TSMP Law Corporation

Construction & Engineering, Litigation, International Arbitration

Partner, Co-head of Construction & Engineering

Derek is a partner and co-head of the construction practice of the firm. Since commencing practice, Derek has focused on the area of construction, engineering and infrastructure law. His experience in construction and engineering law is extensive and encompasses practically the entire spectrum of construction legal practice, ranging from drafting of construction contracts and advising on financing structures in relation thereto, to dispute resolution, litigation and arbitration. His practice has seen him advise on and undertake drafting work for complex civil engineering contracts such as power plants, refinery plants and subway rail systems and road networks both within Singapore and regionally. He has experience in practically all major variants of construction contracts and is familiar with most international construction forms. His work has a multi-jurisdictional aspect and Derek has advised and represented clients in relation to construction and civil engineering projects and transactions in Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Australia and the Republic of Palau. His recent major briefs include representing a major international specialist contractor from Japan both in contract negotiations and dispute resolution in relation to their projects in Singapore including the construction of the Sky Park at the Marina Bay Sands. Acting for a major publicly listed specialist features, events and displays company in the resolution of claims relating to the Universal Studios Resorts World Sentosa project. Advising on the negotiation of an EPC Contract in Indonesia for an Out Of Pit Crushing and Conveying System in Indonesia. Advising and acted for a specialist oil and gas sub-contractor in their payment claims arising from their works in connection with a petro-chemical refinery on Jurong Island. Acting for a specialist contractor in their claims relating to major civil engineering works for the restoration and improvement of a national monument building. Advising one of the largest international oil and gas major in relation to their redevelopment and expansion of their facilities in Japan. Advising a major specialist Japanese contractor in their bid for the design and construction of a major waste and waste to energy plant I Hong Kong. Representing a major international sub-structure contractor in their claims relating to the construction of a sub-way system with a contract sum of approximately $600 million as well as their potential claims against an international materials supplier. Representing a major technology infrastructure corporation in relation to their construction and development of a technology infrastructure centre in Hong Kong. Clients: Digital Realty, GS Engineering Corporation, JFE Engineering Corporation, Chevron, Soletanche-Bachy, Singapore Refinery Corporation, Singapore LNG. Accolades: Leading Lawyer (Dispute Resolution, Construction & Real Estate) Asia Law Leading Lawyers 2014 ‘very able lawyer’ – Asia Pacific Legal 500, 2005/2006.

Barrister-at-Law (Middle Temple) England (1991). Admitted as an advocate and solicitor to the Supreme Court of the Republic of Singapore (January 1993). Derek also sits on the Boards of the following companies that are publicly listed on the Singapore Exchange: Vibrant Group Ltd, as independent non-executive Director.Metech Ltd, as independent non-executive Director. Vietnam Enterprise Investments Limited (which is listed on the Exchange of Ireland), as independent non-executive Director. Board of Governors of St Joseph’s Institution, Singapore. Trustee and member of the management committee of SJI Foundation, a charitable institution.

English, Mandarin.

Singapore Academy of Law; Law Society of Singapore; Inquiry Panel; Singapore Institute of Arbitrators.

Saint Joseph’s Institution (1979 to 1982); Raffles Junior College (1983 to 1984). Degree: Master of Arts (Law) with Honours from Cambridge University (graduated in July 1990).