Lucien Wong
Lucien Wong Yuen Kuai SC (born October 1953) is a Singaporean lawyer who has been serving as the ninth Attorney-General of Singapore since 2017.
A prominent figure in corporate law, Wong previously served as the chairman and senior partner of Allen & Gledhill, as well as the chairman of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
He is the first Attorney-General of Singapore without prior experience as a judge or in the Attorney-General's Chambers.
Early Life and Education
Wong graduated from the University of Singapore (now the National University of Singapore) in 1978 with a Bachelor of Laws degree. He topped his final-year class and demonstrated exceptional academic abilities, earning recognition as one of the leading legal minds of his generation.
Professional Career
Private Practice
Wong was called to the Singapore Bar in 1979 and began his career at Drew & Napier as a legal assistant in 1980, later becoming a partner in 1982. In 1987, he joined Allen & Gledhill, where he played a pivotal role in its growth and success. Over the next three decades, he specialized in banking, corporate, and financial services law, earning a reputation as one of Singapore’s top corporate lawyers. Wong became managing partner of Allen & Gledhill in 1998 and later served as chairman and senior partner until 2016. During his tenure, he contributed to legal reforms, including amendments to company and securities laws in Singapore.
Wong also served as the personal lawyer to Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and represented him in the legal dispute concerning Lee Kuan Yew’s Oxley Road estate.
Public Service
On 25 November 2016, Wong’s appointment as Singapore’s Attorney-General was announced by the Prime Minister’s Office. He officially assumed office on 14 January 2017, succeeding V. K. Rajah. Wong’s appointment marked a departure from precedent as he had no prior experience as a judge or in criminal law. However, his extensive expertise in corporate law and his standing within the legal community were widely acknowledged. Prominent figures, including Law Society president Thio Shen Yi and Senior Counsel Lok Vi Ming, praised his legal acumen and leadership skills.
Wong has been reappointed for three consecutive terms as Attorney-General, with his current term extending to January 2026. By the end of this term, Wong will be 72 years old, making him the oldest Attorney-General in Singapore since its independence. His appointment was made under Article 35(4) of the Constitution, which allows an Attorney-General to serve beyond the age of 60 for a specified term upon the President’s discretion and the Prime Minister’s advice.
Other Roles
Prior to his appointment as Attorney-General, Wong held leadership and advisory positions in various organizations, including:
- Chairman of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
- Member of the Singapore Business Federation’s board of trustees.
- Director of multiple corporations, including Singapore Airlines, Singapore Press Holdings, and Temasek Holdings.
- Member of the Presidential Council for Minority Rights.
Past Controversies
Alleged Removal of Legal Files (1986)
In 1986, a Straits Times report detailed an incident involving Wong and another lawyer, Christina Ong, who were accused of removing legal files from their respective firms without authorization. [1]
The files, considered valuable legal precedents, were reportedly found in Wong’s car. While police investigations were initiated, the Attorney-General’s Chambers decided not to pursue the matter, and no formal action was taken. Both Wong and Ong later joined Allen & Gledhill as partners in 1987.
Appointment as Attorney-General
Wong’s appointment as Attorney-General in 2017 generated controversy due to his lack of judicial or prosecutorial experience and his prior role as Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s personal lawyer.
Critics, including the Singapore Democratic Party, raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, particularly in relation to the Oxley Road property dispute involving the Prime Minister and his siblings.
Similarly, the Workers’ Party highlighted concerns over Wong’s dual role in representing the Prime Minister in private matters and advising the government on related issues.
Parliamentary debates also raised questions about Wong’s suitability, given his longstanding professional relationship with Law Minister K Shanmugam. Critics questioned whether these ties undermined public confidence in the independence of the Attorney-General’s Chambers. However, the government maintained that Wong’s appointment followed constitutional processes and that his qualifications were beyond reproach.
Personal Life
Wong is married and has one son, Paul Wong. He has maintained a relatively low personal profile despite his prominent public and legal career.
Social Media Pages
Wong does not maintain an active presence on social media platforms, reflecting his focus on professional responsibilities and public service.