Lim Chong Kin

Managing Director, Corporate & Finance
Head, Telecommunications, Media and Technology (TMT)
Co-Head, Data Protection, Privacy & Cybersecurity
Co-Head, Competition Law & Regulatory

Qualifications

  • LL.B. (Hons), National University of Singapore
  • LL.M., National University of Singapore
  • Admitted to the Singapore Bar (1996)
  • Solicitor, England & Wales (1999)

Chong Kin is Managing Director of Drew & Napier’s Corporate & Finance Department. He heads the Telecommunications, Media and Technology (TMT) and co-heads both the firm’s Data Protection & Cybersecurity, which has been rated as one of the best by GDR100, and also co-heads the firm’s Competition Law & Regulatory Practice Groups, which has been nominated as the leading antitrust firm in Singapore for six years by Asian-Counsel's survey (Representing Corporate Asia).

Chong Kin practises corporate and commercial law with strong emphasis in the specialist areas of TMT. He was named as one of Asia’s Top 15 Lawyers by Asian Legal Business. He has also been recognised as a Senior Accredited Specialist in Data & Digital Economy Law by the Singapore Academy of Law.

Chong Kin has played a key role in the development of sectoral competition regulation in Singapore, in particular, in the telecommunications, media and postal industries. Since 1999, he routinely advises the sectoral competition regulators on liberalisation, market access, licensing, competition regulation, merger reviews and enforcement issues, including successfully defending the regulators in various Ministerial appeals. He was also external counsel to the data protection commission in setting up the framework and in enforcing cases. MNCs often rely on Chong Kin to guide them in navigating the diverse and intricate regulatory frameworks in ASEAN, where his expertise, knowledge and network contacts shine.

Chong Kin has consistently been recommended as a leading lawyer by major international legal publications such as The Asia Pacific Legal 500, Global Competition Review, Chambers Asia-Pacific, The Guide to the World's Leading Competition & Antitrust Lawyers/Economists, Who’s Who Legal, Practical Law Company Which Lawyer?, Asialaw Leading Lawyer and Best Lawyers. He is also highly regarded by his peers, clients and rivals alike for his expertise. The practices that Chong Kin heads have also been widely recognised as leading practices in Singapore.

Here are some notable matters handled by Chong Kin:

Technology, Media and Telecommunications

  • Assisted the TMT Regulator in a comprehensive review of its legal and regulatory frameworks, as well as drafting and implementing the resulting converged competition code for the telecommunications and media industries.
  • Assisted the TMT Regulator in the award, licensing and regulation to ensure the successful roll-out of 5G networks and mobile services.
  • Assisted in the landing of submarine cables to Singapore and the region, as well as the establishment of data centre facilities and obtaining relevant licensing and regulatory approvals.
  • Assisted leading technology conglomerates in shifting their global or regional operations to Singapore, including obtaining licensing and regulatory approvals.

Data Protection, Privacy and Cybersecurity

  • Assisted the data protection commission on legal issues arising from the development of a certification scheme which allows certified organisations to exchange personal data with certified organisations in participating APEC economies.
  • Assisted the data protection commission in enforcing difficult and novel cases, including a “large scale” cyberattack on a government-related organisation’s database system.
  • Assisting clients on data breach management including notification to the PDPC resulting from hacking and ransomware attacks.

Competition, Consumer and Regulatory

  • Assisted MNCs in merger filings and market inquiries by the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore.
  • Assisting global clients in filing leniency applications in Singapore and successfully getting the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore to “drop” the investigation.

Corporate and Commercial

  • Advised IronNet Cybersecurity, Inc. on all Singapore law matters in relation to its joint venture with Ensign InfoSecurity, and its entry into Singapore. The deal won the TMT Deal of the Year at the 2020 Asia Legal Awards.

asialaw Awards

Named Regional Legal Expertise Award –Technology and Telecommunications
Lawyer of the Year 2024

Asian Legal Business SE Asia Law Awards

Named Southeast Asia Data Privacy and Protection Lawyer of the Year 2024

Asian Legal Business

Asia Top 15 TMT Lawyers 2023 - Named as one of Asia’s top 15 TMT lawyers by ALB for 3 consecutive years

Asia Super 50 TMT Lawyers 2024 – Named as one of Asia’s Super 50 TMT lawyers by ALB for 4 consecutive years

  • Clients praise Lim Chong Kin’s role in “liberalising strategic industries” and his work on “sectoral competition laws.” They value his “care” and “superb communication”, highlighting his ability to think creatively and provide “legal workarounds” while ensuring compliance. – Asia Super 50 TMT Lawyers 2024
  • Chong Kin is a very technically proficient and commercially savvy lawyer. He has an in-depth understanding of the regulator and is a competent, professional, and experienced legal adviser. Their TMT team under his lead is superb and knowledgeable.” – Asia Super 50 TMT Lawyers 2023
  • His long and dependable track record is second to none. He is creative in advancing his clients’ position by striking a balance between regulatory requirements and supporting client’s business imperatives, treating matters not only expeditiously but judiciously.” – Asia Super 50 TMT Lawyers 2022
  • Chong Kin is an exceptional lawyer who approaches legal and regulatory issues with a business-centric and practical mindset,” says a client. “It is easy to quote the law and tell your clients to comply - any lawyers can do that. It takes a skilled and experienced lawyer to apply his/her knowledge of the law to a client's specific scenario (or conundrum) and to counsel on various different ways to reach compliance.”  – Asia Super 50 TMT Lawyers 2021

