Sherly Gunawan
What is your current role, or what are you working on?
After over 8 years in private practice, I took a leap of faith and joined SIAC in 2022. Now, as a Counsel and Team Lead, I assist the Registrar in overseeing and managing arbitrations from start to finish—from commencement to transmitting arbitral awards. I’m also actively engaged in SIAC’s outreach initiatives, particularly in Indonesia and the construction sector.
Currently, I’m assisting the Registrar and the team in refining practices under SIAC’s new Rules and diving into arbitral award scrutiny. It's shaping up to be a busy year, but staying busy with meaningful work is always a happy problem!
What is your proudest achievement?
On the personal front, getting internationally certified to teach BodyCombat (LesMills' mixed martial arts-inspired workout) after just a few months of training was indeed a rewarding challenge that pushed me beyond my comfort zone.
Professionally, as a proud first-generation lawyer in my family, I’ve managed to navigate my way through law degrees in Indonesia and the UK—both on full scholarships, no less! Along the way, I’ve also built meaningful connections within the professional communities in Indonesia and Singapore. Not bad for an introvert with a social battery that often needs recharging!
There are now 25 hours in a day! How would you spend your extra hour?
While catching up on sleep sounds ideal, the reality is likely far less restful—I'll be making plans for the next 24 hours, with a Negroni as my companion, Netflix providing ambient background noise, or indulging in the art of writing overly ambitious film reviews on Letterboxd.
If you weren't a lawyer, what would you do?
A BodyCombat and boxing instructor by day, and a mixologist-slash-cocktail bar owner by night—it’s an idea I’m absolutely loving right now! Check back with me in three years to see if the dream still punches above its weight.
Your favourite food haunt is...?
Whenever I’m in London, a visit to Lanzhou Lamian Noodle Bar in Chinatown is non-negotiable. This unassuming gem serves the most incredible knife-cut noodles. It used to be tucked away and quiet, but my recent visit revealed a snaking queue—so much for being a hidden gem!
In Singapore, my go-to comfort food is the Gadomie from Gado & Grill’s One Raffles Place branch (yes, that specific branch!). Think sinfully delicious Indomie topped with fiery sambal, rich peanut sauce, and a chunky satay. It’s pure indulgence and always takes me back home. Pair that with a cocktail at Jigger & Pony or Cat Bite Club, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect evening.