Law Practice, Legal Cases & Experience, Publications



Ronald JJ Wong

I am an Advocate, Counsel, Strategist, Technologist, and the Deputy Managing Director of Covenant Chambers LLC.

I believe in serving people to bring about justice and peace.

Having moved on from dismantling electronic devices and coding computer games at age 10, I found my calling as a lawyer and honed my legal craft at a Big Four firm, Rajah & Tann.

My practice is in both disputes and transactional work, with a special interest in technology, finance, intellectual property (IP), and employment.

I take pride in being strategic, sharp, technically savvy, and bespoke.

In litigation and arbitration, I’ve represented institutional and individual clients at all levels of the Singapore courts and various arbitration institutions and in a range of disputes, including multi-million dollar investment claims, patent infringements, insolvency-related claims, director-shareholder disputes, and cryptocurrency claims.

Dispute highlights include:

  • Acting for a trade merchant, which is the region’s largest in its sector, in claims totalling multi-million dollars in more than 20 simultaneous suits involving commercial fraud. Our team meticulously analysed and assembled every relevant shred of forensic evidence and strategically ran legal arguments based on certain rarely used legal doctrines to successfully obtain recovery in the multiple proceedings.
  • Acting for an investment fund manager and a large global bank in a claim against a foreign guarantor for sums in excess of US$50 million due under a cross-border syndicated loan agreement. The action involved running a strategy to obtain final judgment based on a summary determination of novel conflicts of laws issues regarding the law governing capacity to contract and resisting a stay of proceedings on grounds of forum non conveniens.
  • Acting for investors and a former employee in defending multi-million dollar claims by liquidators of a group of companies in the clawback of investment returns and commissions in one of Singapore’s largest reported Ponzi schemes.
  • Acting for a Managing Director and minority shareholder in an oil and gas company for contractual payments and a share buyout based on minority oppression. Our legal strategy of relying on a rarely used legal doctrine of rectification as well as unjust enrichment succeeded.
  • Acting in representative proceedings (equivalent to a class action suit) for more than 80 claimants in a multi-million dollar claim against a cryptocurrency exchange operator involving multiple digital assets / cryptocurrency and funds. Our careful crafting of the claims and interlocutory applications, and subject matter knowledge of cryptocurrency and digital assets exchanges, paid off in successfully obtaining summary judgment.
  • Acting for a specialised engineering company in a patent infringement claim and defending a patent revocation counterclaim. Our grasp of the technical aspects of the patent and the machines, as well as patent and IP law, enabled a successful resolution. Our legal arguments on a novel issue of claiming for convoyed goods in an account of profits were accepted by the High Court.
  • Acted successfully for food importers and distributors in respect of a Competition Commission of Singapore (CCS) charge under section 34 of the Competition Act for alleged price fixing, market sharing and engaging in anti-competitive discussion in one of Singapore’s largest competition cases (total financial penalty amounting to S$26.9 million).

In my advisory and transactional practice, I have advised clients in a wide range of areas, including technology, FinTech, MedTech, artificial intelligence (AI), data and privacy, Web3, IP, media, blockchain, digital assets, payment services, employment, investments and corporate finance, financial services, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

Transaction highlights include:

  • Advising various Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)-regulated digital asset / cryptocurrency exchanges and operators of security digital tokens markets (RMO) on various legal and regulatory matters, including licensing, compliance, market monitoring technology licences, trade settlement technology services, market conduct rules, and IP management and registration.
  • Advising on a venture capital investment into a digital payments startup based in Singapore and Indonesia; drafting and negotiation of subscription and shareholders’ agreements.
  • Advising on the multi-million dollar sale of a group of companies to a government-linked conglomerate; advising in due diligence process and drafting and negotiation of sale and purchase agreement and related legal documentation.
  • Advising on the multi-million dollar asset acquisition of a novel multi-modal craft technology company by a government-linked conglomerate.
  • Advising a leading electronics retailer on various commercial legal matters regarding IP management, distributorship arrangements, personal data, employment, and commercial collaborations.
  • Advising an operator of international payment services with virtual accounts, virtual card management, cryptocurrency conversion, and foreign currency cash management on regulatory and licensing matters.

