Sitpah Selvaratnam

⚒️ What do you do?

I have stepped into an exciting new phase in my career as Independent Arbitrator at the turn of 2024. I'm doing a lot more tech stuff now that I am on my own! I have several pending arbitral references where I am sole or presiding arbitrator which have me well occupied. Fortunately, they are at different stages of proceedings and involve varied issues.

What is your proudest achievement?
The arrest and judicial sale of the Superyacht Equanimity recovered for the people of Malaysia at USD 126 million in the 1MDB scandal was extra-special. It was the coming together of my maritime law skills and a rare opportunity to serve my country pro bono. 

The significant amount that got unwound from that fraud accounts for my personal pride in that piece of work.

As an aside, I must confess that beyond the material dimension, what I am most proud of is my constant ability to reflect on circumstances, and act in a manner to remain true to myself.

If you had 25 hours in a day, what would you do with the extra hour?
My extra hour has taken many forms and shapes over the years! From running workshops on parenting and with young adults on living skills, to training in the martial art of Aikido.

Currently, my extra hour is focused on curating my late father’s art works to set-up a small gallery in his memory.

If you weren't a lawyer, what would you be?
A counsellor or life coach. It is my natural inclination to want to understand people and situations. Thinking patterns, emotions and human behaviour really interest me. Almost as much as the law! But I am grateful that I accidentally slipped onto the path of law.

Your favourite food haunt is...?
“Bref” by Darren Chin! I am a vegetarian and his truffle pasta is to kill (!!) for.

Note: Edited for clarity & brevity.