This article is part of our Singapore Spotlight series, profiling our lawyers based in our Singapore office. In the series, we find out about their backgrounds, their journey through law and hear why Singapore is important to them.
Si Wei specialises in advising on cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A). He regularly advises private equity clients and multinational companies on major cross-border M&A, private equity, restructuring and joint venture transactions. His experience spans a range of industry sectors across South East Asia, including consumer goods, healthcare and financial services.
I knew I wanted to get into law when… honestly, becoming a lawyer wasn't part of my initial plan. I was uncertain of which direction to take and applied to law school thinking I could pick up transferable skills that could lead to various possibilities. I ended up enjoying law school and the internships that I got during that time also helped to show me how legal expertise could play an essential role in the business world.
I chose corporate law because… I had an interest in the world of business. This interest naturally drew me towards corporate law, where I could combine my legal skills with my enthusiasm for business. The corporate and transactional aspects of law captured my interest more than the advocacy modules. I felt that corporate law played better to my strengths as it allows me to work behind the scenes advising businesses and contributing to their growth and success.
The thing that motivates me most is… the satisfaction of a job well done. This can be measured in different ways – being able to achieve the desired outcome for the client, being able to navigate complex issues as well as to continuously learn and grow and be able to forge strong working relationships.
The work achievement I'm most proud of is… each project I've been involved in has taught me valuable lessons and has contributed to my growth as a professional. While I can't highlight one particular accomplishment, I take pride in the consistent effort I put into my work and the positive impact it has on my team and our projects.
The thing that makes Singapore such an exciting place to be is… Singapore's status as a global financial centre and its business-friendly policies, coupled with its proximity and connectivity to major economic growth regions, make it an attractive location for businesses from multi-nationals to start-ups.
One opportunity in this region… the growth of the middle class is driving increased consumer demand across various sectors, attracting foreign investment flow and strategic M&A transactions.
Somebody that has inspired me during my career is… the first partner that I worked for, Prawiro Widjaja of Allen & Gledhill. Working closely with him, I learned valuable lessons about diligence, strategic thinking and client-centred solutions. His mentorship not only sharpened my legal skills but has also shaped the way I approach every issue.
One thing I wish I knew when I started my career is… that the job as a lawyer doesn't get easier with seniority! I have learned that each stage of my career presents its own set of complexities and demands. The responsibilities evolve, client expectations grow and the legal landscape constantly changes, which requires us to stay agile, proactive and be open to continuous learning.
The future in my practice area looks like… I foresee my practice area increasingly leveraging technology to enhance efficiency while integrating strategic thinking gained from experience. Technologies like AI for due diligence can automate routine tasks, allowing for more thorough and rapid analysis of legal documents and data. However, I believe that the human element—strategic analysis, nuanced decision-making, and client relationship management— will remain relevant.
One thing you don't know about me is... I'm a big Liverpool FC fan and attended Steven Gerrard's last game at Anfield!