The International Program of Legal Studies (NUM iLAW) at the National University of Management (NUM) is pleased to announce an upcoming guest lecture titled “Beyond the Law School: Studying Law vs Practising Law – Perspectives from International Arbitration in Asia”, scheduled for Thursday, 12 November 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Hall A, National University of Management.
The guest lecture will feature Ms. Cindy Wong Xien Yee, a dispute resolution practitioner based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, specializing in construction and cross-border commercial disputes. The session will be moderated by Mrs. SIN Soromnear, Adjunct Lecturer at NUM iLAW and Co-Principal at Din & Co.
About the Guest Lecture
Law school provides students with a foundation in legal principles and theories, while legal practice requires the ability to apply that knowledge to real-world challenges. As the global legal profession continues to evolve through technological advancements, artificial intelligence, and increasingly complex cross-border transactions, aspiring lawyers must develop practical skills, adaptability, and a broader understanding of international legal systems.
Drawing on her professional experience in corporate law, in-house legal practice, and international arbitration across Asia, Ms. Cindy Wong Xien Yee will share insights into the transition from legal education to professional practice, the interaction between civil law and common law traditions, and emerging opportunities for young lawyers in international arbitration.
The lecture will explore four key topics:
From Law School to Legal Practice – Understanding the transition from academic legal studies to professional legal practice.
Civil Law Meets Common Law – Exploring how lawyers navigate different legal traditions in cross-border disputes.
Arbitration in Asia: Opportunities for Young Lawyers – Examining career pathways and opportunities in international arbitration.
Staying Valuable in a Changing World – Discussing the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and professional development in an evolving legal landscape.
The session will also provide an opportunity for students to engage in discussions, exchange perspectives, and gain practical insights into building a successful international legal career.
About the Guest Speaker
Ms. Cindy Wong Xien Yee is a dispute resolution practitioner specializing in construction and cross-border commercial disputes through arbitration, adjudication, mediation, and dispute boards.
She is an adjudicator empanelled by the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC), a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), and an experienced tribunal secretary in international arbitration proceedings administered by SIAC, HKIAC, and LCIA, including bilingual proceedings conducted in English and Chinese.
She is also a co-author of Law, Practice and Procedure of Adjudication (LexisNexis, 2023) and holds an LL.M. in International Arbitration from Tsinghua University. In 2026, she was recognized in the LexisNexis 40 Under 40 Southeast Asia list.
Before pursuing a career in dispute resolution, she gained professional experience as a corporate lawyer and in-house counsel at Maybank.
About the Moderator
Mrs. SIN Soromnear is an Adjunct Lecturer at NUM iLAW and Co-Principal at Din & Co., with extensive experience in corporate and commercial law, investment law, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory compliance, and commercial arbitration.
She previously served as a consultant at DFDL Cambodia and as a Senior Associate at SokSiphana & Associates. Her professional experience includes advising domestic and international clients on commercial transactions, investment projects, and dispute resolution matters.
She holds an LL.B. from the Royal University of Law and Economics in Cambodia and an LL.M. from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in the United States. She has also completed arbitrator certification training with the National Commercial Arbitration Centre (NCAC).
Event Details
Date: Thursday, 12 November 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Venue: Hall A, National University of Management (NUM)
Organized by: NUM International Program of Legal Studies (NUM iLAW)
To Register: https://forms.gle/6H6qi5bLTAf4Xa2z9