I am a Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC) Accredited Mediator and am available for appointment as mediator for various types of disputes.

I volunteer in providing pro / low bono legal services. I advocate for social justice in various platforms, and frequently author academic and thought papers, some of which have been published in various journals. I also serve on the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) Subcommittee on AI and Robotics.

In my other roles, I try to pioneer movements, build communities, provoke novel ideas, mobilise people, and cultivate culture.

  • Check out my firm‘s website.
  • Contact me at ronald.wong@covenantchambers.com.
  • Connect with me on LinkedIn.

Law Practice Areas

  • Commercial Disputes: Litigation & International Arbitration
  • Technology Law
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • FinTech, Digital Assets & Tokens, and Blockchain
  • Intellectual Property, Media and Entertainment
  • Employment Disputes and Advice – restrictive covenants, protection of confidential information
  • Corporate Insolvency & Restructuring
  • Companies Law, Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Investments & Corporate Financing, Startups
  • Financial Regulations, Regulatory Advice
  • Data Protection compliance and investigations
  • Shareholders’ and Directors’ Disputes
  • Competition Law
  • White-Collar Crime
  • Investigations and inquiries
  • Private Wealth: Wills, Trusts, Estates & Probate
  • Non-Profit Organisations

Recognitions, Positions & Awards

Testimonials

  • “Ronald is one of the best lawyers you could ever be fortunate enough to come across. He has a strong foundation of the law, and is quick to understand issues, situations and nuances. He is prompt and diligent, with a very fast turnaround time in his replies to your queries. He also does not overcharge and will make adjustments automatically so that his legal fees are not high. Ronald is highly recommended if you need an outstanding lawyer.” – J. Lim
  • “He is very sound, very calm, very clever and a great advocate.” – CA.
  • “We were impressed by his eye for detail as well as his advice. He proved responsive and quick to grasp as well as identify solutions to complex issues.” – JH.
  • For more testimonials, please see this page.

Education & Qualifications

  • National University of Singapore LL.B. (Hons)
  • Raffles Junior College
  • Raffles Institution
  • ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems Internal Auditor Training Course
  • ISO 31000 Risk Based Thinking Awareness Training Course

Media Mentions

Sample Legal Cases & Experience

Some Reported Cases

  1. BGU Pte Ltd v BGV Pte Ltd [2022-2023] SCAdjR 499; [2023] SGSOP 4
  2. Elias Xanthopoulos v Rotating Offshore Solutions Pte. Ltd. & 2 Ors [2022] SGHC(A) 17
  3. Elias Xanthopoulos v Rotating Offshore Solutions Pte. Ltd. & 2 Ors [2021] SGHC 197
  4. Hock Tong Bee Pte Ltd v Quek Hock Tiong and another [2021] SGDC 296
  5. Gold Chic Poultry Supply Pte Ltd and other [2020] SGCAB 1
  6. Ho Pak Kim Realty Co Pte Ltd (in liquidation) v Ho Soo Fong and another [2020] SGHC 193
  7. Hock Tong Bee Pte Ltd v Quek Hock Tiong and anor. [2020] SGDC 81
  8. Clifford Eng K.F. v Twelve Degrees Pte Ltd [2019] SGDC 22
  9. Tan Eck Hong v Maxz Universal Development Group Pte Ltd and others [2019] 3 SLR 161 (HC)
  10. Public Prosecutor v Mahsook Rahman Ajahar Nisha [2019] SGDC 4
  11. Pacific Harbor Advisors Pte Ltd and another v Tiny Tantono (representative of the estate of Lim Susanto, deceased) and another suit [2015] SGHCR 3

