The NUS Double Degree Programme (DDP) is arguably one of the most rigorous undergraduate programmes. Students choose from a variety of pairings in accordance with their academic interests and career aspirations. In this feature, a rare graduate of both business and law schools, Ryan Kwan, shares the story of how he navigated the challenges of the demanding accounting and law curriculum, and of the angels who helped him through this journey.
Exceling in both disciplines, Ryan graduated from NUS with a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) and a Bachelor of Business Administration, Accountancy (First Class Honours) in 2020. During his time at NUS, he was placed on the Dean’s List of both faculties and represented both schools in several international moots and case competitions, winning multiple team championships and Best Oralist awards. He is currently a State Counsel at the Civil Division of the Attorney General’s Chambers and will be serving as a Justices’ Law Clerk (JLC) to the judges of the Supreme Court from January 2022.
Ryan (extreme right), together with his team mates from NUS Law at the Tun Suffian International Human Rights Law Moot Court Competition 2017. The team emerged as Champions and Ryan was awarded the Best Oralist.
Ryan (second from the left) at the Asia Cup International Moot Court Competition 2018 together with his team mates from NUS Law. The team emerged as Champions and Ryan was awarded the Best Oralist prize.
Why did you choose to study at NUS, and why Accounting and Law?
NUS is widely recognised as Asia’s top university so it was an easy choice to accept an offer from such a prestigious school. It also helped that NUS was my mum’s alma mater and that it is the closest of the three universities to my home. I applied for the DDP in Accounting and Law primarily because I wanted to be equipped to help in the family business if the need arose in the future. I believe that these two disciplines provide the financial literacy and numeracy needed to communicate clearly within the commercial world.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in law in the end?
I don’t know whether I would consider myself “pursuing” a career in law; perhaps “starting out” might be more apt. I gravitated towards law because it presented the opportunity to learn directly from the most esteemed members of the legal community. The JLC programme offers a rare glimpse into the deliberations of the judges of the Supreme Court, so being able to observe and assist them on a day-to-day basis is something I am very excited about.
Tell us more about the journey towards becoming a JLC.
I must caveat here that I never pictured my appointment as a Justices’ Law Clerk to be the destination of the journey – it was entirely unexpected. To me, the last five years was about persevering in a scholastic marathon to complete the DDP, with everything else being a nice bonus.
That said, I didn’t run alone. I was blessed to meet like-minded friends who inspired and encouraged each other to go outside our comfort zones to participate in several case competitions and moot competitions – these turned out to be some of the best memories I have during my time in NUS! I am also very thankful to have received support and guidance from members of both faculties. I am indebted to Associate Professor Ravi Chandran (Business School), Professor Swati Jhaveri (Law School) and Professor David Tan (Law School), who were my interviewers for the DDP and took a chance on me to allow me to pursue my dreams. Another key figure in this journey was Ms Carol Loke (Business School), who was instrumental in helping me navigate the myriad administrative and scheduling challenges from my very first day in the DDP. Finally, I am very grateful for my family, who have been my constant support system through the ups and downs of school.
Ryan (middle) with Professors David Tan and Swati Jhaveri
Ryan with Ms. Carol Loke after his final exam in NUS
Ryan at the Gowling WLG Intellectual Property Moot 2018 together with his family. He emerged the Champion out of a field of over 60 competitors.
What are your career dreams and aspirations?
I try to look at the journey before me one step and one day at a time. In any case, the JLC programme runs for a total of two years, so my immediate goal is to learn as much as I can from those around me within this time. I am still not sure what the next chapter will be after finishing the JLC programme, but I hope to be involved in doing meaningful work and being of help to others.
How has your education in business and accounting helped you in your legal career?
Generally, I think that a firm grasp of accounting principles allows for a nuanced appreciation of most legal doctrines. I find this to be especially true in the fields of private mergers & acquisitions and insolvency law; two areas of law I am interested in.
One of my first assignments in practice was to assist with the insolvency proceedings of a large company in the oil trading business. Part of this file involved going through the numbers of the distressed entity; a process made considerably less challenging given my familiarity with the format of the financial statements I was reviewing. While most corporate lawyers gain financial literacy over time, the DDP has definitely given me a head-start when handling complicated commercial cases.
What advice would you give to your juniors pursuing BIZ/Accounting and Law?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, don’t be afraid to make mistakes and give your best in everything that you do. I was not the brightest or the most hardworking student, but time and chance comes to us all. We do what we can with what we are given and take what we get with a smile – attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference! I close with a quote that I think aptly summarises my journey in the DDP.
Not to the strong is the battle
Nor to the swift is the race
Yet to the true and the faithful
Victory is promised through grace
Soli Deo Gloria
Ryan (second from right) with his Accounting-Law DDP batch mates at the Business School commencement ceremony
Ryan (middle) with his Accounting-Law DDP batch mates at the Law School commencement ceremony
