Wendell Wong

Director, Dispute Resolution
Co-Head, Investigations
Co-Head, Criminal Law Practice

Qualifications

  • LL.B. (Hons), National University of Singapore, 1997
  • Gazetted as Deputy Public Prosecutor/ State Counsel
  • Attorney-General’s Chambers, Singapore, 1997-2000
  • Advocate & Solicitor, Supreme Court of Singapore Solicitor, England & Wales, 2002

Wendell is a highly respected leading senior civil, commercial and criminal lawyer. His civil and commercial practice includes contracts and commercial disputes, shareholder and director disputes, asset recovery, medical negligence, product liability, cyber security related and cross-border arbitration work. His criminal practice focuses on commercial and business crime, anti-money laundering, fraud, securities, cyber fraud, corruption, corporate governance related offences, investigation work and private prosecution work

Wendell regularly engages in regulatory and compliance advisory work including anti-fraud and anti-bribery investigations work for multinational and listed companies. He is on the panel of lawyers representing various embassies in Singapore, including those of the United States of America and Qatar.

Wendell is an experienced arbitration counsel who has acted as lead counsel in numerous disputes and international arbitrations under the rules of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre ("SIAC"), International Chamber of Commerce ("ICC") and United Nations Commission on International Trade Law ("UNCITRAL"). Wendell has also acted as lead counsel in the Singapore International Commercial Court ("SICC") in a landmark securities law case related to ISDA Master Agreement Long Form Confirmation under English Law.

Chambers Global ranks Wendell as a leading practitioner in dispute resolution and commends his regional work related to the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA")Chambers Global describes him as “renowned” for his developed understanding of the Indonesian legal system. The Legal 500 Asia Pacific also ranks Wendell highly in the area of dispute resolution. Who’s Who Legal recognises Wendell as one of the top Business Crime Defence and Investigations lawyers in Singapore and is also listed as a Global Elite Thought Leader in Thought Leaders Global Elite: Investigations 2022 and 2023Wendell was selected as the Best Lawyer of the Year 2023 for Criminal Defence in a peer review by Best Lawyers publication.

Wendell is a member on the Criminal Procedure Rules Committee (“CPRC”) and was appointed as a member of the Penal Code Review Committee by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Law.

Wendell is a Board member of Singapore’s Housing & Development Board (“HDB”) and he is also on the Board of Governors of National Trade Union Congress (“NTUC”) Foundation Limited. In 2020, Wendell was appointed as a non- executive independent director on the board for listed property developer, GSH Corporation Limited.
Wendell is also on the Selection Panel for Singapore Law Reports (State Courts/Family Justice Courts/ Youth Courts).

Wendell is the immediate past Chairman, Criminal Practice Committee, Law Society of Singapore and is also a mentor with the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (“CLAS”) Fellowship, Law Society of Singapore. He is an immediate past member on the CLAS Steering Committee and was on the Board of Law Society Pro-Bono Services Limited. Wendell is a strong advocate of pro bono work and access to justice. He was one of the pioneer trainers for International Bridges to Justice, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ criminal justice training for ASEAN countries in Singapore and Laos in 2011 and involved Myanmar trainees in 2013. He is the Regional Representative Asia Pacific of the International Bar Association, Anti-Corruption Committee.

Wendell joined Drew & Napier in 2000. He was a former Deputy Public Prosecutor / State Counsel with the Attorney General's Chambers.

Wendell has successfully handled many high-profile matters including:

  • Represented Vang Shuiming in high profile prosecution in Singapore’s largest multibillion dollar money-laundering crackdown in “S$3 Billion Money Laundering Case” under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992
  • Successfully represented Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) in the then largest debt restructuring in the world exceeding US$16 billion and related US securities action (including dealings with the US Securities Exchange Commission), bondholders and class action litigation and investigations in jurisdictions including Indonesia, Singapore, New York, California, various other parts of the US, Canada and Bermuda. The APP group has more than 150 companies worldwide including U.S., Canada, China, India, Indonesia and Singapore.
  • Successfully represented Razer in a high-profile landmark IT dispute against vendor- Capgemini for cyber security breaches and related data leak involving 147,000 customer accounts and recovery of damages including loss of profits.
  • Representing Tencent in private prosecution against individuals and companies for copyright infringement under the Copyright Act 2021
  • Represented former President & CEO of Eagle Hospitality Trust in landmark securities litigation for losses by investors arising from collapse of the REIT and related MAS and CAD investigations into non-disclosure offences under the Securities Futures Act.
  • Successfully represented Mr Bert Wong, former CEO of Fuji Xerox Singapore, against the company for wrongful dismissal with compensation awarded in excess of S$1.4million.
  • Represented former CEO of ST Marine Ltd in high profile corruption probe against various senior management team spanning over 10 years of commercial dealing
  • Successfully argued a landmark product liability suit at trial and before the Court of Appeal for actress, Andrea De Cruz, against importers and distributors of Slim 10 slimming pills. 

