What attracted you to King’s?
The location was one of the main reasons for me. I did consider universities outside London, but I knew being in the city would provide the experience I wanted. I felt it was a good opportunity for me to learn about law, not only at university, but in the wider context. King’s is very close to major legal institutions including the Royal Court of Justice.
Why did you decide to study law?
I wanted to use my degree to help people, so law seemed like a great choice for me. When I first joined, I was on the LLB Law, but in my second year I was given the option of doing a year abroad. I spent a year at Cornell Law School, New York. I’d always wondered what it would be like studying in the US. It was a great addition to my studies that King’s were able to offer.
What did the course cover? And did you have a chance to specialise?
The course covered all aspects of law – family, criminal, commercial and more. In our final year, we got to pick our own modules. I looked at antidiscrimination law, labour law and family law. I felt these were the areas I could help people the most. People in low-income families face issues like divorce and employment disputes.
How would you describe the teaching style?
The teaching style is really varied at King’s. All the staff bring something different to the table. I really enjoyed the teaching of Professor Gilmore who teaches family law.
One day you’ll be learning from barristers who are still working in practice. Another day you might listen to PhD students. It’s great as they’re really relatable and only recently done their own exams.
King’s have retired judges as part of the teaching team. I remember one lecture I attended was from a former supreme court judge. It was a round table session, so it was a great opportunity. We discussed issues like how a judge makes decisions and what they consider. It’s a lot more complicated than just looking at the law.
What opportunities did you have at King’s?
King’s have a global internships programme. I applied to intern in China and spent two months in a Chinese law firm in Beijing. This was a very rare opportunity. To get an internship in China you need a lot of connections, but King’s made it possible for me.
In my final year, the law school had just set up the legal clinic. People would come in that need help with anything from a lease agreement to a family law issue, and we’d work under supervision of the solicitor. Interviewing and managing clients really helped me develop the practical skills I use today.
And you were a student ambassador?
Yes, I was an international student ambassador. This was a lot of fun. Being someone who knew nothing about King’s to becoming someone promoting the University was incredible. We did campus tours – a school from Malaysia came to visit and we answered all their questions. I also had the opportunity to be on a panel to share my experience.
I remember when a parent came up to me and said their child was really shy. I told them before I came to King’s I was the quietest person in the room. Not anymore!
So you returned to Singapore after completing your studies?
Yes, I started my current position as a deputy public prosecutor at Attorney-General's Chambers in 2019. We still follow the common law system here so I can apply everything I learnt at King’s. My job involves evaluating evidence to assess whether an offence is disclosed and prosecuting offences in the courts.
The education I got from King’s was very varied. Whenever I’ve been thrown something new, I’ve never been phased. I didn’t think I’d end up in criminal law, but now working in this area I use my legal thinking and research skills every day.
What do you want to achieve?
I remember in my personal statement for UCAS I wrote that wanted to make an impact on other people’s lives. I take my role seriously – my decision doesn’t just affect the accused. It affects their family, the wider community and the public perception of the criminal justice system. I am constantly reminded of the potential impact that my day-to-day work can have.
Being at King’s, I had lots of opportunities to do volunteering. I helped out the Royal Courts of Justice and Central Family Court, advise centres and a soup kitchen. I try to continue volunteering around full time work too. Every Saturday, I tutor maths for secondary school students from low-income families. I want to show them no matter what background they come from they can achieve their goals.
Is there any advice you would you give to new students?
Take the leap. At first, I wasn’t sure if I’d made the right decision but studying abroad has changed me. Having met people from different backgrounds has helped me be more empathetic. Everyone is different – no one comes from the same cookie cutter.
To someone who isn’t sure, I’d encourage them to try and speak to people who have been to King’s. And don’t be afraid to ask lots questions.
Now I have friends all over the world. Some are still in London while others are in countries like Malaysia. I actually work with someone who was on my course. Everyone still keeps in touch online to see what’s going on in people’s lives – and I love seeing interviews with the old professors too.
I’m really proud to be from King’s.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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