Rena Lee makes history as first Singaporean, SE Asian elected to International Court of Justice

This photograph shows the Peace Palace, the seat of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), in The Hague on May 17, 2024. Singapore’s Ambassador for International Law Rena Lee has been elected as a judge of the ICJ for the 2027-2036 term, becoming the first Singaporean and the first woman from South-east Asia to be elected to the court. — AFP pic

First Published: Wednesday, 04 Nov 2026 3:01 PM MYT

SINGAPORE, Nov 4 — Singapore’s Ambassador for International Law Rena Lee has been elected as a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the 2027-2036 term, becoming the first Singaporean and the first woman from South-east Asia to be elected to the court.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Lee secured the highest number of votes in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) with 151 votes and the joint-highest in the Security Council with 13 votes, securing her election in the very first round of voting.

He said the strong result reflected broad international support for Lee’s candidature and the trust and confidence that countries around the world had placed in her.

“At a time of growing geopolitical tensions and challenges to the international order, the ICJ’s role in upholding international law and resolving disputes peacefully is more important than ever.

“For small States like Singapore, a rules-based international order is fundamental to our sovereignty, security and prosperity,” he posted on Facebook on Wednesday.

Wong emphasised that Singapore had long been committed to upholding international law and contributing to its development. — Bernama