Focus Areas:
Anti Money Laundering
Corruption
Corporate Commercial
Contracts
Criminal Defence
Employment, Compensation & Benefits
General Litigation/ Arbitration/ Mediation
Professional Summary
Peter Ong Lip Cheng brings a rich tapestry of international legal qualifications and diverse expertise to the table. Graduating from the University of London and subsequently being admitted as a Barrister-at-Law of England and Wales, Peter's comprehensive grounding allows him to serve as both an Advocate and Solicitor in the high courts of Malaysia and Singapore. His journey in law has been marked by numerous milestones, particularly in the realm of criminal defence where he has secured over 70 acquittals, a testament to his dedication and astuteness.
Peter's commitment to the legal community is evident in his association with the Law Society of Singapore, having contributed to various committees such as Advocacy, Information Technology, Criminal Practice, and International Relations, to name a few. His dedication to legal aid extends to the grassroots, offering free counsel at the Kim Seng Community Club Legal Clinic. Recognised for his outstanding service, he received the Gold Award from the Law Society of Singapore for his unwavering commitment to the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme.
Beyond criminal defence work, Peter's expertise shines in arbitration. Awarded the President’s Prize by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators for exemplary work in the Drafting and Award-Writing module, he further cements his credentials by holding Fellowships with both the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
His global perspective is underscored by his role as a Judge in the Philip Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, with engagements in both China and Hong Kong. Proficient in multiple languages, including English, Malay, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Fujian, Peter's linguistic capabilities augment his ability to seamlessly navigate diverse legal terrains and cultures.
Experience
General Litigation/Arbitration:
Successfully defended in the landmark case, PP v Barbara Seet, leading to an acquittal on a Money Laundering charge.
Achieved the release of a 15-year old boy detained for 17 years for a murder instigated by another party, a complex case later featured in the Netflix documentary, Inside Crime Scene.
Upheld the interests of Zoe International Pte Ltd in a notable appeal case before the Singapore Court of Appeal against The Subsidiary Management Corporation No 01 – Strata Title Plan No 4355.
Represented and succeeded in a defamation lawsuit against SDCS Holdings Private Limited, establishing that the agency had wrongfully defamed a company director during a live-streamed debt recovery session.
Advised private and public listed companies while working in close tandem with in-house legal teams to ensure compliance business practices with the Companies Act.
Commanded a diverse range of criminal cases involving murder, drug trafficking, sexual offences, and more. Also played a key role in cases related to various specific Acts such as the Prevention of Corruption Act, Immigration Act, and Moneylenders Act.
Represented clients in various capacities, from High Court motions to Criminal Appeals in the Court of Criminal Appeal of Singapore. Recognised for his dedication as a volunteer lawyer under the Law Society of Singapore's Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS).
Advised and represented in areas such as Bankruptcy and Insolvency Law, Divorce and Family Law, and Road Traffic Accident claims. His repertoire also includes appearances before specialised boards like the Strata Title Board and engagements in alternate dispute resolutions, mediating at the Singapore Mediation Centre and arbitrating at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre.
Criminal Defence:
PP v Tan Peck Chin: Successfully defended against a Shoplifting charge, leading to acquittal.
PP v Mohammed Kasman Bin Abdul Latiff: Secured an acquittal on a Housebreaking charge.
PP v Lee Lai Hong: Secured an acquittal on an Outrage of Modesty charge.
PP v Ng Kum Kit: Secured an acquittal for offenses under the Secondhand Dealers Licence Act and successfully reduced a sentence for Receiving Stolen Property from 6 months to 6 weeks.
PP v Anthony Ler Wee Teang & Anor: Obtained a presidential pardon for a 15-year-old who committed the murder after being instigated by the first accused person.
PP v Siew Tee Siong: Achieved an acquittal for an offence under the Betting Act.
PP v Tran Nghia Hong: Attained an acquittal on charges of possession of obscene films.
CMB v 2WO Cheng Cheok Siong: Achieved an acquittal in an SAF Court Martial for three counts under the SAF Act.
PP v Muhammad Haziq bin Mohammed: Successfully reduced a capital charge of Murder to culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Chijioke Stephen Obioha v PP: Obtained a reprieve before the Court of Appeal one day before execution.
PP v Hnin Wai Laing: Successfully defended a Myanmar doctor who was charged over fake certificates.
PP v Liu Dandan: Secured an acquittal for a Chinese national on charges of using a fake work pass.
PP v Jenn Lye Yoke Ping: Successfully defended an ex-store manager, leading to acquittal on theft charges.
Awards and Recognition
Publication(s)
Singapore Blue Plan 2018, by The Singapore Institute of Biology, Oct 1, 2018
Finalist Women Lawyer of the Year, Asian Legal Business Malaysia Law Awards 2024.
Finalist Young Lawyer of the Year, Asian Legal Business Malaysia Law Awards 2024.
30 People to Watch in the Business of Law in Asia.
.png)