Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP > Singapore, Singapore > Firm Profile
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP Offices

10 COLLYER QUAY
#27-00 OCEAN FINANCIAL CENTRE
SINGAPORE 049315
Singapore
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Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Singapore > Labour and employment: local firms Tier 2
Morgan Lewis Stamford LLC has a well-developed labour and employment practice in both contentious and non-contentious matters. It continues to represent an impressive number of US, European and Asia-based multinationals, as well as a host of Singapore-listed entities. It has a strong reputation in the tech and growth company sectors, dealing with a range of workplace policy matters, including ongoing COVID-19 measures, along with other current demands such as immigration. It also has a fine standing in big-ticket employment disputes, steered largely by key partner Daniel Chia (who also advises on non-contentious work).Practice head(s):
Daniel Chia
Testimonials
‘Key strengths include the ability to grasp issues quickly and provide business-focused solutions.’
‘Daniel Chia provides thoughtful solutions to problems, and it is apparent when providing these suggestions that he considers the resources of the company and presents the best way forward.’
Key clients
Apollo Advisors LP
BNY Mellon
Gift Management Asia Pte. Ltd.
William Morris Endeavor Entertainment
General Dynamics and subsidiaries, including Jet Aviation Singapore and Gulfstream International Corporation
AstraZeneca
The Myers-Briggs Company
Sompo Insurance
BBVA Singapore Branch
Alcoa Corporation
ServiceSource Singapore
Printronix LLC
Korn Ferry
Lightstone Singapore/Medisix Therapeutics
Proofpoint
Ab Initio
Maxar Technologies
VCCP
United Microelectronics Corporation
Calix
Wiley
Work highlights
- Advised Apollo Advisors LP with respect to necessary alterations of its Singapore office policies in the wake of COVID-19 and government regulations relating to workplace matters such as telecommuting and safe distancing.
- Acted for Gift in disputes against its former executive vice president (EVP) relating to breaches of the employment agreement and acquisition agreements.
- Acted for William Morris Endeavor Entertainment in connection with the overhaul of various of its employment policies and documentation used across its Asia operations.
Singapore > Restructuring and insolvency: local firms Tier 2
Morgan Lewis Stamford LLC‘s history with listed companies, means it is regularly engaged as debtor’s counsel in large corporate restructurings. In addition, it has a fine record in representing creditors and white knight investors. The firm is also well-established in the contentious insolvency field. Bernard Lui heads the firm’s corporate and business transactions practice, and has a long track record in corporate restructurings, as does Ng Joo Khin. Wendy Tan and Daniel Chia provide extensive expertise in contentious restructurings and insolvencies.Practice head(s):
Bernard Lui; Wendy Tan
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
PetroChina International (Singapore)
Alpha Energy Holdings Limited
No Signboard Holdings Ltd
COSCO Group of companies – Sinfeng Marine Services Pte. Ltd. and Cosco Petroleum Pte Ltd
Charisma Energy Services Limited
Hoe Leong Corporation Limited
Shanghai Shipyard Co. Ltd.
Hiap Seng Engineering Ltd
Bright Northstar Capital Management Pte Ltd.
Vallianz Holdings Limited
Riau Superstores Fund I Limited
Rain Asia Pacific Pte Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised PetroChina on various issues arising out of the collapse of Hin Leong Trading and its shipping arm, Ocean Tankers, as well as its shipowning arm, Xihe Holdings.
- Advised Vallianz on the consensual debt restructuring of approximately $145m owed by the Vallianz group to two banks.
- Represented No Signboard Holdings, NSB Restaurants and NSB Hotpot in successful interlinked applications for moratorium relief under Section 64(1) of the IRDA.
