singapore Bar Examinations before
being re-deployed to the JLC pool in
January 2014.
The remaining candidates who had
accepted the offer of appointment are
expected to commence duty in the Legal
Service in the course of 2014 to 2018.
Forty-six other candidates who were
interviewed and selected from the
recruitment interviews in 2010, 2011
and 2012 also assumed appointment
in 2013. Two were on the basis of a
transfer of Service from the Management
Executive Scheme of Service to the
Legal Service Scheme of Service. Nine
of the 46 were deployed to the JLC pool.
A total of 91 LSOs were appointed to
the Legal Service in 2013 (including
an LSO who was re-employed upon
reaching the compulsory retirement age
of 62).
Emplacement on
the Permanent
Establishment/
Confirmation of
Appointment/
Transfer of Service
Forty-six LSOs who were appointed
on contract (of either 18 months or two
years) were emplaced on the permanent
establishment in 2013. Three other LSOs
who were scholars and had been appointed
on probation were also confirmed in their
appointment. A total of seven officers
was transferred from the Management
Executive Scheme of Service to the Legal
Service Scheme of Service in 2013 and
appointed as LSOs.
Secondments
The Legal Service secondment scheme provides LSOs extensive exposure and
opportunities to work in varied areas of the law and in policy work. The scheme
is designed to develop and augment the legal, managerial and leadership skills
of the LSOs, equipping them to serve the public with the requisite experience, skills
and knowledge to take on the diverse challenges in an ever-changing legal
landscape. LSOs are usually seconded to statutory bodies to undertake legal work
and/or to the Ministries to undertake policy work and in positions typically
assumed by Administrative Officers. LSOs may also be seconded to key
institutions to undertake specific functions and responsibilities. A total of 32 LSOs were on secondment from the Legal Service in 2013.
The details are in TABLE 2.
TABLE 2:
Secondments
Department
No. of LSOs
seconded
Left Service
after secondment
Commenced
secondment
Extended
secondment
Continued
secondment
Re-posted
after secondment
Accounting
and Corporate
Regulatory
Authority
11
-
2
1
7
1
Competition
Commission of
Singapore
6
-
2
2
2
-
Intellectual
Property
Office of
Singapore
1
-
-
-
1
-
Singapore
Land
Authority
2
-
-
2
-
-
Economic
Development
Board
3
-
1
-
1
1
Monetary
Authority
of Singapore
5
-
2
-
3
-
Ministry
of Social
and Family
Development
1
-
-
1
-
-
Ministry of
Home Affairs
1
-
-
-
1
-
Inland Revenue
Authority of
Singapore
1
-
1
-
-
-
Singapore
Medical
Council
1
-
1
-
-
-
Total
32
0
9
6
15
2
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 19
Establishment
Attrition
There were 566 establishment posts in
the Legal Service as at 31 December
2013. There were 564 LSOs on the
posted strength. The details are at
TABLE 3.
Thirteen LSOs out of 564 (2.3%)
resigned from the Legal Service in
2013. The details of the attrition over
the last three years are at TABLE 4.
TABLE 3:
TABLE 4:
Establishment
Attrition, 2011 - 2013
No. of
Posts
No. of
LSOs
Judicial Branch
164
156
Legal Branch
387
LSC Secretariat Supernumerary
Posts
15
Total
566
2011
2012
2013
Resignation
15
13
13
397
Retirement
41
52
33
11
Expiry of
Contract
2
10
6
Transfer
to Another
Scheme of
Service
0
0
0
Others
1
1
0
5641
Including 2 officers who are on secondment to the
Legal Service.
1
Two of the LSOs who retired upon reaching the
compulsory retirement age of 62 were re-employed
on contract.
1
Four of the LSOs who retired upon reaching the
compulsory retirement age of 62 were re-employed
on contract.
2
One of the LSOs who retired upon reaching the
compulsory retirement age of 62 was re-employed
on contract.
3
20 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Outreach Programme
in London –
November 2013
By Jonathan Yap
(Assistant Registrar, Supreme Court Registry)
On 16 November 2013, the Chief Justice
Sundaresh Menon, the Attorney-General
Mr Steven Chong, S.C. and Judge of
Appeal Justice V K Rajah hosted a
full complement of events at the
Millennium Gloucester Hotel for
Singaporean law students in the UK
and legal professionals working in
London. The day’s events were cobrokered by the Legal Service
Commission, Contact Singapore and the
UK Singapore Law Students Society.
The marquee item on the day’s ticket
was the Chief Justice’s address on the
subject of “Developments in the Legal
Landscape in Singapore”, after which
he was joined by the Attorney-General
and Justice Rajah for a panel discussion.
An unprecedented turn-out of about 300
students from all corners of the UK
attended the session. The Chief Justice’s
speech touched on recent structural
changes in Singapore’s legal system,
organic developments in the nature of
legal work, and the state of access to
justice in Singapore. He left the law
students with the reminder to keep abreast
of substantive changes in Singapore law,
which continues to gather pace both in
terms of new legislation and case law.
The panellists then took questions from
the audience on such topics as the
comparative advantages of the Legal
Service to private practice, industry
attitudes toward mature graduates, and
opportunities for young lawyers in
Singapore. This lively exchange was
followed by a buffet lunch during which
the students had the opportunity to
mingle with the panellists. Two LSOs
currently studying for their Masters of
Laws degrees in London were also on
hand to field queries from the students
regarding a career in the Legal Service.
In the afternoon, a smaller meeting was
held with 38 invited students who
had expressed an interest in the JLC
programme. The meeting commenced
with a sharing session on the work of
a JLC and transited into a questionand-answer segment where the Chief
Justice, the Attorney-General and Justice
Rajah fielded a range of questions from
the students. At the end of the meeting,
the students were hosted to an informal
tea session which was also attended by
two former JLCs.
To round up the day’s programme, the
Chief Justice, the Attorney-General and
Justice Rajah hosted a group of 21
working professionals in London to
dinner. The attendees ranged from
trainees to associates and partners
f r om
var ious
L ondon
and
international practices, some of whom
were also former LSOs. Although billed
as a networking event, the dinner was a
welcome opportunity for Singaporean
lawyers working in London to come
together, share their experiences, and
warm themselves with the comforts of
home on a chilly November evening.
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 21
Legal Service
Outreach Activities
2013
The Legal Service continued to coordinate
and participate in various outreach events
to generate greater awareness and interest
among students to consider studying law
and a career with the Legal Service
upon graduation.
There were 16 outreach events in 2013.
The events were targeted at the law
undergraduates from the NUS, the SMU
and the approved overseas universities;
and the students from Junior Colleges
(“JCs”) and secondary schools. They
aim to raise the visibility of the Legal
Service among the undergraduates and
expose the JC and secondary school
students to the option of studying law
and a future career in the Legal Service.
LSOs who assisted at the events
addressed the students’ queries, shared
their work experiences and provided
career advice. The undergraduates were
also encouraged to apply for the Legal
Service Internship Programme to obtain
a better understanding of the work
undertaken by LSOs. The major outreach events in 2013
included:
(a) the NUS Law Faculty Careers Fair;
(b) the SMU Internship and Careers Fair;
(c) the Public Service Commission
(“PSC”) Scholarships and Careers
Fair;
22 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
(d)
the Careers@Singapore networking
session organised by Contact
Singapore for the law undergraduates
from the approved universities in
Australia and New Zealand; (e) the Singapore Legal Forum
organised by the UK Singapore
Law Students Society; (f) the Singapore Academy of Law
JC Law Programme; (g) career fairs at JCs and secondary
schools; and
(h)
information sessions organised by
the PSC for the JC students who
were offered provisional PSC
Scholarships.
Legal Service Internship
Programme 2013/2014
The Legal Service Internship Programme
has been in place since 2000. It is open
to law students from the NUS, the SMU
and the approved overseas universities.
It aims to raise awareness of the work
in the Legal Service and encourage
suitable candidates to consider a career
in the Legal Service.
Fifteen Legal Service departments
hosted 149 interns in the 2013/2014
internship programme. The breakdown
is at TABLE 5. TABLE 5:
Internship Programme
Department/
Internship Programme
No. of
interns hosted
Accounting and Corporate
Regulatory Authority
4
Attorney-General’s Chambers
45
Competition Commission of
Singapore
7
Insolvency and Public
Trustee’s Office
4
Intellectual Property Office
of Singapore
8
Legal Aid Bureau
36
Ministry of Defence
3
Ministry of Education
2
Ministry of Home Affairs
2
Ministry of Law
4
Ministry of Manpower
5
Ministry of Social and Family
Development
4
Singapore Land Authority
2
Subordinate Courts:
Senior Officer’s Law Clerk
Programme
9
Supreme Court &
Subordinate Courts:
Judicial Internship Programme
14
Total
149
Legal Service
Colloquium and
Job-Shadowing Scheme
The Singapore Academy of Law JC
Law Programme (“JCLP”) was first
established in 2009 to create awareness
and stimulate the interest of JC students
in the area of law.
The fifth JCLP was held from 18 to 29
November 2013. It commenced with a
two-day conference at the Supreme Court,
followed by a job-shadowing scheme
where the students were attached to law
firms, public legal offices or corporate
legal departments. The students also had
the opportunity to visit places of legal
relevance such as the Supreme Court,
the Subordinate Courts and the Parliament
House. The Legal Service Colloquium formed
part of the two-day conference at the
Supreme Court. LSOs Mr Hui Choon
Kuen, Ms Lim Hui Min, Ms Sim Khadijah,
Ms Qiu Huixiang and Mr Leon Michael
Ryan represented the Legal Service and
shared their experiences on the work
undertaken by LSOs in the Legal Service.
Five Legal Service departments provided
strong support and offered 60 places
under the job-shadowing scheme in
2013. The five departments were the
Supreme Court Registry (15 places), the
Subordinate Courts (15 places), the
Attorney-General’s Chambers (21 places),
the Legal Aid Bureau (seven places)
and the Insolvency and Public Trustee’s
Office (two places).
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 23
PSC Law Scholars
A total of 16 candidates were awarded
PSC Scholarships in 2013 to read law.
The Attorney-General Mr Steven Chong
S.C., as a Member of the LSC, hosted
a meeting with the PSC law scholars
in 2013. A total of 40 scholars attended
the meeting. The scholars interacted with
their LSO-mentors and fellow scholars.
The LSO-mentors took the opportunity
to offer the scholars academic and
professional advice. The LSC Secretariat
provided a briefing on the Legal Service,
including updates on the developments
in the Legal Service. All queries raised
by the scholars were also addressed at
the meeting.
The Legal Service continued to engage
all scholars. The scholars were invited
to the Opening of the Legal Year, the
Legal Service National Day Observance
Ceremony and the Singapore Academy
of Law Annual Lecture. Scholars who
had completed their second year of
the undergraduate law programme also
undertook the PSC Scholars’ Mid-Course
Programme, where they undergo four
to six weeks of internship at various Legal
Service departments.
Performance
Management
Meritocracy, fairness and transparency
are the three key principles undergirding
the performance management framework
of the Legal Service.
24 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
The annual series of refresher-workshops
for all Heads of Department (“HODs”),
Reporting Officers (“ROs”) and LSOs to
reiterate the performance management
model pertinent to all officers in the
Legal Service was held in September and
October 2013. The workshops delved into
the various qualities and competencies
used in the assessment of the potential
and performance of LSOs, and were
particularly useful for the newer LSOs
who were appointed to the Legal Service
in the last quarter of 2012 and in 2013,
who might not have attended similar
sessions held previously.
The structured performance management
process in the Legal Service entailed
LSOs meeting their respective HODs
or ROs for formal feedback sessions in
June or July, with the aim of reviewing
work targets that had been set at the
conclusion of the previous year and to
establish and identify specific training and
developmental needs. The LSOs and
their HODs or ROs were to meet again
in September or October for the formal
year-end appraisal and also to set targets
for the following year.
Detailed information of the approved
Currently Estimated Potential (“CEP”),
performance grading, Performance
Bonus, Variable Increment, Legal
Professional Allowance, Long-Term
Incentive and other specific remuneration
components accorded to each individual
LSO (for work done in 2013) were
provided to the respective HODs after
the annual ranking and promotion
exercise. This facilitated an effective
performance management process and
communication process by HODs and
ROs to their LSOs on the LSOs’ work
performance and potential.
LSOs were also provided the details
of their performance grading, the norm
Performance Bonus rates and the ranges
at the applicable grades to better facilitate
their discussions with their HODs or
ROs on their performance and ascertain
possible areas for improvement.
Promotions 2013
A total of 144 LSOs were promoted
to the next higher LSO-grade in the
April 2013 Promotion Exercise. Sixteen
Superscale LSOs were promoted within
the Superscale grades and 13 Timescale
LSOs were promoted into the Superscale
grade. Another 115 Timescale LSOs
were promoted within the Timescale
grades.
The Legal Service Promotion Ceremony
2013 was held at the Supreme Court
Auditorium on 28 March 2013. The
event was graced by the President
and Members of the LSC, the Special
Personnel Board and the Senior
Personnel Board.
Compensation
In line with the Civil Service’s guiding
principle of “Pay-for-Performance”, the
Legal Service continued to adopt a
market-driven and performance-based
compensation framework to attract, retain
and incentivise LSOs. The framework
is set out to recognise the individual
performance and potential of all LSOs
through annual increments in their
monthly salary and rewarding their
performance through performance-based
bonuses. Annual Variable
Increments
The award of the Variable Increments
(“VIs”) was based on LSOs’ approved
potential and performance grading. All
confirmed LSOs were considered and
awarded the VI in April 2013 while those
on contract or probation received their
VIs on their respective anniversary dates.
Performance Bonus
The Performance Bonus framework aims
to spur greater performance of LSOs.
All LSOs were considered in the 2013
Performance Bonus Exercise. The award
of Performance Bonuses in March 2013
was based on individual approved
performance grading for work done in
2012. Long-Term Incentive
The Long-Term Incentive (“LTI”)
framework was implemented as a
retention tool to incentivise LSOs who
pursue a long-term career with the Legal
Service. The payment of the LTI is to
be made to eligible LSOs in March
each year. Eligible LSOs who met the
payment criteria were paid the LTI in
March 2013.
Legal Professional
Allowance
All LSOs were considered for the
payment of the Legal Professional
Allowance. LSOs who met the eligibility
criteria received the Legal Professional
Allowance in September 2013.
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 25
Career
Development
Continuing Education
The Legal Service firmly believes in
the continuing education and training
of LSOs and has in place a set of
specialist and milestone programmes
made available to all LSOs at different
stages of their career in the Legal Service.
In 2013, the Legal Service awarded
LSC Scholarships to five LSOs to study
for their Masters of Laws (“LLM”):
two LSOs studied for an LLM at the
University College of London; and
three LSOs studied for an LLM at
Harvard University, Yale University
and the University of Melbourne,
respectively.
The Legal Service continued, as part of
its training and development framework,
to send LSOs to attend milestone
training programmes in areas of
leadership and management. In 2013,
two LSOs attended the Senior
Management Programme, two LSOs
attended the Governance and Leadership
Development Programme and one
LSO attended the FIREfly Leadership
Development Programme. The Legal
Service also supported the nomination
of one LSO to attend the Advanced
Management Program at Harvard
University.
The Legal Service introduced in 2013
a new framework for LSOs to
undertake legal attachments at companies
and organisations in order to gain
commercial experience by doing legal
26 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
work in a commercial environment.
Five LSOs will be undertaking
attachments at the Government of
Singapore Investment Corporation Pte
Ltd, Temasek Holdings, the Singapore
Exchange, Shell Singapore and the
Ascott Limited (part of the CapitaLand
group) in 2014.
Postings A total of 74 LSOs (20 Superscale LSOs
and 54 Timescale LSOs) were re-posted
in 2013. The posting and secondment preferences
of LSOs were considered and, as far
as practicable, accommodated by the
relevant Personnel Boards and approving
authorities. Succession Planning and
Talent Development
The Legal Service Talent Development
Scheme (“TDS”) was formally
institutionalised in the Legal Service
in 2006 and is the principal source for
renewal of leadership and ideas in the
Legal Service. The TDS underpins the
succession planning framework in the
Legal Service.
The Legal Service Talent Development/
Succession Planning Committee (“TDC/
SPC”) is chaired personally by the
President of the LSC. The TDC/SPC
comprised, as at 31 December 2013, the
Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, the
Attorney-General Mr Steven Chong, S.C.,
Judge of Appeal Justice Chao Hick Tin,
Judge of Appeal Justice V K Rajah,
Justice Lee Seiu Kin, Mr Lee Tzu Yang
and Mr Gautam Baner jee. The
composition of the TDC/SPC reinforces
the importance that the Legal Service
places on the development and
retention of scarce talent. The TDC/SPC
has direct oversight of LSOs in the TDS
and monitors their progress, in particular
t h e t ra i n i n g a n d d e v e l o p mental
opportunities accorded to them, and their
postings.
