(Pictured above) Programme participants from China’s leading universities with IPOS International staff and co-organisers at the programme’s opening ceremony.

With the legal tech market projected to grow at 10.2% annually through 2030¹, reflecting the escalating role of digital tools in legal systems, the intersection of law and innovation has never been more critical. Our "Legal Frontiers in Digital Innovation" programme, held from January 13-17, 2025, is at the forefront of preparing the next generation of legal professionals to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.

This immersive five-day programme brought together 12 undergraduate and postgraduate students from China’s top universities—Peking University, Tsinghua University, Renmin University of China, and Fudan University—to explore digital innovation in Singapore’s intellectual property (IP) and legal ecosystems.

Caption: Mr James Collison (Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property, Asia Pacific, Mastercard) delivering an engaging session on AI’s impact on legislative frameworks.

Caption: Participants engaging in an interactive discussion with Ms Hannah Wee and Ms Zhao Yue from Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) following their insightful presentation.

Bridging Theory and Practice: A Comprehensive Learning Experience

The programme was designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, offering participants a deep dive into the most pressing issues at the intersection of law and technology. Through a carefully curated curriculum, students explored:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Legislation: How AI reshapes legal frameworks and the ethical considerations it brings.
• Blockchain and Cryptocurrency: The IP and other legal challenges and regulatory implications of decentralised technologies.
• Digital Intellectual Property: Protecting intangible assets in a digital-first world.
• Cross-Border Dispute Resolution: Navigating legal complexities in a globalised, digital economy.

Caption: Professor Dr. Liu Kung-Chung from Singapore Management University conducting a comprehensive lecture on data regulatory opportunities and challenges.

Caption: Participants on their learning visit to the Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC).

Immersive Learning Journeys: Beyond the Classroom

The programme went beyond traditional lectures, offering participants hands-on experiences through visits to some of Singapore’s most prestigious legal institutions:

• Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC)
• Maxwell Chambers
• Supreme Court of Singapore 

These site visits gave participants practical insights into Singapore’s world-class legal infrastructure and its role as a global IP and dispute resolution leader.

Caption: Ms Isabel Ho (Deputy Head of Marketing & Business Development, Maxwell Chambers) introducing participants to Singapore's world-class dispute resolution facilities.

Caption: Participants exploring the state-of-the-art facilities at Maxwell Chambers during a guided tour with Ms Isabel Ho.

Caption: Ms Francis (Supreme Court guide) providing participants with fascinating insights into the historical significance and traditions of judicial attire in Singapore.

Expert-Led Sessions: Learning from the Best

The programme featured distinguished speakers from leading organisations, including:

• Mr James Collison [Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property, Asia Pacific, Mastercard]: Exploring AI’s impact on legislative frameworks.
• Mr Ronald Wong [Deputy Managing Director, Covenant Chambers LLC]: Delving into legal and IP challenges of blockchain and cryptocurrencies.
• Mr Paul McClelland [Legal Counsel and Faculty, IPOS International]: Offering clear, actionable insights on IP challenges in emerging technologies.

These sessions were not just lectures but interactive discussions, allowing participants to engage directly with experts and gain valuable career advice.

Caption: Mr Caleb Goh of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center Singapore Office sharing his expertise on international IP dispute resolution.

Caption: Mr Sim Siong Koon from Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC) delivering an engaging presentation on international mediation practices.

Building Tomorrow’s Legal Innovators: A Collaborative Environment

The programme fostered a dynamic, collaborative learning environment where participants could:

• Analyse Real-World Case Studies: Tackling complex legal challenges through practical, hands-on exercises.
• Engage in Group Discussions: Sharing diverse perspectives and synthesising knowledge.
• Present Solutions: Developing and presenting innovative legal strategies for digital-age challenges.

Caption: Participants immersed in a learning session at Bird & Bird ATMD, exploring practical aspects of IP law and digital innovation.

Caption: Participants presenting their group project findings, demonstrating their understanding of legal challenges in the digital innovation landscape.

One participant shared, "The IPOS International programme has been incredibly beneficial. Not only did it allow me to connect with outstanding peers, but it also offered well-structured lectures that covered areas I had never explored before. This was definitely worth spending five days in Singapore!"

Another participant highlighted the value of expert interaction: "Professor Liu Kung-Chung’s lesson... introduced data protection clearly, which is informative. The communication time after class was a rare opportunity to discuss career choices and development."

Partners in Law and Innovation: A Network of Excellence

The success of the programme was made possible through collaboration with esteemed partners, including:

• Bird & Bird ATMD
• Maxwell Chambers
• Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC)
• Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC)
• Tencent Singapore
• WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center Singapore Office (WIPO AMC)
• WIPO Singapore Office

These partnerships reinforced Singapore’s position as a global hub for legal and IP innovation while enriching the learning experience for participants.

Caption: Ms Lorraine Tay (Partner at Bird & Bird ATMD) and her team hosting a dialogue session with our participants at the Bird & Bird office.

Caption: Mr Yee Ler Lau (Head of Public Affairs & Global Policy APAC, Tencent) and his team together with programme participants at the Tencent Singapore office during their learning visit.

Caption: Programme participants and organisers celebrate the Chinese New Year with a traditional Lo Hei activity.

Charting the Future: A Stepping Stone for IP & Legal Expertise

The "Legal Frontiers in Digital Innovation" programme is more than just an educational initiative—it’s a stepping stone for shaping the future of intangible assets, IP, and legal expertise in the digital age. By equipping participants with the tools to navigate the complexities of digital innovation, IPOS International is helping to build a new generation of legal leaders ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

Join Us in Shaping the Future

For organisations and institutions interested in collaborative opportunities or future programmes, IPOS International welcomes you. Visit our website at www.iposinternational.com or contact us at enquiry.academy@iposinternational.com.

¹[Grand View Research] Legal Technology Market Size and Trends