Former Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong has been appointed Distinguished Fellow at the National University of Singapore (NUS) law faculty, said the university in a statement on Tuesday.

Under the appointment, which takes effect the same day, Mr Chan will pursue research and writing projects, and engage students through lectures and more informal "fireside chats." The term of appointment is on an honorary basis and will be for an initial period of three years, said NUS Law.

Mr Chan, who was among the pioneer batch of NUS law graduates in 1961, said in a statement: "I am delighted to be able to return to the NUS Law School where it all began," adding that the appointment would give many opportunities to encourage and interact with students.

NUS Law dean Simon Chesterman said that it was a "tremendous honour" to welcome Mr Chan, who retired last November after a more than 50-year career. This included time in private practice, as a judge and most recently CJ, a position he served in for six years.