Dear SCL(S) members,

A warm welcome to the September 2021 newsletter.

At the time of writing this message, we have just hosted our first hybrid format of a very successful SCL(S) Annual Construction Law Conference. A separate coverage on the Conference will be published, suffice to say that it was well received by the healthy number of attendees.

In this edition of the newsletter, you will find an infographic contributed by Harry Elias Partnership titled “What You Need to Know About…The COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020 in Singapore”. The infographic comes in timely and takes stock of the relief measures that have been implemented by the Singapore government so far to assist the construction industry including the new Part 10A under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020 which came into operation from 6 August 2021 to assist parties in resolving the key issue of increased manpower costs.

We are grateful to James Howells QC of Atkin Chambers for his informative piece on Triple Point Technology Inc v PTT Public Company Limited [2021] UKSC 29. The Supreme Court decision brings welcome clarity and restores the orthodox interpretation of the liquidated damages clauses which allows liquidated damages to be recovered until the point at which the contract is terminated. The decision also recognised principles relating to the interpretation of limitation of liability provisions.

You will also find post-event updates on the webinars entitled “Limitation Periods in Construction Disputes – An International Perspective”, “Intellectual Property in Construction” and also coverage on the Society’s Annual General Meeting held last month.

All of these would not have been possible without the support from members. Please continue to keep an eye on our events in the coming months.

See you virtually at our next event!

Moon Kua
Vice-Chair, SCL (Singapore)