After graduating from Wesley, Hock Sen Chan (70-74) carved out a reputation as a respected legal practitioner all over the world, serving as a mentor and leader in the field.

Hock Sen Chan

NOW YOU’VE RETIRED, YOU’RE BASED IN SINGAPORE. ARE YOU STILL PRACTISING LAW?

I retired in December 2022, but  I now have the title ‘Of Counsel’, which means I’m a consultant to an Indonesian Law firm.

PRIOR TO THAT, WHAT WAS THE MOST INTERESTING ROLE YOU HAD IN YOUR CAREER?

I’ve had the privilege of serving as Asian General Counsel for British Telecom and Thomson Group, but my most interesting role was  with Michelin.

Very early in my Michelin career, I was posted to the Group HQ in France to learn the ropes. French corporate culture is quite different from the Anglo-Saxon approach, so I had to adapt to this new environment. Upon returning to Singapore, I took on multiple roles simultaneously — Head of Legal, Head of Business Development, Head of the Michelin Guide, and Country Manager. There was never a dull moment!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR TIME AT MICHELIN. THAT MUST HAVE BEEN AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE!

I joined Michelin as the Asia General Counsel, and I was fortunate enough to be part of the company during an exciting period — the launch of the Michelin Guide for Singapore. I managed the team overseeing this initiative and had the privilege of serving as a spokesperson for the Guide.

DID YOU GET TO REVIEW THE RESTAURANTS?

One of the memorable parts of my role was being on stage when Michelin Stars were awarded to Singapore’s best restaurants, a truly special moment for the culinary community. While I played a key role in managing the process, I wasn’t an inspector myself — so I didn’t have the pleasure of dining in secret! But witnessing the impact of those stars on the chefs and the local food scene was incredibly rewarding.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER?

Completing the acquisition of a Chinese state-owned company and helping in its integration into the Michelin Group. I also survived two years in Clermont Ferrand, where I had to relearn how to speak French. I regretted that I did not pay more attention in French class with Mrs Robinson! I had to relearn the rules about the subjunctive tense all over again.

MRS ROBINSON TAKES US NEATLY TO YOUR CHILDHOOD… DID YOU GROW UP IN PERTH?

I was born in Singapore and spent my early years there. I attended primary school at Anglo-Chinese School, a well-regarded Methodist institution.

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSONS YOUR PARENTS TAUGHT YOU?

My parents focussed on hard work, filial piety (an attitude of respect for one’s parents and ancestors), and academic achievement. They were also devout Methodists, so Christian values and morality were a central part of my upbringing, shaping my personal and ethical outlook on life.

YOU STARTED AT WESLEY IN YEAR 8. HOW DID YOU BECOME A WESLEY STUDENT?

My father believed that I would benefit from an environment where I could develop greater independence and self-sufficiency. I had an uncle who had attended Wesley in Melbourne and later moved to Perth. He suggested I consider Wesley in Perth, and after an application was submitted to Mr Clive Hamer, the Headmaster at the time, I was accepted. I began my journey at Wesley in February 1970.

DO YOU REMEMBER MUCH FROM YOUR TIME AT WESLEY?

Initially, I found the place rather intimidating — the boarding school, the size of the dining room, the strangeness of the food, and general homesickness. I overcame these fears quite quickly with the kind help of Mr John McClean, who was the Cygnet House Master, as well as with friends I made — John Richards, Scott Richards, Scott Blenkinsop, John Kirwan and Mark Saxon, just to name a few.

These boys took me under their wings, invited me to their homes, and made me feel truly comfortable and accepted as a Wesleyan. Participating in various aspects of school life — sports like rugby, rowing, and athletics, as well as joining the radio and sailing clubs — greatly aided my integration into College life. I have extremely fond memories of the time spent on the foreshore — rowing or sailing and the BBQs behind Tranby Dorm.

DID YOU GO STRAIGHT TO UNIVERSITY AFTER WESLEY?

I performed well enough in my Leaving Exams to secure a place at the University of Western Australia (UWA), where I pursued a Bachelor of Arts, graduating in 1977. I then returned to Singapore and was conscripted into the Singapore Army, where I served for three years. Once my service was complete, I enrolled at the London School of Economics to study Law. After completing my studies, I was admitted as a barrister and later became a solicitor.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB AFTER UNIVERSITY?

I worked in a law firm in London. I spent a few years in private practice before moving to the in-house legal department of British Telecom in London. I spent seven years in BT’s London HQ before they sent me to Hong Kong to establish a legal department in Asia.

NOW, OVER 35 YEARS LATER, YOU HAVE A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE AS A LEGAL PROFESSIONAL. DO YOU HAVE ADVICE FOR ANYONE STARTING OUT?

First and foremost, you need to have a genuine interest in the subject. Like all professions, law is 99% hard work and 1% inspiration. It requires not only determination to stay the course but also physical resilience to handle the demanding hours. Success in the legal profession is about perseverance, discipline, and the ability to push through challenges while maintaining your passion for the field.

This article was originally published in the Summer 2024 edition of The Wesleyan. To read more, click here.