Internationalisation & Improving Competitiveness
As Singapore continues to grow an international presence, understand and size opportunities abroad.
Introduction
As technology continues to bring the world closer, how can lawyers remain globally competitive? Join us as we investigate ways to keep up to date with international opportunities and learn about the type of mindset to push for cross-border business prospects.
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Internationalisation and Improving Competitiveness
An introduction to the Future of the Legal Profession Workstream 3
Workstream 3 focuses on strengthening the long-term relevance and global competitiveness of Singapore’s legal profession by equipping Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) members with the capabilities, exposure, and mindset needed to operate in an increasingly interconnected legal landscape. As cross-border transactions, disputes, and regulatory developments become more complex, Singapore lawyers must be prepared not only to participate in international work, but to lead and shape it.
SAL adopts a dual approach to internationalisation. At the industry level, efforts are being developed in close collaboration with the Ministry of Law and the Law Society of Singapore, particularly in areas such as overseas market development, policy alignment, and broader industry initiatives. In parallel, SAL is progressing a series of Member Development initiatives aimed at supporting individual lawyers in building the competencies and networks needed to succeed globally, while aligning with existing efforts across the legal ecosystem.
These initiatives centre on three key areas. First, SAL is strengthening training programmes with enhanced international content to build practical cross-border legal and leadership skills, particularly in areas where Singapore is already strong, such as international arbitration and commercial practice. Second, SAL is advancing comparative law scholarship and content, in collaboration with partners such as the Asian Business Law Institute, to deepen understanding of regional legal frameworks and support high-quality cross-border advisory work. Third, SAL is expanding opportunities for international exposure through mooting, scholarships, overseas engagements, and structured participation in international missions and dialogues, including platforms such as TechLaw.Fest.
In addition, SAL is exploring the use of technology, including AI-driven legal translation tools, to support cross-border practice.
Collectively, these efforts form part of SAL’s ongoing work to nurture members who are not only internationally competent, but globally competitive, and well-positioned to contribute to the future of legal practice beyond Singapore’s shores.