Chambers Asia-Pacific 2024 edition
Corporate Investigations / Anti-Corruption: Domestic – Band 2 for 3 consecutive years

  • "Wendell is a prominent white-collar criminal defence lawyer and he has gotten the client what they want in litigation."
  • "Wendell goes beyond looking at the matter. As a client we like that he really takes the time to understand the issue, not just the legal aspect to the problem. He really does tailor the advice instead of giving you just the bog-standard answer."
  • “Wendell Wong is recognised for his experience in commercial litigation and corporate investigations. He is well placed to advise on potential litigation arising out of investigations and anti-corruption matters.”

Chambers Global 2015
Indonesia: Dispute Resolution (International Firms) (Experts Based Abroad) – Indonesia – Band 2
Dispute Resolution: Arbitration – Singapore (Foreign Experts) - Indonesia

  • “Wendell Wong is highlighted for his cross-border arbitration work, and is well known for handling commercial disputes relating to the energy and natural resources sectors.”
  • “Wendell Wong regularly tackles cross-border matters, particularly in arbitrations relating to Indonesia. His broad practice spans both civil and criminal law.”
  • “Wendell Wong is renowned for his developed understanding of the Indonesian legal system.”

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific
White-Collar Crime 2024 - Leading Individual; Previously Recommended lawyer for 3 consecutive years
Dispute Resolution 2024 - Recommended lawyer for 2 consecutive years

  • “Wendell Wong and Andrew Chua are able to place the client’s interest foremost in their conduct of a matter.”
  • Sources say Wendell is “a natural leader, meticulous listener, excellent negotiator, with top-notch client centric work ethics and excellent business sense.”
  • ‘noted for headline commercial and white-collar crime cases’
  • a ‘strong and well respected advocate’, who is praised for his ‘practical approach’ and ‘partnership’ with the client
  • “Rising star Wendell Wong is commended for his sound strategy and responsiveness.”
  • “Wendell Wong is diligent, sound in judgment and pragmatic in approach.”

Best Lawyers International: Singapore 
Criminal Defence, Singapore – Lawyer of the Year (2023 edition)

Criminal Defence – Endorsed individual for 4 years running (2024 edition)

Employee Benefits Law, Singapore – Endorsed individual (2024 edition)

Who’s Who Legal

Thought Leaders Global Elite Guide: Investigations 2023 – Global Elite Thought Leader for 2 consecutive years
Global Leader: Business Crime Defence (Corporates 2023) – Recommended lawyer for 11 consecutive years
Global Leader: Business Crime Defence (Individuals 2023) – Recommended lawyer for 11 consecutive years
Thought Leaders: GIR – Business Crime Defence (Corporates 2022) – Thought Leader
Global Leader: Investigations 2022 – Global Elite Thought Leader for 2 consecutive years 
Global Leader: Professional Negligence 2021 Recommended lawyer for 2 consecutive years
National Leader: Southeast Asia, Business Crime Defence 2024 – Recommended for 3 consecutive years
National Leader: Southeast Asia, Investigations 2024 – Recommended for 3 consecutive years National Leader: Southeast Asia, Commercial Litigation 2024 – Recommended lawyer

