SINGAPORE - By his firm handshake and self-assured grin, you would never guess that Mr Kawal Pal Singh, 36, used to struggle with feeling inadequate in school.

Especially not now - given that Mr Singh, a practising lawyer, was made partner of his law firm, Tito Isaac & Co LLP, earlier this month. The litigation lawyer has been with the firm just three years - a short duration for such a promotion in the industry.