One of Singapore’s big four law firms Rajah & Tann is expanding its presence in China for the first time in 21 years, with a new office in Qianhai, Shenzhen, set to open in the fourth quarter of this year.
Partner Hew Kian Heong, who joined Rajah & Tann last December, will lead the new office. He specialises in construction litigations, arbitrations and mediations across various jurisdictions, including the PRC, Hong Kong, Singapore, Stockholm, Geneva and London.
Prior to joining Rajah & Tann, Hew served as the head of construction and infrastructure at Kewei Law Firm and worked at Pinsent Masons for 22 years, where he was promoted to head of China.
Partner Loh Yong Hui, who is also skilled in handling construction and engineering matters, will serve as the chief representative of the office.
Hew will co-lead the China practice with Linda Qiao, the head of Rajah & Tann’s Shanghai office.
Patrick Ang, the firm’s managing partner, says the growing trade and investment between China and Southeast Asia have promoted the establishment of the new office to meet the resulting client needs. He adds that the firm’s strengths in dispute resolution align with Qianhai’s objective of becoming an international arbitration centre.
Rajah & Tann said Shenzhen had become China’s financial and technology hub, with Qianhai adjacent to Hong Kong, offering favourable tax policies, good infrastructure, and attractive intellectual property and trademark protection.
As the forefront of Shenzhen-Hong Kong co-operation, Qianhai has already attracted five law firms to establish offices, including Holman Fenwick Willan and Morgan Lewis, which opened last year. Currently, a total of seven foreign law firms have offices in Shenzhen.
Rajah & Tann is one of Singapore’s big four law firms, alongside Allen & Gledhill, Drew & Napier and WongPartnership. Earlier in February, Allen & Gledhill expanded its presence by opening an office in Shanghai, marking its first venture outside Southeast Asia.