The inclusion and retention of LSOs in
the TDS is dynamic and porous. All
LSOs will be provided opportunities
to demonstrate the requisite qualities
to be eligible to join the TDS. The
LSOs may remain in the TDS if they
are assessed to have high potential
coupled
with
consistently
good
performance.
LSOs in the TDS are groomed
through training and development and
posting frameworks to enable them to
have the opportunity to achieve their
fullest potential. In particular, they are
specially targeted for specific postings;
exposed to more committee work and
projects; given priority for scholarship
opportunities to study for a Master
of Laws or other formal training; given
priority consideration for attachments,
to barristers’ chambers, law firms,
commercial organisations, companies or
secondments to Ministries to undertake
policy work; and targeted and trained
to assume leadership or headship positions.
Seven LSOs in the TDS attended
milestone programmes in 2013. Six
Superscale LSOs and 21 Timescale
LSOs in the TDS were specifically
considered and re-posted in 2013.
The Legal
Service
Commission
Secretariat
The LSC Secretariat is anchored by the
following core values in the discharge
of its functions: (a) attract, recruit and retain a fair
share of legal talent for the Legal
Service; (b) adopt a human capital management
system in which each LSO is
accorded the opportunity and
encouraged to develop to the
fullest of his or her potential;
(c) empower each LSO to take charge
and be conscious of his or her career
development;
(d) r ecognise
potential
and
performance through appropriate
and
commensurate
reward
mechanisms; and
(e) be transparent, consistent and
innovative in people management.
In staffing the functions of the LSC
and serving as the human capital
arm of the Legal Service, the sphere
of the LSC Secretariat embodies the
following elements: recruitment and
establishment, assessment, talent
development, performance management
(including potential, performance
appraisals and promotion), compensation
and benefits, training and career
development (including secondments,
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 27
postings and the attachments of LSOs),
succession planning, discipline and exit
management.
The President and Members of the
LSC approved the re-appointment of
Mr Hamzah Moosa as the Chief of Staff
of the Legal Service for two years until
31 August 2015. Mr Moosa continued
to hold the concurrent appointment
as Secretary of the LSC. He also
concurrently undertook duties as a
District Judge at the Subordinate Courts.
The President and Members of the LSC
also approved the re-appointment and
appointment respectively of Ms Hoo
Sheau Peng and Ms Audrey Lim as
Deputy Chiefs of Staff for two years
until 31 August 2015. Ms Hoo continued
to hold the concurrent appointment of
Deputy Chief Counsel (Advisory and
Administration) at the Civil Division
of the AGC and Ms Lim continued to
hold the concurrent appointment of
Deputy Chief Legislative Counsel at
the Legislation and Law Reform Division
of the AGC.
The LSC Secretariat spearheaded a wide
spectrum of initiatives and programmes
in 2013, including:
l
l
l
highlighting the diversity of career
options available in the Legal
Service through an array of
platforms and outreach programmes;
enhancing the scope of the Legal
Service Internship Programme to
enable more students to experience
first-hand the full gamut of
challenges and interesting scope of
work available in the Legal Service;
bolstering the recruitment of both
mid-career candidates and fresh
28 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
law graduates to cater to the
organic growth in the manpower
needs of specific Legal Service
departments;
collaborating with the Civil Service
College to run a suite of training
programmes for LSOs on the
performance appraisal framework
and processes relevant to the
Legal Service; l
reviewing the range of milestone
training programmes and list of
approved institutions and subjects,
and the LSC Scholarships and
Training
Awards
for
these
programmes; l
staffing the award of LSC
Scholarships and Training Awards to
LSOs to undertake various milestone
programmes; l creating
new LSO posts and
re-grading existing LSO posts at
Ministries, statutory bodies and
key public institutions;
l seconding
LSOs to Ministries,
statutory bodies and key public
institutions to undertake specialist
legal or policy work or perform
other specialist functions;
l
l
l
implementing the scheme of
attaching
LSOs
to
specific
companies and organisations to
enable them to gain commercial
experience by doing legal work
in a commercial environment; and
reviewing
and
implementing
a common framework of the bond
to be applied to all LSOs who
undertake vocational training or all
forms of professional developmental
programme.
ADVANCING
THE
RULE OF LAW
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 29
There were 564 Legal Service Officers (“LSOs”) in the Legal Service as at
31 December 2013. The LSOs serve in various capacities in the Judicial and
Legal Branches of the Legal Service and play a key role in the advancement of
the rule of law and the administration of justice in Singapore. LSOs may be
posted to either the Judicial Branch or the Legal Branch in the course of their work.
A brief overview of the work done by them in 2013 is set out in this chapter.
The Judicial Branch
The Chief Justice presides over the Judicial Branch of the Legal Service, which
is a key component of the Singapore Judiciary. The LSOs in the Judicial Branch
serve in the Supreme Court Registry, in the Justices’ Law Clerks (“JLC”) pool
at the Supreme Court, and in the Subordinate Courts. At the Supreme Court,
the LSOs in the Registry are supervised by the Registrar of the Supreme
Court, while the JLCs come under the direct oversight of the Chief Justice.
At the Subordinate Courts, the LSOs are supervised by the Chief District Judge.
The Supreme Court
Headed by the Chief Justice, the Supreme Court comprises the Court of Appeal and
the High Court.
The year 2013 witnessed significant changes at the highest levels in the Supreme
Court. While Justice Lai Siu Chiu and Justice Tan Lee Meng retired as Judges
of the Supreme Court, the year saw the elevation of Judicial Commissioner Vinodh
Coomaraswamy as a Judge of the Supreme Court and the appointment of Judicial
Commissioners Lionel Yee, George Wei, Tan Siong Thye and Edmund Leow.
In addition, Ms Juthika Ramanathan was appointed as the first Chief Executive
of the Supreme Court to oversee its administration and operations, which include
areas such as strategic planning, human resource, finance, public affairs and
stakeholder engagement.
The Registrar of the Supreme Court is in overall charge of the Supreme Court
Registry. He is assisted by a team of 33 LSOs comprising the Deputy
Registrar, three Senior Assistant Registrars and 29 Assistant Registrars (as at
31 December 2013). In a judicial reform initiated by Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, the registrars
played an active role in designing a modified docket system for case management
in the Supreme Court. In the docket system, the registrars are organised into clusters
to provide case management support to the Judges and Judicial Commissioners who
hear cases in their respective areas of expertise and specialisation. The registrars
continue to hear matters such as interlocutory applications, assessments of damages
30 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Supreme Court Registry
(Left to Right) Front Row:
Ms Cornie Ng Teng Teng, Ms Teh Hwee Hwee,
Foo Chee Hock (Registrar, Supreme Court), Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon,
Ms Juthika Ramanathan (Chief Executive, Judiciary Administration & Operations,
Supreme Court), Yeong Zee Kin
(Left to Right) Second Row:
Ms Una Khng, Ms Karen Tan Teck Ping, Ms Delphine Ho Yee Tien,
Ms Jacqueline Lee Siew Hui, Ms Sim Khadijah Bte Mohammed,
Ms Chong Chin Chin, Ms Jean Chan Lay Koon, Ms Janice Wong Shi Hui,
Ms Lim Sai Nei, Ms Wong Baochen, Ms Eunice Chua Hui Han,
Ms Melissa Mak Sushan, Ms Kan Shuk Weng
(Left to Right) Back Row:
Edwin San, Miyapan Ramu, Teo Guan Kee, Justin Yeo Rong Wei,
Paul Chan Wei Sern, Jay Lee Yuxian, James Elisha Lee Han Leong,
Jonathan Yap Han Ming, Shaun Leong Li Shiong,
David Lee Yeow Wee, Paul Tan Wei Chean
Not in picture:
Ms Wendy Yap Peng Hoon, Ms Amy Tung Chew Ming, Paul Quan Kaih Shiuh,
Nathaniel Khng Yong-Ern, Tan Sze Yao, Colin Seow Fu Hong
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 31
and taking of accounts. Additionally, the
registrars continue to exercise jurisdiction
as District Judges or Magistrates, as
the case may be, in areas such as the
examination of directors in companies
winding up proceedings and criminal
proceedings.
The registrars further assist and support
the committees tasked with various
judicial reform initiatives, such as
establishing the Singapore International
Commercial Court, examining possible
reforms to the family justice system
and sentencing practice, and reviewing
the management of costs in civil
proceedings. Such responsibilities are
over and above the existing roles
which the registrars play in relation
to the Rules of Court Working Party,
the Singapore Mediation Centre, the
Singapore Academy of Law, the
Appeals Board (Land Acquisition) and
the ASEAN Law Association (“ALA”).
The Supreme Court is also home to
another group of LSOs, the Justices’
Law Clerks (“JLCs”). There were 25
JLCs as at 31 December 2013. They
provide dedicated support to the
Supreme Court Bench in carrying out
legal research and performing other
hearing-related duties. They also add
to the life of the Supreme Court
by their enthusiastic contribution in,
amongst others, the Judiciary Recreation
Club and the Staff Lecture Series.
Looking back, the year will be
remembered for the successful launch
of the Integrated Electronic Litigation
System (eLitigation), which replaced
the Electronic Filing System (EFS).
Through harnessing the latest information
technology, eLitigation aims to further
32 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
increase productivity all round. The
Supreme Court showcased eLitigation
at the eGov Exhibition, a significant
component of the eGov Global Exchange
2013, which attracted about 700 local
and overseas visitors.
The Supreme Court had the honour of
hosting the 15th Conference of Chief
Justices of Asia and the Pacific, the
5th Meeting of the Asia Pacific
Judicial Reform Forum and the
inaugural Meeting of ASEAN Chief
Justices, which was held in conjunction
with the 35th Meeting of the ALA
Governing Council and Standing
Committees that the Supreme Court
supported. As part of a series of biennial
judicial seminars that the Supreme Court
hosts in turn with the Judiciary of the
Hong Kong SAR and the Supreme Court
of New South Wales, delegates from
various jurisdictions attended the 4th
Judicial Seminar on Commercial
Litigation held in Singapore.
Adding to the above highlights, the
Supreme Court successfully aced the
Integrated Business Excellence
assessment and was re-certified for the
Singapore Quality Class Star, the People
Developer and the Innovation Class.
To round it off, the Supreme Court was
also certified, on its first attempt, for
the Service Class.
The Supreme Court remains committed
to its vision of maintaining a world-class
Judiciary as it achieves organisational
excellence to better deliver justice to
one and all.
Foo Chee Hock
Registrar
Supreme Court
Justices’ Law Clerks
(Left to Right) Front Row:
Ho Lian-Yi, Daniel Gaw Wai Ming, Nicholas Poon Guokun,
Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, Jonathan Muk Chen Yeen,
Lau Wen Jin, Nathanael Lim Yao Hui
(Left to Right) Second Row:
Lim Wen Juin, Randeep Singh Koonar, Zhuang Wenxiong,
Ms Leong Yi-Ming, Ms Elsa Goh Rui Xian, Ms Regina Lim Siew Mei, Ms Loh Hui-min,
Devathas Satianathan, Benjamin Koh Zhen-Xi, Vince Gui Chuan Cheng
(Left to Right) Back Row:
Wong Wei Hong, Chia Huai Yuan, Shaun Pereira,
Joel Quek Yi Zhi, Ramasamy s/o Nachiappan, Chew Xiang, Liu Zhao Xiang,
Bryan Fang Hao Wen, Ben Mathias Tan
Not in picture:
Chen Zhida
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 33
The Subordinate Courts
The Subordinate Courts comprise the
District Courts, the Magistrates’ Courts,
the Juvenile Court, the Coroner’s Court
and the Small Claims Tribunals. Specialist
courts together with a variety of alternative
dispute resolution processes ensure the
efficient, fair and expeditious disposition
of cases. The Chief District Judge heads the
Subordinate Courts. He is assisted by the
Deputy Chief District Judge, the Senior
District Judges of the Criminal, Civil,
Family and Juvenile Justice Divisions as
well as the Corporate and Court Services
Division, together with the Senior Director
of the Strategic Planning and Training
Division.
On 1 October 2013, former Chief District
Judge Tan Siong Thye was appointed a
Judicial Commissioner of the Supreme
Court, former Senior District Judge
See Kee Oon was appointed the Chief
District Judge, and District Judge Ong
Hian Sun was appointed Senior District
Judge of the Criminal Justice Division.
The Subordinate Courts (Amendment)
Bill (Bill No. 26/2013) was tabled
before Parliament for its first reading on
11 November 2013. The amendments
included the re-naming of the Subordinate
Courts to the State Courts, the appointment
of a Judge or Judicial Commissioner
of the Supreme Court to head the State
Courts as the Presiding Judge and the
enhanced statutory requirements for
appointment as District Judges and
Magistrates.
On 23 May 2013, Judicial Officers
commenced wearing judicial robes for
34 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
open court hearings. As the Chief Justice
noted, this signified the overarching
responsibilities and duties of judicial
office and in the administration of justice.
The inaugural Judicial Governance
Programme was jointly organised with
the Civil Service College from
8 to 12 July 2013, where LSOs shared
their experiences in court governance
and judicial reforms with participants
from 15 foreign judiciaries and other
organisations.
In October 2013, the Subordinate Courts
were conferred the apex World Class
Award of the Global Performance
Excellence Awards by the Asia Pacific
Quality Organization, affirming their
commitment to better serve society by
providing an effective and accessible
system of justice.
In the area of criminal justice, the third
edition of the “Practitioners’ Library:
Sentencing Practice in the Subordinate
Courts”, fondly known as the “Blue
Book”, was published. The “Blue Book”
is the only sentencing book in Singapore
containing a comprehensive analysis of
the sentences applicable to a range of
offences, with useful commentaries on
sentencing principles and considerations.
The Integrated Criminal Case Filing and
Management System (“ICMS”) will be
implemented in various phases by
January 2015. ICMS is an integrated
e-filing and e-workflow case management
system for the Criminal Courts in a
paperless, digital environment. It enables
all enforcement agencies to commence
criminal prosecutions and allows the
prosecution and defence to file
applications and documents electronically.
