SINGAPORE, 3 January 2023 — The Singapore Academy of Law (“SAL”) will operate and develop its services running on digital platforms through a new subsidiary, LawNet Technology Services (“LTS”).

LTS, which will be operational from 1 April 2023, is helmed by a team of technology professionals and governed by a board of directors who will provide expert guidance on IT governance, including but not limited to the procurement and development of IT projects. Mr Kenta Kusano, who joined the SAL Group in 2022 as its Chief Technology & Innovation Officer, will head LTS as its Chief Executive.

LTS, wholly owned by SAL, will take charge of the Academy and its subsidiaries’ internal IT requirements and systems, including LawNet, a research platform widely used by Singapore’s legal profession; the SAL Legalisation Portal, which provides services related to the notarization and legalisation of documents; and the Singapore Mediation Centre’s online dispute resolution platform.

“Recognising the importance of having a strong team to deliver on the Academy’s vision for digital transformation, the SAL Senate decided to house our technology team in a new subsidiary,” said The Honourable the Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, who is also President, SAL. “LTS will oversee and steer the development of bold and innovative products and services, and will be led by a board comprising members with the appropriate domain expertise.”

Said Mr Kusano, “In recent years, SAL has embarked on several major IT developments and innovations to support the profession and others seeking access to legal resources.  The LTS team will provide the technology capabilities to drive this mission. We are looking at expanding our current team of 20+ technology professionals with new hires in 2023 to ensure that we are adequately resourced for current and new projects.”