Prof Tommy Koh is a renowned Singaporean diplomat, international law professor and public intellectual. He has played a pivotal role in shaping Singapore’s foreign policy and has represented the nation in key international negotiations, including at the United Nations (UN) and in major trade and environmental agreements. He was Singapore’s first and youngest Permanent Representative to the UN, and was key in developing the UN’s Law of the Sea Treaty. Beyond his outstanding public service in Singapore and abroad, Prof Koh is also a passionate advocate for arts and culture, local heritage and social causes.
Launching on 12 November 2025, his memoir, The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man, shares personal reflections on his remarkable career and a life full of firsts — from being the first Singaporean to study at Harvard Law School to his election as the President of the UN Conference on the Law of the Sea.
Join us for a conversation with Prof Koh as he shares his thoughts and insights on the past, present and future. The session will be hosted by Dr Gillian Koh (Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Policy Studies).