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Gary Ng is head of legal, Greater Asia at Roquette.
⭕ Please tell us a little about your company and your role there.
Roquette is a global leader in plant-based ingredients and a premier supplier of pharmaceutical excipients. Founded in 1933, Roquette has grown its presence to over 100 countries, operates more than 30 production facilities, and employs around 10,000 people worldwide.
I oversee legal affairs, ensure ethics and compliance with the support of my team, and work with cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives. I also collaborate with colleagues globally and serve as a bridge between Asian branches and our French headquarters. I contribute to the legal department's L&D strategy and implementation, lead legal operations projects, and act as the legal integration lead for a recent acquisition. I'm committed to mentoring and value the time spent with my team, guiding their growth to become the finest in-house counsels possible.
⭕ What was your career path? What drove you to become a lawyer?
As a child, I aspired to become a commercial pilot. However, I chose law instead and grew to appreciate its vast scope and significant impact. After spending 2 years at an insurance company as a motor claims executive and 13 years in litigation, I joined a consumer healthcare company where I began as a legal manager for Malaysia and Brunei, and culminated as the head of legal for South East Asia and Taiwan. I have been in my current role since March 2022.
⭕ How long have you been a member of ACC and what do you like best about ACC Singapore?
I have been affiliated with ACC since 2016. ACC Singapore is notably active, and I genuinely value the numerous events and programmes they have orchestrated to enhance the legal community both professionally and through networking opportunities.
⭕ What are your top tips for being regarded as a true business partner as an in-house lawyer?
1. Love before serving. Cultivate curiosity and a deep affection for the business. Your passion for advancing the company's goals and objectives should match that of your CEO and CFO, and will not only guide your practical legal support but also alert you to potential risks needing attention. Understanding the company deeply also allows you to assess its tolerance for risk, which is a crucial element in drafting contracts.
2. Keep it simple. Lawyers are not typically taught to be concise, yet it is vital in an in-house role. Opt for simple language over complex legal terms and unnecessary fillers or overwhelming 20-page slide decks crammed with text.
3. Integrity is crucial. As the company's counsel, you are expected to embody and uphold the company's values and serve as a beacon of reason and conscience during challenging times. The way you consistently conduct yourself in these situations can shape perceptions of you as a trustworthy individual.
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