Singapore > Capital markets: equity and debt: local firms Tier 3
Morgan Lewis Stamford LLC is a strong performer in capital markets transactions under Singapore law and is singled out for its broad capabilities in the equity space, having advised on several IPOs on the main board of the SGX. The firm’s international know-how makes it a go-to choice for deals under English and New York law, as well as mandates involving other jurisdictions. Matters linked to the US, such as, Rule 144A offerings, US-style high-yield bonds and Regulation S offerings, are a particular area of strength, given the team’s in-depth knowledge of the US securities regulatory regime. Besides this, its cross-border expertise also extends to work involving Hong Kong-Singapore dual listings. Co-leader Joo Khin Ng has experience in all forms of equity and debt capital-raising deals, and is also skilled at advising on REITs and business trust IPOs. Fellow co-head Bernard Lui has over three decades’ experience in IPOs, placements and compliance issues. Chrystle Kuek is active in DCM and ECM matters.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Sin Teck Lim; Vanessa Ng; Chrystle Kuek; Melanie Hong
Testimonials
‘I have been working with Ng Joo Khin’s team at Morgan Lewis Stamford Singapore for many years and he is my go-to lawyer. The team’s strength lies in their deep experience with the capital and M&A markets. Members also have absolute trust in each other’s ability. Their trust in each other shows up in their teamwork, which looks seamless from the outside. Apart from ensuring that the interests of their clients are safe guarded, Joo Khin provides solution-based guidance with the benefit of his many years of having been involved in major transactions locally and regionally.’
‘Joo Khin stands out as the thinker and has a solution for every problem. Every meeting with him is fruitful. He works out the framework of the solution and subsequently plans each stage with his team members to reach the goal. What he does differently from others is that he encompasses his network of collaborators and partners into his solutions. He delivers innovative and sound solutions.’
Key clients
LHN Limited
ImmunoScape Pte. Ltd.
Grand Venture Technology Limited
Charisma Energy Services Limited
Oiltek International Limited
Alpha DX Group Limited (fka Alpha Energy Holdings Ltd.)
Citicode Ltd.
AsiaPhos Limited
Hygieia Group Ltd.
Ten-League Engineering & Technology Pte. Ltd.
Addvalue Technologies Ltd.
Vallianz Group Limited
Riau Capital Pte. Ltd.
Beverly JCG Ltd.
Thakral Corporation Ltd.
China Mining Investments Ltd.
Combine Will Investment Holdings Ltd.
Jasper Investments Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advising Koh Brothers Eco Engineering Ltd. on the proposed spin-off of the Oiltek Sdn Bhd group of companies for listing on the SGX Catalist Board.
- Advising LHN Limited, a company whose shares are dual-listed on the SGX Catalist Board and mainboard of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, in a proposed spin-off of its logistics services business via the proposed listing of the spin-off group (comprising LHN Logistics and its subsidiaries) on the SGX Catalist Board.
- Representing China-focused phosphate miner AsiaPhos Limited in the acquisition of the entire stake in Singapore-incorporated gold and copper miner MMJV Pte. Ltd. for S$72m via a reverse takeover.
Singapore > Corporate and M&A: local firms Tier 3
Morgan Lewis Stamford LLC caters to the full spectrum of transactional participants including sellers, buyers, investors, investment and commercial banks, private equity firms and venture capital firms, among others. Bernard Lui serves as practice head and is routinely engaged on M&A, IPO, corporate governance and corporate finance matters; he is supported by Wai Ming Yap , a cross-border transaction specialist with close ties to the Malaysian market, as well as Vanessa Ng, an authority on M&A activities in China. At associate level, Chrystle Kuek is highly rated among clients and provides the group with equity and debt capital markets knowhow. Other strands of activity include restructurings, joint ventures, LBOs, spin-offs and joint ventures.Practice head(s):
Bernard Lui
Other key lawyers:
Joo Khin Ng; Wai Ming Yap; Vanessa Ng; Chrystle Kuek
Testimonials
‘The team established a preferred communications protocol where the preferences for mode of communication was set out from the start of the engagement. This was set from the first kick-off meeting with the Morgan Lewis team and it was flexible for my team to reach out to the Morgan Lewis team, whilst ensuring that everyone was kept up-to-date.’