Commercial Litigation and Arbitration

  1. Advised and successfully acted for an investment fund manager and a large global bank in a claim against a foreign guarantor for sums in excess of US$50 million due under a cross-border syndicated loan agreement. The claim involved the determination of novel conflicts of laws issues regarding the law governing capacity to contract, and a stay of proceedings on grounds of forum non conveniens.
  2. Advised and acted for a Singapore-regulated Fund Management Company and Managing Partner in defending a fraud claim of more than US$2.4 million in misrepresentation, breach of contract and conspiracy involving a share option.
  3. Advised and acted for reputed large wine merchant in more than 20 suits, claiming in conversion, detinue, unjust enrichment, involving commercial fraud concerning about S$7 million in value.
  4. Advised and acted for various claimants in an SIAC arbitration claiming breach of warranties and non-compete covenants arising from an acquisition of majority shareholding in a waste treatment and environmental consultancy company; successfully obtained emergency interim injunctive relief.
  5. Advised and acted for a testing, inspection and certification company that is part of an international group in a claim for breach of restrictive covenants against solicitation of customers and employees; successfully obtained interim injunction.
  6. Acting for investors and former employee in defending claims by liquidators of group of companies  in clawback of investment returns and commissions in one of Singapore’s largest reported Ponzi schemes.
  7. Acting for former directors and their company in defending a claim in breach of fiduciary and directors’ duties, dishonest assistance and conspiracy, involving issues of foreign law and conflict of laws issues.
  8. Advised and acted for minority shareholder in an application to wind up a company on just and equitable grounds and prejudicial and unfair conduct by majority shareholders and directors.
  9. Advised and acted for a company in a claim against a former CEO and other employees for wrongful assignment of patents and registration of trade marks in a foreign jurisdiction and various breaches of directors and fiduciary duties.
  10. Advised and acted for a former Managing Director of an entity in a group of companies in the oil and gas industry in a claim for breach of contract, rectification of contract for mistake, unjust enrichment, and minority oppression.
  11. Advised and acted for investment company in a claim against an investment bank relating to an oil rig financing transaction.
  12. Advised and acted for a former Managing Director of a multi-national corporation on a wrongful employee termination claim involving medical-related issues.
  13. Advised a major East Asian bank in relation to requests from Singapore tax authorities for confidential customer banking information pursuant to exchange of information requests from a foreign country under a bilateral tax treaty.
  14. Advised a foreign investor on suspected money laundering activities in relation to, and suspected misappropriation of, a multi-million dollar investment in a fund. Advised investor on potential breaches of regulatory obligations and duties by the Singapore-licensed fund manager imposed by statute and regulations issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
  15. Advised a large global bank on rights and obligations regarding investment management discretionary accounts.
  16. Advised a large global bank on a potential dispute with a South-East Asian bank and a trading company relating to purported non-compliant presentation of documents in respect of a letter of credit.
  17. Advised a multi-national corporation on its rights and obligations in respect of arbitration under International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) rules and litigation in a foreign jurisdiction relating to franchise agreements.
  18. Advised and acted for a global company in the offshore oil and gas industry in a multi-million dollar claim regarding a multi-million dollar dispute in relation to an Engineering, Procurement, Installation and Construction (“EPIC”) contract.
  19. Advised a company in the offshore industry in a dispute relating to breaches of charterparty and arbitration under London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA) rules.
  20. Advised and acted for a bank in a claim for monies under a cross-collateralised facility agreement and possession of mortgaged property.
  21. Advised and acted for a company in the offshore industry in a dispute involving a multi-million dollar EPCIC contract; acted for the same in an application for an urgent ex-parte injunction to restrain the call on a performance bond.
  22. Assisted in representing a hydraulic engineering company in an SIAC arbitration in a dispute involving a contract for the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of hydraulic systems for a landmark local attraction.
  23. Acted successfully for food importers and distributors in respect of a Competition Commission of Singapore (CCS) charge under section 34 of the Competition Act for alleged price fixing, market sharing and engaging in anti-competitive discussion in one of Singapore’s largest competition cases (total financial penalty amounting to S$26.9 million); drafted competition law compliance policy for company.
