Jan 2012 - The Law Society of Singapore
Transcription
Jan 2012 - The Law Society of Singapore
An Official Publication of The Law Society of Singapore | January 2012 lity: Eyeing the Emplo i b a i L s u o i yer Vicar R R www.lawgazette.com.sg TAlk TO US whEN ThE NUmbERS DON’T ADD Up. AND ESpECIAllY whEN ThEY DO. ©2011 FTI Consulting, Inc. All rights reserved. Numbers can hide as much as they reveal. That’s why you need someone who can look at them, and beyond them, with a trained eye, and turn them into your star witness. FTI Consulting is a global leader in business advisory services, including forensic accounting. Leveraging a depth of industry expertise, we provide multidisciplinary solutions to complex challenges and opportunities to help clients protect and enhance their enterprise value. To find out more about how FTI Consulting can help make the numbers tell the truth and nothing but the truth, please call +65.6831.7820 or visit www.fticonsulting﹣asia.com. GLOBAL RISK AND INVESTIGATIONS CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS FORENSIC ACCOUNTING AND ADVISORY SERVICES INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION CORPORATE FINANCE/RESTRUCTURING STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY President’s Message President’s Speech at the Opening of the Legal Year 2012 This was the address of the President at the Opening of the Legal Year on 6 January 2012. May it please Your Honours, Chief Justice, Justices of Appeal, and Justices of the Supreme Court. Before I start, I would like to welcome our overseas guests - Pengiran Hajah Rostaina binte Pengiran Haji Duraman, Registrar of the Supreme Court of Brunei; and from our sister bar associations – Mr Lim Chee Wee, President of Malaysian Bar Council; Mr Kumar Ramanathan SC, Chairman of Hong Kong Bar Association; and Mr Junius Ho, President of Hong Kong Law Society, to the Opening of Legal Year 2012. It may be recalled that last year, Your Honour the Chief Justice remarked that the post of President of Law Society is “the least enviable legal job in Singapore”. So I should perhaps explain briefly why I am still before Your Honours this year. The simple fact of the matter is that the job had gotten less unenviable during the course of the year. There was no contest for the President’s post but there was a contest for the two Vice-Presidents’ posts. So I guess this suggests that the VP’s job is certainly less unenviable than the President’s job! Nonetheless, I must mention that we do have a very cohesive Council, and we have been able to achieve many of the main targets we set out at the beginning of last year. First of all, the modernisation of the secretariat continues, and we hope to see even more improvements this year. Second, there have been very striking developments in the criminal bar. Your Honour the Chief Justice may recall expressing some concerns last year about the quality of the criminal bar. I am happy to report that Council have worked very hard to respond to Your Honour’s concerns. In relation to LASCO, we have entered into discussions with the Supreme Court Registry to range the lawyers into two tiers. Lawyers of sufficient experience and ability will be put into Tier One and less experienced lawyers will be in Tier Two. Only lawyers in Tier One will be allowed to be lead counsel in a capital offence case. This will ensure that accused will have the best possible representation. Your Honour the Chief Justice has also responded to our request to increase the honorarium for assigned lawyers taking on LASCO cases. Council accepts Your Honour’s view that a lawyer should not be motivated by money alone to do his part for charity. But the reality is that some lawyers do need that small increase in honorarium, so we are happy to note that Your Honour accepts that reality. It is a pity that the Straits Times banner on Thursday 15 December 2011 “Higher fees fail to attract lawyers: Lasco” completely missed the point. I am also happy to report that the Senior Counsel Forum has responded to our request to assist in the development of the criminal bar. This of course follows again from Your Honour’s remarks last year about the quality of the criminal bar. The Senior Counsel Forum will set up a team, led by Mr Michael Khoo, Senior Counsel, which will mentor the younger criminal lawyers, and if necessary, act as lead counsel in a particular case. They will do so pro bono. These are early days yet, but I am confident that with support from the Senior Counsel Forum, we will be able to enhance the standards of the criminal bar to the point where all stakeholders will be proud to be part of LASCO, the Straits Times notwithstanding. The involvement of lawyers in LASCO is of course part of the Society’s commitment to providing legal assistance to members of the public. This has resulted in the setting up of an umbrella Pro Bono Scheme, which in turn houses the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme - CLAS. CLAS has existed for 40 years, and it is a record which the Society is justly proud of. But support from various sources has been key to the viability of CLAS. I just want to mention one supporter this year. That is Professor S Jayakumar, until recently the Minister for Law. Professor Jayakumar had been helping CLAS to raise funds for the last 17 years. Each year, he put in tremendous efforts to get golfers to take part in the Society’s Golf Day to raise funds for CLAS. Each year, very much because of his efforts, we managed to raise between $150,000 to Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Contents President’s Speech at the Opening of the Legal Year 2012 01 Diary and Upcoming Events Council Bulletin: Members of the 2012 Council Legal Profession (Solicitors’ Accounts) (Amendment No 2) Rules 2011 Fact Sheet Conveyancing Practice Committee’s Circular 4 of 2011 Practical Tips for Solicitors Holding Unclaimed Conveyancing Money in Client Account Inaugural Criminal Law Conference NUS Pro Bono Seminar Series 2011 06 07 08 08 Features Vicarious Liability: The Close Connection Test and the Skandinaviska Decision International Intellectual Property Arbitration: How to Use it Efficiently? The Role of Trademarks in Myanmar: A Glance at the Trademark Registration System of Myanmar 21 27 31 Columns Pro Bono Publico — Writing an Emotional Will – Lessons on Living in Reverse 36 Lifestyle Alter Ego — The Singapore Happiness Index Travel — La Flora Resort, Patong Food — Collisions in the Mouth – It’s the New Year Again 38 40 43 Notices Professional Moves Information on Wills 47 49 President’s Message News Appointments 50 The Singapore Law Gazette The Law Society’s Mission Statement To serve our members and the communitty by sustaining a competent and independent Bar which upholds the rule of law and ensures access to justice. An Official Publication of The Law Society of Singapore The Law Society of Singapore 39 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058673 Tel: (65) 6538 2500 Fax: (65) 6533 5700 Website: http://www.lawsociety.org.sg E-mail: lawsoc@lawsoc.org.sg The Council of