‘The group provided concise and clear advice to the Board and management of the company. The Morgan Lewis team has demonstrated their technical know-how throughout the engagement and provided timely advice to the Board and management. Their advice was communicated in a simple and easily understandable way. In addition, the Morgan Lewis team did a very comprehensive briefing to the Board at the start of the engagement and set the tone for entire corporate exercise.’
‘The lawyers were responsive and a great client experience. The Morgan Lewis team was very responsive throughout the engagement despite their busy schedule. It was a pleasure to communicate with them as they always gave us the human touch in their communication and it felt great after every discussion with them.’
‘Bernard Lui: We value Bernard’s vast experience and smart advice throughout the engagement. The Board’s and management’s concerns were addressed comprehensively by Bernard, who showed a good understanding of his legal knowledge. Bernard is down-to-earth in his communication and it always a pleasure to have a discussion with him throughout.’
‘Chrsytle Kuek: Chrystle is meticulous in her work and has provided excellent support throughout the engagement. She is a great listener who always understand what were our concerns throughout the engagement and provides timely advice to address them. Her attention to detail is excellent and she is very timely in reminding management and the team on the next steps of the engagement. She is very approachable and her advice is always easy to understand.’
Key clients
Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co. Ltd.
China Mining International Limited
GSS Energy Limited
Envictus International Holdings Limited
Union Gas Holdings Limited
Glass Egg Digital Media
Sinopipe Holdings Ltd
Ten-League Engineering & Technology Pte Ltd
Kimly Limited
Grand Venture Technology Limited
Kian Ann Engineering Pte Ltd and Invicta Asian Holdings Pte Ltd
Polaris Ltd.
Totm Technologies Limited
Work highlights
- Represented China’s Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co. Ltd. (Huayou) as Singapore counsel in the proposed acquisition of the Arcadia hard-rock lithium mine in Zimbabwe for a total consideration of US$422 million.
- Representing Sinopipe Holdings Ltd in the proposed reverse takeover of Ten-League Engineering & Technology Pte Ltd (including its Engineering Solutions Business).
- Advising Kimly Limited on its S$54 million acquisition of the businesses of the Tenderfresh Group, comprising central kitchens, restaurants/kiosks and food stalls.
Singapore > Dispute resolution: local firms Tier 3
Morgan Lewis Stamford LLC is instructed on commercial, corporate, financial and tax disputes. The practice acts on contentious matters for clients from a myriad of sectors, including finance, tax, energy, mining and resources, projects and infrastructure. Daniel Chia oversees the team, dealing with investment disputes, shareholder litigation, fraud prosecution and securities, as well as regulatory enforcement proceedings. Wendy Tan supports clients across the shipping, international trade and commodities, energy, insurance and logistics sectors.Practice head(s):
Daniel Chia
Other key lawyers:
Wendy Tan; Ker Yanguang
Testimonials
‘Excellent team at all levels. High level of partner involvement throughout.’
‘Daniel Chia is highly involved in cases from start to finish. This, combined with his keen intellect and high commercial acumen, ensures that the case is well run and well-pleaded throughout.’
‘Ker Yanguang’s personable demeanour demonstrates a deep knowledge of the law and a tenacious drive to secure the best outcome for his clients.’
Key clients
Directors of Verrency Singapore/ Verrency Group Holdings
Convexity
PetroChina International (Singapore)
COSCO Group of companies – Sinfeng Marine Services and Cosco Petroleum Pte Ltd
PTT Thailand Limited
HP Enterprise
Shanghai Shipyard
Tembusu Growth Fund III
Gracious Land Pte Ltd – linked to the Mayapada Group
Darco Water Limited
Union Power Limited
ISO Team Limited
Oil Brokerage International
Mann & Noble Retail Brands Pte Ltd
Work highlights
- Engaged by the Indonesian billionaire tycoon Tahir to act for one of the companies in his Mayapada Group – Gracious Land – in legal proceedings against Oxley Gem (a prominent property developer in Singapore).
- Acted for Convexity Limited involved in both arbitration and setting aside proceedings with a series of related entities trading under the name “KuCoin” which is linked to a crypto currency exchange.
