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From January 12th to January 17th, 2025, faculty and students from Guanghua Law SchoolatZhejiang University embarked on a six-day international commercial law study tour toSingapore. A total of 55 students participated in this Singapore study tour, led by Teachers Mr. Wang Shujian and Ms. Lin Zhe.

On the afternoon of January 12th, upon arriving at Singapore Changi Airport, the faculty and students headed straight to Merlion Park. This downtown park is renowned for its 8.6-meter-tall Merlion statue, which symbolizes Singapore's history and spirit. The group took a group photo in front of the statue, surrounded by modern skyscrapers, creating a pleasant atmosphere for the upcoming academic exchanges.

Photo 1: Group Photo at Merlion Park

On the second day of the study tour, January 13th, the faculty and students visited the National University of Singapore (NUS). Dr. Lin Lin, a tenured associate professor at the law school, delivered a rich and informative course on international commercial law. During the class, Dr. Lin thoroughly analyzed the factors that must be considered when deciding on the type of business organization, including owner liability, tax benefits, and organizational continuity. She helped students clarify the legal status and responsibilities of different business types by comparing the differences in debt assumption between sole proprietorships, individual businesses, and one-person limited liability companies, as well as the characteristics of partnerships and corporations.

Dr. Lin further elaborated on the qualification requirements and obligations of company directors, supervisors, and senior management personnel, and compared legal differences in these areas across different countries. Notably, she also introduced guaranteed limited companies, which do not exist in China's legal system, providing students with a new knowledge perspective. The course was primarily conducted in English, and Dr. Lin promptly translated and explained complex concepts in Chinese to ensure students could deeply understand the course content.

Photo 2: International Commercial Law Class

Photo 3: Group Photo After the International Commercial Law Class

After class, led by Chen Hao, Huang Xinying, and Yang Huiwen, senior students at NUS, the faculty and students visited the vibrant UTOWN campus. The campus is scientifically planned, lush with greenery, and harmoniously integrates buildings with nature, creating a pleasant learning environment. In the food court, various international cuisines gathered, showcasing the charm of this top-tier university in Asia through multicultural exchanges among students.

Photo 4: Group Photo of Guanghua Law School Faculty and Students at NUS

Photo 5: Group Photo at the Law School of National University of Singapore

On January 14th, our faculty and students visited Singapore Management University (SMU) for exchanges. Professor Zhang Wei, Deputy Dean of the Yang Bangxiao School of Law, and Teacher Gong Jinhao warmly welcomed them and introduced in detail the JD, LLM, and PhD programs of the law school, covering curriculum settings, training objectives, and the promising career prospects for graduates. Professor Zhang emphasized that the school always adheres to the teaching philosophy of combining theory with practice, cultivating students' practical operation abilities and innovative thinking through diverse case studies, mock trials, and other practical activities, so that students can flexibly apply legal knowledge to actual cases while learning it.

Photo 6: Deputy Dean Zhang Wei Introducing the Law School of Singapore Management University

Photo 7: Group Photo of Guanghua Law School Teachers with Deputy Dean Zhang Wei and Professor Gong Jinhao

Subsequently, the faculty and students visited the campus, with the mock court being particularly impressive. It provides a high-quality platform for students to enhance their legal practice abilities and deepen their understanding of the law, allowing everyone to truly experience the rigorous academic atmosphere and vigorous vitality of the law school.

Photo 8: Group Photo of Guanghua Law School Faculty and Students at Singapore Management University

On January 15th, the itinerary reached its climax. The faculty and students first visited the Parliament of Singapore. The parliament building blends modern design with traditional elements, highlighting Singapore's historical heritage and modernization process. Guided by staff, the group visited the exhibition hall to gain an in-depth understanding of the founding history, organizational structure, and functions and responsibilities of the Singapore parliament, providing a deeper insight into Singapore's political system. This experience not only provided students with vivid case studies for learning the legislative process but also sparked profound reflections on the relationship between law and politics.

Later, with the assistance of Chen Hao, the faculty and students visited the Supreme Court of Singapore. The judicial history gallery vividly showcases the evolution of Singapore's judicial system from the colonial period to independence through documents, physical exhibits, and multimedia exhibitions. Inside the Supreme Court, the High Court and courtrooms were well-organized, and the layout and operational details of the courtrooms allowed the faculty and students to intuitively experience the daily operations of the court. From the high floors, overlooking the Singapore cityscape, the group learned about the design symbolism that the height of the parliament building must not exceed that of the Supreme Court, profoundly understanding the significance of "the supremacy of the law" and judicial independence.