The Law Society of Singapore President Mr Wong Meng Meng, SC Vice Presidents Mr Lok Vi Ming, SC Mr Leo Cheng Suan Treasurer Mr Kelvin Wong Mr Rajan Menon, Mr Young Chee Foong, Mr Lim Seng Siew, Ms Kuah Boon Theng, Ms Eng Yaag Ngee Rachel, Mr Thio Shen Yi, SC, Ms Lisa Sam Hui Min, Mr Michael S Chia, Mr 10 17 LexisNexis 3 Killiney Road, # 08-08, Winsland House 1, Singapore 239519 Tel: (65) 6733 1380 Fax: (65) 6733 1719 http://www.lawgazette.com.sg ISSN 1019-942X Moiz Haider Sithawalla, Mr Koh Theng Jer Christopher, Mr Anand Nalachandran, Mr Sean Francois La’Brooy, Mr Lee Terk Yang, Mr Ong Pang Yew Shannon, Ms Tang Bik Kwan Hazel, Ms Kang Yixian, Ms Simran Kaur Toor Editorial Board Mr Gregory Vijayendran, Ms Malathi Das, Mr Rajan Chettiar, Ms Celeste Ang, Mr Chua Sui Tong, Mr Han Wah Teng, Ms Hazel Tang, Mr Looi Teck Kheong, Mr Marcus Yip, Mr Melvin See, Mr Prakash Pillai The Law Society Secretariat Chief Operating Officer / Chief Financial Officer Ms Tan Su-Yin Chief Legal Officer Mr Alvin Chen Communications Mr Shawn Toh Compliance Mr Kenneth Goh Conduct Ms Ambika Rajendram Ms Vimala Chandrarajan Continuing Professional Development Ms Julia Wan Finance Ms Jasmine Liew Mr Clifford Hang Information Technology Mr Michael Ho Pro Bono Services Mr Tanguy Lim Ms Shahrany Binte Hassan Publications Ms Sharmaine Lau Representation & Law Reform Mr Alvin Chen Publishing Reed Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd trading as LexisNexis Publishing Manager Ivan Yap Editor Chandranie Cover Design Ryan Yee Designer Ryan Yee Web Administrator Jessica Wang Advertising and Sales Director Jumaat Sulong For Advertising Enquiries Tel: (65) 6349 0172 Email: jumaat.sulong@lexisnexis.com Printing Markono Print Media Pte Ltd LexisNexis, a division of Reed Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd, is a leading provider of legal and professional information in Asia, with offices in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, India, England, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa. The complete range of works published by LexisNexis include law reports, legal indexes, major works, looseleaf serivces, textbooks, electronice products and other reference works for Asia. Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 The Singapore Law Gazette is the official publication of the Law Society of singapore. Copyright in all material published in journal is retained by the Law Society. no part of this journal may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including recording and photocopying without the written permission of the copyright holder, application for which should be addressed to the law society. Written permission must also be obtained before any part of this publication is stored in a retrieval system of any nature. the journal does not accept liability for any views, opinions, or advice given in the journal. Further, the contents of the journal do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the publisher, the Law Society or members of the Law Society and no liability is accepted or members of the Law Society and no liability is accepted in relation thereto. Advertisements appearing within this publication should not be taken to imply any direct support for, or sympathy with the views and aims of the publisher or the Law Society. Circulation 5,000 Subscription Fee S$228.00 (inclusive of GST) for 12 issues President’s Message $200,000. Last year, when Professor Jayakumar stepped down from the Cabinet, he informed us that he would no longer assist us to raise funds. But behind the scenes, he was still calling his friends to support us; he was also calling on the Attorney-General’s Chambers and Ministry of Law to assist the Society. So last year, we collected a sum of slightly over $300,000! On behalf of CLAS, the Law Society and all those who have benefitted from the CLAS scheme, I want to say a big “thank you” to Professor Jayakumar. While still on the subject of CLAS, I want to talk a bit more about the Society's Pro Bono programme. I talked about it last year, but this year is different as Council wants to concentrate on making pro bono a pillar activity of the Society and the profession for the new year. Pro bono of course encompasses criminal legal aid, not just civil legal aid. But in relation to the lawyer, what work done by a lawyer would qualify as pro bono work? I think a lawyer who does free work for a regular client cannot call this pro bono work even if he does not charge his client. This is because he expects to be rewarded one way or the other by his client later, perhaps with another piece of fee-paying work. So to qualify as pro bono work, it has to be work for an indigent stranger without expectation of reward (at least not in this life). Much has been done in many other countries to promote pro bono work. This has been so much a way of life in some countries that some clients will not give work to a law firm unless it is satisfied with the pro bono record of the law firm. And to cultivate that culture further, many national law associations prescribe or recommend a minimum number of hours of pro bono work that a lawyer must perform in a year. The American Bar Association recommends 50 hours per lawyer per year. The Australian Law Society recommends a minimum of 35 hours per lawyer per year. So what happens to foreign lawyers who work in Singapore? Obviously they cannot satisfy the recommendations of their professional associations as they are not working in their home country. They also cannot advise on matters of Singapore law in Singapore, so they are deprived of the opportunity to provide pro bono work. I would suggest that these foreign lawyers contribute cash equal to the value of the pro bono hours recommended by their national associations to our Pro Bono programme. I must confess that my suggestion is not original. Your Honour the Chief Justice may recall that last year and the year before you called on Singapore lawyers who are not actually performing pro bono work to contribute cash equivalent to 25 hours of their charge-out rates. I believe that foreign lawyers can well do the same. They no doubt contribute to our economy and also to a more vibrant legal community. But like the Singapore lawyers, they do enjoy a high standard of living here, so like our Singapore lawyers, it would be nice if they can help our less privileged citizens. Ultimately lawyers must regard the practice of law as part of public service. It is very well to make good money, but public service means making a contribution to society at large. This is especially so for lawyers, or for that matter, any other professional or businessman who has benefitted from the system. I would like to believe that every lawyer will accept that pro bono work is part of the DNA of his profession. Before I end off, I wish to add a little bit more about the work that the Society has been doing. And this is our continuing attempts to assist the smaller firms. Some lawyers are known to have gone around claiming that the Council is pro-big firm. Nothing can be further from