- Advised PetroChina on various issues arising out of the high profile collapse of Hin Leong Trading, one of Asia’s largest fuel traders and bunker suppliers, and its shipping arm, Ocean Tankers (Pte) Ltd which operates a fleet of FSU and tankers, as well as its shipowning arm, Xihe Holdings and Xihe Capital group of companies.
Singapore > Shipping: local firms Tier 3
Morgan Lewis Stamford LLC has a significant presence in the shipping sector, covering both disputes and transactional work. It has a wide-ranging client base that includes shipowners, charterers, commodities traders, bunker suppliers, P&I clubs, maritime underwriters, and logistics companies. Wendy Tan specialises in maritime and commodities disputes, along with transactions; she led the team that advised PetroChina on issues arising out of the collapse of Hin Leong Trading. Daniel Chia is another key partner.Practice head(s):
Wendy Tan
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
PetroChina International (Singapore)
AIG Insurance Asia Pacific
Double Rich Limited
COSCO Group – Cosco Petroleum Pte Ltd and Sinfeng Marine Services Pte Ltd
Chimbusco International Petroleum (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Thaumas Marine Ltd (part of Coastal Contracts Bhd)
Prime Star Transportation
Marco Polo Marine
PT Pelayaran Nasional Bina Buana Raya
Shanghai Shipyard
Starryway Trading & Shipping
Ezion Holdings Limited
Work highlights
- Advised PetroChina on issues arising out of the collapse of Hin Leong Trading.
- Represented Sinfeng Marine Services in investigations and claims arising from the liquidation of Sinfeng’s major supplier, Coastal Oil Singapore.
- Advised Union Services (S’pore) as creditor in the ongoing liquidation and/or restructuring of Genting Hong Kong and its affiliated companies including Star Cruise, Dream Cruises Management and Star Cruises (HK).
Singapore > International arbitration Tier 4
Daniel Chia leads the Morgan Lewis Stamford LLC team and represents clients in arbitration proceedings and commercial and corporate litigation, as lead trial and appellate counsel. The firm’s specialisms include disputes arising from cross-border investment and shareholder and joint venture agreements, as well as fraud and corruption related matters. The practice has experience handling matters in Singapore, England and Wales, Hong Kong and Switzerland.Practice head(s):
Daniel Chia
Other key lawyers:
Wendy Tan
Testimonials
‘The team is advising and representing us in a cross border dispute and having the experts in multiple jurisdictions has allowed us to put together a dynamic team from several jurisdictions that work well across different time zones. The team has amazing technical knowledge and are also very commercial in their approach. Their ability to replace counsel in personal crisis and takeover conduct of the matter without any hitch deserves a special mention.’
‘Jennifer Josefson stands out for her leadership skills. Dmitry Ivanov is an expert litigator in Russia. Wendy Tan in Singapore needs an extra special mention. Her meticulousness, drafting skills, in depth knowledge of international arbitration and ability to think outside the box when strategising is truly impressive.’
‘Daniel Chia is a stand-out lawyer at this firm. He seems to be involved in many of the high-profile arbitrations in Singapore.’
Key clients
PetroChina International (Singapore)
Thaumas Marine Ltd (part of Coastal Contracts Bhd)
GPK Marine Management Services Group
CR11-CC-Gates JV
Vela Management Participation Pte Ltd
HP Enterprise Limited
Convexity Limited
Gracious Land – A subsidiary of the Mayapada Group
Shanghai Shipyard
Work highlights
- Acted for Convexity Limited involved in both arbitration and setting aside proceedings with a series of related entities trading under the name “KuCoin” which is linked to a crypto currency exchange.
- Advising Shanghai Shipyard’s multi-disciplinary and multi-jurisdictional international in-house legal team in connection with a dispute over four Rig Building Contracts with a cumulative value of over US$500 million.
- Secured a resounding victory for our client, a prominent Malaysian businessman in his long and hard-fought claim in an international arbitration against an Asia based private investment firm.