SCCA and IPOS Inspire the Next Generation of Legal Professionals Through GenA2Z
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SCCA and IPOS Inspire the Next Generation of Legal Professionals Through GenA2Z
Singapore, 3 August 2026 – As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the legal and creative industries, GenA2Z returned on 31 July 2026 to challenge law students to examine one of the most pressing questions at the intersection of law, technology, and intellectual property.
Co-organised by the Singapore Corporate Counsel Association (SCCA) and the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) , and supported by Allen & Gledhill LLP as the event sponsor, the initiative brought together law students, in-house counsel, and creatives for a live debate on the ownership of AI-generated content. Spearheaded by SCCA's Student Chapter, GenA2Z is an annual initiative that explores emerging issues shaping the future of the legal profesion, with past editions focusing on topics such as digital nomadism and AI's integration into legal workflows.
This year's debate centred on the motion: "This House believes that all AI-generated content should automatically belong to the public domain."
Guided by in-house counsel mentors and industry advisers, participants debated in proposition and opposition teams before a distinguished panel of judges, demonstrating strong legal knowledge, commercial awareness, and thoughtful consideration of the legal, ethical, and policy issues surrounding generative AI.
Following a closely contested debate, the Champion Team emerged , consisting of Tara Maran (Temasek Polytechnic), Christelle Lim (Singapore Management University), and Neil Karnik (United Kingdom Singapore Law Students'
Society). The team impressed the judges with its depth of analysis, persuasive advocacy, and balanced consideration of the legal, commercial, and societal implications of the debate motion.
The Runner-Up Award was awarded to Kelly Lee (Australia Singapore Law Student Society), Dorian Han (National University of Singapore) and Axley Thien (Singapore University of Social Sciences).
Christelle Lim (Singapore Management University) was also awarded as Best Speaker.
The debate was chaired by Joshua Hiew, Advocate and Member of Duxton Hill Chambers (Singapore Group Practice). The judging panel comprised of Dr Stanley Lai, SC, Head of Intellectual Property Practice, Co-Head of the Cybersecurity & Data Protection Practice, and Partner in the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice at Allen & Gledhill LLP; Jeremiah Choy, Creative Director, Producer and Curator at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music; and Serene Gan, Chair of SCCA's Student Chapter.
Reflecting on the event, Serene Gan, Chair of SCCA's Student Chapter, said:
"Artificial intelligence is transforming both the legal and creative industries, and tomorrow's lawyers will need to combine legal expertise with commercial thinking, technological awareness, and sound judgement. Through GenA2Z, we hope to inspire students to embrace emerging technologies, challenge different perspectives, and develop the skills needed to succeed as the next generation of in-house counsel and legal leaders.
We are deeply grateful to IPOS for co-organising this meaningful initiative with us, and to Allen & Gledhill LLP for their support as well. It has been a privilege to work alongside our judges, mentors, advisers and volunteers, whose time and expertise made this event possible.
Most importantly, we thank all the participating students and schools for their engagement and lively debate. They represent the next generation of legal talent, and we look forward to seeing the impact they will make on the profession."
GenA2Z reflects SCCA's commitment to nurturing future legal talent and preparing aspiring lawyers for an increasingly technology-driven profession. By connecting students with experienced practitioners and exposing them to contemporary legal and business challenges, the initiative equips participants with the skills and perspectives needed to thrive in the evolving legal landscape.
SCCA extends its sincere appreciation to IPOS for its valued partnership, Allen & Gledhill LLP for generously sponsoring and hosting the event, our mentors, judges, and volunteers for sharing their expertise, and all participating students and schools for their enthusiasm, thoughtful engagement, and spirited debate.
About SCCA
The Singapore Corporate Counsel Association (SCCA) is Singapore's pioneering national organisation representing the interests of in-house counsel across companies and organisations.
With a growing membership and extensive regional network, SCCA is committed to advancing the in-house legal profession through flagship thought leadership conferences, premier networking events, professional development programmes, leadership initiatives, and industry dialogues.
Guided by its vision of building better counsel, better corporations, and a better community, SCCA seeks to elevate professional excellence, strengthen the strategic influence of in-house counsel, and foster meaningful connections within Singapore and across the region.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Angel Mae Malanum
Executive, Marketing & Communications
Singapore Corporate Counsel Association
secretariat@scca.org.sg