Course Listing

Trusts Law in the Asia-Pacific Region
Last Updated Date:   8 July 2025


4 Units,  Semester 2

Course Description:
This subject explores the influence and potential of trusts law in the Asia-Pacific region. It begins by considering the history of trusts diffusion, how trusts law has been used to regulate customary and religious property-holding forms, and assesses the ways in which the trust has been (re)conceptualised in non-common law jurisdictions. It then examines the different uses of the trust in the region: in the family and commercial contexts, as well as a financial product. The subject also considers the reach of constructive and resulting trusts in the region. Finally, it will discuss trusts law’s private international law perspective.

Course Convenor: Visiting Chan Sek Keong Professor in Private Law Ying Khai Liew

Co-teacher(s): NA

Course Codes: LL4481 / LL5481 / LLJ5481 / LL6481

Contact Hours: 9 sessions over 3 weeks: Three 3-hour weekly seminars

Workload: Intensive: Weeks 1 – 3; Dates: 12 – 30 Jan 2026 [Mon: 6.30pm – 9.30pm, Wed: 6.30pm – 9.30pm & Fri: 3pm – 6pm]

Mode of Assessment: Class Participation - 20% & 6-hr Take Home Exam - 80% [Release: Fri, 6 March 2026 (3pm); Due: Fir, 6 March 2026 (9pm)]

Preclusions: LL4481V/LL5481V/LLJ5481V/LL6481V Trusts Law in the Asia-Pacific Region

Prerequisites: NUS Compulsory Core Law Curriculum or common law equivalent.

Examination Date: Different Mode of Examination

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