Year in Review 2022
Largest Southeast Asia Legal Network
No.1
Most Awarded Legal Network in SE Asia
Chambers Asia Pacific 2023
Of our Rankings are in Top Tiers
LinkedIn Followers
Lee Eng Beng, SC
Chair, Rajah & Tann Asia
2022 has been a poignant year. As travel and safe distancing restrictions were relaxed, we rediscovered and enjoyed the stronger and more meaningful and personal connections created by in-person interactions and events. We were also able to rekindle many relationships with colleagues and friends, as well as clients and business partners, across the Rajah & Tann Asia network. It was a perfect time to celebrate a few momentous milestones, and build up momentum for more exciting years ahead as we hopefully put the pandemic behind us.
Regional Footprint
Legal x Digital
At Rajah & Tann Asia, we embrace disruptive technology to evolve our practice and at the same time, help our clients meet the demands and challenges of the new economy.
What’s New for Our Clients
Sustainability Matters
ALB ESG & Sustainability Award
Firms worldwide are all aboard the pledge to care for the Earth. Our network has likewise invested increasing efforts in hopes to attain our social goals. We are happy to share that these endeavours were recognised at the 18th Asian Legal Business SE Asia Law Awards this year, where Rajah & Tann Singapore clinched the inaugural ESG and Sustainability Law Firm of the Year award. This is an affirmation and encouragement for all of us to continue, in ways big or small, to become socially responsible citizens of the planet.
Pledging support for the “Low Formaldehyde Commitment Statement”
The AfA seeks to bring together stakeholders across different sectors to create and enhance sustainable spaces, and also aims to help solution providers and adopters seize opportunities in the green economy.
Rajah & Tann aspires to be a responsible legal service provider and we have committed ourselves to a sustainability vision of integrating climate positive best practices into our decision-making and business activities.
Signatory to UN Global Compact
In November 2022, Rajah & Tann Singapore joined the United Nations Global Compact to align our strategies and operations with ten universal principles related to human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, and take actions that advance societal goals and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals that seeks to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.
ESG Thought Leadership
Guide on Sustainable Financing in Southeast Asia
In this Guide, we provide an overview of the renewable energy landscape in the region and certain salient legal and regulatory issues affecting the development and deployment of renewable energy in Southeast Asia.
Review of Sustainability Reporting Requirements Under the Main Market and ACE Market Listing Requirements
On 23 March 2022, Bursa Malaysia issued a Consultation Paper containing seven main proposals on sustainability reporting, seeking the views of the public on the proposed amendments to the Main Market Listing Requirements and the ACE Market Listing Requirements. The proposals in summary are set out in our Sustainability Update.
How ESG Regulations Can Empower Businesses in Asia
In an opinion piece published by Tatler Asia Group, read about how ESG regulations can help Asian companies rebuild in a post-pandemic world.
How the law fraternity can play a part in promoting sustainable development to protect our environment
In an interview with The Peak Singapore, Lee Weilin, Head of the Sustainability practice at Rajah & Tann Singapore, shares how the law fraternity can play a part in promoting sustainable development to protect our environment.
ESG Deals
First of its kind commercial-scale hydrogen value chain to supply hydrogen, contributing towards Singapore’s climate action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy consumption efficiency in line with the Paris Agreement
Rajah & Tann Singapore is appointed by the Mitsubishi Group to advise their implementation of a commercial-scale hydrogen value chain to supply hydrogen to Singapore to be used mainly by local generation companies for power generation.
Launch of highly innovative digital agriculture and sustainability initiatives across Southeast Asia by Bayer
Rajah & Tann Singapore is advising Bayer in the project and on the local regulatory requirements relating to its digital agriculture initiatives as well as the commercial aspects of its collaborations with its drone technology partners. The envisaged initiatives include the supply of smart drones which have advanced data collection about the environment.
One of the largest rooftop solar installations by any Singapore-listed REIT
Rajah & Tann Singapore led a team advising AIMS APAC REIT Management Limited in its partnership with SP Group to install 5.2 hectares of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across 6 properties. This solar PV system project is set to be one of the largest rooftop solar installations by any Singapore-listed real estate investment trust. The project will help reduce more than 5,900 tonnes of carbon emissions a year, steering us towards a cleaner future.