  24. Acted in appeal against Infringement Decision under section 34 of the Competition Act in relation to warehouse services.
  25. Acted for a multi-national corporate in research and development in successfully obtaining an injunction against ex-employee to protect confidential information and trade secrets.
  26. Acted in claim against main contractor for unpaid fees for construction work, including adjudication proceedings under the Building And Construction Industry Security Of Payment Act (“SOPA”).
  27. Advised on claims and termination of construction contract involving delay, liquidated damages, defects, incomplete works.
  28. Advised and acted for companies in a dispute involving a proprietary claim regarding a trust over shares.
  29. Acted in claim for investment money involving cryptocurrency trading.
  30. Acted in multi-million dollar class action suit / representative proceedings claim against cryptocurrency exchange operator for return of digital assets / cryptocurrency and funds, involving cross-border multi-jurisdictional elements.
  31. Advised on defending potential claim by global entertainment brand in intellectual property / trade mark infringement.
  32. Advised and acted for a company and a shareholder-director in resisting a minority oppression claim involving a company which business is in hotel development and operation and allegations concerning funds amounting to up to $40 million.
  33. Advised and acted for a company on breaches of confidentiality obligations, non-compete restraint of trade covenants, and directors’ and fiduciary duties by a former director and employee.
  34. Advised and acted for liquidators of insolvent companies in various issues regarding winding-up proceedings, claims against former directors for breaches of directors’ and fiduciary duties, assignment of chose in action for proceeds of litigation, and discharge of liquidators.
  35. Assisted in representing a medical doctor in an appeal relating to professional disciplinary proceedings involving novel issues of innovative medical treatment.
  36. Advised and acted for a property developer in a claim arising from breaches of contract and misrepresentation in relation to the sale of a property, and losses incurred due to consequent delays to redevelopment plans.
  37. Advised and acted for minority shareholders in an action for leave to bring a statutory derivative action against the directors of the company for breaches of statutory and fiduciary duties involving hotels and multi-million dollar sums of moneys. Acted for the company in the resulting derivative action against a director of the company for breaches of statutory and fiduciary duties, pursuant to leave granted by the High Court.
  38. Advised and acted for a shareholder director in an appeal to the Court of Appeal relating to the grant of leave to commence a statutory derivative action involving purported breaches of directors’ duties, tort of passing off, violation of intellectual property rights, and usurpation of corporate opportunities.
  39. Advised and represented property owners regarding claims for liquidated damages for delay in giving vacant possession and completion of sale and purchase of property.
  40. Advised and represented Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST) in claim against property developer for multiple defects, unpaid charges, and other matters.
  41. Advised and represented creditors of liquidated company in respect of insolvency-related claims and proceedings.
  42. Advised and acted for leading home appliances company regarding intellectual property, trade mark dispute, distributorship agreement.
  43. Acted for a high net-worth individual in a matrimonial dispute to resist an application for a stay of local proceedings on the grounds of forum non conveniens and to apply for an anti-suit injunction restraining foreign divorce proceedings.
  44. Advised on a dispute relating to the vitiation of a conveyance of property interest by way of gift involving fraudulent misrepresentation and undue influence.
  45. Acted for an employee in an appeal to the High Court against a labour court (Commissioner of Labour) order in respect of salary claims under the Employment Act.
  46. Advised and acted for construction company in claims for breach of contract, defending claims alleging multiple defects and delay in completion.
  47. Acted for a steel trading company operating in Myanmar in claiming against a steel pipe supplier regarding a breach of contract.
  48. Acted for an industrial safety company in a claim against a storage company for breach of contract, tort and breach of bailee’s duties.
  49. Acted for storage facility operator in successfully defending a claim in breach of bailee’s duties.
  50. Advised and represented business owner and society member on defamation and claim for unpaid loans / debts.
  51. Advised on probate dispute regarding beneficial ownership in share of property owed by estate.
  52. Acted for specialised engineering company in a patent infringement claim and defending a patent revocation counterclaim.

