The Accidental Path to Legal Excellence at SMU

Aaron Yoong's story is one that resonates with many aspiring students in Singapore's competitive higher education landscape. Graduating summa cum laude from the Yong Pung How School of Law at Singapore Management University in 2019, he topped a class of about 150 peers. Yet, Yoong describes his entry into law as entirely unplanned—an 'accidental' choice that blossomed into a profound passion and remarkable career. Coming from a modest background, with a taxi driver father and management executive mother, Yoong attended Raffles Institution and pursued science subjects for his A-levels, securing three As in economics, mathematics, and project work, alongside Bs in chemistry and physics. Not the straight-As profile typical of law admits, he applied to SMU as a 'safe option' after initially eyeing economics or business.

SMU's interview process gave him a chance, and financial support—bursaries covering half his tuition and a bank loan for the rest—made it feasible. This accessibility highlights how Singapore's universities like SMU prioritize potential over perfection, offering pathways for diverse talents to thrive in fields like law.

From Science Stream to Legal Passion: The SMU Transformation

At SMU, Yoong quickly discovered law's appeal. The Yong Pung How School of Law's interactive, seminar-style pedagogy shifted him from rote learning to critical thinking. 'I fell in love with it,' he later reflected, crediting the program's emphasis on real-world application. Unlike traditional lectures, SMU's small classes fostered debate and analysis, mirroring courtroom dynamics.

This environment suited Yoong's humanities bent, despite his science A-levels. Singapore Management University's law curriculum integrates interdisciplinary elements, blending legal theory with economics, public policy, and technology—preparing students for a multifaceted legal landscape. For Yoong, this meant excelling academically while building practical skills, setting the foundation for his top-class honors and awards like the University CIRCLE Award and University Excellence Award.

Mastering the Art of Mooting: Global Stages and Personal Growth

Yoong's growth accelerated outside the classroom, particularly through mooting—simulated court arguments that SMU champions. Invited by a friend in year one despite public speaking fears, he persisted, achieving podium finishes in the Oxford Price Media Law Moot and Nuremberg Moot. He earned the Joseph Grimberg Top Advocate Prize for international moots.

SMU Law leads globally in mooting, with over 60 championships since 2010, including defending the ICC Moot world title in 2025. Participating in competitions in Hong Kong, Germany, and Britain exposed Yoong to diverse perspectives and honed advocacy skills. 'Mooting shaped law school,' he said, overcoming initial failures to represent SMU confidently. This practical training is a hallmark of Singapore's top law programs, equipping students for high-stakes legal careers.

Research Breakthroughs and Policy Contributions

Yoong's intellectual curiosity led to a seven-month research project, resulting in a publication in the prestigious Tort Law Review—a rare feat for undergraduates. With faculty guidance, he delved into complex topics, later expanding to Arbitration International and Singapore Academy of Law Journal, even cited by the High Court.

His team also submitted to Parliament's Select Committee on Deliberate Online Falsehoods, applying classroom knowledge to national issues. SMU's research emphasis, supported by mentorship, fosters such outputs. Today, as Assistant Professor at SMU Law since July 2024, Yoong teaches and publishes on vicarious liability, non-delegable duties, and constitutional cases, closing the student-faculty loop.

Internships and Career Launch: From Chambers to Court

SMU mandates 10 weeks of internships for LLB students, bridging academia and practice. Yoong secured a training contract with a major firm, launching his career as Justices’ Law Clerk at the Supreme Court and Deputy Public Prosecutor at the Attorney-General’s Chambers. Now Adjunct Counsel at Setia Law LLC, he specializes in cross-border commercial disputes.

His Harvard LLM (2024) enhanced expertise. SMU Law's 95.9% full-time permanent employment rate (2024 GES, published 2025) and median $7,000 salary underscore this pipeline. SMU's career centre data shows law grads thriving amid economic caution.

SMU Law's Global Ascent: Rankings and Recognition

Underpinning Yoong's success is SMU Law's rise. In QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, it jumped 45 places to 56th globally—Singapore's most improved law program and top 60 worldwide in 20 years. While NUS Law holds 6th, SMU excels in employability and practical skills.

Features like 30+ annual international moots via the Ian R. Taylor Fund and legal clinics prepare students uniquely. SMU's announcement credits skills-focused education.

Singapore's Legal Education: NUS vs SMU and Employability Edge

Singapore boasts world-class law schools. NUS Faculty of Law emphasizes research depth; SMU prioritizes interactive, client-facing skills—producing 'better speakers' per alumni. Both yield 95-98% employment, but SMU's median salaries compete strongly.

In 2025 JAUGES, SMU's 91.4% secured employment rate shone despite hiring caution, with law grads leading. Trends favor practical programs amid AI and globalization, positioning SMU graduates like Yoong for international roles.

Giving Back: From Top Grad to SMU Faculty

Yoong's return as Assistant Professor embodies SMU's cycle of excellence. Lecturing at SMU and NUS, he mentors on commercial law, drawing from practice. His journey—accidental entry, mooting triumphs, publications, prosecutions—inspires students navigating uncertainties.

This full-circle path reflects Singapore higher ed's mentorship culture, where alumni fuel institutional growth.

Lessons for Aspiring Law Students in Singapore

Yoong's tale offers timeless advice:

• Embrace opportunities like mooting, even with fears—persistence builds expertise.
• Leverage financial aid; SMU bursaries enabled his path.
• Balance academics with extracurriculars for holistic growth.
• Publish and contribute to policy for standout profiles.

For Singapore juniors eyeing law via A-levels or poly pathways, SMU's interview focus rewards potential.

Photo by Albert Vincent Wu on Unsplash

Future of Legal Education at SMU and Beyond

As Singapore eyes global arbitration hub status, SMU Law evolves with AI ethics, tech law electives. Yoong's cross-border focus aligns with this. With 91.4% employability amid 2025 slowdowns, SMU grads remain resilient.

Yoong's 'accidental' excellence proves passion trumps planning—a beacon for Singapore's higher ed aspirants. His 2019 Straits Times feature captures the spark that ignited a stellar career.