Criminal Justice Division,
Subordinate Courts
(Left to Right) Front Row:
P Siva Shanmugam, Mathew Joseph, Ng Peng Hong,
See Kee Oon (Chief District Judge), Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon,
Ong Hian Sun (Senior District Judge, Crime), Soh Tze Bian,
Ms Hamidah bte Ibrahim, Chay Yuen Fatt
(Left to Right) Second Row:
Low Wee Ping, Ms Kamala Ponnampalam, Mrs Lee-Khoo Poh Choo,
Ms Wong Choon Ning, Mrs Carol Chan Feng Yong, Lim Keng Yeow,
Marvin Bay Boon Teck, Eddy Tham Tong Kong, Ms Sarah Tan Yin Tze,
Shaiffudin bin Saruwan, Ms Carrie Chan Su-Lin, Ms Janet Wang Lan Jee,
Ms Crystal Ong Wai Mun, Liew Thiam Leng
(Left to Right) Back Row:
Christopher Goh Eng Chiang, Lim Tse Haw, Ms Salina bte Ishak, Mrs Brenda Tan,
Eugene Teo Weng Kuan, Shawn Ho Hsi Ming, John Ng, Jesudevan Viveganandam,
Ms May Lucia Mesenas, Toh Yung Cheong, Kessler Soh Boon Leng,
Ronald Gwee, Victor Yeo Khee Eng
Not in Picture:
Ms Jasvender Kaur, Ms Jasbendar Kaur, Imran bin Abdul Hamid,
Ms Michelle Yap Shing Yee
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 35
Civil Justice Division,
Subordinate Courts
(Left to Right) Front Row:
Ms Tan May Tee,
Leslie Chew Kwee Hoe (Senior District Judge, Civil [until 12 March 2014]),
See Kee Oon (Chief District Judge), Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon,
Ms Foo Tuat Yien (Senior District Judge, Civil [with effect from 13 March 2014]),
Ms Wong Peck, Ms Ong Chin Rhu
(Left to Right) Second Row:
Seah Chi-Ling, Koh Juay Kherng, Ms Gillian Koh Tan, Ms Laura Lau Chin Yui,
Ms Olivia Low Pei Sze, Ms Lynette Yap Beng Lyn, Francis Tseng Cheng Kuang,
Ms Miranda Yeo Eng Joo, Ms Lorraine Ho Yi May, Ms Low Lih Jeng
(Left to Right) Back Row:
Loo Ngan Chor, Ms Constance Tay Woan Fen, Kenneth Choo Wing Kong,
Ow Yong Tuck Leong, Ms Sandra Looi Ai Lin, Joseph Yeo Swee Teck,
Chiah Kok Khun, Peter Lo
Not in Picture:
David Lim Hock Choon, Ms Dorcas Quek Ern Ling, Ms Carolyn Woo Wai-Ling,
Ms Karolyn Gin Hoey Kum Hoong, Ms Josephine Kang Sin Wil
36 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Family and Juvenile Justice Division,
Subordinate Courts
(Left to Right) Front Row:
Chia Wee Kiat, Ms Valerie Thean Pik Yuen (Senior District Judge, FJJD [with effect
from 13 March 2014]), See Kee Oon (Chief District Judge),
Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon,
Ms Foo Tuat Yien (Senior District Judge, FJJD [until 12 March 2014]),
Ms Jocelyn Ong, Muhammad Hidhir bin Abdul Majid
(Left to Right) Second Row:
Ms Yarni Loi Teck Yi, Ms Kimberly Scully, Ms Tan Shin Yi, Wong Keen Onn,
Ms Nicole Loh Wern Sze, Ms Tan Peck Cheng, Kevin Ng Choong Yeong,
Ms Shobha Gopalakrishnan Nair, Ms Kathryn Low Lye Fong
(Left to Right) Back Row:
Wong Sheng Kwai, Ms Cheryl Koh Mei Chen, Ms Lim Choi Ming,
Mrs Michelle Claire Elias Solomon, Colin Tan Boon Chwee,
Ms Suzanne Chin Yew Ling, Mrs Regina Ow-Chang Yee Lin, Ms Sharon Lim Hui Mien,
Edgar Foo Mau Peng, Eugene Tay Chian Yi
Not in Picture:
Sowaran Singh s/o Gurdial Singh, Ms Lee Li Choon, Ms Jen Koh,
Ms Masayu Norashikin Bte Mohamad Amin, Ms Geraldine Kang
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 37
Corporate and Court Services Division &
Strategic Planning and Training Division,
Subordinate Courts
(Left to Right):
Ms Joyce Low Wei Lin,
James Leong Kui Yiu (Senior Director, SPTD),
See Kee Oon (Chief District Judge),
Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon,
Ms Jennifer Marie (Deputy Chief District Judge),
Tan Boon Heng,
Lim Wee Ming
38 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
As regards civil litigation, the
Examination of Judgment Debtors
and Interpleader Summons toolkits were
published to provide practical guidance
to litigants-in-person and assist them
in understanding court procedures. The
Motor Accident Guide will also be
published to provide road users, insurers
and motor workshops with a range of
likely liability findings for different motor
accident scenarios thereby facilitating
pre-writ settlements.
The Judiciary’s Integrated Electronic
Litigation System (eLitigation) was
launched for Civil cases and Family
matters on 30 September 2013 and
2 December 2013, respectively.
Framework and Roadmap, the Court
Craft Excellence Programme, the Judicial
Mentorship Programme, the Leadership
Mentorship Programme and the creation
of additional training resources. Twenty
eight L S Os attended over seas
conferences or training programmes
and 16 LSOs spoke at these conferences.
As at 31 December 2013, there were 97
LSOs in the Subordinate Courts.
See Kee Oon
Chief District Judge
Subordinate Courts
The Family and Juvenile Justice Division
continued its collaborative efforts to
provide holistic resolution of family cases.
In July 2013, mandatory counselling
and mediation for divorcing parents with
children was extended to divorcing parents
with at least one child below the age
of 14 years.
The inaugural Family Justice Practice
Forum on 18 October 2013 with the
theme “Collaborations for Holistic
Outcomes” was jointly organised with
the Ministry of Social and Family
Development (“MSF”). It was graced
by the Chief Justice and the Permanent
Secretary, MSF. The forum was well
received by stakeholders and provided
a platform for the exchange of ideas
and information.
In collaboration with the Supreme Court,
the Subordinate Courts introduced
several training initiatives to enhance
the professional development of LSOs,
including the refined Judicial Training
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 39
The Legal Branch
The Attorney-General heads the Legal Branch. LSOs in the Legal Branch may serve
in the Attorney-General’s Chambers (“AGC”) or in departments of Ministries with
LSO positions, or be seconded to statutory bodies and key public institutions.
The Attorney-General’s Chambers
The AGC’s mission is to enhance the rule of law and constitutional Government
in Singapore by providing sound legal advice and assistance in developing a fair
and responsive legal system, furthering good public administration and protecting
the interest of the State and of the people.
The Attorney-General performs a critical constitutional role in Singapore in the
administration of justice. As the Public Prosecutor, he exercises overall control over
and provides direction in all criminal proceedings independently of Government.
He is also Government’s principal legal advisor and the guardian of the public
interest.
The Attorney-General is assisted by LSOs in the six divisions of the AGC.
These are the Civil Division, the Criminal Justice Division (“CJD”), the Economic
Crimes and Governance Division (“EGD”), the International Affairs Division
(“IAD”), the Legislation and Law Reform Division (“LLRD”) and the State
Prosecution Division (“SPD”). There are also LSOs posted at the Attorney-General’s
Office of the AGC.
The Second Solicitor-General Mr Lionel Yee, S.C. was appointed as a Judicial
Commissioner of the Supreme Court with effect from 1 February 2013 for a
period of one year. Mr Charles Lim, Parliamentary Counsel of the LLRD, was
appointed Parliamentary Counsel (Special Projects) and Chief Knowledge Officer
of the AGC on 1 June 2013. 40 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
The Attorney-General,
the Solicitor-General and
the Heads of the Divisions of the
Attorney-General’s Chambers
(Left to Right) Front Row:
Lionel Yee Woon Chin, S.C. (Solicitor-General [with effect from 1 February 2014]),
Mr Steven Chong, S.C. (Attorney-General)
(Left to Right) Second Row:
Pang Khang Chau (Director-General, IAD),
Aedit Abdullah, S.C. (Chief Prosecutor, CJD),
Mrs Owi Beng Ki (Chief Legislative Counsel, LLRD),
David Chong Gek Sian, S.C. (Chief Counsel, Civil Division),
Ms Mavis Chionh Sze Chyi (Chief Prosecutor, EGD),
Tai Wei Shyong (Chief Prosecutor, SPD)
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 41
Attorney-General’s Office,
Attorney-General’s Chambers
(Left to Right) Front Row:
Lionel Yee Woon Chin, S.C. (Solicitor-General [with effect from 1 February 2014]),
Mr Steven Chong, S.C. (Attorney-General)
(Left to Right) Second Row:
Ms Gay Hui Yi,
Charles Lim Aeng Cheng (Parliamentary Counsel, Special Projects &
Chief Knowledge Officer),
Jeffrey Chan Wah Teck, S.C. (Deputy Solicitor-General),
Bala Reddy (Chief Prosecutor, Projects)
Not in Picture:
Ms Low Siew Ling
42 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Criminal Justice
Division
Led by the Chief Prosecutor, CJD, the
CJD is responsible for a range of
prosecutorial work in the Supreme
Court and the Subordinate Courts. In
addition, the CJD is responsible for
assisting in the prosecutions by
other Government agencies and for
providing legal advice to law enforcement
agencies. The CJD is divided into six
specialised Legal Directorates. Each
Legal Directorate is headed by a senior
LSO and consists of a team of Deputy
Public Prosecutors (“DPPs”) and
Assistant Public Prosecutors (“APPs”).
A description of each Legal Directorate
is as follows:
l
The Appellate Litigation Directorate
handles appellate matters in the High
Court and the Court of Appeal. l
The Drugs and Specialist Crimes
Directorate handles the prosecution
of non-capital drug offences,
unlicensed moneylending offences,
Women’s Charter (Cap. 353) offences
and Casino Control Act (Cap. 33A)
offences. l
The High Court Trial Litigation
Directorate (Capital Cases) handles
the prosecution of cases in the High
Court involving capital punishment.
l
Th e M i n i s t r y P r o s e c utions
Directorate supervises all Ministry
prosecutions and provides legal
advice to prosecutors from various
Government agencies. l
The Policy, Planning and Advisory
Directorate provides legal advice
pertaining to criminal matters to
Ministries and Government agencies.
l
The Technology Crime Unit, which
draws on prosecutors from across
the Crime Cluster, handles the
prosecution of offences under the
Computer Misuse Act (Cap. 50A),
and other offences involving a
technological element. In 2013, LSOs in the CJD were
engaged in various noteworthy cases,
including the re-sentencing of convicted
persons under the amendments introducing
the discretionary death penalty for
certain drug and murder offences,
prosecution of those involved in the
illegal strike of the bus drivers at the
SMRT and various vandalism cases.
LSOs from the Technology Crime Unit
conducted prosecutions in various cases
of cybercrime, some of which are still
on-going.
Further, since 2013, officers from the
CJD have been embedded in the Central
Narcotics Bureau, where they provide legal
advice on investigative and evidential
matters in drug cases at an early stage. The CJD also houses the Common
Registry and the Training Directorate,
which ensure the efficient functioning of
the whole of the Crime Cluster.
The Training Directorate conducts the
Basic Prosecutor’s Course and the Basic
Trial Advocacy Course for LSOs.
Additionally, it is responsible for
organising attachments for LSOs in
the Crime Cluster to various overseas
counterpart agencies. In 2013, the
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 43
Criminal Justice Division,
Attorney-General’s Chambers
(Left to Right) Front Row:
Han Ming Kuang, Anandan Bala, Lau Wing Yum, Hay Hung Chun,
Lionel Yee Woon Chin, S.C. (Solicitor-General [with effect from 1 February 2014]),
Mr Steven Chong, S.C. (Attorney-General), Aedit Abdullah, S.C. (Chief Prosecutor),
Ng Cheng Thiam, Lee Sing Lit, Francis Ng Yong Kiat
(Left to Right) Second Row:
Mrs Shahla Iqbal, Ms Mary-Elisabeth Chong Xinling, Ms Rachel Lee Pei Rong,
Ms Shen Wanqin, Ms Zhou Yihong, Ms April Phang Suet Fern, Ms Anamika Bagchi,
Mrs Jasmine Chin-Sabado, Ms Seraphina Fong Mian Yi, Ms Eunice Ng Huiya,
Ms Star Chen Xinhui, Ms Yan Jiakang, Ms Norine Tan Yan Ling, Ms Teo Siqi,
Ms Tan Si En, Ms Teo Lu Jia, Ms Ailene Chou Xiujue, Mark Anand Jayaratnam
(Left to Right) Third Row:
Kumaralingam Amirthalingam, Muhammad Faizal Bin Nooraznan,
Norman Teo Zhenxing, Houston Tian Jin Johannus, Stephen Yeo Zhi Yuan,
Kenny Yang Yong, Gabriel Choong Hefeng, Wong Thai Chuan, Low Chun Yee,
Tan Wee Hao, Nicholas Lai Yi Shin, Lim How Khang,
Ms Goh Yi Ling, Ms Jane Lim Ern Hui
(Left to Right) Back Row:
Kevin Tan Eu Shan, Marcus Foo Guo Wen, Wong Woon Kwong, Suhas Malhotra,
Nicholas Wuan Kin Lek, Timotheus Koh Rong En, Scott Tan Chun Wen,
Eugene Lee Yee Leng, Terence Chua Seng Leng, Marshall Lim Yuhui
Not in Picture:
Ms Tan Wen Hsien, Mrs Peggy Pao-Keerthi Pei Yu, Ma Hanfeng, Ms Puspha S,
Ms Chee Min Ping, Ms Ong Luan Tze, Ms Sanjna Rai d/o Rajeshwar Rai,
Samuel Chua, Ms Christina Koh, Ms Jesintha Veijayaratnam, Ms Tan Yanying,
Ms Charmaine Delicia Tan Li Fang, Ms Kelly Ho Yan-Qing, Rajiv Rai, Quek Jing Feng
44 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Training Directorate hosted a number
of distinguished guests to give talks to
LSOs, including Mr Kevin Zervos, S.C.
from the Hong Kong Department of
Justice.
As at 31 December 2013, there were
73 LSOs and 3 APPs in the CJD.
Aedit Abdullah, S.C.
Chief Prosecutor
Criminal Justice Division
Attorney-General’s Chambers
l
l
Economic Crimes and
Governance Division
The EGD is a specialist division
responsible for prosecutions, appeals
and other proceedings in respect of
financial and commercial crimes and
corruption cases. Cases handled by the
EGD in 2013 include:
l
Public Prosecutor v Hakim Leong
(MA 143 of 2013, unreported) – The
19-year old offender sought to cheat
a company of $500,000 worth of gift
vouchers. On appeal, the Prosecution
sought reformative training. The High
Court agreed that reformative training
was appropriate but dismissed the
appeal as the offender had already
served part of his imprisonment term
by the time the appeal was heard.
Tan Kim Hock Anthony v Public
Prosecutor ([2014] SGHC 32) – The
former principal of Maris Stella High
School misappropriated $67,697.05
from a school fund and was sentenced
to five months’ imprisonment. The
conviction was upheld on appeal.
l
Public Prosecutor v Uyeh Dennis
Kluvert and another (DAC 32561 of
2012 & others, unreported) – Two
“money mules” from Africa were
tried under section 411 of the Penal
Code (Cap. 224) for engaging in
a conspiracy to dishonestly receive
stolen property, in one of the first trials
in Singapore of this nature against
a money mule. They were convicted
and each sentenced to 12 months’
imprisonment for each charge.
Public Prosecutor v Li Huabo
([2013] SGDC 242) – A Chinese
government official embezzled
public funds before relocating to
Singapore. He was convicted of the
dishonest receipt of $182,722.60
into his Singapore bank account
and sentenced to 15 months’
imprisonment.
Public Prosecutor v Peter Benedict
Lim Sin Pang ([2013] SGDC 192) –
The former Commissioner of the
Singapore Civil Defence Force
was one of the highest ranking
public officers prosecuted under the
Prevention of Corruption Act (Cap.
241). He had corruptly obtained oral
sex from an employee of a
vendor. He was convicted and
sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.
l
l
Public Prosecutor v Ali Sabbagh
and others (DAC 11104 of 2013 &
others, unreported) – Three FIFAaccredited football officials from
Lebanon were charged for corruptly
receiving sexual services as
inducement to fix a football match.
All three were convicted. The
referee was sentenced to six months’
imprisonment while the two
linesmen were each sentenced to
three months’ imprisonment. LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 45
Economic Crimes and Governance Division,
Attorney-General’s Chambers
(Left to Right) Front Row:
Gordon Oh Chun Wei, Peter Koy Su Hua, Leong Wing Tuck, Tan Ken Hwee,
Lionel Yee Woon Chin, S.C. (Solicitor-General [with effect from 1 February 2014]),
Mr Steven Chong, S.C. (Attorney-General),
Ms Mavis Chionh Sze Chyi (Chief Prosecutor), David Chew Siong Tai, Tan Kiat Pheng,
Christopher Ong Siu Jin, Alan Loh Yong Kah
(Left to Right) Second Row:
Ms Yau Pui Man, Ms Ilona Tan Lin Yen, Ms Jurena Chan Pei Shan,
Ms Eunice Lim Shu Xian, Ms Lynn Tan Jin Ling, Ms Kok Shu-en, Ms Chew Xin Ying,
Ms Magdalene Huang Xin’en, Ms Haniza Abnass, Ms Foong Leong Parn,
Ms Jasmin Kaur Saini, Ms Cheryl Lim Qian Yi
(Left to Right) Third Row:
Amardeep Singh, Asoka s/o Markandu, Gregory Gan Wee Kiat,
Nicholas Tan Beng Leong, Victor Lim See Wai, Nicholas Seng Soon Meng,
Joel Chen Zhi’en, Nicholas Khoo Tian Lun, Ms Sandy Dawn Baggett
(Left to Right) Back Row:
Tan Zhongshan, Vadivalagan s/o P V Shanmuga Sundaram,
Muhamad Imaduddien Bin Abd Karim, Jiang Ke-Yue, Shaun Lee Shuo Hong,
Kenny Kung Yong Jin, Eugene Sng Yi Zhi, Francis Zhang Zeyi, Navindraram Naidu
Not in Picture:
Luke Tan Loke Yong, Gnanasihamani Kannan, Hon Yi, Jacky Leong Weng Tat,
Andre Jumabhoy, Louis Ng Shi Zheng, Ms Ang Feng Qian, Kevin Yong Ee Wen,
Kwek Chin Yong, Jeremy Yeo Shenglong, Kelvin Kow Weijie,
Navin Shanmugaraj Thevar, Sanjiv Vaswani, Ms Grace Goh Chioa Wei,
Ms Grace Lim Seow Gek, Ms Sherlyn Neo Xiulin, Joshua Lai Zhiyang, Tow Chew Chi
46 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
The EGD deploys embedded DPPs at
the Commercial Affairs Department and
at the Corrupt Practices Investigation
Bureau to provide legal advice and
facilitate the disposition of cases. EGD
officers are also part of the Civil Penalty
Practice Group, which handles civil
penalty cases for market misconduct
under the Securities and Futures Act
(Cap. 289) on behalf of the Monetary
Authority of Singapore.
