2026 International Bar Association (IBA) Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year Award (Charmaine Yap)
19 October 2026
Be the Change You Want to See
We are proud to celebrate Charmaine Yap (Class of 2010), recipient of the 2026 International Bar Association (IBA) Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year Award, in recognition of her contributions to the legal profession and society.
Beyond her work as a lawyer, Charmaine has dedicated herself to advocating for migrant workers and other communities in need of greater protection. As a legislative assistant to former Member of Parliament Louis Ng, she contributed to policy and legislative initiatives, including the Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, which helps protect food donors from certain legal liabilities.
Her commitment to public service continues through her volunteer work with Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2), where she supports efforts to improve the lives and rights of migrant workers.
Charmaine’s journey shows how professional expertise, guided by empathy and a strong sense of purpose, can contribute to meaningful change. By using her knowledge and abilities to serve others, she embodies the spirit of “Best Me for Us” and demonstrates how the law can be a powerful tool for advancing access to justice, particularly for those who need it most.
Congratulations, Charmaine! We are immensely proud of our alumna and hope her example inspires our students to pursue their passions with purpose, use their strengths to uplift others and make a lasting difference in the communities around them.
Photo Credit: International Bar Association
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