Singapore, 30 June 2025 – The partners of TSMP Law Corporation are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our esteemed founder Dr Thio Su Mien (黄嗣绵) (née Huang). Dr Thio passed away on Monday, 30 June 2025, at the age of 86.

A pioneering figure in Singapore’s legal landscape, Dr Thio’s contributions to the profession and society have left an indelible mark. Dr Thio was among the first batch of law students at the University of Malaya, now the National University of Singapore (NUS), graduating in 1961. She later became the first female Dean of the NUS Faculty of Law, serving from 1969 to 1971, a milestone that underscored her trailblazing role in legal academia.

Following her tenure in academia, Dr Thio moved to private practice, joining Drew & Napier and heading its Corporate department as Senior Partner and becoming one of Singapore’s best-known lawyers. In 1998, she founded Thio Su Mien & Partners, now known as TSMP Law Corporation. The firm has since grown to become Singapore’s top boutique law firm, recognised by leading publications such as Chambers, IFLR, Benchmark Litigation and The Legal 500.

Dr Thio also seeded TSMP’s pro bono initiatives, deciding early on that 10% of the partnership’s profits should be donated to the less privileged. The firm’s charitable mission has three pillars: to help children (especially youth at risk), old folks and foreign workers in Singapore. The firm plans activities to bring cheer, learning and social engagement to these beneficiaries, closing its doors for two full days each year so all staff can participate. TSMP lawyers also commit to 25 hours of pro bono work annually. These pioneering initiatives led TSMP to be the first law firm to receive the President’s Volunteerism and Philanthropy Award in 2018. The firm was named a Champion of Good and Company of Good by the National Volunteerism and Philanthropy Centre in 2022 and 2024 respectively.

Dr Thio’s passing is mourned by her son, Thio Shen Yi, SC, her daughters Prof Thio Li Ann and Ms Thio Chi Ann, and her daughter-in-law, Stefanie Yuen Thio.

Dr Thio’s legacy as a legal educator, practitioner, and advocate will be remembered by colleagues, students, and the broader legal community. From all of us at TSMP, we extend our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones during this time of mourning.