Ex-Chief of Oon & Bazul Law Firm Establishes Maritime-Oriented Company in Singapore
Ming Law Asia: A New Powerhouse in Singapore's Maritime Legal Hub
In the heart of Singapore, a new maritime law firm has emerged, shaking up the city-state's commodities trading sector. Ming Law Asia (MLA), founded on July 1, 2025, is the brainchild of veteran shipping and international trade lawyer, Kelly Yap. With over 25 years of experience in maritime and commercial disputes, Yap brings a wealth of expertise to this newly launched firm.
MLA is positioned strategically within Singapore’s growing maritime legal hub. The firm, which started with a team of nine legal professionals, aims to deliver clear and practical legal solutions, with a strong emphasis on shipping and international trade matters. The team includes rising shipping specialist, Gregory Toh, and Ray Shankar, who contributes private wealth management expertise to address the succession planning and family governance needs of ultra-high net worth individuals across Asia.
Yap, a partner at MLA, gained prominence following the 2020 collapse of Singapore oil trader, Hin Leong Trading. The scandal involved allegations of fraud totalling billions of dollars. Yap represented various clients affected by vessel arrests involving deliveries made against letters of indemnity or fraudulent bills of lading. MLA provides legal services in court proceedings, arbitrations, and mediations, making it a one-stop solution for clients seeking dispute resolution in the maritime and commercial sectors.
MLA's comprehensive service offerings, combining maritime commercial law and private wealth management, enhance Singapore’s attractiveness as a regional center for complex shipping and trade disputes. The firm's strategic positioning within the maritime legal hub, coupled with Yap's extensive background in handling high-profile maritime cases, positions MLA as a key player in Singapore's maritime legal landscape.
It's worth noting that Singapore is not alone in this evolution. Suresh Divyanathan, Aaron Leong, and Rachel Leong recently co-founded Dauntless Law Chambers, while Christian Teo established Watershed Law, further strengthening the city-state's legal sector.
In conclusion, Ming Law Asia reflects Singapore’s continued evolution as an international maritime legal center. By providing specialized expertise, expanding legal services relating to maritime commerce, and supporting global shipping and trade clients with sophisticated dispute resolution capabilities, MLA is playing a pivotal role in Singapore's growth as a hub for maritime law.
- Ming Law Asia's comprehensive service offerings, combining maritime commercial law and private wealth management, make it a one-stop solution for clients seeking dispute resolution in the litigation of maritime and commercial sectors.
- By offering clear and practical legal solutions with an emphasis on shipping and international trade matters, Ming Law Asia aims to strengthen Singapore's position as a powerhouse in the industry, particularly in the finance-driven field of dispute resolution.
- The entrance of Ming Law Asia, a firm specializing in maritime law, into Singapore's thriving legal hub signifies not only a growth in Singapore's maritime legal sector but also a broader industry trend where law firms are increasingly focusing on niche areas such as finance and business.