Corporate Commercial & Advisory

  1. Advised a global company in the offshore oil and gas industry on the review and drafting of a joint venture tender contract.
  2. Advised an international professional association on, and led, an internal disciplinary inquiry into a whistleblower complaint.
  3. Advised on the multi-million dollar sale of a group of companies to a large government-linked conglomerate.
  4. Advised on the establishment of a joint venture between a Singapore asset management firm and an international company in the lifestyle & fitness sector.
  5. Advised on the Singapore aspects of a US$90 million international sale and purchase of a global IT consultancy company to a large international company.
  6. Advised a large Philippines-based conglomerate on potential share acquisition of Singapore additives manufacturer and conduct of legal due diligence.
  7. Advised on acquisition of a group of companies operating various medical and dental clinics and conduct of legal due diligence.
  8. Advised on the establishment and director-shareholders structure and terms in respect of entities operating medical and dental clinics.
  9. Advised on a multi-million dollar acquisition and joint venture involving a government-linked company in a novel technology development and commercialisation business.
  10. Advised a government-linked company under a retainer engagement on various corporate commercial legal issues and matters.
  11. Advised the operator of a cross-chain DeFi (Decentralized Finance) dashboard in an investment financing round by the venture capital arm of a large foreign bank.
  12. Advised MedTech firm in investment financing round by a group of  venture capital and other corporate investors.
  13. Advised high net worth foreign private clients on complex trust structures, wealth management and novel cross-border personal property issues, and reviewing and drafting of trust deeds and letters of wishes.
  14. Advised a virtual assets technology company on redomiciliation and reorganisation from a foreign jurisdiction to Singapore.
  15. Advised on structuring, drafting and implementation of Employee Share Option Plans (ESOP) and Long Term Incentive Plans (LTIP).
  16. Advised multi-national companies on employment law & practice, and potential trade dispute with a trade union.
  17. Advised a multi-national financial consultancy firm on employment, shareholder, directorship and intellectual property issues regarding the removal of a local managing director.
  18. Advised on a secured trade financing facility involving multi-jurisdictional stakeholders.
  19. Advised an insurer on various potential claims involving a reverse mortgage facility agreement and mental capacity of a customer.
  20. Advised a professional association on restructuring its corporate legal structure from society to company and drafting its corporate constitution.
  21. Advised a professional association on the review and drafting of a Memorandum of Understanding and commercial agreements with a statutory regulatory body.
  22. Advised international Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) on structuring their corporate presence in Singapore and other related legal issues.
  23. Advised a charity on setting up a new legal structure in collaboration with a third party organisation; advised on its corporate constitution and reviewing and drafting a Board committee terms of reference; advised on charity governance issues.
  24. Advised a professional association on conducting its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and potential disputes arising in relation to the same.
  25. Advised an international financial institution on employment issues involving termination, bonuses and drafting of relevant documents.
  26. Advised a wine merchant business on corporate legal issues and drafting of website terms of use, privacy policy and terms of purchase.
  27. Advised a design consultancy firm on the drafting of premises sharing agreement and design consultancy agreements.
  28. Advised the large venue operator managing a large-scale sports, entertainment and lifestyle hub on a review and drafting of quality policies and procedures for their Quality Management System in accordance with ISO 9001:2015; and risk assessment review in accordance with ISO 31000.
  29. Advised a high level executive of a multi-national corporation in the shipping industry on severance and retrenchment from employment.
  30. Advised alumni associations, religious organisations, charities and Institutions of Public Character (IPC) on the review and amendment of constitution of society or company limited by guarantee.
  31. Advised companies and founders on corporate insolvency and bankruptcy matters.
  32. Advised shareholder directors on various issues regarding an exit from a group of companies.
  33. Advised commodities import and distribution company on re-structuring of debts and managing creditors’ claims.
  34. Advised and represented food import and distribution company on drafting of contracts and terms and conditions for sale and purchase of food products.
  35. Advised multi-national corporation on tax and foreign employment legal issues.
  36. Advised a fast-moving-consumer-goods company on insolvency restructuring and scheme of arrangement.
  37. Advised various organisations in various sectors on drafting and review of employment agreements, employment policies, employment / staff handbooks, employment practices, termination of employment for cause or misconduct and by notice without cause, work pass issues, freelancer / independent contractor agreements.

