December 2024 • Issue No. 73
 

Upcoming Events

Date Title
13 February 2025


26 February 2025

 
Annual Construction Law Update 2025

Networking Cocktails 2025

 
13, 18, 20, 25 March 2025
 
Construction Law 101 (15th Run)
 

View details of
SCL(S) Council 2024-2026


 Click here


Welcome to new SCL(S) Members

November 2024 to December 2024
 
Individual Member
 
1. Andrea Clark


Post Event Updates

SPECIAL REPORT: SCL (Singapore) Conference 2024: Singapore Inc - Staying
Best in Class in Construction?

(2 October 2024)


 


13th SCL (Singapore) Annual Dinner 

(29 August 2024)


 


SCL (Singapore) Annual General Meeting 2024

(29 August 2024)


 


SEMINAR: Rewiring for Complexity: A Briefing on the Integrated Appropriate Dispute Resolution Framework (INTEGRAF) 

(14 August 2024)


 


Council Member’s Message - December 2024

Dear members and friends of SCL(S),

As 2024 draws to a close, we are thrilled to present this December edition of our newsletter.

In early December, we hosted an enlightening webinar on "NEC4: Collaborative Features and Implementation in Singapore and the Region." Our distinguished speakers, John Battersby and Shy Jackson, shared valuable insights into the key features of the NEC4 suite of contracts, and practical strategies for the successful implementation of NEC4 in Singapore-based projects. We have included a post-event update in this newsletter to capture the essence of the discussions.

This edition also features two thought-provoking articles that delve into pertinent issues within construction law:

  • Sinyee Ong provides an in-depth look at key terms of all-risks insurance policies. Understanding the nuances of all-risks insurance policies is vital for navigating damage and defect claims, and this article offers valuable insights into typical coverage and limitations.
  • Eugene Lee and Derek Tay's article on "Statutory Limitation Periods Under Singapore’s Security of Payment Act (SOPA): Preparing for 2025" is particularly timely. With statutory limitation periods for contracts under the old SOPA regime expiring soon, this piece serves as a crucial reminder for stakeholders to act swiftly in asserting their claims or achieving settlements.

As we look forward to the new year, let us continue to embrace collaboration, learning, and innovation. Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement with the SCL(S). We eagerly anticipate another year of growth and progress.

Wishing all a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year.

Damien Xing
Council Member, SCL (Singapore)

Article(s)

Insurance Point of View: Dealing With Damage and Defects on a Construction Project

Introduction

Insurance, especially all-risks insurance policies, are almost a must-have for all major construction projects these days. Despite the ubiquitous nature of insurance policies in the construction sector, there is still a lack of proper understanding of insurance concepts. Often, insureds may not be familiar with the extent of coverage, or may not be well-versed with how insurance claims are dealt with.

The purpose of this article is to provide a high-level overview of the typical coverage of an all-risks insurance policy with respect to damage and/or defects occurring on...


Contributed by: Sinyee Ong - Chua & Partners LLP


 

Statutory Limitation Periods Under Singapore’s Security of Payment Act (SOPA): Preparing for 2025

The Security of Payment Act (“SOPA”) is designed to improve cash flow for the construction industry. An often overlooked aspect of SOPA is its statutory limitation periods, which dictate the time limits within which claims can be made under SOPA.

The SOPA was amended in 2019 (“2019 Amendments”) and applies to contracts entered into on or after 15 December 2019 (“New Contracts”). The 2019 Amendments introduced new statutory limitation periods for claims under SOPA.

At the same time, the Security of Payment Act 2004 (“SOPA 2004”) in force prior to the 2019 Amendments continues to apply for contracts entered into before 15 December 2019 (“Old Contracts”). As 2025 beckons, an important milestone looms for...


Contributed by: Eugene Lee and Derek Tay – Nishimura & Asahi (Singapore) LLP


 

Latest Post Event Updates

WEBINAR: NEC4: Collaborative Features and Implementation in Singapore and the Region

(5 December 2024)


The webinar began with the esteemed speakers being introduced by SCL(S) Immediate Past Chair, Ms. Moon Kua. The subject matter was particularly poignant following the Building and Construction Authority’s announcement on 29 April 2024 that an NEC4 contract for construction and engineering projects in Singapore was being launched, complete with a set of NEC4 Y (SG) clauses to align with the laws of Singapore.

First up was Mr. John Battersby, a self-proclaimed “claimsman”, and Group Director of BKAsiaPacific Limited in Hong Kong.  Mr. Battersby began with a brief history of the use of NEC contracts for Hong Kong based projects, and then moved on to the benefits he perceived NEC had over its more traditional predecessors.  Of particular note was his experience that projects administered by NEC contracts ran into significantly fewer disputes, which are well known to be costly and...

Contributed by: Chris Rudland - Leighton Asia (Singapore)

 

 


 

















 
Newsletter Editor 2024 - 2025:  Chris Rudland

Society of Construction Law (Singapore)
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