In 2013, the EGD sent LSOs on
attachment to various barristers’ chambers
and counterpart agencies overseas.
As at 31 December 2013, there were
46 LSOs in the EGD.
Mavis Chionh (Ms)
Chief Prosecutor
Economic Crimes and Governance Division
Attorney-General’s Chambers
State Prosecution
Division
The SPD handles a wide variety of
the criminal cases in the High Court
and the Subordinate Courts. These
include sexual crimes, crimes against
persons, traffic-related crimes and
property crimes. LSOs at the SPD also
handle the appeals which arise from
these cases and coroners’ inquiries.
Significant cases prosecuted by LSOs
in 2013 include the following:
l
Public Prosecutor v Kew Guozhi
(MCN 332/2013 & others,
unreported) – The accused, a Land
Transport Authority engineer, faced
423 charges of insulting the
l
modesty of women by using camera
pens clipped onto his shoe to capture
up-skirt videos of female colleagues
and strangers. He was sentenced to
15 months’imprisonment.
Public Prosecutor v Tang Huisheng
([2013] SGDC 432) – The accused
trafficked a Chinese national, who
was a minor, to Singapore to
prostitute herself. The accused had
coerced her into prostitution by
drugging her, beating her, and
locking her up, as well as seizing
her identity documents and money.
He was sentenced to six years’
imprisonment. Resulting from this
case, 24 other persons were charged
with having commercial sex with
the minor.
Public Prosecutor v Yue Liangfu
(MAC 4821/2013, unreported) –
The accused committed theft of
another passenger’s luggage on
board a SilkAir flight. This was
a landmark case in terms of
sentencing for such offences. The
prosecution submitted that a
deterrent sentence was justified
based on statistics highlighting
a recent rise in such thefts. He
was sentenced to nine months’
imprisonment, which has since
become the benchmark sentence
for theft on aircraft cases. l
Hang Tuah Bin Jumaat v Public
Prosecutor ([2013] SGHC 28) –
The accused drove the then 13-year
old victim and her ex-boyfriend
in a lorry, without a valid driving
licence, to a secluded location, where
he orchestrated a drinking session.
When they were alone, he raped
l
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 47
State Prosecution Division,
Attorney-General’s Chambers
(Left to Right) Front Row:
Mark Tay Swee Keng, Wong Kok Weng, Hui Choon Kuen, Lionel Yee Woon Chin, S.C.
(Solicitor-General [with effect from 1 February 2014]),
Mr Steven Chong, S.C. (Attorney-General), Tai Wei Shyong (Chief Prosecutor),
David Khoo Kim Leng, Isaac Tan Choon Kiat, Bhajanvir Singh
(Left to Right) Second Row:
Ms Stella Tan Wei Ling, Ms Sheryl Janet George, Ms Lin Yinbing,
Ms Sharmila Sripathy, Ms Elizabeth Chua Ming Ying, Ms Cheryl Seah Li Min,
Ms Rachel Ng Bao Ling, Ms Elaine Liew Ling Wei, Ms Christine Liu Yiwen,
Ms Daphne Lim Ai Juan, Ms Parvathi Menon, Ms Chee Ee Ling,
Ms Selene Yap Wan Ting, Ms Michelle Lu Wei Yi
(Left to Right) Third Row:
James Low Chin Yong, Winston Man Kah-Soon, Ng Yiwen, Jason Nim Kia Meng,
Ms Carene Poh Kai Lin, Ms Sarah Ong Hui’en, Ms Eunice Lau Su Hui,
Ms Agnes Chan Huseh Mei, Ms Boppana Sruthi, Ms Allison Phua Su-Yun,
Ms Stephanie Koh Wan Ling, Terence Szetoh Khai Hoe, Michael Quilindo Zhi Cheng,
Fong Jing Heng, Ryan David Lim Jia Yong, Vincent Ong Kit Liang
(Left to Right) Back Row:
Kenneth Chin Jiayang, Tan Soo Tet, Benny Tan Zhi Peng, Zhong Zewei,
Paul Wong Chun Yi, Mansoor Amir, Jeremy Lua Limian, Andrew Tan Shao Weng,
Dwayne Lum Wen Yi, Tang Shangjun
Not in Picture:
Alan Hu Zhenliang, Clement Chen Huineng, James Chew Shi Jun,
Ms Krystle Chiang Jing Ya, Ms Amanda Chong Wei-Zhen, Jason Chua Chuan Hwee,
Kumaresan s/o Gohulabalan, Ms Chloe Mercy Lee Weiming, Lee Zu Zhao,
Joshua Lim Yong En, John Lu Zhuoren, Ms Claire Poh Hui Jing,
Ms Yvonne Poon Yirong, Prem Raj s/o Prabakaran, Ramesh Ethan s/o Ananda Suppiah,
Ms Santhra d/o Aiyyasamy, Sellakumaran s/o Sellamuthoo, Justin Seng Wei Jian,
Ms Siti Adrianni Binte Marhain, Ms Crystal Tan Yan Shi, Ms Ruth Teng Xiaohui,
Vikneswaran s/o Kumaran, Yang Ziliang, Norman Yew Li Chuen, Clement Yong Hong Kit,
Ms Toh Puay San, Caleb Tan Tian-le
48 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
the victim. He was convicted after
trial, and sentenced to 12 years’
imprisonment and 12 strokes of
the cane for rape, and two months’
imprisonment for the road traffic
offence.
multilateral negotiations and international
dispute settlement. The IAD also
discharges the functions of the Central
Authority of Singapore in the handling
of requests for extradition and mutual
legal assistance in criminal matters.
Notable coroners’ inquiries included the
inquiry into the death of American
engineer Shane Todd (CI 2014/2012,
unreported), who was found hanging
in his Singapore apartment. The Court
held that he had committed suicide
and that no foul play was involved. In 2013, the IAD was actively engaged
in negotiations on various fronts. In
the negotiations with Indonesia on the
delimitation of maritime boundaries
in the eastern part of the Straits of
Singapore, substantial agreement on the
boundary was reached. In the area of
trade and investment, the IAD worked
with agencies to conclude the economic
partnership agreement with the Separate
Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu,
Kinmen and Matsu; and to prepare for
initialling the texts of the EU-Singapore
Free Trade Agreement (“EUSFTA”) and
the related EU-Singapore Partnership
and Cooperation Agreement. Significant
progress was also made on the
Trans-Pacific Partnership Free Trade
Agreement (“TPP”). The EUSFTA and
the anticipated TPP have been upheld
as ambitious, comprehensive and highquality 21st century trade agreements.
The IAD also worked closely with
agencies in negotiations at the UN
Commission on International Trade Law
which led to the conclusion of a set of
rules on transparency in investor-State
arbitration.
As part of the Crime Cluster-wide
embedment of DPPs in enforcement
agencies,
SPD
prosecutors
were
embedded in the Criminal Investigation
Department, the Traffic Police and the
Tanglin Police Division. These DPPs
are consulted by investigators at an early
stage, allowing for increased quality
of investigations, efficiency and better
deployment of resources.
As at 31 December 2013, the SPD
comprised 71 LSOs and 11 APPs working
in four directorates.
Tai Wei Shyong
Chief Prosecutor
State Prosecution Division
Attorney-General’s Chambers
International Affairs
Division
The mission of the IAD is to advance
and protect Singapore’s interests through
international law. The IAD provides legal
advice and assistance to Government
agencies on international law issues, and
represents Singapore in bilateral and
The IAD was also involved in aiding
Singapore’s ratification of the UN
Convention of the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities, lending assistance to
a comprehensive inter-agency effort to
assess Singapore’s money laundering
and terrorist financing risks, and the
surrender of a fugitive to Australia, where
he was wanted for corruption offences.
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 49
International Affairs Division,
Attorney-General’s Chambers
(Left to Right) Front Row:
Ms Danielle Yeow Ping Lin, Ms Daphne Hong Fan Sin,
Lionel Yee Woon Chin, S.C. (Solicitor-General [with effect from 1 February 2014]),
Mr Steven Chong, S.C. (Attorney-General), Pang Khang Chau (Director-General),
Kow Keng Siong
(Left to Right) Second Row:
Vinesh Winodan, Mrs Rena Lee, Ms Shirin Chua, Ms Chung Yoon Joo,
Ms Sarala Kumari d/o Subramaniam, Ms Lee Ti-Ting, Ms Ravneet Kaur,
Ms Sarah Shi Pei-Yi, Ms Terri Lim Chia Chia, Ms Wong Li Ru,
Ms Deena Bte Abdul Aziz Bajrai, Derek Lok Kong Yue
(Left to Right) Back Row:
Kenneth Wong Weixiong, Leong Kwang Ian, Kevin Lim Zhen Rong, Ong Chin Heng,
David Low Quan Ming, Dennis Tan Chuin Wei, Marcus Song Ee Pin, Luke Tang,
Michael Lin Yuande, Toh Shin Hao
Not in Picture:
Ms Nor’ashikin Binte Samdin, Jason Tan Theng Kok,
Ms Davinia Filza Binte Abdul Aziz, Paul Chia Kim Huat,
Ms Natalie Yu-Lin Morris, Ms Sabrina Choo Wen Shan, Ms Jean Kua Zhizhen
50 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
The IAD continued to support the
development of Singapore’s international
law expertise. An LSO was the legal
advisor to Singapore’s Permanent Mission
to the UN in Geneva in the negotiations
at the World Trade Organization (“WTO”)
which resulted in the Bali Package, the
first major agreement at the WTO since
1995. Another LSO was attached to Singapore’s
Permanent Mission to the UN in New
York for three months to assist with
Singapore’s engagement at the 68th
Session of the UN General Assembly.
In addition, LSOs were involved in
co-authoring a number of research
papers presented at three plenaries of the
ASEAN Integration Through Law
Project, a flagship project by the
National University of Singapore
Centre for International Law examining
the role of law and rule of law in
Asian legal integration involving
researchers from around the world.
For the IAD’s annual Public International
Law Seminar, Professor Gabrielle
Kaufmann-Kohler, a leading figure in
international arbitration, shared her
insights on recent developments in
that field.
As at 31 December 2013, there were
31 LSOs in the IAD.
Pang Khang Chau
Director-General
International Affairs Division
Attorney-General’s Chambers
Civil Division
Headed by the Chief Counsel, the
Civil Division (“the Division”) advises
Ministries and Organs of State on a broad
spectrum of legal issues, ranging from
constitutional and administrative law to
the protection of young persons, and
represents the Singapore Government in
legal proceedings.
In 2013, the Division represented
Government in a number of noteworthy
cases including the following:
In Manjit Singh s/o Kirpal Singh
and another v Attorney-General
([2013] 2 SLR 1108 and [2013]
4 SLR 483), the applicants
applied for an order compelling
the Chief Justice to exercise his
power under section 90(3)(a) of
the Legal Profession Act (Cap.161)
(“LPA”), to revoke the appointment
of a Disciplinary Tribunal
appointed to hear and investigate
a
complaint
of
professional
misconduct against the applicants.
The Court of Appeal dismissed the
appeal against the High Court’s
decision to refuse the application
and held that the Chief Justice’s
decision not to exercise his power
under section 90(3)(a) of the LPA
was not Wednesbury unreasonable.
l
In Jeyaretnam Kenneth Andrew v
Attorney-General ([2014] 1 SLR
345) the appellant applied for judicial
review against Government, alleging
that the offer of a contingent
loan by the Monetary Authority of
Singapore to the International
Monetary Fund contravenes Article
144 of the Constitution. The Court
of Appeal affirmed the High
l
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 51
Civil Division,
Attorney-General’s Chambers
(Left to Right) Front Row:
Ms Toh Hwee Lian, Lee Cheow Han, Ms Hoo Sheau Peng,
Lionel Yee Woon Chin, S.C. (Solicitor-General [with effect from 1 February 2014]),
Mr Steven Chong, S.C. (Attorney-General), David Chong Gek Sian, S.C. (Chief Counsel),
Ms Aurill Kam Su Cheun, Soh Kee Bun
(Left to Right) Second Row:
Ms Karin Lai Yiling, Ms Joyce Lee Ling Wei, Ms Linda Esther Foo Hui Ling,
Ms Cheryl Kam Li Anne, Ms Wong Pui Kay, Ms Larissa Lim Fen Ping,
Ms Elgina Chua Feng Yi, Ms Hannah Cheng Xin Ying, Ms Elsie Lee Yuejia,
Ms Jamie Pang Ru Xue, Ms Nicole Evangeline Poh Jia Yin, Ms Jeanette Justin
(Left to Right) Third Row:
Ms Ang Ching Pin, Ms Germaine Boey Yi Ling, Ms Ruth Yeo Su An, Koo Zhi Xuan,
Terence Tan Zhong Wei, Sivakumar Ramasamy, Ang Weih-Yeow, Jonathan Ee Wenyang
(Left to Right) Back Row:
Edrick Guo Zhixian, Fu Qijing, Teo Yu Chou, Leon Michael Ryan, Kong Kuek Foo,
Zheng Shaokai, Ang Boon Kwan
Not in Picture:
Ms Tammy Low Wan Jun, Ms Brenda Chua Wei Ling, Khoo Boo Jin,
Ms Then Ling, Ms Cheryl Siew May Yee, Lim Wei Shin, Russell Low Tzeh Shyian,
Terence Ang Ming Sheng, Alexander Sim Li’An, Nicholas Lim Kah Hwee,
Ms Debra Lam Qian Yi
52 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Court’s ruling that the appellant
had no locus standi to bring the
application and that Article 144 only
applies to the giving of guarantees
and raising of loans but not the
giving of loans.
In Chiu Teng @ Kallang Pte Ltd
v Singapore Land Authority ([2014]
1 SLR 1047), the applicant sought
judicial review of the Singapore
Land Authority’s assessment of the
differential premium payable for
the lifting of title restrictions for
change of use of land. The application
was dismissed. This significant High
Court decision recognises the doctrine
of substantive legitimate expectation,
and sets out the conditions for the
application of the doctrine in
Singapore. As part of the Division’s training outreach
efforts, the Division organised the wellreceived Public Officers’ Law Seminar
(in collaboration with the Civil Service
College) and published a Handbook on
“Public Administration and the Law”
to inform public officers of the legal
implications of their administrative
decisions and how to manage the risks
of such challenges. Further, the Division
sent its LSOs to attend a range of local
and overseas training events, including
educational programmes and overseas
attachments, to allow them to develop
their legal skills and knowledge. l
As of 31 December 2013, there were
44 LSOs in the Division.
David Chong Gek Sian, S.C.
Chief Counsel
Civil Division
Attorney-General’s Chambers
Legislation and Law
Reform Division
The LLRD is Singapore’s central
legislative drafting office. Besides
drafting legislation and rendering advice
on matters such as on the legislative
changes needed to implement
Government policies and statutory
interpretation, it also performs the
function of law revision.
The year 2013 saw a change in the
leadership of the LLRD with Mrs Owi
Beng Ki assuming the role of Chief
Legislative Counsel. At the same time,
Mr Charles Lim assumed a new role as
AGC’s Parliamentary Counsel (Special
Projects) and Chief Knowledge Officer.
In 2013, 27 Bills (comprising 1,211 pages)
drafted by the LLRD were introduced
in Parliament, covering a diverse range
of matters such as:
l
enhancement of fire safety measures;
l
regulation of financial holding
companies;
l
tightening of regulation of housing
developers;
l
clarification of legal status of
children conceived and born through
assisted reproductive technology;
l
review of the role of the Public
Trustee in relation to motor vehicle
accidents;
l
remission of sentences
imprisonment; and
of
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 53
Legislation and Law Reform Division,
Attorney-General’s Chambers
(Left to Right) Front Row:
Mrs Joyce Chao Suling, Phang Hsiao Chung, Ms Audrey Lim Yoon Cheng,
Lionel Yee Woon Chin, S.C. (Solicitor-General [with effect from 1 February 2014]),
Mr Steven Chong, S.C. (Attorney-General),
Mrs Owi Beng Ki (Chief Legislative Counsel), Lee Chuan Huei, Phua Wee Chuan
(Left to Right) Second Row:
Ms Karen Ang Aiping, Ms Lee Yean-Lin, Ms Jaime Tey Su Fung,
Ms Esther Yee Swee Yoong, Mrs Wendy Chang Mun Lin, Ms Anne Goh,
Ms Shahrinah bte Abdol Salam, Ms Cheryl Chai Chang Yun, Mrs Lim Su Ching
(Left to Right) Back Row:
Stanley Chng Teck Un, Melvin Shen Zongwei, Ms Michelle Yeo Hui Min,
Ms Woon Seow Cheng, Ms Hung Ning Shing, Terence Ong, Chong Kah Wei
Not in Picture:
Ms Hema Subramaniam, Seow Zhixiang, Lim Jit Hee
54 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
l
renaming of the Subordinate Courts
and review of qualifications of
persons to be appointed as District
Judges and Magistrates.
