In recent years, Singapore has begun to attract hedge fund managers looking to establish a presence in Asia.  In its first presentation in its “Going Global” series on the formation and operation of hedge fund management companies outside the U.S., Morgan Lewis offered an overview of the relevant corporate, employment and tax laws in Singapore; its regulation of managers and fund distribution; and how other countries’ regulatory regimes affect hedge fund managers established in Singapore.  Moderated by Morgan Lewis partner Timothy W. Levin, the discussion featured partners Joo Khin Ng, Wai Ming Yap, Daniel Yong and William Yonge.  This article, the first in a two-part series, summarizes the main points raised during the presentation with respect to Singapore corporate structures, employment laws, tax laws and regulation of financial services activities.  Part two will address Singapore licensing requirements, “dual-hatting” arrangements, product distribution and the impact of U.S. and U.K. regulatory regimes on Singapore-based managers.  For more on the tax and regulatory issues involved in establishing a Singapore-based manager, see “Structuring, Regulatory and Tax Guidance for Asia-Based Hedge Fund Managers Seeking to Raise Capital from U.S. Investors (Part One of Two),” Hedge Fund Law Report, Vol. 5, No. 31 (Aug. 9, 2012).  For a discussion of the factors to consider in deciding between Hong Kong and Singapore as the location for an Asia-based office, see “Primary Regulatory and Business Considerations When Opening a Hedge Fund Management Company Office in Asia (Part One of Four),” Hedge Fund Law Report, Vol. 4, No. 43 (Dec. 1, 2011).  For an overview of the process of opening an office in Singapore, see “Primary Regulatory and Business Considerations When Opening a Hedge Fund Management Company Office in Asia (Part Two of Four),” Hedge Fund Law Report, Vol. 4, No. 44 (Dec. 8, 2011).