The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) Singapore members are strengthening bonds and forging kinship by “breaking bread” over informal lunches.
The casual networking gatherings not only strengthen community spirit among existing members but are also an opportunity for new members to connect in a relaxed atmosphere, says David Sullivan, ACC Singapore director and president and legal director, APAC at WPP.
Referencing a recent meeting at OSO Ristorante in Singapore, he says: “We had members discussing the different ways they use AI tools in their business, sharing tips and tricks about how they effectively integrate these tools into their day-to-day work patterns.
“We also had a few new members attend the lunch, which gave them a great opportunity to meet other members and share their experience. Members new to Singapore were able to pick up tips from other members about how to get the best out of their time living in Singapore and Asia generally.”
Organised on an ad hoc basis during the year, Sullivan says the lunches play a key role in building bonds. “These events are very important to help ACC Singapore build a strong in-house community. We measure the success of these events by the connections that are created, and the flow-on attendance at our more structured, formal events.”
The initiative has also contributed to a 20% increase in membership since the beginning of 2024, highlighting the value of informal settings in engaging and retaining members.
Jasmine Karimi, ACC Singapore director and secretary and APAC general counsel at FMC Corporation, is equally enthusiastic about the informal lunches. “The ACC network is a true community. Breaking bread together over a meal forges kinship, which has so many ripple effects within the in-house legal community.”
Looking ahead, Sullivan notes: “We will continue offering these informal networking opportunities to our members and have plans to create a series of small, curated roundtable events in 2025, so watch this space.”
Additionally, the backing of sponsors has enabled ACC Singapore to organise a variety of events such as a Family Day, Summer Party, Festive Party, Quarterly Networking Drinks and the New to In-House Event. Sponsors have included Drew & Napier, FTI Consulting, Harry Elias, Khaitan & Co, Morrison Foerster, Littler, LSEG, Bird & Bird, Kim & Chang and Cooley, Stephenson Harwood and Horizon Recruitment.