The LLRD also published 856 pieces
of subsidiary legislation (comprising
3,829 pages) and vetted 442 Gazette
Notifications on significant areas such as:
l
refinements to casino regulatory laws;
l
mandating of safety precautions for
work at height;
l
regulation of
agreements;
l
establishment of a Do Not Call
Register; and l
tightening of credit
unsecured credit rules.
hire
purchase
card
and
Another 34 Acts (including the Central
Provident Fund Act [Cap. 36]) and four
pieces of subsidiary legislation were
revised.
To raise awareness and interest in law
reform, the LLRD collaborated with the
National University of Singapore and the
Singapore Management University to
organise the Law Reform Essay
Competition. Law undergraduates were
invited to propose law reform relating
to the definitions of culpable homicide
and murder. Feasible proposals were
submitted to the relevant Ministries
for consideration and prize winners were
offered LLRD internships. on translating policy into law and
legislative drafting. These courses were
also attended by regional government
lawyers. The LLRD continued to offer
local and overseas training to its
LSOs and one LSO was attached for
the first time to the Office of the
Parliamentary Counsel in London, UK.
The LLRD embarked on the PLUS
project initiative to modernise its
legislative drafting practice and improve
the readability of the hardcopy and
online statutes. In the first phase of the
project, an online survey was conducted
to better understand the needs and
preferences of users of the statute book.
The results will be used to determine
the next steps in the project, including
modernising the language of the statute
books.
As of 31 December 2013, there were
23 LSOs in the LLRD.
Owi Beng Ki (Mrs)
Chief Legislative Counsel
Legislation and Law Reform Division
Attorney-General’s Chambers
The LLRD, in collaboration with the
Civil Service College, continued to
conduct customised training courses
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 55
Ministries, Legal Service Departments and
Statutory Bodies
LSOs may be posted to Ministries as representatives of the Attorney-General to
undertake a broad range of legal work. The Ministries are the Ministries of
Defence; Law; Home Affairs; Manpower; Education; Health; Social and
Family Development; Culture, Community and Youth; and Communications
and Information. The LSOs provide legal advice, draft and vet legal documents,
and assist in the review and drafting of legislation. They may also be involved in
the formulation of policies, administration of finances and personnel, training of
staff and other leadership or management functions within the respective Ministries.
LSOs may also be posted to Legal Service Departments or seconded to statutory
bodies and key public institutions. These departments and organisations
include the Legal Aid Bureau, the Insolvency and Public Trustee’s Office, the
Commercial Affairs Department, the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore,
the Office of the Public Guardian, the Competition Commission of Singapore,
the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, the Singapore Land
Authority, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the Economic Development
Board, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore and the Singapore Medical
Council. In each of these departments and organisations, a senior LSO
usually assumes primary responsibility for the administration and management
of the department or organisation, while LSOs in these departments or
organisations implement and enforce the legislation and policies falling within
the purview of that department or organisation.
56 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
The Attorney-General,
the Solicitor-General and Heads/Supervisors
of Legal Branch Departments
(Left to Right) Front Row:
Ms Sia Aik Kor (Official Assignee & Public Trustee, IPTO),
Toh Han Li (Chief Executive, CCS),
Tan Puay Boon (Director, LAB),
Lionel Yee Woon Chin, S.C. (Solicitor-General [with effect from 1 February 2014]),
Mr Steven Chong, S.C. (Attorney-General),
Vincent Hoong Seng Lei (Chief Executive, SLA),
Ms Teoh Ai Lin (Senior Director, Legal Division, MHA [unti1 11 February 2014] &
Director, Legal Services Department, MINDEF [with effect from 1 March 2014]),
Ms Thian Yee Sze (Director-General, Legal Group, MinLaw)
(Left to Right) Back Row:
Ms Daphne Chang (Director, Legal Services, MCI),
Alvin Koh Meng Sing (Deputy Chief Legal Officer, Law Division, IRAS),
Christopher Tan Pheng Wee (Executive Director, Investment Intermediaries Department, MAS),
Ms Melinda Moosa (Director, Legal Unit, MCCY),
Ms Lee Lit Cheng (Senior Director, Legal Division, MHA [with effect from 12 February 2014]),
Kenneth Yap Yew Choh (Chief Executive, ACRA),
Ms Lim Hui Min (Director, Legal Services Unit, MSF),
Ms Ching Sann (General Counsel, Legal Division, EDB),
Loke Shiu Meng (Director, Legal Services Branch, MOE)
Not in Picture:
Ms Joan Janssen (2 Director-General, Legal Group, MinLaw),
Ms Jeanne Lee Ming En (Divisional Director, Legal Services Division, MOM),
Kok Pin Chin Stanley (Director, Legal Office, MOH)
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 57
Ministry of Defence
The Legal Services Department (“the
Department”) of the Ministry of
Defence (“MINDEF”) provides legal
advice and support to the MINDEF
and the Singapore Armed Forces (“SAF”).
The Department consists of six Law
Practice Groups comprising Civil Law,
Contract Law, International & Operations
Law, Military Law, Technology and
Intellectual Property Law, and Agency
& Statutory Law.
The Director of the Department, who
is also ex-officio the Chief Military
Prosecutor, is supported by a team of eight
LSOs and nine legal officers under the
Defence Executive Officers scheme.
They advise on all legal issues relating
to the policies and operations of the
MINDEF and the SAF and the discipline
and management of personnel, and train
the MINDEF and the SAF personnel
on the legal and international aspects
of military operations, exercises and
engagements. Additionally the LSOs are concurrently
appointed as Military Prosecutors.
This involves working with the Special
Investigation Branch which conducts
investigations, and conducting military
prosecutions of cases before the
Subordinate Military Courts and Military
Court of Appeal involving persons
subject to military law, committing
offences such as absence without leave,
drug consumption, and falsification of
documents.
Some of the major work handled by the
Department in 2013 included providing
legal support in the High Court suit
58 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
against the MINDEF on alleged patent
infringement, membership in various
Committees of Inquiry into the death
of servicemen, providing advice to the
Executive Committee of the National
Day Parade 2013 and to the various
Defence Attaché Offices overseas on
recruitment and employment issues. In
the area of procurement, the Department
rendered advice on the legal and
operational impact of foreign legislation
on technological restrictions and on
strategic partnership arrangements. With
the approval of the AGC, the Department
also started gazetting LSOs as State
Counsel to represent the MINDEF as
“properly
interested
persons”
in
Coroner’s Inquiries into deaths of
servicemen. As regards international and operations
law, the Department advised on negotiation
of defence cooperation agreements with
other countries, represented the MINDEF
in the Inter-Ministry Committee studying
Singapore’s accession to various
conventions on terrorism, and conducted
legal briefings for servicemen on
cyber warfare and anti-piracy operations.
Teoh Ai Lin (Ms)
Director (with effect from 1 March 2014)
Legal Services Department
Ministry of Defence
Legal Services Department,
Ministry of Defence
(Left to Right):
Gilbert Low Teik Seang,
Ng Der Lim,
Ms Teoh Ai Lin (Director, Legal Services Department,
MINDEF [with effect from 1 March 2014]),
Chan Wang Ho,
Kow Keng Wee,
Paul Lie Yi Fang
Not in picture:
Ms Asanthi Shiyara Mendis,
Ms Hee Mee Lin,
Ms Sharon Ong Su Min
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 59
Legal Aid Bureau
The mission of the Legal Aid Bureau
(“the Bureau”) is to provide quality legal
aid and advice to persons of limited
means in a full range of civil cases
including matrimonial cases, monetary
claims and estate matters. The 17 LSOs
posted to the Bureau provide legal
representation in court, advice on
Singapore law and assistance in the
drafting of legal documents. The Bureau is headed by a senior LSO,
Mr Tan Puay Boon, the Director of
Legal Aid. He is assisted by other LSOs
who also assume leadership positions.
With the support from its team of
dedicated staff, the Bureau handled more
than 9,100 cases in 2013.
The Bureau strives to deliver on service
excellence with enhancements regularly
made to its online case management
portal. The Bureau also completed a
business process re-engineering study
and implemented recommendations from
the external consultants to streamline
work processes. These efforts have
improved work efficiency and quality.
The Bureau is proud to have received
official recognition for its overall
organisational excellence as a holder of
the Singapore Service Class, Singapore
Quality Class STAR award and the
ISO 9001:2008 certification.
In 2013, 221 solicitors from the Bureau’s
panel of over 500 solicitors assisted the
Bureau with its cases. These solicitors
volunteer their services by representing
applicants in court and submitting legal
opinions on their cases. The Bureau
continually seeks to strengthen the
strategic partnership with its panel
60 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
of solicitors. In recognition of their
immense support, awards were given
out to a number of distinguished
panel solicitors at the Bureau’s 55th
anniversary
dinner. Active
panel
solicitors also receive, as tokens of
appreciation, credit dollars kindly
sponsored by the Singapore Academy
of Law. In addition, the Bureau actively
engages its panel solicitors through
outreach programmes and during
meetings of the Legal Aid Board.
To promote the pro bono spirit, the Bureau
appoints lawyers without practising
certificates as Volunteer Assistant
Directors of Legal Aid (“VADLAs”). In
2013, a total of 12 VADLAs assisted
the Bureau in its work.
The Bureau also endeavours to sow the
seeds of the pro bono spirit in our future
lawyers. In 2013, the Bureau hosted 92
participants in its internship and volunteer
programmes for law undergraduates as
well as the work experience programme
for students who will be commencing
their undergraduate studies in law.
The Bureau continued its collaboration
with the Faculty of Law of the National
University of Singapore on its Clinical
Legal Education Programme. Under the
programme, undergraduates gain course
credit for assisting two faculty members,
who are VADLAs, in handling the
Bureau’s cases. Tan Puay Boon
Director
Legal Aid Bureau
Legal Aid Bureau
(Left to Right) Front Row:
Ms Lim Jen Hui, Louis D’Souza,
Tan Puay Boon (Director, LAB),
Tan Jen Tse, Sheik Mustafa Bin Abu Hassan
(Left to Right) Back Row:
Wilson Foo Yu Kang, Edmund Chew Minhai, Ms Rachel Gan,
Ms Vala Muthupalaniappan, Ms Wileeza Binte A Gapar, Ms Tan En En,
Ms Cassandra Cheong, Ms Sheela Kumari Devi, Ethan Liu Junhao, Goh Kiat Yi
Not in picture:
Ms Suriakumari Sidambaram, Ms Karen Loh, Ms Janice Chia,
Ms Wendy Yu, Ms Hui Jia Lun
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 61
Insolvency and Public
Trustee’s Office
The Insolvency and Public Trustee’s
Office (“IPTO”) is headed by the
Official Assignee, who holds the
concurrent appointments of Official
Receiver, Public Trustee (“PT”), Registrar
of Moneylenders and Registrar of
Pawnbrokers. Together with a team of
eight LSOs, she provides advice across
a wide range of legal issues including
those that arise in individual and
corporate insolvencies, public trustee
matters and in the area of the regulation
of moneylenders and pawnbrokers.
LSOs also undertake litigation work
ranging from insolvency-related
hearings before the High Court and the
Court of Appeal, to the prosecution of
offenders under the Bankruptcy Act
(Cap. 20) and Rules, and the
Moneylenders Act (Cap. 188) and Rules
in the Subordinate Courts. LSOs in
the IPTO also actively contribute
and participate in law reform in
the areas of law that are within the
IPTO’s ambit.
In 2013, LSOs at the IPTO worked
closely with the Legislation and Law
Reform Division of the AGC on
amendments to the Motor Vehicles
(Third Party Risks and Compensation)
Act (Cap. 189) which were passed
in November 2013. The significant
amendments made were to relinquish
the PT’s role of reviewing the adequacy
of compensation where the accident
victims are represented by lawyers
and the PT’s role of holding
compensation monies in trust for
victims of motor accidents except
under certain circumstances. Also in
line with the move to streamline the
62 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
PT’s functions, which would enable the
better management of public resources,
LSOs reviewed the trusts in which
the PT was acting as ordinary trustee
and made successful applications
to the High Court to have the PT
discharged as trustee. The Public Trustee
Act (Cap. 260) was also reviewed to
ensure that the legislative framework
keeps pace with changing times.
LSOs in the IPTO worked in tandem
with colleagues in the Ministry of Law
(“MinLaw”) to support the Insolvency
Law Review Committee (“ILRC”)
in its review of the insolvency law
regime in Singapore. The report of the
ILRC, which recommended an Omnibus
Insolvency Bill, was released for public
consultation in October 2013. The
consultation closed in December 2013.
LSOs also worked closely with their
colleagues in MinLaw and AGC on the
proposed amendments to the Pawnbrokers
Act (Cap. 222) to abolish the auction
system for unredeemed pledges and to
enhance the regulatory powers of the
Registrar.
In 2013, LSOs had the opportunity to
appear before the Court of Appeal in
the matter of Beluga Chartering GmBH
(In Liquidation) ([2014] SGCA 14). The
case involved cross-border insolvency
particularly on whether a Singapore
liquidator is empowered to repatriate the
assets of a wound up unregistered
foreign company to the foreign liquidator
without first satisfying the local judgment
debts.
Sia Aik Kor (Ms)
Director
Official Assignee & Public Trustee
Insolvency and Public Trustee’s Office
Insolvency and Public Trustee’s Office
(Left to Right) Front Row:
Ms Jill Tan Li Ching,
Ms Sia Aik Kor (Official Assignee & Public Trustee, IPTO),
Ms Beverly Wee Ying Ling,
Ms Goh Yin Dee
(Left to Right) Second Row:
Lim Yew Jin,
Ms Kavitha Kandesan
(Left to Right) Back Row:
Paul Cheong Yuen,
Davyd Chong Wenquan
Not in picture:
Jordon Li Mingjie
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 63
Ministry of Law
The Legal Group and policy divisions
at the Ministry of Law (“MinLaw”)
strive to advance access to justice,
the rule of law, the economy and
the society through the development
of policy and law. We work closely
with stakeholders to regularly review
and propose reform to the laws, and
pursue initiatives to strengthen the legal
framework and the legal sector. The Legal Policy Division (“LPD”)
steers substantive law reform and policy
formulation in criminal, civil and family
law, and ensures that all Government
Bills adhere to the rule of law and reflect
sound legal policy principles. In 2013,
the LPD spearheaded the enactment
of legislation to clarify the parentage
and legitimacy of children born through
assisted reproduction technology, and
moved proposals to underline the critical
role the Subordinate Courts play as
the primary dispensers of justice as the
State Courts of the land. The LPD was
also the Secretariat to the work of the
Committee for Family Justice. The International Legal Division
(“ILD”) advances Singapore’s interests
by engaging our international partners
and organisations to promote our
approach to the rule of law, and
contribute to international discourse and
cooperation on international law issues.
In 2013, the ILD concluded negotiations
on the United Nations Commission
on International Trade Law Rules
of Transparency for Investor-State
Arbitration, and worked on implementing
the Financial Action Task Force
obligations for lawyers and for Singapore
to join the Hague Conference on Private
International Law.
64 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
The Legal Industry Division (“LID”)
oversees the regulation of, supply of
lawyers for, infrastructure of, and
development of policy matters concerning
Singapore’s legal and dispute resolution
sectors. In 2013, the LID was the
Secretariat to several Committees set up
to study legal sector issues, namely the
4th Committee on the Supply of Lawyers,
the Working Group to Develop Singapore
into a Centre for International Commercial
Mediation and the Committee to Review
the Regulatory Framework of the
Singapore Legal Services Sector.
The Policy Advisory Division (“PAD”)
works with the Land Policy, Intellectual
Property Policy, Legal Industry and
Community Legal Services Divisions
in MinLaw on the legal aspects of
policy formulation and implementation.
In 2013, the PAD also supported the
work of several committees including
the Singapore International Court
Committee and the ILRC.
The Community Legal Services Division
(“CLSD”) focuses on shaping the
policies related to the functions of the
Bureau, the Insolvency and Public
Trustee’s Office and the Community
Mediation Unit. It also plays a key
role in driving policies concerning
access to justice. In 2013, the CLSD
facilitated legislative amendments to
increase access to legal aid and streamline
the functions of the Public Trustee.
As at 31 December 2013, there were 22
LSOs at MinLaw.