the truth. I had spent more time last year meeting up with lawyers from the smaller firms than lawyers from the bigger firms. I had also initiated more programmes for the smaller firms. Your Honours may recall that last year, I announced a programme to assist the small firms by way of training their secretaries and support staff. I received some rather negative response to that suggestion. So we held that off. But late last year, we organised the first training session and it was well received. Not only did we have good attendance, but we also had good questions. So the organisers will arrange more of such sessions. In conclusion, may I assure Your Honour of the support of my members for the Judiciary in all Courts. I also reaffirm our commitment to co-operate with the officers of the AttorneyGeneral’s Chambers in the administration of justice and to combine efficiency with justice in all cases coming before the Courts. I also extend to Your Honour, Chief Justice, and all your colleagues on the Bench, as well as the Minister for Law and the Attorney-General our best wishes for a successful year ahead. ► Wong Meng Meng, Senior Counsel President The Law Society of Singapore Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 News Diary and Upcoming Events Diary December 2011 Legal Secretarial Course: Foundation Module — General Introduction to Working in a Singapore Law Practice Organised by the Continuing Professional Development Department 5.00pm - 7.30pm Law Society Conference Room Upcoming Events February 2012 February 2012 February 2012 Lunar New Year Luncheon 14th Legal Practice Management Course 2012 The Annual Bowling Masters 2012 12.30-2.00pm Subordinate Courts Bar Room 9.00am-5.00pm NTUC Business Centre 9.30am Marine Bowl, East Coast Parkway Members of the 2012 Council The members of the 2012 Council of the Law Society of Singapore are as follows: 1. Wong Meng Meng, SC – President 2. Lok Vi Ming, SC – Vice-President 3. Leo Cheng Suan – Vice-President 4. Kelvin Wong – Treasurer 5. Rajan Menon 6. Young Chee Foong 7. Lim Seng Siew* 8. Kuah Boon Theng* 9. Eng Yaag Ngee Rachel# 10. Thio Shen Yi, SC# 11. Lisa Sam Hui Min 12. Michael S Chia* 13. Moiz Haider Sithawalla^ 14. Koh Theng Jer Christopher 15. Anand Nalachandran 16. Sean Francois La’Brooy 17. Lee Terk Yang 18. Ong Pang Yew Shannon^ 19. Tang Bik Kwan Hazel^ 20. Kang Yixian 21. Simran Kaur Toor * – Statutory member appointed by the Council under s 48(1)(c) Legal Profession Act # – Statutory member appointed by the Minister under s 48(1)(b) Legal Profession Act ^ – Member appointed by the Council pursuant to s 53(1) Legal Profession Act Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 News Council Bulletin Council Update 10 November 2011 Law Cares – Partnership with Lien Foundation Council approved a proposed partnership between the Lien Foundation and the Law Cares programme of the Law Society in 2012 which will include outreach programmes for the elderly. Regional Insolvency Conference Council noted that the Insolvency Practice Committee would be organising a Regional Insolvency Conference in May or July 2012. Invitation to Foreign Bar Associations to Attend Opening of the Legal Year 2012 Council agreed to extend invitations to the national bar associations of Brunei, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam to attend the opening of the legal year, in addition to Hong Kong and Malaysia who have traditionally been invited. 14 December 2011 Law Society’s Conditions of Sale Council agreed to the launch of the Law Society’s Conditions of Sale in January 2012, which contains amendments to the same. The publication will be available at no charge to members. Appointment of the Law Society of Singapore Pro Bono Learning and Support Services Management Committee Council resolved to appoint the following persons as members of the Pro Bono Management Committee from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2013: 1. Arfat Selvam; 2. Christopher Koh (Council representative); 3. George Lim, SC; 4. Kelvin Wong (Treasurer); 5. Malathi Das; 6. N Sreenivasan; and 7. Thio Shen Yi, SC (Council representative) Pro Bono Friendly Certification Scheme for Law Practices Council gave in principle approval for the introduction of a basic uniform certification scheme through which a law practice could obtain pro bono friendly certification. Details will be available in due course. Law Awareness for Youths – Project Schools Council approved the proposed launch dates and budget for Project Schools for 2012, which is an initiative to create law awareness amongst students in secondary schools on current legal issues that youths can identify with. The project will be self-funded and will serve to educate students and promote the Law Society as an organisation that gives back to the community by facilitating access to justice. Collaboration with Employer Alliance and Singapore National Employers Federation Council noted that the Law Society will be collaborating with Employer Alliance and the Singapore National Employers Federation to hold a seminar for members on the availability of various government funds for law practices to obtain financial assistance or to enhance productivity. Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 News Practice Information Legal Profession (Solicitors’ Accounts) (Amendment No 2) Rules 2011 Fact Sheet This fact sheet provides a guide to the amendments to the Legal Profession (Solicitors’ Accounts) Rules (“SAR”), introduced by the Legal Profession (Solicitors’ Accounts) (Amendment No 2) Rules 2011 which have been gazetted and came into operation on 25 November 2011 (“Amendment Rules”). The amendments were made for “unclaimed conveyancing money” (as defined in the Amendment Rules) that were deposited in the client account before 1 August 2011 to be continued to be held in the client account for the time being, instead of having to transfer such money to a conveyancing account by 31 December 2011, ie, upon the expiry of the transitional framework set out in the Conveyancing and Law of Property (Conveyancing) Rules 2011, as amended on 25 November 2011 (“CLP Rules”). Amendments to Legal Profession (Solicitors’ Accounts) Rules 1. Notwithstanding the SAR or the CLP Rules, any conveyancing money or anticipatory conveyancing money (as defined in the CLP Rules) that were deposited in the solicitor’s client account before 1 August 2011 can continue to be held in the client account for the time being: a. in any case, where the money is unclaimed conveyancing money until the money is drawn from the client account; or b. in any other case, for a period of five months beginning on 1 August 2011. [Rule 17(1) of the SAR] 2. “Unclaimed conveyancing money” is defined as “any conveyancing money or anticipatory conveyancing money deposited into a solicitor’s client account before 1 August 2011 which the solicitor is unable to pay to the person entitled to be paid the money by reason that: a. the solicitor is unable to ascertain: i. whether that person exists; or ii. the address of that person; b. the solicitor has