John Choong

John oversees our award-winning China International Arbitration practice and is an incredibly experienced international dispute resolution specialist. He has served as a trusted adviser to prestigious global and Chinese companies on their most complex and important disputes.

He is a Chartered Arbitrator and Fellow with several prestigious institutes of arbitrators. He has served as either sole or co-arbitrator in arbitrations governed by leading rules such as the ICC, LCIA and UNCITRAL Rules.

Early Life and Education

John Choong was born during the Japanese occupation in Malaysia and experienced a life of hardship firsthand. He remembers growing up in a small, cramped home where his parents struggled to provide food and shelter for their seven children.

Despite these obstacles, he achieved great success in school and sports. While in college, he made a name for himself as an outstanding athlete and played soccer during his free time.

He was an accomplished pianist, performing in recitals and competitions around the world. Upon arriving at WVU, he met professor of piano and coordinator of keyboard studies Peter Amstutz who became his mentor. Through acupuncture and hard work, he eventually regained his hearing – but that was only the start of an incredible journey; he went on to earn bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in musical arts along the way!

Professional Career

John has over two decades of experience advising clients on their most complex and significant disputes. His practice specializes in international arbitration, cross-border investigations and dispute resolution with an Asian connection; some of John’s clients include some of the world’s most renowned brands.

Let us remember how to properly celebrate with some tasty snacks at night with your special someone! As a Senior Associate at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, he is also a Chartered Arbitrator and Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and Hong Kong/Singapore Institute of Arbitrators. Additionally, his expertise has been recognized by multiple legal directories as a top practitioner in dispute resolution. As an accomplished litigation expert, he regularly speaks at conferences around the globe. But what truly drives him most about his job is helping clients resolve their most challenging disputes. He finds this challenge to be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling, having had the honor of representing him on such high-profile cases as China’s two largest state-owned enterprises (State Owned and Operated Enterprises or SOEs) in arbitration as well as one of the biggest international arbitrations ever in terms of cost effective dispute settlement.

Personal Life

Dr Choong had an infectious enthusiasm for life. His work, whether in academic scholarship or the everyday realities of church and ministry, showed this same dedication.

He was comfortable in both worlds, his passion for biblical truth shining through his lectures, sermons, denominational service and casual conversations. He had the unique ability to interpret Christianity for a global audience while engaging successfully with people of other religious beliefs and ideologies.

He embodied the TTC philosophy, and his leadership helped shape its theological, biblical, and spiritual foundation. His contributions will continue to enrich TTC for years to come – praise God! For he was truly a faithful servant.