Global law firm Ashurst has added energy M&A specialist Kok Jin Ong to its corporate transactions practice in Singapore from A&O Shearman, where he was a counsel. Ong will become an Ashurst partner once regulatory approval is received.

Ong joined the legacy Shearman & Sterling as a counsel in 2022 after working at Jones Day and Herbert Smith Freehills. He brings over a decade of experience in M&A and joint venture transactions in the energy and infrastructure sectors across the Asia-Pacific region.

Specializing in both traditional oil and gas transactions and energy transition matters, Ong's expertise spans areas such as green fuels, offshore and onshore wind, solar PV, battery storage, and geothermal energy.

In a statement, Jean Woo, Ashurst's Singapore office managing partner, praised Ong as “a highly regarded and talented lawyer who brings a wealth of expertise and client relationships in the energy transition M&A space.”

Added Frank Bi, Asia head of corporate transactions: “He has a rare and valuable combination of M&A and energy sector skills and experience, which will enable us to provide our clients with comprehensive and innovative solutions for their energy transition projects and investments.”

Once Ong becomes a partner, Ashurst will have 16 partners in Singapore. The office recently lost former managing partner Rob Palmer to Hogan Lovells.