Ashurst strengthens energy transition M&A capabilities with strategic hire in Singapore

Ashurst is pleased to announce the appointment of Kok Jin Ong in its Corporate Transactions practice, based in Singapore. Jin will become a partner once regulatory approval is obtained.

With over a decade of experience, Jin specialises in M&A and joint venture transactions in the energy and infrastructure sectors in the Asia-Pacific region, ranging from upstream and downstream oil and gas transactions to energy transition matters (including green fuels and various forms of renewable energy such as offshore wind, onshore wind, solar PV, battery storage and geothermal). He has also been involved in providing input from an energy sector perspective for contentious matters. Jin has a wide range of experience and possesses deep knowledge and understanding of the issues and matters relevant to transactions in the energy sector, as well as having a deep understanding of key priorities and concerns for clients.

The appointment is part of the firm's ongoing growth strategy, which includes the recent hires of Jean-Louis Neves Mandelli and Scott Baggett in Singapore, and Anna Chung in Seoul.

Jean Woo, Singapore office managing partner, commented:

"We are delighted to welcome Jin to our Singapore office. He is a highly regarded and talented lawyer who brings a wealth of expertise and client relationships in the energy transition M&A space. His practice fits well with our existing capabilities and our strategic focus on sustainability and energy transition. He will also enhance our bench strength and market presence in Singapore and the wider ASEAN region, where we see significant opportunities for growth and collaboration."

Frank Bi, Asia head of corporate transactions, added:

"Jin's appointment is a key addition to our corporate transactions practice in Asia and globally. He has a rare and valuable combination of M&A and energy sector skills and experience, which will enable us to provide our clients with comprehensive and innovative solutions for their energy transition projects and investments. He also has a proven track record of working on complex cross-border and cross-practice projects, which will further strengthen our integrated offering in this fast-growing and dynamic market."

Jin said:

"I am very excited about the incredible opportunity to rejoin Ashurst after being a trainee more than a decade ago at the firm and to contribute to its well-regarded energy practice. Ashurst has a strong reputation and presence in the energy and infrastructure sector, both in Asia and globally, and I look forward to working with the outstanding team of lawyers and partners across the network - many of whom are familiar to me from my previous time both in and out of Ashurst. I am, as always, very grateful to my clients for their support and am confident that Ashurst will provide me with the best platform to serve them and grow my practice."