Thian Yee Sze (Ms)
Director-General
Legal Group
Ministry of Law
Legal Group,
Ministry of Law
(Left to Right) Front Row:
Jeyendran Jeyapal, Ms Jill Tan Li Ching,
Ms Thian Yee Sze (Director-General, Legal Group, MinLaw),
Ms Joan Janssen (2 Director-General, Legal Group, MinLaw),
Ms Cheng Pei Feng, Ms Wong Li Tein
(Left to Right) Second Row:
Darryl Soh Wen Yan, Ms Faith Boey Yong Wei, Ms Diane Tan Yi-Lui,
Ms Soh Weiqi, Ms Ang Swee Yan, Ms Yap Cai Ping,
Ms Kathryn Thong Lijuan, Jordon Li Mingjie
(Left to Right) Back Row:
Ms Vanessa Yeo Xue Ying, Elgin Tay Wei Xiong,
Ms Melanie Chng Ai Ling, Lim Jian Yi, Ms Stephanie Tan
Not in Picture:
Ms Lynda Lee Gek Huang, Ms Joan Sim Su Mei,
Ms Elaine Chew Yi-Ling, Lim Sing Yong
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 65
Ministry of
Home Affairs
The Legal Division (“LD”) of the Ministry
of Home Affairs (“MHA”) comprises
a team of ten legal officers, of whom
five are LSOs.
The LD provides legal advice and support
to the senior management and staff
of the various divisions in the MHA’s
headquarters and its departments. These
departments include the Singapore Police
Force, the Singapore Civil Defence
Force, the Immigration and Checkpoints
Authority, the Singapore Prison Service,
the Central Narcotics Bureau and the
Registry of Societies.
The LD advises on operational and
policy matters relating to more than
50 statutes which come within the
policy and administrative purview of
the MHA, and covering various aspects
of law including criminal, tort, contract,
and public and administrative law. In 2013, the LD was involved in numerous
legislative amendments including the
Fire Safety Act (Cap. 109A), the
Terrorism (Suppression of Financing) Act
(Cap. 325), and the extension of the
Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act
(Cap. 67) (“CLTPA”) for another five
years.
The LD also drafts and vets procurement
documents and contracts as well as crossborder memoranda of understanding
which the MHA and its departments are
a party to. It advises on fund management
and other financial contracts, as well as
board resolutions and board papers
for the Board of Trustees managing
the superannuation fund.
66 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
In addition, the LD undertakes quasicriminal work in relation to detention and
police supervision orders issued under the
CLTPA. The LD prepares submissions on
the assessment of evidence in relation to
detention and police supervision orders
issued under the CLTPA. Notably, in
2013, apart from the usual drug
trafficking, unlicensed money-lending and
gang-related cases, detention and police
supervision orders were issued against
members of a criminal syndicate who
were involved in global soccer matchfixing activities. The LD also operates
a full-time Secretariat for the Criminal
Law Advisory Committees (“CLACs”)
appointed under the CLTPA. Legal
officers in the LD who are concurrently
appointed Secretaries of the CLACs
attend hearings to assist the CLACs to
examine witnesses and lead evidence. The legal officers in the LD act as the
Reviewing Authority for Singapore
Civil Defence Force’s disciplinary cases
involving national servicemen. They also
vet documents relating to the Public
Service Commission’s disciplinary cases.
In July 2013, two law undergraduates
interned at the LD under the Legal
Service Internship Programme.
Lee Lit Cheng (Ms)
Senior Director
(with effect from 12 February 2014)
Legal Division
Ministry of Home Affairs
Legal Division,
Ministry of Home Affairs
(Left to Right):
Ms Ruth Wong Shuyi,
Jeffrey Sim Mong Heng,
Ms Lee Lit Cheng (Senior Director, Legal Division, MHA
[with effect from 12 February 2014]),
Ronald Ang Ee Lin,
Ms Dora Tay Joo Ling
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 67
Ministry of
Manpower
There are five LSOs in the Legal Services
Division (“LSD”) of the Ministry of
Manpower (“MOM”). Helmed by
Divisional Director Ms Jeanne Lee and
Director of Prosecution Mr Ivan Chua,
the LSOs work together with 47 MOM
officers to direct and conduct criminal
prosecution, render legal advice,
adjudicate on work injury claims and
cases under the Administrative Penalty
Regime (“AFP”) of the Employment
of Foreign Manpower Act (Cap. 91A)
(“EFMA”). The LSD also provides
civil advice, vetting and legislative
assistance to the MOM on operational
and policy issues, including judicial
review.
In 2013, the Prosecution department
handled 2,750 cases, involving more
than 5,300 accused persons – a 20%
increase in the number of cases that were
forwarded for prosecutorial decisions in
2012. More notably, there was a fourfold increase in the number of cases that
proceeded to trial. 530 cases, including
29 trials, were successfully prosecuted
in court. The Prosecution department
recruited more Prosecuting Officers
(“POs”) and re-organised the POs into
specialised teams to better deal with the
increased workload. In addition, the AFP regime, which allows
for the imposition of financial penalties
for regulatory breaches of the EFMA,
took effect on 9 November 2012. Since
the beginning of the regime, the LSD
has assessed about 406 such cases
in deciding whether to impose financial
penalties.
68 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Concurrently, the Civil department in
2013 rendered assistance to different
agencies on various legal issues arising
from challenging events such as the
illegal strike by the SMRT drivers, the
riot in Little India, as well as an
application for judicial review by an
employer against an order made by
the Minister under the Employment
Act (Cap. 91) to compensate a pregnant
female employee whose employment
had been terminated. The Civil department also worked
with internal client departments and
the Legislation and Law Reform Division
of the AGC on amendments to the
Employment Act and the Child
Development Co-Savings Act (Cap. 38A)
and 22 other pieces of subsidiary
legislation.
The LSD continues to place emphasis
on training and development in 2013.
An inaugural Learning Day was
conducted on 13 November 2013 with
guest speakers Associate Professor Jack
Lee from the Singapore Management
University
and
Chief
Prosecutor
Ms Mavis Chionh from the Economic
Crimes and Governance Division of the
AGC sharing with the LSD on
aspects of judicial review and the
exercise of prosecutorial discretion. LSD
officers also undertook overseas training
initiatives such as attachments to the
Department of Justice in Hong Kong and
the Office of the Director of Public
Prosecutions in Brisbane, Australia, as
well as a study visit to the Fair Work
Commission and the Fair Work
Ombudsman in Melbourne, Australia.
Jeanne Lee (Ms)
Divisional Director
Legal Services Division
Ministry of Manpower
Legal Services Division,
Ministry of Manpower
(Left to Right):
Ms Ho Su-Lyn,
Ivan Chua Boon Chwee,
Ms Jeanne Lee Ming En (Divisional Director, Legal Services Division, MOM),
Benjamin Yim Geok Choon,
Nicholas Ngoh York Chao
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 69
Ministry of Education Legal Services Branch,
The Legal Services Branch (“LSB”) Ministry of Education
of the Ministry of Education (“MOE”)
provides legal services pertaining
to the policy and operational functions
of the MOE headquarters and its
various divisions. These include the
regulation of educational institutions
under the Education Act (Cap. 87),
the enforcement of the Compulsory
Education Act (Cap. 51), compliance
with data protection and confidentiality
requirements and protection of
intellectual property rights. The LSB
is also involved in reviewing
legislation within the MOE’s purview.
The LSB’s role also extends to dispensing
advice on a variety of legal issues
impacting the daily operations of the
277 Government Schools, including
issues of family law, personal injury
law and procurement matters. In 2013,
the LSB issued an advisory to, and
conducted talks for, the MOE on the law
of negligence in the context of schools.
The LSB is regularly consulted on
funding and other support arrangements
provided by the MOE to Non-Government
Schools and statutory bodies under the
MOE’s purview, the Autonomous
Universities and other educational
institutions. The year 2013 saw the LSB
involved in the drafting of, and
consultation on, the inaugural agreement
between the MOE and Volunteer Welfare
Organisations for the funding of
Special Education Schools.
In 2013, the LSB also rendered legal
advice on the establishment of the MOE
Kindergartens and the engagement of
operators to provide relevant childcare
services. 70 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
(Left to Right):
Loke Shiu Meng
(Director, Legal Services Branch, MOE),
Ms Elizabeth Lee Liang Mae
Not in Picture:
Ms Dawn Lim Shiqi
As at 31 December 2013, the LSB
comprised three LSOs.
Loke Shiu Meng
Director
Legal Services Branch
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Health
The Legal Office (“LO”) of the Ministry
of Health (“MOH”) provides legal advice
and support to the MOH’s senior
management and its various divisions on
matters involving policy and legislative
development and review, planning and
operations. The legal issues are wideranging in scope: statutory interpretation,
medical, tort and criminal laws, contract
law and government procurement, data
protection, and intellectual property law.
The LO drafts, reviews and advises on
all primary and subsidiary legislation
administered by the MOH, such as
proposed legislation to regulate the
conduct of human biomedical research.
It also provides inputs and guidance on
legislation under the purview of other
agencies but which impact on the
MOH’s functions and policies.
The LO supports the MOH by drafting,
reviewing and interpreting contracts and
other legal documents. In 2013, the
LO vetted contracts relating to the
procurement and storage of N95 masks
in relation to the severe haze situation
in Singapore. It also provided legal
advice and liaised with the AGC in
respect of certain related disputes.
The LO also conducts criminal
prosecutions initiated by the MOH. In
2013, the LO was involved, together
with the AGC, in a review of the
MOH’s prosecution policy in respect of
offences arising from the publicity
activities of healthcare institutions. The
LO also conducted its first prosecution
of persons under the Optometrists and
Opticians Act (Cap. 213A).
Legal Office,
Ministry of Health
(Left to Right):
Stanley Kok Pin Chin
(Director, Legal Office, MOH),
Andre Moses Tan
Not in Picture:
Ms Parveen Kaur Nagpal
As at 31 December 2013, there were
three LSOs posted to the LO.
Stanley Kok
Director (Legal)
Legal Office
Ministry of Health
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 71
Ministry of Social and
Family Development
The Legal Services Unit (“LSU”)
of the Ministry of Social and Family
Development (“MSF”) provides legal
advice to the MSF divisions. In 2013,
the LSU advised the MSF on a range
of issues and subjects, including
constitutional and administrative law,
data protection, family and juvenile law,
the marriage and parenthood packages,
gambling safeguards, social assistance
matters, as well as legislation under
the MSF’s purview. The LSU also
gave legal inputs into the MSF’s
various law review and reform efforts.
A major piece of work undertaken
in 2013 involved advising the Early
Childhood Development Agency on
issues arising from its formation in
April 2013 and its call for proposals
for new pre-school anchor operators.
One of the LSU’s new key initiatives
in 2013 was to create templates for
funding agreements and procurementrelated documents. This is to guide the
MSF officers who do the first drafts
of the documents, and ensure that
the MSF’s contracts are of a uniform
standard and quality. The LSU also
continued to run its legal education
programme (first launched in 2012)
for the MSF officers, which covered
various topics, including family law,
contract law, administrative law and
data confidentiality. Finally, the LSU went “paperless” in
2013 and implemented an electronic
filing system.
As at 31 December 2013, there were three
LSOs posted at the LSU.
72 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Legal Services Unit,
Ministry of Social and
Family Development
(Left to Right):
Ms Lim Hui Min
(Director, Legal Services Unit, MSF),
Ms Eunice Chong Miao En
Not in Picture:
Elena Yip Luyang
Lim Hui Min (Ms)
Director
Legal Services Unit
Ministry of Social and
Family Development
Ministry of Culture,
Community and Youth
The Legal Unit (“LU”) in the Ministry
of Culture, Community and Youth
(“MCCY”) was, as at 31 December
2013, staffed by one LSO and supported
by a legal assistant.
Legal Unit,
Ministry of Culture,
Community and Youth
2013 was a foundation year, which saw
the LU working with all the divisions
and departments of the MCCY on a
wide range of legal matters. The LU was
also involved in a number of projects in
preparation for 2014 and 2015, such as
the formation of the volunteer youth
corps, SG50 (celebrating Singapore’s
50th anniversary as a republic) and the
setting up of trusts for the Cultural
Matching Fund and the National Youth
Fund.
In addition, the Director of the LU
was nominated by the MCCY to be a
member of the Working Committee for
Legal/Regulatory Issues established for
the corporatisation of the Singapore
Art Museum, and as the MCCY’s
representative to liaise with the Family
Justice Committee. The LU also staffs
the Secretariat to the Inter-Agency
Committee for Community Dispute
Management chaired by the Permanent
Secretary, MCCY.
Apart from providing legal services to
the MCCY, the LU maintains the Bill
Book and the Legislative Schedule for
the MCCY. The LU also embarked on
initiatives to enhance legal awareness
among the MCCY officers, including
maintaining a legal resources section in
the MCCY intranet and contributing a
column (Law nUggets) in the in-house
(Left to Right):
Mohamad Zaki Bin Jumahri,
Ms Melinda Moosa
(Director, Legal Unit, MCCY)
MCCY Newsletter to address frequently
asked questions.
Melinda Moosa (Ms)
Director
Legal Unit
Ministry of Culture,
Community and Youth
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 73
Ministry of
Communications and
Information
The Legal Services Department (“LSD”)
of the Ministry of Communications and
Information (“MCI”) was staffed by
two LSOs as at 31 December 2013, and
supported by one management support
officer performing paralegal functions.
The LSD advises and provides legal
support to the divisions and departments
of the MCI, as well as its senior
management. It also provides legal input
to the MCI on its policy deliberations
and dealings with the statutory bodies
under its purview, namely the Infocomm
Development Authority of Singapore,
the Media Development Authority of
Singapore, the National Library Board
and the Personal Data Protection
Commission.
The work of the LSD covers a wide
range of legal issues, including statutory
interpretation, contract law, intellectual
property law, tort law, administrative
law, constitutional law and confidentiality
issues. It also provides legal advice and
support to the MCI in the following areas:
the exercise of the MCI’s regulatory
and statutory functions, statutory
interpretation of legislation under the
MCI’s purview, policy deliberations on
amendments to the said legislation and
issues arising out of the implementation
and administration of newly amended
or promulgated legislation under the
purview of the MCI. An example is the
Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (Act
26 of 2012), which provisions are being
made effective in phases in 2013 and 2014.
The LSD also advises on, drafts and
reviews contractual and quasi-contractual
74 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Legal Services
Department,
Ministry of
Communications
and Information
Ms Daphne Chang
(Director, Legal Services Department, MCI)
Not in Picture:
Ms Ang Ching Hwei
documents including procurement
contracts, memoranda of understanding,
indemnities, collaboration agreements,
licence agreements, confidentiality
undertakings and online terms of use.
Daphne Chang (Ms)
Director
Legal Services Department
Ministry of Communications
and Information
Commercial Affairs
Department,
Singapore Police Force
The Commercial Affairs Department
(“CAD”) is the principal white collar
crime enforcement agency in Singapore.
In 2013, the CAD conducted a major
reorganisation in order to become a
more threat-focused and intelligence-led
agency, and to manage the increase
in the number of Commercial Affairs
Officers, which has more than doubled. Singapore’s openness as an international
transport hub and financial centre
exposes it to cross-border moneylaundering (“ML”) and terrorist financing
(“TF”) risks. The CAD has tripled its
financial investigation resources, with
dedicated branches for international
co-operation and TF, investigations into
proceeds from both domestic and
overseas criminal activity and serious
tax crimes.
Financial intelligence is the first line of
detection for ML and TF activities. To
ensure that our suspicious transaction
reporting (“STR”) regime is robust
enough to handle the reports generated by
the world’s fourth largest financial centre,
the STR Office has expanded from a
branch to become a division comprising
three analytical and one field research
branches.
There are now dedicated resources to
combat investment fraud, fraud by
organised crime groups and public
institutional fraud to improve the turnaround time for investigating these
offences and speed up the recovery
process for victims. The CAD has also
developed a new intelligence capability
to move in early and nip scams in the bud.
These efforts have helped to recover more
than $115 million of suspected criminal
proceeds in 2013.
As at 31 December 2013, there was one
LSO posted at the CAD.
Tan Boon Gin
Director
Commercial Affairs Department
Intellectual Property
Office of Singapore
The Intellectual Property Office of
Singapore (“IPOS”) is a statutory body
under the Ministry of Law. It
administers and develops Singapore’s
intellectual property (“IP”) regulatory
regime, promotes IP usage and provides
specialised IP training. Our aim is to
use IP to support and drive innovation
and creativity in Singapore. Developments in 2013 stepped up
apace from 2012. In April, Government
accepted the recommendations of the
IP Steering Committee for Singapore
to be a global IP hub in Asia. The tenyear plan calls for Singapore to be a
hub for IP transactions, quality IP
filings and IP dispute resolution. Various
initiatives have been announced in
the wake of the plan, including the
establishment of an IP Valuation Centre,
new IP financing schemes and the creation
of an IP Competency Framework.
