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Council Member’s Message - August 2025
Dear members and friends of SCL(S),
It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to the 77th edition of the SCL (Singapore) newsletter.
This edition comes hot on the heels of our 2025 AGM and Annual Dinner, which were held on 21 August at OSO Ristorante, Oasia Hotel Downtown. I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our gracious hosts on the night, as well as our events committee of course, who all worked tirelessly to make our event such a success. Further details and photos are shared below for those who were unable to attend.
On a personal note, as we enter into Singapore’s 61st year, I would like to take this opportunity to share my thoughts on working in the construction industry in Singapore for the past 10+ years.
It seems to me that there is no end to the new and exciting construction projects being embarked upon in this wonderful country. The high-profile commencement of Changi Airport Terminal 5, as well as the fourth tower at MBS remind us that Singapore is ever ambitious to remain ranked among the world’s top tourist destinations. ....
Chris Rudland
Council Member, SCL (Singapore)
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Article(s)
Date of damage or Discovery? Unravelling Section 24A of the Limitation Act 1959 (2020 Rev Ed)
Introduction
At the heart of a claim for latent building defects is a question of timing – when does the injured party (e.g. a building owner) have a right to sue for latent defects? How long will they have to commence action under Singapore law?
The Appellate Division has clarified these questions in the case of Management Corporation Strata Title Plan No 4099 V KTP Consultants Pte Ltd [2024] SGHC(A) 32 (“MCST v KTP”) in relation to Section 24A of the Limitation Act 1959 (2020 Rev Ed) (the “LA”). However, a recent decision by the English Supreme Court potentially signals the unravelling of the Singapore position in the future.
Singapore’s position on limitation of tortious claims for building defects
Under Singapore law, limitation of actions is dealt with by the LA....
Contributed by: Divyesh Menon & Nikolas Tong - Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP
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Singapore: Construing a Performance Bond – Whether Indemnity or On-Demand
In brief
As part of their obligations under typical building and construction contracts, performance bonds are commonly provided by contractors to employers as assurance that they will properly carry out the works and services as promised under contract.
Parties are free to agree on the form and substance of such performance bonds. In the Tradesmen Pte Ltd v. Ten-League Corporations Pte Ltd [2025] SGHC 114 case, the General Division of the Singapore High Court considered the principles applicable to the construction of performance bonds, particularly in cases of ambiguity. This decision serves as a timely reminder that the Singapore courts will uphold the parties’ contractual and commercial bargain as agreed under their performance bonds....
Contributed by: Daniel Ho & Jia Ren Lim - Baker & McKenzie, Wong & Leow
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Latest Post Event Updates
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SCL(S) 14th Annual Dinner 2025
(21 August 2025)
The Society of Construction Law - Singapore had an unforgettable evening at our 14th Annual Dinner 2025 on August 21st!
It was a fantastic night filled with great camaraderie and joviality. Our members and guests gathered at OSO Ristorante Restaurant to connect, share laughter, and celebrate the strong bonds within the construction law community. A highlight of the night was the fantastic speech by our after-dinner speaker, Ms Ellen Wong, who captivated us with a talk that was both comedic and deeply meaningful.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the event a resounding success. The spirit of friendship and collaboration was truly inspiring!
Contributed by: Lesley Tan - SCL (Singapore)
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Overcoming Issues and Challenges in Quantifying Disruption
(7 August 2025)
More than 40 people turned up to listen to Derek Nelson and Kelvin Teo Wei Xian speak on the topic of disruption on a balmy Thursday evening. This is a topic that has not received as much attention as it should, and we got an education indeed. Kelvin covered the legal basis for such claims, pointing out that much relies on the contractual terms that parties have agreed to. Derek then explained the various scenarios that disruption claims can arise in.
It was clear from the presentation that disruption claims can be very difficult to prosecute and they are not for the faint hearted! The Q&A segment was lively with the numerous questions ably handled by the speakers. All in all, it was a very edifying evening.
Contributed by: Ashok Kumar Rai - SCL (Singapore)
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AWiCS x SCL(S) Member Only Breakfast Club
(24 July 2025)
On the morning of 24 July 2025, the Association of Women in Construction (Singapore) and SCL (Singapore) hosted an inaugural small-group networking session at Lume Studio. Thoughtfully curated to facilitate meaningful conversations and foster new connections, the event brought together a dynamic group of professionals from across the construction industry.
Attendees were treated to a coffee appreciation session led by Lume, deepening their understanding of the art and science behind great coffee. The experience was complemented by excellent brews and Lume’s signature croiclairs (croissant-eclairs), which proved to be a delightful highlight. The intimate atmosphere and engaging programme encouraged open discussions among participants, laying a strong foundation for enduring professional relationships...
Contributed by: Damien Xing - SCL (Singapore)
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Strata Wars: Navigating MCST Disputes in Construction and Community
(10 July 2025)
Strata Wars: Navigating Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST) disputes in construction and community
The Strata Wars: Navigating MCST disputes in construction and community seminar on 10th July 2025 was chaired by Mr. Damien Xing, Senior lecturer at National university of Singapore, who was accompanied by speakers Mr. Kelvin Chia, Managing Director at Lumen Law Corporation, and Mr. Daniel Chen, Partner, Litigation & Dispute resolution at Lee & Lee.
Mr. Damien Xing opened the seminar with a good overview of the journey we would take through the MCST world and how disputes can arise when parties are involved in a Strata development. This really set the scene for the speakers to dive into the detail, sharing some background to MCST and previous cases involving MCST disputes...
Contributed by: Daniel Hobson - Accuracy
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