Pinsent Masons has launched a technology, media and telecoms (TMT) practice in Singapore with the hire of a team led by partner Bryan Tan from local boutique Keystone Law Corporation.

Tan, a founding member of Keystone, will join Pinsents in the Asian city state this May, alongside two associates and one trainee.

Tan, who previously worked at Baker & McKenzie in Hong Kong and 'big four' Singapore firm Rajah & Tann, advises internet and communications clients on online contracts, joint ventures, disputes, financing and regulatory issues.

He joins a team of four partners in Pinsents' Singapore office, and will also work with the firm's Asia TMT and sourcing head Peter Bullock, who is based in Hong Kong.

Pinsents Asia head Ian Laing said: "Pinsents' Asia-Pacific business has grown markedly along with those of our clients. Bryan is a significant appointment for us in Singapore given its increasing prominence as the technology services sector hub for Southeast Asia."

Pinsents currently has four offices in Asia in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing and Singapore. The UK firm, which is highly regarded for its work in the construction and projects space, is among a string of international outfits looking to ramp up its operations in the region as the European markets continue to struggle.

In Singapore, it formed a joint law venture with local firm MPillay in July 2010, becoming Pinsent Masons MPillay, which allowed the firm to practise local law in the region.