tendered to that person, but that person has not accepted, the money; c. the solicitor has tendered the money to that person by a cheque, but that person has not encashed the cheque; or d. despite the making of reasonable efforts, the solicitor is unable to tender the money to that person”. [Rule 17(3) of the SAR] 3. The prohibition against a solicitor holding or receiving any anticipatory conveyancing money belonging to another person is subject to r 17 of the SAR. [Rule 3(1B) of the SAR] 4. Any money held by the solicitor under r 5(4) of the CLP Rules may be paid into a client account. [Rule 4(f) of the SAR] 5. Unclaimed conveyancing money held in the client account under r 17(1)(a) of the SAR and money paid into the client account under rr 4(1)(e) and (1)(f) of the SAR ie, money held by a solicitor under r 5(3) and 5(4) of the CLP Rules, may be withdrawn in the same way as client’s money. [Rule 7(1) of the SAR] 6. The amendment to r 11(6) amends a typographical error therein, where the reference to “client’s account” is replaced with “client account”. [Rule 11(6) of the SAR] Conveyancing Practice Committee’s Circular 4 of 2011 Practical Tips for Solicitors Holding Unclaimed Conveyancing Money in Client Account This Circular provides practical tips to solicitors who wish to determine whether the conveyancing money deposited in the client account before 1 August 2011 are unclaimed conveyancing money (“UCM”) as defined in r 17(3) of the Legal Profession (Solicitors’ Accounts) Rules (“SAR”), as amended by the Legal Profession (Solicitors’ Accounts) (Amendment No 2) Rules 2011 (“SA(A2)R2011”). Please refer to the Law Society’s Fact Sheet on SA(A2)R2011 dated 25 November 2011 for details of the amendments. Practical Tips for Solicitors Holding Unclaimed Conveyancing Money 1. Solicitors should take immediate steps to peruse their files, accounts sheets and other records to check whether their law practice is holding any conveyancing money (deposited before 1 August 2011) in their client account, and determine whether the moneys remaining in the client account: a. are “conveyancing” money; and b. fall within the definition of UCM under r 17(3) of the SAR. Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 News Practice Information 2. Where files have been archived and no electronic records were kept, solicitors should retrieve these files to check the nature of the transaction (to determine whether the moneys are conveyancing moneys), the reason why the moneys are still remaining in the account and the steps taken to disburse the moneys to the entitled party, if any (to determine whether the moneys are unclaimed). 3. Where a solicitor is holding small amounts of unpaid legal costs and disbursements in the client account for which an invoice has yet to be rendered, the solicitor should render invoices for these amounts and fulfill the prescribed requirements before deducting the amounts from the client account (see: r 7(1)(a)(iv) of the SAR and Council’s Practice Direction 2 of 2011 dated 1 August 2011). 4. Where the solicitor is able to ascertain that the entitled payee exists or his address, the solicitor should take immediate steps to tender the money to the entitled payee, if this has not been done. The money is UCM if: (i) the solicitor has tendered it by way of cheque or otherwise, but the person has not accepted the money/ encashed the cheque (r 17(3)(b)-(c)); or (ii) the solicitor is unable to tender the money to that person, despite making reasonable efforts (r 17(3)(d)). 5. The law practice bears the burden of determining that it has sufficient basis to claim from the client, reasonable disbursements for costs incurred in ascertaining the particulars of the entitled payee and/or tendering the money to the entitled payee. 6.Solicitors holding UCM can consider opening a separate client account for purely holding unclaimed conveyancing moneys to facilitate proper record keeping and accounting of these moneys. 7. Law practices should have in place a system of proper accounting and reporting of UCM to ensure smooth and efficient transfer of UCM to the appropriate entity if subsequently required to do so. This Circular outlines the practical tips for solicitors holding unclaimed conveyancing money in clients’ accounts. Please note that while all efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this Circular, readers should refer directly to the relevant text of the legislation and ensure that the relevant provisions are applicable to the reader’s specific circumstances before dealing with any money relating to a conveyancing transaction. Date: 25 November 2011 >> IN-HOUSE Q&A WITH JLEGAL Michael Own Michael Own | EMC Regional Legal Counsel, Asia Pacific/Japan | EMC Legal capability Across Asia Pacific/Japan, I have 8 lawyers, 3 legal assistants and 1 support staff. Main external counsels We have relationships with several global law firms and various local law firms in all the countries where we operate. We retain law firms and lawyers that are appropriate for the project, matter, expertise and country(s) involved. jlegal your global legal recruitment partner In your opinion, why have in-house lawyers become an increasingly indispensable part of an organisation? The business, legal, and regulatory environment has become increasing more complex. An in-house lawyer that understands a company's business, products and strategies and can explain the macro sociopolitical environment and legal and regulatory regimes that the business operates in would be able to provide pro-active business focused and implementable legal advice whilst protecting the company. If the in-house legal department cannot demonstrate the above, management will likely view the legal department as a legal service provider and contract documentation department. An effective in-house lawyer will hopefully work closely with all business and functional sales folks and leaders across the company. This broader insight will allow the in-house lawyer to have a more macro and balanced view of the business and enable the lawyer to be part of the business decision-making process at the outset. Finally, there is also increasing focus on compliance and corporate governance on various In recent times, the role of the General Counsel has diversified into a multi faceted role (where the General Counsel can wear the 'hat' of Lawyer, Legal Manager, Compliance Manager, and Company Secretary). In your opinion, do you believe this has increased your risk profile? I think the increased multi-faceted role has enhanced the in-house lawyer's ability to demonstrate value to the business to be a full business partner to the business. The easiest way to avoid risk is to do nothing which means the business comes to a stop. It is likely more effective to understand that all decisions and actions have risk, understand the risk, consequences of the risk, what risk is acceptable to the business, and how to manage those risks that a business has to take. A General Counsel should develop a good team, set the direction, delegate where necessary. and allow