First sustainability-linked asset-backed securities in Singapore
Rajah & Tann Singapore advised Lion City Rentals and M&T Investments in the establishment of a S$500 million secured medium term note programme and issuance of a S$109 million 2.85% Class A1 sustainability-linked notes due 2026 and a S$36 million 3.65% Class A2A sustainability-linked notes due 2026 (the “Notes”). This is the first auto asset-backed securitisation in Singapore and the Notes are the first sustainability-linked asset-backed securities in Singapore.
S$1.1 billion sale of stake of the largest distributed solar player Sunseap Group to world’s leading renewable energy company, EDPR
Rajah & Tann Singapore acted for Sunseap Group Pte. Ltd. in the S$1.1 billion sale of a 91% stake by certain shareholders including Thai energy firm Banpu Public Company Limited and Singapore’s Temasek Holdings Limited, to world’s leading renewable energy company, EDPR.
S$633.8 million term and revolving facilities structured as a green loan
Rajah & Tann Singapore acted for a joint venture between OUE Commercial REIT and a special purpose vehicle managed by Allianz Real Estate Asia Pacific, in relation to term and revolving facilities in an aggregate amount of S$633.8 million for the purpose of financing the acquisition of OUE Bayfront. The facilities were structured as a green loan if certain conditions in the facility agreement in relation to OUE Bayfront were met.
Establishment of debt financing platform for sustainable infrastructure projects led by HSBC Singapore's joint venture with Temasek Holdings
Rajah & Tann Singapore is acting for HSBC Singapore in relation to its proposed US$150 million joint venture with Temasek Holdings, in a partnership to establish a debt financing platform dedicated to sustainable infrastructure projects with an initial focus on Southeast Asia.
Development of Climate Impact X, a carbon exchange and marketplace
Rajah & Tann Singapore is acting for Singapore Exchange Limited in its joint venture with DBS Bank Ltd, Standard Chartered PLC and Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited, to develop Climate Impact X which is envisioned to be a carbon exchange and marketplace to provide organisations with high-quality carbon credits to address hard-to-abate emissions.
S$666.1 million acquisition of Eco Management Korea Holdings Co
Rajah & Tann Singapore is advising Keppel Infrastructure Trust (KIT) as Singapore counsel in its joint venture with Keppel Infrastructure Holdings Pte Ltd and Keppel Asia Infrastructure Fund LP for the S$666.1 million acquisition of Eco Management Korea Holdings Co. Eco Management Korea Holdings is a leading integrated waste management services player in South Korea and operates six waste-to-energy plants and five sludge drying facilities located across South Korea.
“The team at Rajah & Tann is top-notch. I can always rely on them to be fully up-to-date with the law and trends. Service levels are above expectations.”
Our Regional Deals
Celebrating Milestones
Rajah & Tann Singapore Celebrates 45 Years
The story of Rajah & Tann started almost half a century ago, from a humble two-man partnership fighting for the underdogs to the generations of leaders who have transformed the firm into a regional network today.
We are delighted to share our story that recounts our founders’ tenacity and devotion to true justice as they held fast to the principle of excellence with heart in the way they practised law and cared for others.
Rajah & Tann Book Launch Event
Reaching this milestone was no easy feat and only made possible by our people and clients who believe in our relentless quest for justice and respect the values we stay true to. Our sincere thanks to all of you as we continue to build the awe-inspiring story of Rajah & Tann.
Rajah & Tann Singapore Book Launch
Rajah & Tann Singapore is also pleased to launch Duty of Care+, a commemorative book detailing the firm’s founding and transformation from a two-man partnership to Southeast Asia’s legal powerhouse.
With 101 in-person interviews conducted over the last 2 years, the 260-page book shares the inspiring narrative of how the firm survived the vicissitudes of time and charted a unique path to regional leadership, while holding fast to the principle of excellence with heart.
Read the e-copy of Duty of Care+ here
C&G Law Celebrates 15th Anniversary
History, Milestones and the Future
Ben Dominic R. Yap
Managing Partner, C&G Law
WHAT DOES THIS MILESTONE MEAN TO C&G LAW?
Our anniversary is truly a momentous occasion for all of us at C&G, especially the founding partners, as this isn’t just any other anniversary. We are celebrating no less than 15 years of existence as a firm and we feel extremely blessed for our growth and reputation built over the years, which serve as excellent foundations for our continuing growth moving forward. I view each year of our existence as a step forward towards our goal at the outset of becoming a lasting legal institution in the country known for its excellence and integrity.