  • "Wendell is a strategic legal adviser"
  • "He pays attention to the finer details of the case"
  • "He balances commercial interests but also in-depth legal analysis"
  • "Wendell renders consistently good, highly useful advice”
  • "He delivers market-leading work on white-collar investigations”
  • Wendell is a well-experienced and knowledgeable lawyer who provides practical advice"
  • "He's a bonafide criminal investigations specialist"
  • "Wendell is a leading individual for white-collar defence work and is hands on in complex investigations"
  • "His experiences from the public and private sectors helps him understand both perspectives, and he's able to solve complex problems as a result"
  • Wendell Wong is highly esteemed for his profound expertise in regulatory compliance and fraud investigations
  • Wendell Wong is revered for his top-tier work on complex fraud, securities and corruption cases
  • "Wendell is a well-experienced and knowledgeable lawyer who provides practical advice"
  • "He's a bonafide criminal investigations specialist"
  • "Wendell is a leading individual for white-collar defence work and is hands on in complex investigations"
  • Wendell Wong draws high praise as “a sound lawyer” who “has been at the top of the game for a while”
  • "His experiences from the public and private sectors helps him understand both perspectives, and he's able to solve complex problems as a result"
  • Wendell Wong is well regarded for his "focus on financial crime" and garners respect for his work in international investigations
  • “Recognised for his ‘practical and smart’ approach to investigations, and is commended by sources for his ‘ability to anticipate regulators' concerns and find effective solutions’”
  • Wendell Wong is well known for his work in the criminal investigations space, covering anti-bribery and anti-fraud matters for major corporations

Global Investigations Review 100 (GIR 100) 5th edition (2019)
Recognised as a leading individual for investigations. The GIR 100 identifies top 100 firms worldwide that handle complex cross-border government-led and internal investigations.

Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific 2024 edition
White Collar Crime – Litigation Star for 6 consecutive years

  • “Proactive, responsive and aggressive in protecting/furthering client's interests.”
  • “One of the top disputes and litigation lawyers in Singapore. Provides strong and clear advice. Committed and passionate about the case. Spends time on the case. Excellent analysis of the case and rendered advice that led to the best possible outcome.”

Asialaw Leading Lawyers 
Dispute Resolution 2023/2024 – Distinguished Practitioner for 2 consecutive years

  • “Wendell is confident and calm, has good communications and is quick thinking on his feet. He has the ability to see the big picture and possesses deep legal knowledge.”
  • “Wendell is always there when we need emergency help even with very tough timelines and in a different field. We have worked through many nights with his team and they are very supportive! He and his team are always ready to take up the challenges, they have worked through nights to meet the dateline, and ensuring that the work they submit is excellent.”
  • “Excellent client management. Good legal knowledge. Well prepared for the court hearing. Able to anticipate and good counter management. Good listener.”
  • “Listens to client. With his competent team fights for his client.”

