In Memory of Patrick Ang
The International Insolvency Institute mourns the passing of Patrick Ang, a towering figure in the development of insolvency law in Singapore and across the region. Patrick served as a Director of the International Insolvency Institute from 2020 to 2024. As the former Managing Partner of Rajah & Tann Singapore and Vice-Chairman of Rajah & Tann Asia, Patrick played a pivotal role in shaping the legal landscape of corporate restructuring and insolvency over his 30-year career. His brilliance in corporate restructuring and insolvency, unwavering integrity, and deep care for people made him a respected leader and a beloved mentor to generations of young lawyers, many of whom now hold leadership roles within the firm.
Recognised as one of Singapore’ s foremost legal minds, Patrick advised on numerous landmark restructuring cases. His counsel was sought in landmark cases such as Nortel Networks, Lehman Brothers, and Swiber, and his expertise helped guide financial institutions and corporations through complex cross-border insolvency proceedings.
Patrick ' s contributions extended beyond the
12 courtroom. He was a dedicated member of the International Insolvency Institute, where he served as a Director from 2020 to 2024 and actively promoted collaboration and thought leadership in global insolvency reform. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he also played a key role in shaping Singapore’ s legal response as part of the committee that drafted the COVID-19( Temporary Measures) Bill. For his contributions, he was awarded the Public Service Star( COVID-19) by the Prime Minister’ s Office.
His induction as a Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy, being the only Singaporean and one of only a few Asian lawyers to receive this honour, underscored his international stature and commitment to excellence. Patrick also received the Emeritus Fellowship from India’ s Insolvency Law Academy, recognising his distinguished leadership and public service.
We speak to some members of the International Insolvency Institute who remember fondly of Patrick:
“ Patrick opened Singapore’ s restructuring and insolvency door to our global community. He did that through his genuine interest in helping others, armed with his signature smile and thoughtfulness. Patrick did so for me( and dozens more) and it has shaped and centred my enduring relationship with Singapore. Generous in heart and spirit, collegiate without bounds, in turn, Patrick took Singapore to the rest of the world, forging friendships and professional affiliations that have influenced the advancement of restructuring and insolvency in myriad ways. Just like his beloved kaleidoscopes, Patrick brought focus to endless possibilities for us all, and especially his beloved family and friends. Patrick Ang was truly one of a kind and our wonderful memories of Patrick as a person will long endure.”
— Scott Atkins( Global Head of Restructuring, Head of Risk Advisory, Norton Rose Fulbright), Australia
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