Justice Sundaresh Menon: Chief Justice of Singapore

An Indian-origin Judge has been named as the new Chief Justice of Singapore, making him the first from the community to head the courts.

Sundaresh Menon (left), presently Singapore’s Judge of Appeal, will assume the office of the chief justice from November 6. He would take over from Justice Chan Sek Keong, who retires at the age of 75, said a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office on the appointment announced by President Tony Tan.

Reacting to his appointment, Justice Menon said: “I am greatly honoured and privileged to be entrusted with this awesome responsibility; and humbled by the calibre of those who have been so entrusted before me”.

Justice Menon, 50, obtained his Master of Laws from Harvard University, after graduating with First Class Honours in Law from the National University of Singapore. He has been a leading lawyer and later became Singapore’s Attorney General before he was appointed to the position of Judge of Appeal on August 1, 2012.

Chief Justice Chan (right) has served in the public service for 26 years, including six years as Chief Justice.

Paying a tribute to the CJ (Justice Chan), Justice Menon said: “It is daunting to be faced with the prospect of taking over from someone who has been a towering figure in the Singapore legal landscape throughout the course of my professional career, but having known the Chief Justice for 25 years and having seen first hand his personal kindness and generosity as a mentor and his love for the law, I know he will remain available to help in any way he can. I pray that I will discharge this great responsibility with wisdom, courage, humility and honour.” - Din Merican