Patrick Ang, the former managing partner of the prestigious law firm Rajah & Tann (R&T), has sadly passed away at the age of 61.

The law firm confirmed his passing in a statement on Saturday (Jun 14).

Ng Kim Beng, R&T managing partner, expressed, "R&T has lost a celebrated lawyer, a selfless leader, and most of all, a cherished and deeply loved friend and colleague."

"His sudden and unexpected passing leaves an immense void," said Ng.

Ang was a highly respected insolvency lawyer with over three decades of experience, known for handling significant collapses such as China Aviation Oil, Hin Leong, Lehman Brothers, and Swiber.

He was the first Singaporean and the fourth lawyer from Asia to be inducted into the American College of Bankruptcy, a prestigious global organization for bankruptcy and insolvency practitioners.

Ang took on the role of managing partner of R&T in 2019, succeeding Senior Counsel Lee Eng Beng.

During his leadership, he oversaw the law firm's regional expansion under Rajah & Tann Asia, a network of law firms across Southeast Asia and beyond.

Ang's exceptional leadership was recognized with the Managing Partner of the Year award at the Asia Legal Business South-east Asia Law Awards in 2024 and 2025.

Earlier this year, Ang passed the baton to Ng, an arbitration lawyer, while continuing as vice-chairman of Rajah & Tann Asia.

He is survived by his wife and three daughters.

Minister for Law Edwin Tong paid tribute to Ang, describing him as a "formidable legal mind" with a strong dedication to Singapore.

Tong recalled their interactions in complex restructuring matters, praising Ang's strategic thinking, integrity, and grace in negotiations.

Ang also played a significant role in drafting Singapore's emergency Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Bill and received recognition with the Public Service Star (Covid-19) National Day Award.

Tong emphasized that Ang's passing is a loss not only to his firm but also to the legal profession and Singapore as a whole.