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific

Antitrust and Competition 2024 – Leading Individual for 8 consecutive years

TMT 2024 – Hall of Fame for 5 consecutive years; Leading Individual for 9 consecutive years (2012-2020)

Data Protection and Cyber Security 2024 – Recommended Individual

Employment 2024 – Recommended Individual for 4 consecutive years; Leading Individual for 4 consecutive years (2016-2019)

  • "Lim Chong Kin has been stellar in his own area of practice, considers macro and micro views and incorporates into sound practical advice."
  • "Lim Chong Kin is appreciated for his client-oriented approach and the level of assurance he strives to provide."
  • "Lim Chong Kin – Responsive and practical."
  • ‘offers very pragmatic and practical advice’
  • ‘is a genuine subject matter expert [in TMT] and is also remarkably responsive and friendly’
  • ‘fantastic’ and ‘deserve strong recognition for their client focus’
  • “excellent legal knowledge and in-depth understanding of the regulator”
  • “understands regulatory thinking like no other lawyer in the field”
  • “Practice head Lim Chong Kin wins plaudits for ‘consistent, well-balanced advice and practical solutions’.”

Chambers Asia-Pacific

Competition/Antitrust 2024 – Band 2 (Band 1 Leading Individual for 9 consecutive years)

TMT 2024 – Band 1 Leading Individual for 17 consecutive years

  • "He is very senior but also hands-on. He is good at organising his team but also knows the details of the deal. He is very responsive and a safe pair of hands."
  • "Chong Kin is really fantastic, very approachable, very knowledgeable, and very commercial."
  • "Chong Kin is a true leader who comes with invaluable industry experience."
  • "in-depth knowledge of how this sector operates as a leading professional; his expertise and insights serve us well".
  • "What makes Chong Kin distinguishable is his commitment to service coupled with his unrivalled experience and knowledge. His advice and opinions, both written and verbal, are always very well structured and presented in an articulate and eloquent manner".
  • "understands business needs and is very responsive."
  • "a very impressive practitioner"
  • "a leader in this space [TMT]; his advice is both thorough and attuned to the regulator's intentions, which is really helpful."
  • "… provides excellent practical, pithy and timely advice."
  • "commercially savvy and experienced lawyer."
  • "incisive, insightful and knowledgeable."
  • "clever, able, bright and estimable man; he is terrific”
  • "he's really exceptional - he has the pragmatism, he's plugged-in, and he gives solid, clear advice."
  • "He is an expert in telecoms and he has demonstrated his expertise and experience in every query and goal that I have forwarded."
  • "Provides practical solutions to unlock opportunities in the business, rather than risk-averse legal advice."
  • “Clients particularly highlight his outstanding insight and succinct legal analysis, while one peer commented: ‘You cannot ask for a better collaborator than him.’”
  • "…an outstanding lawyer who is savvy, intelligent and quick, and possesses excellent business judgement.”

Global Data Review 

GDR 100 2024 

  • “Whether you have a fat or lean legal budget, Chong Kin remains consistent as a true partner and far-sighted adviser. His knowledge of data protection law is impressive but, best of all, he is able to advise about the regulator’s stance and the rationale behind the law. He is also incredibly responsive and gives matters his personal attention.” 

Global Competition Review

  • “Antitrust specialist Lim Chong Kin is well known for his telecommunications, media and technology practice, and rivals say he combines the two practices flawlessly.”

The Guide to the World's Leading Competition & Antitrust Lawyers/Economists

Competition & Antitrust 2016 - Leading Antitrust Lawyer in Singapore.

  • "…one of the outstanding practitioners in this field…"

Asialaw Profiles

Competition & Antitrust 2024 – Outstanding practice for 6 consecutive years; Highly Recommended for 5 consecutive years

Technology & Telecommunications 2024 – Outstanding practice for 9 consecutive years; Highly Recommended for 3 consecutive years

  • Efficient response time, commercially savvy, and easy-to-understand advice with practical solutions.
  • Chong Kin is “proactive, client- and solutions-focused, quick, knowledgeable, experienced and capable”
  • “Breadth and depth of subject matter knowledge."
  • “‘He’s provided excellent client service and demonstrated depth of knowledge. Always responsive and available for ad hoc assistance,’ comments one client. ”
  • “He is a competent, professional and experienced legal adviser. It is not often that heads of department personally do the work for a client…”
  • “Clients praise the TMT practice, which is headed by Lim Chong Kin. ‘Their TMT team is superb and knowledgeable,’ says a client, with Lim singled out for praise: ‘Lim Chong Kim’s work is consistently exceptional.’”

