Many of us will not forget how SMU’s moot team did us proud by winning the first runner-up position at the renowned Philip C. Jessup Moot 2013, which saw over 600 teams from about 90 countries taking part.  The win was even more notable when you consider that it was SMU’s debut and Singapore’s first appearance since 2004 in the finals of Philip C. Jessup International Round of the (then) 54-year-old competition.

Well, the good news is, SMU will be representing Singapore again in the 2014 Philip C. Jessup International Round, having defended its national title last weekend.

SMU’s team comprising Chua Wei Yuan, Kenny Lau, Nicholas Liu, Carren Thung and Yeo Gek Min beat the National University of Singapore team in the fourth Jessup Singapore national round which took place on 22 February 2014.  Nicholas was also named Best Oralist.

Assistant Professor of Law Chen Siyuan, who heads the SMU Faculty Mooting Committee and oversees the training and development of all SMU moot court teams, said, “I'm happy that we defended our national title.  This team, like last year’s, is capable of going all the way in Washington DC.  We hope to do Singapore proud again.”

Assistant Professor Chen commented that strong support from the SMU community contributed to the good showing.  Various moot alumni guest-judged most of the team's numerous practice rounds leading up to the competition; two of them, Daniel Liu (Asia Cup'2011; Jessup'2013) and Charles Li (Jessup'2012) were particularly instrumental in training the team.  Their efforts were reinforced by faculty from the SMU School of Law who also took time off to guest-judge.  He also credited law faculty who have taught these students in the past, especially the Legal Research & Writing instructors.

The win has spurred the team to give its 100%, as it prepares between late February and April, before it represents Singapore in the 2014 Philip C. Jessup International Round.

Third-year Juris Doctor student Nicholas Liu said, "We're all very grateful to our professors and classmates for their encouragement leading up to the national, and are even more thankful for their continued support as we approach the greater challenges ahead.”

[Featured Photo: (L-R) SMU team: Chua Wei Yuan, Carren Thung, Yeo Gek Min, Nicholas Liu and Kenny Lau, with Justice Judith Prakash, Attorney-General of Singapore Mr Steven Chong and Mr Davinder Singh, SC.]