his team to perform. What is the best advice you have ever received? This is not an easy question to answer since I have received excellent advice from various people over the years. I think it is to take your work but not yourself seriously. Also, a quote from Winston Churchill is instructive - "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty". Contact JLegal e | singapore@jlegal.com t | singapore 65 6818 9701 www.jlegal.com Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 singapore hong kong melbourne sydney london uae News Criminal Law Conference Inaugural Criminal Law Conference The inaugural Criminal Law Conference was held on 13 and 14 October 2011. It was jointly organised through the sheer grit and determination of the Law Society of Singapore, the Attorney-General’s Chambers, the Association of Criminal Lawyers of Singapore and the Singapore Academy of Law. It was the first time that a conference of such scale and dedicated purely to criminal law was being held in Singapore. Going by the success that greeted the event, it will certainly not be the last. Over the two event-filled days, the Conference brought together Judges, prosecutors, practitioners, academics and policy-makers who engaged in an exciting discourse on various issues of concern to stakeholders in the criminal justice system. The broad spectrum of topics explored included Sentencing Options for the Courts in Singapore, the role of Experts in Criminal Practice, Prosecutorial Discretion as well as Securities and Financial Crimes in the modern world. Distinguished speakers and panellists, all experts in their own fields, shared their views and experiences. We were privileged to have some special overseas guests with us. Lord Peter Goldsmith QC PC, the former AttorneyGeneral of the UK and currently an eminent barrister, gave an enlightening keynote lecture on Prosecutorial Discretion. Datin Seri Paduka Hayati Salleh, the Attorney-General of Brunei, presented an insightful perspective on the topic of Confessions and Police Statements. Mr Kevin Zervos SC, the Director of Public Prosecutions of Hong Kong, gave an engaging presentation on issues surrounding the investigation and prosecution of Securities and Financial Crimes. Their personal experiences and the perspectives gleaned from the practice of criminal law in their respective jurisdictions proved invaluable, especially during the panel discussion on Prosecutorial Discretion which featured all of the aforementioned speakers as well as the Honourable Attorney-General, Mr Sundaresh Menon and Senior Deputy Public Prosecutor of the Attorney-General’s Chambers of Malaysia, Datuk Wira Kamaludin. Apart from the talks and panel discussions, a session was set aside for speakers and delegates to share freely about the excitement and rewards of a career in criminal legal practice. The passion and conviction exhibited during the various panel discussions and the intense and enthusiastic debates serve as a strong reminder that criminal law remains a field of choice for many. A fair number of young lawyers and law students interested in criminal law and criminal practice attended the Conference and they would have left the Conference encouraged and with new (or renewed) aspirations on the practice of criminal law. The Conference ended in “high spirits” during a sundown networking drinks session at the Singapore Cricket Club that was packed with conference participants who were well entertained by talented bands and singers from the Attorney-General’s Chambers. The momentum that the Criminal Law Conference 2011 generated did not stop at the conclusion of the event. Half a dozen working groups, each dealing with outstanding issues that arose from the Conference or recent developments in criminal law, have been set up since the Conference ended. The working groups include representatives from the AGC and the Bar and it is hoped that they can further enhance the criminal justice system in the interests of all stakeholders. This and the ever-improving relations between the Bench, AGC and the Bar certainly give cause for continued optimism for the future of the criminal justice system. ► Derek Kang Criminal Practice Committee The Law Society of Singapore Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Electronic Evidence Second Edition Electronic evidence is now recognised as the main source of evidence worldwide. It affects every aspect of law, criminal and civil, and with the internet, is even more important for all lawyers to understand and apply to daily practice. Electronic Evidence Second edition provides you with essential guidance on how to understand electronic evidence and how to use this successfully in litigation and other means of dispute resolution. Electronic evidence brings together all the issues relating to disclosure, procedure and admissibility of electronic evidence as well as comprehensive coverage of jurisdictions including Australia, Canada, the UK, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa and the USA. Key benefits of Electronic Evidence Second Edition: • • • • • Currently the only text available on this subject Enables you to advise on electronic evidence confidently Electronic evidence covers the complexities and types of electronic evidence in one source, and also makes suggestions for further reading on more technical issues, to save you time Ensures compliance with procedures and duties to the court for the disclosure of electronic evidence Electronic evidence second edition includes coverage of key foreign jurisdictions and a glossary to ease understanding New to this edition of Electronic Evidence: • • • Chapter on the practical management of digital evidence is included in this edition of electronic evidence Chapter on presumptions and digital evidence considering some false assumptions about digital evidence that have a direct bearing on the legitimacy of some findings Electronic evidence is fully updated material on the jurisdictions covered, including case law and legislation PART ONE: Fundamentals of digital evidence: The practical foundations of digital evidence, illustrated with relevant case law 1. The sources of digital evidence 2. The characteristics of digital evidence 3. Investigation and examination of digital evidence 4. Authenticity, evidential foundations and proof 5. Presumptions and digital evidence 6. Using graphical technology to present evidence 7. The practical management of digital evidence SGD 349.76 * ISBN: 9781405749121 Publication Date: 2010 Format: Hard Cover PART TWO: Country-specific chapters 8. Australia 9. Canada 10. England and Wales 11. Hong Kong 12. India 13. Ireland 14. New Zealand 15. Scotland 16. Singapore 17. South Africa 18. United States of America Appendices 1. Selected list of resources 2. The Sedona Guidelines 3. Commonwealth Draft Model Law on Electronic Evidence 4. ACPO Good Practice Guide for Computer-Based Electronic Evidence 5. Guides to ACPO from across the world Authors By Stephen Mason, Barrister, with a team of international contributors Philip Argy, Arbitrator; Derek Begg, Potter