Asialaw Leading Lawyers

Competition & Antitrust 2024 – Elite Practitioner for 5 consecutive years

Technology & Telecommunications 2024 – Elite Practitioner for 5 consecutive years

Who’s Who Legal

Global Guide: Competition 2024 – Recommended Lawyer for 6 consecutive years

Global Guide: Data – Information Technology 2024 – Recommended Lawyer for 6 consecutive years

Global Guide: Data – Data Privacy & Protection 2024 – Recommended Lawyer for 3 consecutive years

Global Guide: Telecoms & Media 2024 – Recommended Lawyer for 6 consecutive years

National Guide: Southeast Asia – Competition 2024 – Recommended Lawyer for 4 consecutive years

National Guide: Southeast Asia – Data 2024 – Recommended Lawyer for 4 consecutive years

Global Guide: Regulatory Communications 2013 – Leading Lawyer for 4 consecutive years

  • “Chong Kin Lim is a ‘true leader at the Singaporean competition bar’, say sources, who note his ‘fine sense for how to navigate the enforcement regime’.”
  • “Chong Kin Lim is highly sought-after by clients across the IT sector who commend his great ability to ‘brilliantly resolve complex matters’.”
  • “Chong Kin Lim is held in high esteem by sources thanks to his adept handling of competition-related matters across the telecoms and media sector.”

Best Lawyers International: Singapore

Competition/Antitrust 2025 – Endorsed individual for 13 consecutive years

Information Technology Law 2025 – Endorsed individual for 2 consecutive years  

Media Law 2025 – Endorsed individual for 11 consecutive years

Regulatory Practice 2024 – Endorsed individual for 10 consecutive years

Telecommunications Law 2025 – Endorsed individual for 11 consecutive years

Media Law Lawyer of the Year Singapore 2025

Telecommunications Lawyer of the Year Singapore 2020

Asia IP Experts 2016

Leading individual in IT & Telecoms, Media & entertainment

Practical Law Company Which Lawyer?

Competition/Antitrust and TMT 2012 – Endorsed individual

  • Senior Accredited Specialist (Data & Digital Economy Law), Singapore Academy of Law
  • Member, Law Society of Singapore
  • Member, Singapore Academy of Law
  • Member, Law Society of England and Wales
  • Member, Pacific Telecommunications Council
  • Associate member, American Bar Association
  • Bull, Lim and Whish, Competition Law and Policy in Singapore (Academy Publishing, 2009)
  • Hwang and Yeo, Law Relating to Specific Contracts in Singapore, (Thomson, Sweet & Maxwell, 2008), Chapter 5
  • Singapore Chapter on Merger Control, Getting the Deal Through 2009 – 2024 (Lexology)
  • Singapore Chapter on Cartel Regulation, Getting the Deal Through 2011 – 2023 (Lexology)
  • Singapore Chapter on Dominance, Getting the Deal Through 2016 – 2023 (Lexology)
  • Singapore Chapter on Merger Control 2012 – 2023, International Comparative Legal Guide (The Global Legal Group)
  • Singapore Chapter on Cybersecurity 2021 – 2023, International Comparative Legal Guide (The Global Legal Group)
  • Singapore Chapter on Cybersecurity 2021 – 2023, Chambers Global Practice Guide
  • Singapore Chapter on Cartels & Leniency 2012 – 2023, International Comparative Legal Guide (The Global Legal Group)
  • Overview of the Singapore Telecoms and Media Regulatory Framework, Getting the Deal Through 2008 – 2019 (Global Competition Review)
  • Singapore Chapter on Telecoms, Media & Internet 2019 – 2020, International Comparative Legal Guide (The Global Legal Group)
  • All Things Not Being Equal, Asian MENA Counsel Vol 9 Issue 7 2011
  • Singapore Competition Law Update, The Asia-Pacific Antitrust Review 2008 (Global Competition Review)
  • Singapore Chapter of the American Bar Association International Antitrust Law Committee Year-in-Review 2009, 2010 and 2011
  • Counting on Competition, Asian Counsel Vol 7 Issue 9 November 2009 – In Antitrust we trust?
  • Lim and Ng, Your Country Guide to ASEAN Competition Law (Drew & Napier LLC, 2008 – 2017 (1st to 5th editions))
  • Singapore Chapter on Merger Control 2011 (First Edition), 2014 (Second Edition), 2017 (Third Edition), The European Lawyer Reference Series – Jurisdictional Comparisons (The European Lawyer)
  • Merger Notifications in Singapore: Information Requirements, International Antitrust Committee: The Newsletter, Summer 2013
  • Singapore Chapter on Data Protection & Privacy, Getting the Deal Through 2014 – 2024 (Lexology)
  • Singapore Chapter on Cybersecurity, Getting the Deal Through 2023 (Lexology)
  • Lim and Ng, The International Encyclopaedia of Laws, Competition Law - Singapore (Kluwer Law International, 2013)