Member Profile - Paul Fitzgerald

This month we chatted with new member Paul Fitzgerald who told us about his extensive travels and what he likes most about Singapore

Name:

Paul Fitzgerald

Company and Position:

I am the sole proprietor of a Singapore law firm, named “Paul Fitzgerald”

Briefly what is your role? 

My firm is essentially a sole barrister’s practice, where I undertake commercial claims, with a focus on logistics and maritime work.

Any advice for doing business in Singapore and/or the region? 

In my view, we are really starting to see the transition to the digital economy and you need to be strong in your tech offering to make headway. Language skills are also very important and something we don’t focus on enough in New Zealand, whereas a lot of Asian companies would not send their people out to other regions without second or third language training beforehand.

When did you move to Singapore? Where from?

I first moved to Singapore in 1996 from Wellington. I stayed in Singapore until the end of 2008 when I moved to Saudi Arabia to work. I returned to Singapore in February 2018.

Where were you born? What country do you call home?  I was born in Timaru (now pronounced Te Maaru) and I would not dream of calling any country other than New Zealand home. 

What do you like most about Singapore?  I have been involved with Singapore for nearly 30 years and despite the regular “re-makes” I have always enjoyed the lifestyle here, the food, and especially the absence of winter. Singapore has always been a friendly place, with relatively gentle people and it has great connections for visiting other countries in Asia.

What do you do to relax? 

We live within a short walk of East Coast Park so whenever we want to get out we just head down to the Park.

What's top of your bucket list?

A return trip to Nepal to do the Everest Base Camp trek.

Why did you join the New Zealand Chamber (Singapore) and what do you like most about it? 

I joined to connect with the New Zealand business community and I hope that it gives me lots of opportunities to meet new people and share our war stories of life outside New Zealand.

Any last words? 

No. I just hope that people get as much enjoyment out of being in Singapore that I have over the years and that everyone makes the most of the opportunities to get out and about in the region.