Farrelly; Stephen Brady, Barrister; Seamus E. Byrne LLB, CISSP, CCE, EnCE, MCP, Security+, Lawyer; Ruth Cannon LLB (Dub), BCL (Oxon), BL, Barrister; Steve Coughlan, Professor, Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University, Halifax Nova Scotia; Robert J. Currie, Assistant Professor, Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia; Chris Dale, Solicitor; M. James 'Jim' Daley; Brian W. Esler, Partner, Intellectual Property Group, Miller Nash LLP, Seattle; Laur Order now at our Online Bookstore www.lexisnexis.com/store/sg Online Bookstore @www.lexisnexis.com/store/sg/ Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LexisNexisSG/ To order, please contact our Customer Service at Tel: 65-6349 0110 or Email: help.sg@lexisnexis.com * Terms & Conditions Apply * 7% GST prevails. Price quoted above is before GST News Criminal Law Conference Guests at the launch of the Conference Guest-of-Honour, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law, Mr K Shanmugam The Honourable Attorney-General, Mr Sundaresh Menon Vice-President of the Law Society, Mr Lok Vi Ming, SC Judge of Appeal Justice V K Rajah Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 News Criminal Law Conference The VIPs officially launching the Conference (L to R): Mr Bala Reddy, Mr Desmond Chin and Mr Peter Fernando Senior Deputy Public Prosecutor of the AGC of Malaysia, Datuk Wira Kamaludin Justice Steven Chong A member of the audience posing a question Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 News Criminal Law Conference Mr Amarjeet Singh, SC Deputy Chief District Judge Jennifer Marie Asst Prof Mahdev Mohan Mr Derek Kang Lord Peter Goldsmith, QC, PC Director of Public Prosecutions, Hong Kong, Mr Kevin Zervos, SC Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Advertise in the Law Gazette’s Appointments section. Rajah & Tann LLP is one Pacific. Over of the large st full-‐‑servic the years , we'ʹve been e law firms many of th at the leadi in Singapore e biggest and ng edge of and the Asia highest profile near-‐‑instin Asian law, ctive unde cases in t having work rstanding he region. doing bus of the issue ed on As a resu iness here lt, w s, opportuni . We also have clients all ties and chall e'ʹve developed a the reach and over the regio enges facin the resources n, Minh City, with office g those to deliver exce as well s in Shanghai, as specialist llent service to Indonesia. 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Sim stic individ e, To firm a me termin bene ntials mana law dome w is amic Centr and ha mon Leo crede tively tion a dyn cial com , in suc and ec emic are Finan Wong with the ivalent unera acad le to eff zie. e If you a Bay equ e rem ong | Ab McKen ordanc r, or 5 PM ractiv Marin ia: Str rter er & In acc a partne Bak ld. o is 3:53:1 an att criter a self sta wor 011 ect the son wh d ntial exp 6/27/2 a per Esse ated an can com idates Motiv zie. cand cken ssful m cce er Su rs wye te La Esta .bak eers w.car ww d 1 .ind gapore dy_Sin Od 174_V CSB9 tte_ _Gaze t_Law Adver aat Sulong at +65 For enquiries, please contact Jum R R xisnexis.com 63490172 or jumaat.sulong@le News Criminal Law Conference A member of the audience raising a question to panelists AG of Brunei, Datin Seri Paduka Hayati Salleh Justice Choo Han Teck Professor Walter Woon (L to R): Mr Davinder Singh, SC and Mr Francis Xavier, SC Justice Chan Seng Onn Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 News Nus Pro Bono Seminar Dean, Prof Tan Cheng Han, SC, addresses the audience. With his support, the NUS Pro Bono Group has grown to be one of the largest student groups in the faculty NUS Pro Bono Seminar Series 2011 The NUS Pro Bono Seminar Series 2011 All About Doing Good presented two lively and interactive seminars on issues in the local pro bono scene. This seminar series was organised by the executive committee of the NUS Pro Bono Group. The first of the student-organised seminars, moderated by Mr Lim Tanguy, Director of the Law Society Pro Bono Services Office, was held on 7 September 2011. Entitled Doing Good While Doing Well, the seminar explored the concerns within the pro bono community and whether pro bono work should be mandatory. Mr N. Sreenivasan, from Straits Law Practice LLC, started the discussion by pointing out that lawyers should have the responsibility to help others in need because they are able to navigate through the legal system. Mr Chan Hian Young, the full time Pro Bono partner at Allen & Gledhill LLP, added that pro bono gives to both the provider and the recipient, and that compulsory pro bono would take away some of the intangible benefit from both parties. From the perspective of a young lawyer, Ms June Lim from Eldan Law LLP felt that pro bono should be mandatory for young lawyers in order to introduce them to pro bono or for skill-building. While law firms are ultimately concerned with the bottomline and their culture determines their attitude towards pro bono, the panel observed that the pro bono scene is continually growing in Singapore. Ms Lim highlighted the various avenues we could take to do pro bono work, such as research on legal matters, dispensing of advice at legal clinics, or helping out in organising pro bono events. Mr Chan also introduced the audience to the pioneering pro bono programme in Allen & Gledhill LLP (“A&G”), where he is the full-time Pro Bono partner. A&G’s programme focuses on charitable organisations as they require assistance to comply with an increasing number of regulations in the charity sector. Mr N. Sreenivasan also commended A&G’s programme for its effectiveness in terms of utility to society. “It may be more effective to help one person who helps 100 people than to help 100 people,” he said. The second seminar, entitled Doing Good Well, was held on 14 September 2011 and was moderated by Asst Prof Helena Whalen-Bridge, Faculty Advisor to the NUS Pro Bono Group. Our Dean, Prof Tan Cheng Han, SC, was recognised for his crucial support to the Pro Bono Group from the beginning and over the years. With his support, the Pro Bono Group has grown to be one of the faculty’s largest Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Vision Cars Sponsored Feature About Vision Cars Established in 2009, Vision Cars specialises only in preowned luxury and performance vehicles that have been in run for not more than two years. 