International Law Office
White Collar Crime – Recommended lawyer

  • Board member, Housing & Development Board (“HDB”)
  • Board of Governors, National Trade Union Congress (“NTUC”) Foundation Limited
  • Honorary Secretary, Mainly I Love Kids (“MILK”)
  • Non-Executive Independent Director, GSH Corporation Limited
  • Member, Criminal Procedure Rules Committee, Singapore chaired by the Honourable The Chief Justice of Singapore
  • Member of Penal Code Review Committee 2018, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Law
  • Selection Panel for Singapore Law Reports (State Courts/Family Justice Courts/ Youth Courts)
  • Advocate & Solicitor, Supreme Court of Singapore
  • Solicitor, England & Wales; Member of the Law Society of England & Wales
  • Immediate Past Chairperson, Criminal Practice Committee, Law Society of Singapore
  • Immediate Past Board Member, Enhanced Criminal Legal Aid Scheme Steering Committee, Singapore Academy of Law
  • Past Board Member, Law Society Pro Bono Services Limited
  • Past Co-chairman, Legal Affairs Committee, American Chamber of Commerce, Singapore
  • Panel member of US Embassy, Singapore’s list of attorneys
  • Panel member of list of lawyers for Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands, Singapore
  • Panel member of list of lawyers for Embassy of Sweden, Singapore
  • List of lawyers for Embassy for the Republic of Indonesia, Singapore
  • Panel Member, Lead Counsel, Supreme Court’s Legal Assistance Scheme for Capital Offences
  • Panel of Counsel for Disciplinary Matters, Law Society of Singapore
  • Representatives of Group Member (Asia) of International Bar Association Membership Committee 2023
  • Regional Representative Asia Pacific, International Bar Association, Anti- Corruption Committee
  • Coordinator, IBA ACC-International Chamber of Commerce: Joint Task Force on Issues of Corruption in International Arbitration, 2021
  • Regional Co-ordinator (Asia), International Bar Association, Anti-Corruption Structured Criminal Settlements Sub-committee
  • Member, IBA ACC UNGASS Asset Recovery Sub-Committee 2020
  • Member, IBA ACC Project Roll Out- OECD Working Group on Bribery 2020
  • Member, Criminal Legal Aid Scheme, Law Society of Singapore
  • Mentor, Criminal Legal Aid Fellowship, Law Society of Singapore
  • Panel Member, Investigation and Disciplinary Panel, Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants
  • Member, ASEAN Law Association
  • Member, Law Society of Singapore
  • Member, Singapore Academy of Law
  • Past Member, Selection Panel, School of Law, SIM University  
  • Past Member, Singapore Institute of Directors
  • Past member, Business China, Singapore
  • Past Advisor, Singapore Nightlife Business Association
  1. Chambers Global Practice Guide (Singapore, Law & Practice chapter) – Anti-Corruption 2023
  2. The Legal 500: Country Comparative Guide to Bribery & Corruption, Singapore chapter – 2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022
  3. Singapore High Court Recognises Crypto Assets as Property Capable of Being Held on Trust – Drew & Napier LLC, Legal Update, 27 July 2023
  4. Protect the privilege – Drew & Napier LLC, Legal Update, 17 March 2023
  5. Avoiding Pitfalls in Professional Negligence – Drew & Napier LLC, Legal Update, 23 November 2021
  6. Rewriting the Rules The Game of International “Catch Me If You Can
    “ – Drew & Napier LLC, Legal Update, 6 April 2022
  7. “Just cause not just because”: Wong Sung Boon v Fuji Xerox Singapore Pte Ltd & anor [2021] SGHC 24 and the importance of being able to justify a summary dismissal with sufficient evidence - Drew & Napier LLC, Legal update, 19 February 2021
  8. The Science of the Art of Sentencing – Drew & Napier LLC, Legal Update, 27 January 2021
  9. “A sigh of relief: Extended COVID-19 relief from 31 July 2020” – Drew & Napier LLC, Legal update, 17 August 2020
  10. “To release or not to release: Riddick undertaking? Asserting right(s) against self-incrimination and more…” – Drew & Napier LLC, Legal update, 1 September 2020
  11. “The applicability of the Riddick undertaking where the discovered documents allude to serious criminal wrongdoing” – Drew & Napier LLC, Legal update, 11 May 2020
  12. “Liquidated damages in the era of COVID19 Act: Time out only…” – Drew & Napier LLC, Legal Update, 24 April 2020
  13. “The prosecution’s additional disclosure obligations: A potential game changer in criminal proceedings” – Drew & Napier LLC, Legal update, 9 April 2020
  14. “Commercial fairness: Not merely a ‘skin deep’ exercise in minority oppression shareholder disputes” – Drew & Napier LLC, Legal update, 16 January 2020
  15. “Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act 2019 comes into operation” – Drew & Napier LLC, Legislation Update Series, 25 June 2019
  16. “Enhancement to the Protection from Harassment Act” – Drew & Napier LLC, Legislation Update Series, 14 June 2019
  17. International Arbitration 2018 Update – Drew & Napier LLC, 21 March 2019
  18. IBA Anti-Corruption Committee, Structured Settlements Report – Co-contributor, March 2019
  19. “The Regime for Deferred Prosecution Agreement” – Drew & Napier LLC, Legislation Update Series, 10 April 2018
  20. “The Criminal Justice Reform Bill: A transformative reform” – Op-Ed, The Straits Times, 19 March 2018
  21. “A look back for the future: transformational changes in our criminal justice system” – Law Gazette, 50th Anniversary Edition, 2017
  22. “Time to Blow the Whistle on Securities Offences” – Asian Legal Business, March 2015
  23. “To Give or Not to Give: That is the Question” – Access to Documents, Asian Legal Business, March 2014
  24. “Fighting Transnational Crime” – Who’s Who in Law, Business Times Supplement, 18 May 2011
  25. The Airocean Case – Drew & Napier LLC, Legal update, 29 March 2011
  26. The Meaning of 'Corruptly' – Singapore Academy of Law Journal, Vol. 11, p. 147, 1999