VALUABLE LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE LAST 15 YEARS?
MOST MEMORABLE ACCOMPLISMENTS SINCE 2007?
There have been quite a number over the last 15 years, but the ones I remember most are those pertaining to our people, growth and evolution. I especially remember our first associate hire – Jun Santamaria, back in 2008, who became our first partner outside of the 6 founding partners and now heads our Labor and Immigration practice.
I also recall admitting our first home-grown partner or a partner who rose through the ranks from being a first year associate. That was Jess Lopez, who joined us fresh out of law school in 2009.
And then there was the first time we hit 20 lawyers in 2012, and 40 lawyers in 2018; and of course, when we joined the RTA network in 2017.
I look back at these milestones with quiet satisfaction and as inspirations for our future as a firm, as they show that we are capable of growth and evolution and affirm that we are on the right track to achieving our goal of becoming a lasting legal institution in the country.
CURRENT PROJECTS THAT C&G LAW IS WORKING ON?
We have just launched our Intellectual Property practice this year – an exciting development for us as we have not given much attention to this major practice area till now. This is a logical next step for our firm and will perfectly complement our robust Corporate and Commercial, Disputes, Labour and Employment and Tax practices. Though this will require significant time and resources, we are hopeful that these investments will pay off in the next 2 years.
We are also looking to celebrate all the milestones and blessings we have enjoyed over the last 15 years of course.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR C&G LAW?
C&G will continue striving towards our goal of becoming a lasting legal institution in the country known for its excellence and integrity. Though we are close, there is still much to be done and we are committed to dedicating the time and effort necessary to achieve this. We also aspire to become a bigger and more significant player in the RTA network. With the synergy amongst all lawyers and staff present and future, and the support from our regional colleagues, we are confident of reaching these goals in the near future.
Diversity & Inclusion
We celebrate the unique perspectives and limitless potentials of our diverse team and it remains our privilege to nurture and spotlight the advancement of women in the legal profession.
“They strike a good balance between robust and aggressive approaches. They have good professional courage, they’re not risk-takers but have strong courage in the sense of what can and can’t be done.”
Network of Winning Firms
Awards & Accolades
We pride our growth and success on the support we receive from our clients as we continue to innovate and drive service excellence across the network.
Our Articles & Publications
Training & Upskilling
We strongly believe in investing in the professional development of our legal and business professionals.
With reference to a holistic Learning & Development (L&D) framework, our dedicated L&D arm – the Rajah & Tann Asia (RTA) Academy has rolled out a considerable number of initiatives for our regional legal community in 2022.
- 78 legal & technical knowledge sharing sessions with a total virtual attendance of nearly 1,700
- 75 non-legal skills & competencies trainings with a total virtual attendance of nearly 850
RTA Academy conducted its first in-person event since 2019. Themed `Igniting Future Forward Lawyers’, the Regional Summit saw almost 100 lawyers from across our RTA offices come together for the super-charged, fun-filled event.
Beyond these virtual and in-person events, our legal and business professionals have access to a curated library of learning modules available in RTA Academy’s online platforms.
Rajah & Tann Asia Gives Back
Corporate Social Responsibility has always been a big part of our culture. We are constantly reaching out to communities aound the region in our on-going commitment to bring about positie changes in the societieswe live in and beyond.
Rajah & Tann Singapore celebrates 45 years of professional excellence with a $450,000 donation to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund and Dementia Singapore
YMCA-Lim Kim San Volunteer Awards 2022
Mobile Massage Team from the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH)
Just Duet – Law Society Pro Bono Servicesâ 15th Anniversary Celebration
Friends of MCCY Award 2022
Phuket beach clean-up with Sustainable Maikhao Foundation
SGX Cares Bull Charge Charity Run
A Packet of Rice
YMCA Special Needs Inclusive Challenge
Singapore National Day Award â Public Service Medal
MINDS Film Festival 2022
Champion of Good 2022
Milk & Diaper Distribution Drive
Ministry of Law Partner & Volunteers Awards 2022
MINDS Bazaar Sale
SPD Charity Golf 2022
Football with a Heart 2022
Talks for Dementia Singapore
Our Regional Events
While social distancing kept us physically apart, our teams from across our regional offices connected virtually with the industry and with each other in meaningful discussions.