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All you need is your name card and some room in your pocket for your new car keys! inivasan dha Sr by Vasu Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 News Nus Pro Bono Seminar Panelists for Seminar 2 (L to R): Mr Sheik Mustafa Abu Hassan, Mr Cyril Chua, Mr Thio Shen Yi, SC, Asst Prof Helena Whalen-Bridge, Ms Malathi Das and Mr Gregory Vijayendran student groups. He started the seminar by relaying that to him, the knowledge that we are giving a bit of ourselves to help people in need of legal aid is “an essential component to a fulfilling life”. The first panelist to speak was Ms Malathi Das, Partner at Joyce A Tan & Partners, who assured us that opportunities for pro bono work would always be present regardless of one’s specialisation. Mr Cyril Chua, partner at ATMD Bird and Bird LLP, seconded this and opined that “as long as [you] want to stand up and be counted, then [you] can contribute”. The third guest speaker, Mr Sheik Mustafa Abu Hassan, Senior Assistant Director of Legal Aid in the Legal Aid Bureau, shared with us how the few hours a lawyer spends on each case alleviates months of grief suffered by the person. Panelists for Seminar 1 (L to R): Mr Chan Hian Young, Mr Lim Tanguy, Ms June Lim, and Mr N. Sreenivasan Mr N. Sreenivasan shares his experience in pro bono work The audience heard from the panel of lawyers on how a firm could do well in pro bono work. Mr Thio Shen Yi, SC and joint managing director of TSMP Law Corporation, stressed three key elements in any pro bono programme: encouragement, support and knowing that there is genuine value in pro bono work. The firm must see value in pro bono work, or there will be resistance to it. Next, “support” is the actual provision of legal tools, training and administrative support for pro bono work to guide young lawyers. Third, Mr Thio felt that pro bono work is valuable not only to the beneficiaries of legal aid, but to the lawyers as well. Lawyers can gain satisfaction through pro bono work when they put their ideals into practice and make a difference in a person’s life. Mr Gregory Vijayendran, partner of Rajah & Tann LLP, said that lawyers have to be prepared to advise outside their area of expertise. Second, we have to be realistic and find a balance between the firm’s work and pro bono, as well as be mindful of the firm’s attitude towards pro bono work. While “every bit counts”, we cannot take on more than we can handle. Third, we must work with pro bono clients respectfully. Every individual deserves respect and should be treated with dignity. To sum up the lessons from the seminar, every one of us can do good well. It is important to facilitate access to the law, and every bit contributed towards this aim is valuable. The audience was treated to humorous anecdotes from the panelists ► Chiam Yee Sheng NUS Pro Bono Group Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Feature The liability of an employer for a tort committed by an employee is an area of significant controversy. The problem is particularly acute where the employee’s tort is an intentional one. Various tests and guides have been formulated as Judges struggle to decide whether and why vicarious liability should be imposed in the cases before them. Perhaps the most recent and important of these is the “close connection” test. Skandinaviska, which involved fraudulent schemes by a finance manager to meet his casino debts, provided the Singapore Court of Appeal the opportunity to expound on this challenging area of law. This note explains and comments on this seminal decision. Vicarious Liability: The Close Connection Test and the Skandinaviska Decision Introduction It is trite law that an employer is vicariously liable for a tort committed by its employee in the course of employment. Essentially, vicarious liability turns on two elements: “employee” and “in the course of employment”. The first element asks if the tortfeasor is an employee or an independent contractor; there is no vicarious liability for a tort by the latter.1 In the legal development in this area, several tests and concepts have emerged, the foremost of which are the control test, the business integration test, the economic reality test and the multi-factorial approach.2 The second element – “in the course of employment” – is said to be a “most vexed requirement”3 and has often resulted in decisions which are inconsistent or irreconciliable, leading observers to suspect that many decisions were really based on the Court’s perception of what justice required.4 An early yardstick used is the Salmond test5 of authorised and unauthorised act – if the act was authorised but the mode was unauthorised, the act was nevertheless done “in the course of employment”. However, the Salmond test, though generally helpful, had its limitations and various other tests or factors were introduced, including: 1. The degree of excessiveness of the employee’s conduct; 2. The employee’s motive; 3. The scope of the employee’s authority; and Even with all these tests, Courts had difficulty in dealing satisfactorily with cases of intentional torts, such as instances of sexual abuse in welfare homes. In Lister v Hesley Hall,6 (“Lister”) the House of Lords held a boarding house vicariously liable for the sexual assaults committed by the warden on children in his care on the basis of the close connection between the employee’s nature of employment and the tort he committed. In so doing, it overturned the Court of Appeal decision in Trotman v North Yorkshire CC,7 which had applied the Salmond test and held a school not vicariously liable for the sexual assault committed by its deputy headmaster. In Lister, the House of Lords chose instead to follow the lead of the Canadian Supreme Court in Bazley v Curry.8 The advantage of the close connection test, as Lord Millett observed, is that “it would accord with the underlying rationale of the doctrine [of vicarious liability] and be applicable without straining the language [of the Salmond test] to accommodate cases of intentional wrongdoing”.9 Until the Singapore Court of appeal in Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken v Asia Pacific Breweries [2011] SGCA 22 (“Skandinaviska”), it was unclear whether the close connection test applied in Singapore. Facts of Skandinaviska In Skandinaviska, Chia, a finance manager in Asia Pacific Breweries (“APB”) obtained credit facilities from several banks through false pretences and forged board resolutions. The banks claimed repayment of the loans on grounds of 4. Whether the conduct benefited the employer. Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Feature agency, vicarious liability, negligence and restitution. In the High Court,10 the action failed on all four grounds. (This note focuses on vicarious liability.) Policy of Victim Compensation In dealing with vicarious liability,11 Belinda Ang J relied on the principle in Lloyd v Grace Smith12 that the question whether an employee was acting in the course of employment was the same as the question whether he was acting within the scope of his actual or ostensible authority. As she had earlier in her judgment found that Chia had no actual or ostensible authority to bind APB, it followed that Chia’s fraudulent acts were not done in the course of his employment and APB was not vicariously liable. There was thus no need, in her view, to consider the Lister test of close connection. On appeal, the appellants argued, inter alia, that the principle laid down in Lloyd v Grace Smith was superseded by the close connection test, which if applied to the case would result in APB being vicariously liable. His honour pointed out that “the objective of victim compensation rests on the implicit premise that the victim of the tort is not at