Concurrently, IPOS has embarked on a
review of Singapore’s Copyright and
Registered Designs regimes. As part of
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 75
our EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement
obligations, we also put in place the
necessary laws for the establishment
of a new Geographical Indications
Registry in 2014.
Internationally, IPOS officers represented
Singapore in the landmark Marrakesh
Treaty that will expand access of
copyright works to blind and visually
impaired persons. We also continue to
lead IP negotiations in the Trans-Pacific
Partnership Free Trade Agreement and
have just been appointed ASEAN Chair
for IP negotiations in the Regional
Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
As at 31 December 2013, there was one
LSO seconded to the IPOS.
Daren Tang
Deputy Chief Executive
Intellectual Property Office of Singapore
Office of the Public
Guardian, MSF
Work at the Office of the Public Guardian
(“OPG”) continued to expand in scope
with increasing public awareness of
the Lasting Power of Attorney (“LPA”).
As of 31 December 2013, 2,373 LPA
applications were received, an increase
of 35% from the previous year.
In 2013, the OPG rolled out a five-year
workplan to ensure that it stays relevant
to the needs of the community. The
projects and initiatives introduced
included the formation of an LPA
review committee chaired by Mr Goh
Joon Seng to explore simplifying and
making more accessible the LPA Form 1.
Implementing an online accreditation
76 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
module also made it easier for medical
practitioners to become LPA certificate
issuers, which enlarged the pool of
certificate issuers for the benefit of
Singaporeans.
To facilitate LPA uptake, nine mobile
clinics were conducted, mostly in
the heartlands in collaboration with
the People’s Association. A major
achievement was securing POSBank’s
support to reach out to its customers
through mailers, its website and its
extensive network of branches.
To enhance the protection framework
under the Mental Capacity Act
(Cap. 177A), the OPG piloted a
programme whereby professional proxy
decision makers can manage the
affairs of those who have lost their
mental capacity, and who have no
family or kin to carry out this task.
The OPG was also part of a work group
chaired by Justice Judith Prakash to
review the judicial process for deputyship
applications, including considering the
feasibility of a Tribunal process for
such applications.
As at 31 December 2013, there was one
LSO seconded to the OPG.
Daniel Koh
Public Guardian
Office of The Public Guardian
Ministry of Social and
Family Development
Commercial Affairs Department,
Ministry of Law,
Intellectual Property Office of Singapore
and Office of Public Guardian
(Left to Right):
Tan Boon Gin (Director, CAD),
Lionel Yee Woon Chin, S.C. (Solicitor-General [with effect from 1 February 2014]),
Mr Steven Chong, S.C. (Attorney-General),
Ms Valerie Thean Pik Yuen (Deputy Secretary, MinLaw)
Not in picture:
Daniel Koh (Public Guardian, OPG),
Daren Tang Heng Shim (Deputy Chief Executive, IPOS)
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 77
Competition
Commission of
Singapore
The Legal and Enforcement (“LE”)
Division of the Competition Commission
of Singapore (“CCS”) expanded
considerably in 2013; as at 31 December
2013, the division comprised seven LSOs,
ten LE officers and two support staff.
The year 2013 saw the appointment of
Mr Toh Han Li as the Chief Executive
of the CCS effective 1 October 2013.
Prior to his appointment, Mr Toh was
the Assistant Chief Executive in charge
of the LE Division.
In an eventful 2013, the CCS defended
appeals filed by five modelling agencies
before the Competition Appeal Board,
most of which were dismissed. The
Board’s decisions in these appeals
continued to add to the growing body
of
Singapore
competition
law
jurisprudence. The CCS also issued
several important competition decisions
in the aviation, motor vehicle trading and
payment systems sectors. As regards
the aviation sector, the CCS cleared two
important airlines alliance agreements,
namely, the Qantas-Jetstar and
Emirates-Qantas alliances. The CCS
issued an infringement decision against
12 motor-vehicle traders for bid-rigging
activities at public auctions. Finally, in
the payment systems sector, the CCS
cleared the Multilateral Interchange Fee
System proposed by VISA Worldwide
Pte Ltd.
78
The CCS also rendered a competition
advisory on a proposed scheme to accredit
lawyers by the Practice and Professional
Development Sub-Committee of the
Singapore Academy of Law’s Professional
Affairs Committee.
SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
LEGAL
In 2013, the LE Division spearheaded a
comprehensive review by the CCS of the
competition legislation and Guidelines.
The review was conducted in light of the
CCS’s experiences in the past nine years
with the aim of bringing Singapore’s
competition legislation and enforcement
in line with international best practices.
In addition to their core legal work,
LSOs at the CCS also engaged in
activities to raise awareness of
competition law. They took part in various
presentations and panel discussions,
such as the Law Society’s Annual
Continuing Professional Development
Day 2013 and the Counsel-to-Counsel
Asia Exchange. To better understand
the concerns of the competition bar,
the LE Division conducted a roundtable
with competition practitioners in
Singapore from both local and foreign
law practices. The CCS also collaborated
with Channel NewsAsia to produce
two episodes of “Money Mind” and, along
with Nanyang Polytechnic’s School of
Interactive and Digital Media, organised
the CCS Animation Contest 2013.
During the 3rd ASEAN Competition
Conference hosted by the CCS, LSOs
were also given an opportunity to discuss
how competition law in the region
could be harmonised as ASEAN
moves towards the ASEAN Economic
Community in 2015. They also travelled
extensively to global competition
conferences (such as the OECD Global
Forum on Competition in Paris and
the 16th International Conference on
Competition in Berlin) to exchange
views with other competition law
practitioners. Toh Han Li
Chief Executive
Competition Commission of Singapore
Competition Commission of Singapore
(Left to Right) Front Row:
Lee Jwee Nguan,
Toh Han Li (Chief Executive, CCS),
Adam Nakhoda
(Left to Right) Back Row:
Edmund Lam Hon Mern,
Jaime Pang,
Ms Qiu Huixiang
Not in Picture:
Ms Serene Seet Lay Cheng
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 79
Accounting and
Corporate Regulatory
Authority
The mission of the Accounting and
Corporate Regulatory Authority
(“ACRA”) is to provide a responsive
and trusted regulatory environment for
businesses and public accountants.
The ACRA is a statutory body within
the Ministry of Finance.
As at 31 December 2013, there were ten
LSOs seconded to ACRA. Ms Juthika Ramanathan, a senior LSO,
was the Chief Executive of ACRA until
31 January 2013. She was succeeded
by Mr Kenneth Yap who took office
with effect from 1 February 2013. The
Chief Executive is also the Registrar of
Companies, Businesses, Public Accountants,
Limited Liability Partnerships and
Limited Partnerships, and also serves
as a member of the ACRA Board,
the Accounting Standards Council of
Singapore, the Corporate Governance
Council, the Corporate Governance
Regulatory Committee, the Advisory
Council of the International Forum of
Independent Audit Regulators and the
Executive Committee of the Corporate
Registers Forum (International).
Ms Toh Wee San is one of the Assistant
Chief Executives and Senior Director.
Mr Andy Sim is a member of the ACRA
Executive Committee.
LSOs at the ACRA have continued to be
involved in the reform of the Companies
Act (Cap. 50), the Accounting and
Corporate Regulatory Act (Cap. 2A) and
the Business Registration Act (Cap. 32)
(which will be renamed as the Business
Names Registration Act). These reforms
are expected to be implemented in
2014. Together with these reforms,
80 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
LSOs have been heavily involved in
advising and vetting the design of the
New Generation Bizfile (the ACRA’s
new online filing system), to ensure the
system complies with the forthcoming
legislative amendments. In addition to the Acts cited above,
the ACRA is also responsible for
administering the Limited Liability
Partnerships Act (Cap. 163A), the Limited
Partnerships Act (Cap. 163B), the
Accountants Act (Cap. 2) and the
accompanying subsidiary legislation.
Pursuant to a restructuring of departments
within the ACRA that took place with
effect from 1 November 2013, the
following Divisions to which the LSOs
have been deployed were formed.
The Legal Services and Prosecution
Division provides legal support to the
ACRA and undertakes enforcement
actions through its four departments.
The Civil Advisory Department is headed
by Mr Leonard Goh. The Corporate
Service Providers Enforcement &
Regulation Department is headed by
Mr Cheok Yu-Liang. Mr Sunari Kateni
and Ms P Arul Selvamalar work closely
with, advise on and supervise prosecution
matters of the Enforcement Departments.
The Law Reform Department (“LRD”)
drives the ACRA’s systematic approach
to reform of legislation under the ACRA’s
purview. The Institute of Corporate Law
(“ICL”) will host regular scholarly and
professional discussions on corporate law,
and manages the ACRA’s education and
outreach efforts in this regard. LSOs in
the LRD and the ICL are Ms Elena Yeo,
Mr Thomas Koshy and Mr Andrew
Abraham. Kenneth Yap
Chief Executive
Accounting and Corporate
Regulatory Authority
Accounting and Corporate
Regulatory Authority
(Left to Right) Front Row:
Ms Toh Wee San,
Kenneth Yap Yew Choh (Chief Executive, ACRA),
Andy Sim Yock Ann
(Left to Right) Back Row:
Leonard Goh Choon Hian, Sunari Bin Kateni,
Ms Elena Yeo Ju-Lan, Cheok Yu-Liang,
Ms P Arul Selvamalar, Andrew Abraham
Not in Picture:
Thomas Mathew Koshy
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 81
Singapore Land
Authority
Two LSOs were seconded to the
Singapore Land Authority (“SLA”) as at
31 December 2013. Mr Vincent Hoong,
Chief Executive of the SLA, concurrently
holds the statutory appointments of
Registrar of Titles and Controller of
Residential Property.
Mr Bryan Chew is the Executive
Director of the Regulatory Cluster which
comprises the Land Titles Registry, Land
Survey Division and the Land Dealings
(Approval) Unit. He concurrently holds
the statutory appointments of Senior
Deputy Registrar of Titles and Deputy
Controller of Residential Property.
The SLA is responsible for the
management of State land and buildings,
the sale, lease and allocation of State
land, developing and marketing landrelated information and maintaining the
national land information database. It
is also responsible for the management
and maintenance of the national land
registration and land survey system.
A key initiative in 2013 was a pilot
project with DBS Bank to realise a
paperless title environment. Currently,
upon registration of a mortgage, an
updated certificate of title (“CT”)
reflecting the mortgage on the property
will be printed and issued to the bank for
its safe-keeping.
Under the pilot project, the CTs of
properties that were mortgaged to the
bank were not printed. Instead, anyone
making a search of the electronic CT in
the SLA’s system would see a statement
explaining that no hardcopy CT was
82 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
(Left to Right):
Vincent Hoong Seng Lei
(Chief Executive, SLA),
Bryan Chew Chee Wan
printed. If there was a transaction that
would have, in the past, required the bank
to release the hardcopy CT, the bank
would now “release” the electronic CT
by digitally signing an authorisation form
which was then lodged electronically with
the SLA.
The pilot project was a success and
benefited lawyers, the bank, the SLA and
the environment. The bank did not need
to provide secure storage facilities for
the voluminous CTs and avoided the
associated costs of retrieval or loss of
CTs. Lawyers avoided the risk of losing
the CTs when handling a transaction
while there were cost-savings to the SLA
from not printing the CTs and reducing
the manpower resources needed to sort
the CTs for release to lawyers acting
for the bank. There are plans to
extend the pilot project to all financial
institutions in the second quarter of 2014
after incorporating system enhancements.
In October 2013, LSOs also attended
the International Land Title Conference
in Vancouver, Canada. The conference
was attended mainly by representatives
from jurisdictions which have adopted
the Torrens system of title registration.
These included the Canadian provinces
and territories, Australian states and
territories, New Zealand, the United
Kingdom and Hong Kong.
Vincent Hoong
Chief Executive
Singapore Land Authority
Monetary Authority of
Singapore
The Monetary Authority of Singapore
(“MAS”) conducts integrated supervision
of financial services in Singapore. As at
31 December 2013, five LSOs were
seconded to MAS.
Monetary Authority of Singapore
(Left to Right):
Ms Sarah Lam Yan Xia, Teo Guan Siew, Christopher Tan Pheng Wee
(Executive Director, Investment Intermediaries Department, MAS), Ms Serene Chew
Not in Picture:
Ms Chua Ying-Hong
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 83
One LSO was seconded as the Executive
Director of the Investment Intermediaries
Department (“IID”), where he oversees
the supervision of fund managers, credit
rating agencies and trust companies.
Another LSO was seconded as the
Director of the Enforcement Division,
under the Market Conduct Department
(“MCD”), where he oversees the
MAS’ investigations and enforcement
actions in the capital markets. The third
LSO was seconded to the Prudential
Policy Department (“PPD”) where she
works on policy reviews to enhance
Singapore’s
financial
regulatory
framework. Another two LSOs were
seconded to the Legal Department
(“LD”), where they support the MAS
with legal advice and legislative drafting.
In 2013, these departments were engaged
in key MAS initiatives. IID oversaw
the migration of close to 500 fund
managers from Singapore’s previous
light touch regime to an enhanced
regulatory framework. MCD undertook
a range of enforcement-related initiatives,
including collaborating with the AGC in
civil penalty court actions and working
with the Commercial Affairs Department
to implement joint investigations into
capital market misconduct. The PPD
spearheaded the recent amendments to
the credit card rules to enhance financial
institutions’ lending practices and the
review of the Banking Act (Cap. 19). The
LD rendered legal support for MAS’
investigations into the interest rate
setting practices by banks and the
proposal to regulate the setting of financial
benchmarks.
Christopher Tan
Executive Director
Investment Intermediaries Department
Monetary Authority of Singapore
84 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Economic
Development Board
The Economic Development Board
(“EDB”) is Singapore’s lead government
agency for planning and executing
strategies to enhance Singapore’s position
as a global business centre. As at
31 December 2013, there were two
LSOs seconded to the EDB’s Legal
Division (“the Division”), which is
part of the EDB’s Planning and Policy
Group.
The Division provides a comprehensive
range of legal services with a view to
protecting and advancing the best
Economic
Development Board
(Left to Right):
Ms Genevieve Lee Hui Shan,
Ms Ching Sann (General Counsel,
Legal Division, EDB)
interests of the EDB. On the investment
promotion front, it advises on agreements
such as those undertaken in connection
with the award of tax incentives under
the Income Tax Act (Cap. 134) and the
Economic Expansion Incentives (Relief
from Income Tax) Act (Cap. 86), and
financial incentives for the promotion of
research and development, productivity
and training.
Inland Revenue
Authority of Singapore
The Division also advises on agreements
concluded by the EDB with other public
sector agencies on various inter-agency
initiatives. In addition, it provides
routine advice on various internal matters
such as leases, human resources,
and procurement, and conducts legal
awareness training for the EDB’s officers
as part of its risk management
responsibilities.
In 2013, the Division managed EDB’s
defence in UDL Marine (Singapore) Pte
Ltd v Jurong Town Corporation and
other suits ([2013] SGHC 236), which
was heard before the High Court in
March 2013 and concerned allegations
of misrepresentation made against a
former EDB officer. Judgment in the
EDB’s favour was delivered in
November 2013.
Ching Sann (Ms)
General Counsel
Legal Division
Economic Development Board
Inland Revenue
Authority of Singapore
The Inland Revenue Authority of
Singapore (“IRAS”) is established as
a statutory body under the Ministry of
Finance, and tasked with administering,
assessing, collecting and enforcing the
payment of taxes.
(Left to Right):
Alvin Koh (Deputy Chief Legal Officer,
Law Division, IRAS),
Ms Quek Hui Ling
The Law Division of the IRAS is currently
staffed with 17 legal officers and other
support staff. Its main task is to
provide legal advice and litigate on
behalf of the Tax Management Divisions
on a broad range of tax issues concerning
various tax types, including individual
and corporate income tax, goods and
services tax, property tax and stamp duty.
The Law Division is also involved in
the drafting of legislative amendments,
including budget changes and off-budget
amendments. In matters of civil and
criminal litigation, the Law Division
represents the IRAS at the first-instance
tribunals, the High Court, and the
Court of Appeal. Increasingly, the Law
Division is involved in international
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 85
relations work in the form of exchange
of information cases involving the IRAS
and foreign tax authorities. Further, the
Law Division provides corporate legal
support to the IRAS on intellectual
property, contracts, tort and procurement
matters.
