HFW Strengthens Asia-Pacific Presence with Appointment of Sinyee Ong in Singapore
In a strategic move to bolster its insurance practice in the Asia-Pacific region, global law firm HFW has appointed Sinyee Ong as a legal director in its Singapore office. This appointment underscores HFW’s commitment to expanding its footprint in Southeast Asia, enhancing its capabilities in handling complex insurance and commercial disputes.
HFW has been actively growing its insurance and reinsurance practice globally, with a team now comprising 19 partners and over 65 lawyers. This expansion is part of a broader strategy that includes key markets such as Hong Kong, Melbourne, Riyadh, and London, reflecting the firm’s ambitious growth plans.
Sinyee Ong brings over a decade of experience in insurance, construction, and commercial disputes, with a strong track record across industries like hospitality, energy, pharmaceuticals, and real estate. Her qualifications in Singapore, New York, England & Wales, and Western Australia, coupled with her fluency in English and Mandarin, make her adept at handling cross-border disputes, particularly with Chinese entities.
Christopher Foster, HFW’s Global Head of Insurance and Reinsurance, highlighted that Ong’s expertise will significantly enhance the firm’s capabilities in Southeast Asia. John Forrester, Head of the Singapore office, emphasized that her regional knowledge and international background align perfectly with HFW’s growth strategy in the region.
Ong expressed enthusiasm about joining HFW, noting that her background in insurance and construction aligns well with the firm’s sector-focused approach. She looks forward to collaborating with colleagues and clients globally to further strengthen HFW’s practice areas.
Sinyee Ong’s Background and Expertise
Sinyee Ong is a highly accomplished lawyer with a robust career in arbitration and litigation. She is qualified to practice in Singapore, New York, England & Wales, and Western Australia. Her expertise includes handling international arbitration under various rules, such as ICC, SIAC, and UNCITRAL, and she has a strong track record of working across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and North America. Fluent in English and Mandarin, she is also conversant in Cantonese, making her well-equipped to handle cross-border disputes, particularly with Chinese entities. Before joining HFW, Ong was with Chua and Partners and had previously been recognized among Singapore’s 21 most influential lawyers under 40 in 2020.
HFW’s Strategic Expansion
HFW has been steadily growing its insurance and reinsurance practice globally, which now consists of 19 partners and over 65 lawyers. This expansion includes critical hires across key markets such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Riyadh, and London. Since the start of its fiscal year 2023, the firm has added more than 50 new partners. In Singapore, HFW’s office, operational for more than 35 years, is staffed by approximately 40 lawyers and 70 total professionals, forming part of a broader Asia-Pacific team of 64 partners and 280 lawyers.
Leadership and Vision
Christopher Foster, HFW’s Global Head of Insurance and Reinsurance, highlighted that Ong’s specialized expertise in insurance disputes will bolster the firm’s capabilities in Southeast Asia. John Forrester, Singapore Office Head, emphasized that Ong’s regional knowledge and international background align seamlessly with HFW’s growth strategy in Singapore. Both leaders underscored the firm’s ambition to broaden its service offerings and achieve sustained expansion in the region.
Sinyee Ong’s Vision
Ong expressed her enthusiasm about joining HFW, noting that her background in insurance and construction aligns well with HFW’s sector-focused approach. She looks forward to collaborating with colleagues and clients globally to further strengthen the firm’s practice areas.
Conclusion
HFW’s appointment of Sinyee Ong as a Legal Director in Singapore marks a significant step in the firm’s strategic expansion across the Asia-Pacific region. With her extensive experience in insurance, construction, and commercial disputes, Ong brings a unique combination of regional expertise and international capabilities to HFW’s growing insurance and reinsurance practice.
Her qualifications in multiple jurisdictions, including Singapore, New York, England & Wales, and Western Australia, coupled with her fluency in English and Mandarin, position her as a key asset for handling cross-border disputes, particularly with Chinese entities. This move underscores HFW’s commitment to strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia and enhancing its service offerings in complex legal areas.
As HFW continues to grow its global insurance and reinsurance practice, the addition of Sinyee Ong reflects the firm’s ambitious strategy to expand its footprint in key markets such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and beyond. With her sector-focused approach and collaborative mindset, Ong is poised to contribute significantly to HFW’s success in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Sinyee Ong’s area of expertise?
Sinyee Ong specializes in insurance, construction, and commercial disputes, with a strong track record in handling international arbitration and cross-border disputes.
How does Sinyee Ong’s language proficiency benefit HFW?
Fluent in English and Mandarin, and conversant in Cantonese, Sinyee Ong is well-equipped to handle disputes involving Chinese entities, enhancing HFW’s capabilities in cross-border cases.
Why is Singapore a key market for HFW’s expansion?
Singapore is a strategic hub for international disputes and arbitration, making it a critical location for HFW to strengthen its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
How does Sinyee Ong’s appointment align with HFW’s growth strategy?
Her appointment aligns with HFW’s ambitious growth plans in the Asia-Pacific region, enhancing the firm’s insurance and reinsurance capabilities and reinforcing its sector-focused approach.