Photo 9: Visiting the Supreme Court of Singapore

Photo 10: Singapore Parliament and Supreme Court

Photo 11 & 12: Group Photos at the Singapore Parliament

After the Supreme Court visit, the faculty and students visited the world-renowned Maxwell Chambers in Singapore, where they had a exchange with staff from the Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC) and the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC).

Li Mingda, Case Manager at SIMC, Zhong Weifen, Marketing Manager, and Liu Hui, Centre Manager, provided detailed information about international mediation and SIMC to the student delegation. The representatives first introduced the concept of mediation, emphasizing that the most important focus of mediation is the interests of both parties rather than the legal basis. Secondly, they introduced the five advantages of choosing mediation: neutrality and confidentiality, full control of dispute outcomes by the parties, non-adversarial nature, maintenance of business relationships, and cost and time efficiency savings. Subsequently, they introduced three key focuses of SIMC: case management, training and developing professional mediators, and promoting international mediation worldwide. Finally, the representatives introduced a publicly available dispute between the United States and South Korea regarding fuel cells, analyzing the unique advantages of mediation through a specific case. In particular, the mediation agreement reached by both parties included a new subcontract, demonstrating the significant advantages of mediation in protecting and promoting business cooperation.

After the presentation, the student delegation actively asked questions and exchanged ideas, inquiring about the mediation process and procedures, areas for China to draw inspiration from in mediation, the differences between mediation and arbitration, and methods for verifying facts in mediation.

Subsequently, Sue Ann, Senior Manager (Legal) in the Strategy and Development Department at SIAC, introduced in detail the facility, operation mode, and experience in cross-border arbitration of the institution to the students. She particularly pointed out the importance of Chinese arbitrators and Chinese enterprises. Students recognized that SIAC's efficiency and impartiality have made it a hub for global dispute resolution. During the Q&A session, students discussed arbitration procedures and rule changes, expressing interest in the development trends of international arbitration.

This visit not only enhanced students' understanding of legal remedies (mediation and arbitration) but also made them recognize Singapore's leading position in international mediation and arbitration centers worldwide, gaining valuable knowledge and experience and stimulating their interest in international legal services.

Photo 13: Group Photo of Teachers with Staff from Singapore International Mediation Centre

Photo 14: Group Photo of Teachers with Staff from Singapore International Arbitration Centre

Photo 15: Guanghua Law School Faculty and Students Visiting and Exchanging at Maxwell Chambers 

On January 16th, the itinerary approached its end. The faculty and students visited Google's office park in Singapore. This visit provided everyone with a profound sense of Google's unique corporate culture and distinctive work atmosphere.

Google's office space is open and creative, with a spacious and artistic internal design. During the visit, students not only observed the working state of Google employees but also experienced the work atmosphere of a neighboring international company. Contrary to expectations of a high-pressure environment, Google's workplace is relaxed and enjoyable, where employees attentively and passionately fulfill their duties.

Particularly noteworthy is Google's emphasis on and incentives for employee innovation. The office area is equipped with recreational facilities and dedicated rest areas, providing an ideal space for employees to balance work and life. Such a flexible environment not only stimulates employees' creativity and vitality but also allows students to experience a positive work attitude.

This visit was impressive, as students personally experienced Google's relentless pursuit of innovation and detail, recognizing the crucial role of a quality work environment in enhancing employees' creativity and work efficiency.

Photo 16: Group Photo of Faculty and Students at Google Singapore Office

During this Singapore winter camp, faculty and students from Zhejiang University Guanghua Law School navigated the vast ocean of international commercial law knowledge, sensed diverse legal cultures, and absorbed nourishment from prestigious universities and professional legal institutions. This experience not only broadened their international horizons and enhanced their professional expertise but also planted seeds of pursuit of excellence in legal careers in the hearts of students. Guanghua Law School will continue to conduct diversified international exchange activities, actively dedicated to cultivating high-quality professionals in the field of law with a global perspective.

Editor: Tunisaguli, Mei Yujie

Photographer: Ailipire, He Yirong, Zhai Shuaiyu