Designated as Deputy Chief Legal
Officer and Director, Mr Alvin Koh,
an LSO, commenced a three-year
secondment to the Law Division in
November 2013. Since then, he has
been involved in supervising a wide
range of matters, including civil appeals,
prosecutions involving tax evasion
offences as well as complex tax disputes.
As at 31 December 2013, there was one
LSO seconded to the IRAS.
Alvin Koh
Deputy Chief Legal Officer
Law Division
Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore
disciplinary matters and advises on the
exercise of investigative powers under
the MRA. In a related vein, the LD
is also involved in the study and
consideration of law reform initiatives
that may be suitable for Singapore’s
medical-disciplinary framework and
processes.
The LD provides the necessary legal
support for other areas of work that the
SMC is involved in, including providing
advice on the registration framework
for medical practitioners, advising on
domestic laws and with obligations
arising out of international agreements,
matters involving the election of Council
members, and ensuring compliance with
and codes and guidelines that are issued
Singapore
Medical Council
Singapore
Medical Council
The Legal Division (“LD”) of the
Singapore Medical Council (“SMC”)
supports the work of the SMC which,
inter alia, governs and regulates the
professional conduct and ethics of
registered medical practitioners in
Singapore. Primarily, the LD exercises
oversight over prosecutions conducted
by external counsel on behalf of the
SMC under the Medical Registration
Act (Cap. 174) (the “MRA”) in medical
disciplinary cases. It provides inputs on
the framing of charges in disciplinary
cases, ensures fidelity to procedural
requirements under the MRA for
86 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Mohamed Faizal
Mohamed Abdul Kadir
(Director [Legal] and General Counsel,
Legal Division, SMC)
by the SMC as part of its regulation
of the medical profession. The LD also
works closely with the Legal Office of
the Ministry of Health on the passage
of amendments to the MRA and
subsidiary legislation made thereunder.
As at 31 December 2013, there was one
LSO seconded to the SMC.
Ministry of
Home Affairs
Mohamed Faizal Mohamed Abdul Kadir
Director (Legal) & General Counsel
Legal Division
Singapore Medical Council
Ministry of
Home Affairs
Ms Charlene Tay Chia is on secondment
to the Policy Development Division
(“PDD”) at the MHA. The PDD is
tasked with driving the MHA’s policy
and legislation agenda in a gamut
of areas. These range from securityrelated issues, penal and criminal laws,
to gambling laws. Amending the Prisons
Act (Cap. 247) was one of the PDD’s
key projects for 2013. The amendments
introduced a Conditional Remission
System (“CRS”), to help repeat offenders
break the cycle of re-offending and
transit
from
imprisonment
to
reintegration within the community. The
PDD played a key role in conceptualising
the CRS, and continues to work on
the operational issues related to its
implementation.
Ms Charlene Tay Chia
(Deputy Director,
Policy Development Division, MHA)
counter terrorism financing regime
and enhance the MHA’s ability to
combat terrorism. The PDD also tabled
a Bill in Parliament to renew the
Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act
(Cap. 67).
Charlene Tay Chia (Ms)
Deputy Director
Policy Development Division
Ministry of Home Affairs
At the same time, the PDD regularly
reviews the MHA’s policies and laws
relating to counter-terrorism and security,
in a bid to enhance their operational
effectiveness. In 2013, the PDD amended
the Terrorism (Suppression of Financing)
Act (Cap. 325) to strengthen the MHA’s
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 87
Singapore
JUDICIAL BRANCH
SUBORDINATE
COURTS
SUPREME
COURT
Criminal Justice Division
Supreme Court Registry
Civil Justice Division
Justices’ Law Clerks
Pool
Family & Juvenile
Justice Division
Registrar, Appeals Board
(Land Acquisition)
Corporate & Court
Services Division
ATTORNEY-GENERAL’S
CHAMBERS
CRIME CLUSTER
Criminal Justice Division
Economic Crimes &
Governance Division
State Prosecution Division
International Affairs
Division
Legislation & Law
Reform Division
Civil Division
Ministry of Communications
& Information
(Legal Services Department)
Ministry of Culture,
Community & Youth
(Legal Unit)
Ministry of Education
(Legal Services Branch)
Ministry of Health
(Legal Office)
Ministry of Manpower
(Legal Services Division)
Ministry of Social &
Family Development
(Legal Services Unit)
88 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Legal Service
LEGAL BRANCH
LEGAL SERVICE
DEPARTMENTS/POSTS
IN MINISTRIES
LEGAL SERVICE
DEPARTMENTS/POSTS
IN STATUTORY BOARDS
Legal Aid Bureau
Accounting & Corporate
Regulatory Authority
Insolvency & Public
Trustee’s Office
Competition Commission
of Singapore
Ministry of Home Affairs
Economic
Development Board
(Legal Division)
Ministry of Defence
(Legal Services Department)
(Legal Division)
Inland Revenue Authority
of Singapore
(Law Division)
Ministry of Law
Intellectual Property Office
of Singapore
Director,
Commercial Affairs
Department,
Singapore Police Force
Monetary Authority
of Singapore
(Legal Group)
Public Guardian,
Office of Public Guardian,
Ministry of Social &
Family Development
(1. Enforcement Division,
Capital Markets Department
2. General Counsel’s Office
3. Investment Intermediaries
Department
4. Prudential Policy Department)
Singapore
Land Authority
Singapore Medical Council
(Legal Division)
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 89
MILESTONE
PROGRAMMES
90 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
LSC Postgraduate Scholarships
and Training Awards in Law
The Legal Service offers LSC Scholarships and LSC Training Awards annually
to LSOs to pursue postgraduate programmes in law and leadership or management
programmes at prestigious local and overseas institutions.
Five LSOs were awarded LSC Scholarships in 2013 to pursue their Masters of Laws
(“LLM”) in overseas institutions. Ms Lynda Lee (from the Legal Group, Ministry
of Law [“MinLaw”]) and Mr Quek Jing Feng (from the Crime Cluster,
Attorney-General’s Chambers) share their experiences below.
Lynda Lee
(LLM, New York University)
In coming to the New York University
(“NYU”) to pursue an LLM, my goal
was to study subjects of professional
relevance and also to learn about the
legal system in a different jurisdiction.
I gained more than just that at the NYU.
At the NYU, the way to learn was to ask
questions, from established legal doctrine
to scholarly arguments. What made the
learning experience so remarkable was
the humility of the professors. Despite
their eminence, they regarded students
as individuals whom they could derive
knowledge from. Because of this, ideas
are freely exchanged, views confidently
aired and new methods of analysis
conceived. The outcome is a diverse and
creative intellectual environment. My time at NYU has rewarded me with
not only a new perspective but also, a
renewed curiosity about the law. I am
thankful to the MinLaw and the Legal
Service for their support, which has made
my time at NYU possible. LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 91
Quek Jing Feng
(LLM, University of London)
It has been an enriching experience to
live and study in the cosmopolitan city
that is London. The subjects that I am
studying are nothing short of cuttingedge. From debating in national security
class about issues such as the tension
between state secrecy and principles
of open justice while the English courts
deal with litigation against the
government arising from the Snowden
leaks, to contemplating the principles of
international law governing the use of
force by states as the crises in Syria
and Ukraine unfold, my postgraduate
studies thus far have been both practical
and academic. As the (fortunately) mild
winter passes, I look forward to yet
another season of intense intellectual
stimulation.
I am truly grateful for this opportunity to
advance my legal skills and knowledge,
which I hope to put to good use in the
course of my work in future.
Milestone Programmes in Leadership or
Management
The Legal Service is fully committed to the continuing training and development
of LSOs with leadership or managerial potential and supports the nomination of
eligible LSOs to attend milestone programmes to further enhance their
capabilities in these areas. In 2013, five LSOs attended leadership and management programmes organised by
the Civil Service College and the Economic Development Board. Two LSOs
attended the 20th Senior Management Programme (“SMP”); one LSO attended the
17th Governance and Leadership Programme (“GLP”); and one LSO attended the
12th FIREfly Leadership Development Programme (“FFP”). One LSO also attended
the Advanced Management Program at Harvard University at the nomination of
his organisation.
Mr Mohamed Faizal Mohamed Abdul Kadir (from the Singapore Medical Council),
Ms May Mesenas (from the Subordinate Courts) and Ms Wong Li Tein (from the
Legal Group, MinLaw) share their experiences gleaned from the SMP, GLP
and FFP, respectively.
92 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Mohamed Faizal Mohamed Abdul Kadir
(20th SMP)
Faizal (3rd row; 4th from the right) with his class at the 20th SMP
I had the privilege of attending the 20th
SMP from June to August 2013, which
sought to enhance our understanding
of the policy and leadership challenges
in Singapore, through the lenses of both
challenges in domestic governance
and the ever-changing dynamics in
countries of strategic interest.
Unvarnished discussions with senior
Government officials gave us an insight
into the intricacies of policy-making
and the present-day policy and
leadership challenges. Study visits to
various institutions contextualised these
discussions while study trips to
Australia, Malaysia and Indonesia
afforded us comparative perspectives
on the opportunities and challenges
inherent in policy implementation. As the participants hailed from a broad
cross-section of the public service,
our learnings hailed as much from the
interactions with the speakers, as they
were from each other. The SMP proved
to be a hugely rewarding experience,
both vis-à-vis the learnings acquired
and in developing a public service peer
support network. LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 93
May Mesenas
(17th GLP)
May (2nd row; 1st from right) with her class at the 17th GLP
I attended the 17th GLP from 2 to 23
May 2013. The GLP provided an
in-depth appreciation of Singapore’s
governance model and public policies
spanning the economics, social and
security clusters as well as current
challenges facing Singapore.
A study trip to Hong Kong and Shenzhen
provided invaluable insights into the
recent development of these places and
a greater understanding of their public
engagement and service delivery
challenges. This included visits not only
to various government agencies but also
interesting and lively panel discussions
with representatives from the academia,
media and the Constitutional Bureau
on the future of Hong Kong against the
background of the post-2012 elections.
94 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
I was indeed privileged to have attended
the GLP. I found it most beneficial as
it was enriching given the fruitful
exchange of ideas among the enthusiastic
participants of diverse work experiences,
lending to the richness of the programme.
Wong Li Tein
(12th FFP)
Li Tein (1st row; 5th from right) with her class and former President Mr S R Nathan
I was privileged to attend the 12th
FFP, which was not just a leadership
course, but a mind-set changing
experience. It comprises three modules:
(a) Self and People Leadership;
(b) International Business Management;
and (c) Policy Acumen.
The FFP was interesting and challenged
my notion of what it means to be part
of a leading organisation that serves
the people and help shape the future of
our nation.
The first module was about my role
in leading people in any given setting.
The second used economic theories to
challenge the way we function and lead
in our organisations. It was enriching
and fun – and included a cooking
competition as a lesson in team building
(where I won the Best Chef award).
My favourite part of the FFP was the
final module, where we had frank and
open discussions with Ministers,
Permanent Secretaries and CEOs of
Government agencies.
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 95
PRIDE
IN SERVICE
96 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Pride In Service
A total of 13 Legal Service Officers (“LSOs”) were bestowed a National Day
Award or a Long Service Medal in 2013. The 13 LSOs were honoured at the
Legal Service National Day Observance Ceremony held on 15 August 2013.
The ceremony was graced by the Chairmen and Members of the Special and
Senior Personnel Boards. The event commenced with the singing of the
National Anthem and recitation of the National Pledge by representatives
from various Legal Service Departments. This was thereafter followed by a
medley of songs performed by the Fairfield Methodist School (Secondary) Choir.
Public Service Commission scholars who would be joining the Legal Service
upon the completion of their law studies were also present at the ceremony. The ceremony symbolises the loyalty and dedication of the Legal Service and
all LSOs to Singapore and represents the tremendous effort put in by LSOs in
their diverse responsibilities in administering justice, upholding the rule of law
and protecting the interests of the nation and people of Singapore. THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEDALS
NAME / DESIGNATION
DEPARTMENT
AWARD
Mrs Owi Beng Ki
Chief Legislative Counsel
Legislation and Law Reform Division
Attorney-General’s Chambers
Mr Tai Wei Shyong
Chief Prosecutor
State Prosecution Division
Attorney-General’s Chambers
Mr Hui Choon Kuen
Director
Legal Services Department,
Ministry of Defence
PPA (Silver)
Mr Tan Boon Heng
District Judge
Subordinate Courts
PPA (Silver)
Ms Daphne Hong
Deputy Director-General
International Affairs Division
Attorney-General’s Chambers
PPA (Silver)
Ms Daphne Chang
Director
Legal Services,
Ministry of Communications and
Information
PPA (Bronze)
PPA (Gold)
PPA (Silver)
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 97
THE COMMENDATION MEDAL
NAME / DESIGNATION
DEPARTMENT
Mr Toh Shin Hao
Deputy Senior State Counsel
International Affairs Division
Attorney-General’s Chambers
Ms Shahrinah Abdol Salam
Deputy Senior State Counsel
Legislation and Law Reform Division
Attorney-General’s Chambers
THE LONG SERVICE MEDAL
NAME / DESIGNATION
DEPARTMENT
Mr Phua Wee Chuan
Senior State Counsel
Legislation and Law Reform Division
Attorney-General’s Chambers
Mr Lee Chuan Huei
Senior State Counsel
Legislation and Law Reform Division
Attorney-General’s Chambers
Mr P Siva Shanmugam
District Judge
Subordinate Courts
Mr Shaiffudin Bin Saruwan
District Judge
Subordinate Courts
Mr Lim Yew Jin
Assistant Official Assignee & Public Trustee
Insolvency and Public Trustee’s Office
98 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
The Special Personnel Board with the
Recipients of the National Day Medals 2013
(Left to Right) Front Row:
Justice V K Rajah,
Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon,
Mr Steven Chong, S.C. (Attorney-General),
Justice Lee Seiu Kin
(Left to Right) Second Row:
Ms Daphne Chang, Tan Boon Heng,
Tai Wei Shyong, Mrs Owi Beng Ki, Hui Choon Kuen, Ms Daphne Hong
(Left to Right) Back Row:
Lim Yew Jin, Lee Chuan Huei, Ms Shahrinah Abdol Salam,
Toh Shin Hao, Phua Wee Chuan, P Siva Shanmugam
Not in Picture:
Shaiffudin Bin Saruwan
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 99
Editorial Committee
Legal Service Officers
Ms Ching Sann (Chairperson)
Ms Ang Ching Pin (Vice-Chairperson)
Mr Paul Quan (Member)
Mr Kenneth Choo (Member)
Mr Kenneth Wong (Member)
Mr Nicholas Ngoh (Member)
Mr Kenny Kung (Member)
Mr Mohamad Zaki Bin Jumahri (Member)
Mr Suhas Malhotra (Member)
Ms Nicole Evangeline Poh (Member)
Department Liaision Officers
Ms Jacqueline Lee (Supreme Court)
Ms Ruth Wong (LD, MHA)
Ms Constance Tay (Subordinate Courts)
Mr Nicholas Ngoh (LSD, MOM)
Ms Geraldine Kang (Family and Juvenile Justice
Ms Dawn Lim (LSB, MOE)
Division, Subordinate Courts)
Ms Carrie Chan (Criminal Justice Division,
Mr Andre Moses Tan (LO, MOH)
Subordinate Courts)
Ms Eunice Chong (LSU, MSF)
Ms Lynette Yap (Civil Justice Division,
Ms Ang Ching Hwei (LSU, MCI)
Subordinate Courts)
Mr Mohamad Zaki Bin Jumahri (LU, MCCY)
Ms Christine Liu (SPD, AGC)
Mr Daniel Koh (OPG)
Ms Rachel Lee (CJD, AGC)
Mr Daren Tang (IPOS)
Ms Eunice Lim (EGD, AGC)
Ms Qiu Huixiang (CCS)
Ms Wong Li Ru (IAD, AGC)
Mr Andrew Abraham (ACRA)
Mr Kong Kuek Foo (Civil Div, AGC)
Mr Bryan Chew (SLA)
Ms Karen Ang (LLRD, AGC)
Ms Serene Chew (MAS)
Mr Ng Der Lim (MINDEF)
Ms Genevieve Lee (EDB)
Mr Goh Kiat Yi (LAB)
Ms Charlene Tay (MHA)
Mr Paul Cheong (IPTO)
Ms Quek Huiling (IRAS)
Ms Ang Swee Yan (MinLaw)
Mr Mohamed Faizal Abdul Kadir (SMC)
Legal Service Commission Secretariat
Ms Audrey Lim
Ms Joyce Loh
Ms Ong Ai Hui
100 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013
LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 101
LEGAL
SERVICE
COMMISSION
1, Supreme Court Lane, Level 4
Supreme Court, Singapore 178879
website: www.lsc.gov.sg
email: lsc_sec@lsc.gov.sg
102 LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013