Incoming dean of National University of Singapore Faculty of Law Professor Hans Tjio has relinquished his appointment for personal reasons. Professor Simon Chesterman will continue as Dean of the Faculty of Law for a fourth term, said a news release by NUS.
The University will convene a global search for Professor Chesterman’s successor within the first year of his new term, the release added.
Professor Tjio, who is CJ Koh Professor of Law and Director of the EW Barker Centre for Law and Business, was announced as the Faculty’s next Dean on March 12, 2021. He informed the University leadership of his decision to relinquish the appointment on March 26. NUS has said that it has accepted his decision.
“It is with deep regret that I step away from the Law Dean appointment. I am grateful for the confidence and support the University, the Law Dean Search Committee and colleagues have shown me during the search and appointment process,” said Professor Tjio.
"My thanks to NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye and Senior Deputy President and Provost Professor Ho Teck Hua for accepting my decision. It was a difficult outcome but one that I felt was necessary for personal reasons. I congratulate Prof Simon Chesterman on his fourth term as Law Dean, and look forward to working alongside Simon and my NUS Law colleagues and making my contribution in a different way,” he added.
Professor Tjio will continue to focus on his responsibilities in teaching, research and engagement with the industry and legal profession, NUS said, adding that he remains a senior faculty member of NUS Law and will contribute through his various appointments within and outside the University.