Technology, Fintech, Intellectual Property, Media

  1. Advised and acted for multi-jurisdictional plaintiffs in patent infringement claim involving utility patent in manufactured machine.
  2. Advised payment technology company on patent infringement claims against financial institutions regarding reward transaction system.
  3. Advised digital asset exchange on IP registration and management, various software and technology agreements for institutional digital payment token and digital payment token derivates trading exchange platform.
  4. Advised digital asset exchange on listing of digital tokens and compliance issues.
  5. Advised MAS-regulated digital asset custodial service provider on legal, regulatory and compliance issues.
  6. Advised fintech startup on regulatory framework, licensing regulations and MAS regulatory sandbox application.
  7. Advised payment gateway client on Payment Services Act and arrangement with merchants and payment network.
  8. Advised a cryptocurrency exchange operator to be placed in the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) regulatory sandbox for RMO exemption to list security digital tokens and regulatory issues under the Payment Services Act.
  9. Advised an international law firm on Singapore law aspect of regulations regarding token issuance by next-generation decentralized and cross-chain token infrastructure parachain network for NFTs network.
  10. Advised through foreign law firm a global entertainment company specializing in video game development and publishing of browser and mobile games and massive multiplayer online games.
  11. Advising on structuring of security token listings and offerings.
  12. Advising cryptocurrency trading market maker on cryptocurrency and fiat loan agreement.
  13. Advising on Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT) licence, and minting and transfer terms.
  14. Advised on various intellectual property assignments, royalty arrangements and service agreements regarding music production, recording and artiste services, and performances including release, distribution and royalties.
  15. Advised on defending claim by global entertainment brand in intellectual property / trade mark infringement.
  16. Advised on research and development collaboration arrangement and intellectual property issues.
  17. Advising electronic vehicle (EV) charging system provider on sale, licence, and operation  of EV systems.
  18. Advising a cryptomining company on regulatory and operational issues and cloud computing contracts.
  19. Advised MedTech startup on regulatory issues, distributorship agreements, intellectual property, terms of service or use, and investment financing.
  20. Advised technology services company on intellectual property issues, software development, service agreements, cloud services.
  21. Advised payment processing, e-wallet and entertainment listing startup on various legal issues.
  22. Advised and represented individual in relation to defending a trade mark infringement claim by large multi-national corporation.
  23. Advised and acted for leading electronics retailer regarding intellectual property, trade mark dispute, distributorship agreement.
  24. Advised on a venture capital investment into a digital payments startup based in Singapore and Indonesia.
  25. Advised tech startup in financing round, including drafting of share subscription agreement, shareholders agreement, and amending of company constitution.
  26. Advised tech startup on drafting a convertible loan agreement for bridging funding.
  27. Advised tech startups on reviewing commercial agreements, privacy policy, terms of use and Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) issues.
  28. Advised various organisations in various sectors including education, human resources, technology, on risk assessment and mitigation, inventory mapping, development and drafting of policies, training of personnel relating to personal data and PDPA compliance.
  29. Advised artificial intelligence technology and big data analytics firm on drafting intellectual property and source code licence agreement and Software as a Service (SaaS) agreement.
  30. Advised medical and asset management technology startup on drafting of founders / shareholders agreement and sale and purchase of shares, confidentiality and assignment of intellectual property rights.
  31. Advised payment processing and e-wallet startup on Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) financial laws and regulations and legal issues concerning stored value facility, money-changing and remittance business, and anti-money laundering.
  32. Advised on drafting of cryptocurrency (Bitcoin and alternative coins) trading services agreement.
  33. Advised on various cryptocurrency crowdfunding, initial coin offerings (ICO) / digital token sales, including drafting and review of token sale agreements and white papers, providing legal opinions on applicable laws and regulations.
  34. Advised on establishment of, and licensing and regulatory conditions for, cryptocurrency exchange / digital payment token exchange.
  35. Advised renewable energy technology company on drafting of legal documents and corporate commercial matters.
  36. Advised technology company on drafting of franchise agreement for regional technology franchises.
  37. Advised various clients on and drafting of convertible loan agreements, SAFE notes, investment term sheets, share subscription agreements in various fundraising rounds from seed to Series n.
  38. Advised regional company on intellectual property management.
  39. Advised animation studio and production company.

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