Singapore's Ambassador for International Law Rena Lee won election to the International Court of Justice on November 3 with the strongest support among candidates.

Lee received 151 votes out of 191 in the UN General Assembly and 13 out of 15 in the UN Security Council, clearing the absolute majority thresholds in the first round. She will serve a nine-year term starting February 2027 alongside four other judges.

The 57-year-old diplomat becomes the first Singaporean to serve on the court and the first woman from Southeast Asia to join its bench. Only one prior judge from the region, Cesar Bengzon of the Philippines, has served since the ICJ's founding in 1945.

Lee brings more than 30 years of experience in international law, including leadership in high seas treaty negotiations, work on the Paris Agreement, and roles with the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the International Seabed Authority.

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong noted the broad international backing for her candidacy. Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan highlighted her abilities and the recognition from many countries. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong described the outcome as another example of Singaporeans excelling on the world stage.

The election filled five of the court's 15 seats for the 2027-2036 period. Other winners included Dapo Akande of the United Kingdom, Francois Alabrune of France, Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud of Jordan, and Phoebe Okowa of Kenya.

Singapore officials have long stressed the nation's commitment to a rules-based international order and the impartial application of law. Lee's election underscores that stance and marks a milestone for a small state in global judicial institutions.

The ICJ resolves disputes between nations under international law and issues advisory opinions for UN bodies. Judges serve independently and must uphold high standards of integrity.