Singapore Management University (SMU) has once again demonstrated its legal prowess by clinching the championship title at the 23rd Red Cross International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Moot (Asia-Pacific Region), held from 12 to 15 March 2025 in Hong Kong. It was SMU’s fifth finals appearance in this competition, touted to be one of the world's largest regional moots with more than 100 teams participating annually.
This year’s competition saw 24 teams from countries across the Asia-Pacific region qualifying for the finals in Hong Kong, each showcasing their expertise in international humanitarian law and vying for the championship title.
The SMU team, comprising final-year law undergraduates Eugene Ho Shu Hao, John Hoy, Damien Teo Heng Rui and Ryan Tan, exhibited exceptional advocacy skills throughout the multiple rounds of the moot. Their performance culminated in a final round victory over the University of Adelaide, securing SMU's position at the pinnacle of the competition. Notably, Damien was honoured as the Best Mooter of the Final Round, a testament to his outstanding legal acumen.
The Red Cross IHL Moot is renowned for its rigorous simulation of trials based on hypothetical cases adjudicated by the International Criminal Court. This year’s simulated case centres on a conflict between two countries and involving protests of a long-oppressed indigenous group. During the conflict, the state utilised advanced technologies, including cyberattacks and drones, resulting in significant loss of life and disruption of infrastructure, which further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. Consequently, a key technology developer is facing charges of war crimes. Participants were challenged to navigate the complex and intricate issues of responsibility within the framework of the IHL.
At the awards ceremony, Guest of Honor Dr James Ding, JP, Law Officer (International Law) at the Department of Justice of the Hong Kong SAR, underscored the importance of IHL and encouraged participants to continue their efforts in promoting humanitarian law and protecting human lives.
The competition's judging panel featured about 50 esteemed experts, including military officers, government officials, practicing lawyers, academics, and representatives from international organisations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Their insightful questions and feedback provided participants with a deeper understanding of the controversies and impacts related to IHL.
Reflecting on the team's achievement, coaches Chen Lixin (Class of 2019) and Ezra Lim (Class of 2024) felt that this team really drew upon its experience in previous moots. For instance, Eugene and Damien were in the world championship finals of the Mandela and Price moot competitions, respectively; and like all other SMU moot teams, benefitted from the guidance and wisdom of alumni who had previously participated in this moot.
Indeed, SMU's success at the 23rd Red Cross IHL Moot underscores SMU Yong Pung How School of Law’s commitment to excellence in legal education and its dedication to nurturing future leaders in international humanitarian law.
Associate Professor of Law Chen Siyuan, who is also Director of the Ian R. Taylor International Moots Programme at SMU YPHSL, expressed immense pride in the team's accomplishment. He highlighted that SMU's international mooters have achieved an impressive record at the Red Cross IHL Moot, with more than a dozen podium finishes and two wins. He shared, “SMU also holds the distinction of being the youngest university to have both reached the final and won the competition. This success is a testament to the University's commitment to nurturing exceptional legal talent through sustained training and close supervision by faculty members and a wide network of practicing lawyers.”
“YPHSL’s expertise in humanitarian and international law is also shown in our moot team’s success at the 11th International Criminal Court (ICC) moot court competition, English version, held in ICC Courtroom II in The Hague (Netherlands) last June,” he elaborated. The SMU team represented by John Hoy, Lovein Sui Leying, Tai Yin Kwok, Shu Yi Ling and Sydney Antoinette Siaw Xueying had also achieved top position, ahead of The Strathmore University, Law School (Kenya) and the University of the Philippines, College of Law.
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