你好! LESSONS I LEARNT IN SHANGHAI

你好! LESSONS I LEARNT IN SHANGHAI

By An Yeqi

SMU-X Overseas Course: LAW4025 Overseas Project Experience (Law in Asia)

Destination: Shanghai, China

About the course

This course offers an insider’s perspective of key areas in the Chinese legal system. In addition to learning textbook knowledge, we also acquired hands-on experience by working with Chinese legal practitioners to solve real-world legal issues. This was followed by a week-long field trip in China. Through this course, we appreciated the uniqueness of the Chinese legal system and understood that it bears the characteristic of the civil law system, the socialist ideology, as well as the common law. Armed with this cultural knowledge, we feel emboldened to take on the endless legal opportunities offered by investors or traders seeking to enter the burgeoning Chinese market.

Reflection/Testimonial

My four-day trip to Shanghai offered a deep dive into the heart of China's legal landscape. We visited key institutions like the judiciary, stock exchange, arbitration commission, private sector firms, and university. Beyond textbook knowledge, the trip provided invaluable firsthand experience. We witnessed Shanghai's role as a gateway for foreign businesses, with its bilingual professionals and embrace of new technologies. The warm hospitality of our hosts, exemplified by Professor Zhangwei, made us feel truly welcome. Professor Zhangwei treated us to drinks at a vibrant nightlife strip and brought us on a boat tour to see the stunning night view of Shanghai’s waterfront. As the clock struck 7pm, the older colonial buildings came alive in a dazzling display of orange lights, leaving us awestruck. Our visits to key institutions provided a wealth of insights. At the Shanghai Stock Exchange, we learned about the exchange's transition from a physical marketplace to a digital platform. The Q&A session clarified the needs of startups and the impact of trading restrictions. Sephora's legal team offered a glimpse into the diverse legal aspects of their operations. We explored how they handle intellectual property, data protection, and navigate complex regulations across different cities. Discussions with lawyers at Fangda Law Office highlighted their interest in foreign law and the importance of considering the "grey areas" beyond the written law. Engaging discussions with law students at the East China University of Political Science and Law showcased their passion for learning and the differences in legal education compared to Singapore. The Shanghai Arbitration Commission provided insights into the arbitration process, including mediation, choice of law, and enforcement of awards. The Shanghai Financial Court's impressive use of technology, including AI for case evaluation and communication apps, showcased their focus on accessibility. Here, we learned about the court's efforts to make justice more accessible, particularly for small shareholders. This trip provided a well-rounded understanding of the Chinese legal system. We moved beyond theoretical knowledge to see how the law operates in real-world scenarios. It was an eye-opening experience that I am incredibly grateful for.