fault for the tort, or at least bears less fault for the tort than the party who is morally responsible for the tort”.17 He further explained why victim innocence is important:18 Judgment of Court of Appeal Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong delivered the judgment of the Court of Appeal. On vicarious liability, Chan CJ began with a short account of the development of the “close connection” test tracing it from its supposed origin in the Salmond test, to the rejection of the Trotman approach by the Canadian Supreme Court in Bazley v Curry and finally to the House of Lords decision of Lister. His honour noted that the close connection test was subsequently applied in several cases in different jurisdictions. Singapore’s Position on Close Connection In the Chief Justice’s view, the close connection test is an “intellectually satisfying and practical criterion” for determining whether vicarious liability should be imposed on an employer for torts committed by an employee “during an unauthorised course of conduct”, whether the wrong was intentional or inadvertent.13 He found the test satisfying and practical as it imposes liability only when it is “fair and just” to do so and provides a workable concept. Also, the test requires a Court to openly confront the question of whether liability should lie against the employer, rather than “obscuring the decision beneath semantic discussions”14 of scope of employment and mode of conduct. As regards what is fair and just, Chan CJ adverted to the two policy considerations of victim compensation and deterrence highlighted by McLachlin CJ in John Doe v Bennett.15 On victim compensation, Chan CJ explained:16 … an innocent victim of an employee’s tort should, under ordinary circumstances, be compensated. In this regard, the employer is usually the person best placed and most able to provide effective compensation to the victim. In our view, making the employer vicariously liable is not only a practical solution, but also fair and just. After all, a person who employs another to advance his own interests and thereby creates a risk of his employee committing a tort should bear responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting therefrom. The main touchstone of legal liability at common law is usually, and justifiably, moral culpability … Vicarious liability, in contrast, operates regardless of whether there is any fault on the part of the person who is ultimately made to provide compensation for the blameworthy party’s wrongdoing … As a form of “strict” liability … vicarious liability is an anomaly in the common law. For this reason, vicarious liability can only be justified if the victim of the tort is himself not at fault, or is less at fault than the blameworthy party and/or the ultimate defendant. (Emphasis added). In short, since vicarious liability does not require fault on the part of the employer, the imposition of such liability can only be justified if the victim was innocent or at least more innocent as compared with the employer and/or the employee.19 Otherwise, the policy of victim compensation as a justification for imposing liability, in the words of the Chief Justice, “loses much of its moral force”.20 Policy of Deterrence On the policy consideration of deterrence, Chan CJ thought the consideration was a legitimate one. The policy consideration, he explained: … rests on the fundamental premise that the employer is best placed, relative to everybody else, to manage the risks of his business enterprise and prevent wrongdoing from occurring. (Emphasis added). Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Feature Employers are generally in the best or better position to prevent wrongdoing by their employees. He noted that there could, however, be two situations where this may not be so. The first is where the person best placed to prevent the tort may not be the employer but the victim himself or some third party.21 The second is where the employee’s tort is “uncontrollable and, therefore, not amenable to deterrence”, as in cases of excessively risky enterprises, spur-of-themoment torts and intentional torts. Chan CJ opined:22 In such situations, it may well be possible to find that the employer has done all that is reasonable to deter the tort and yet has failed to prevent the commission of the tort. In such situations, deterrence as a justification for imposing vicarious liability loses much of its force. The sentiment expressed here is that if imposing vicarious liability does not serve the purpose of deterrence, Courts should be reluctant to impose liability. Other Policy Considerations as Counterweight Chan CJ also pointed out that the applicability of the policy considerations of victim compensation and deterrence does not inevitably lead to the conclusion that the employer is vicariously liable, and vice versa. There could be other policy considerations which could act either as a “counterweight” to victim compensation and deterrence or, it is implicit from the judgment, as a reason or additional reason to impose liability.23 Chan CJ was cognizant of the discomfort some Judges had with making decisions based on policy considerations of what is fair and just, but pointed out that English Courts had thus far been unable to forge a legal rule without reference to policy considerations.24 Relation with Spandeck Test of Duty of Care He also observed that, conceptually, the close connection test is closely related to the Spandeck test for duty of care, and added that a claim (based on vicarious liability) which fails the close connection test is not likely to pass the Spandeck test in a claim on negligence, and vice versa, as both tests take into the account the criterion of foreseeability of harm occurring to the victim. Indeed, in Skandinaviska itself, the appellants’ claim failed on vicarious liability as well as negligence.25 However, Chan CJ cautioned that this does not mean that a finding of negligence can never be made where a claim in vicarious liability fails, and vice versa, as the two doctrines, though closely related, are not identical. He was also careful to add that the close connection test is a guide and not a rigid definition of circumstances of liability.26 Factors in Applying the Close Connection Test Chan CJ referred approvingly to the factors laid down in Bazley v Curry for ascertaining whether there was, in the circumstances of the case, the requisite closeness of connection: 1. The opportunity the enterprise afforded to the employee to abuse his (or her) power; 2. The extent to which the wrongful act may have furthered the employer’s aims; 3. The extent to which the wrongful act was related to inherent risks of friction, confrontation or intimacy; 4. The extent of power conferred on the employee in relation to the victim; and 5. The vulnerability of potential victims to wrongful exercise of the employee’s power. Application of Law to Skandinaviska Facts Applying the legal framework that he had outlined, Chan CJ gave five reasons why APB was not vicariously liable for Chia’s acts of deceit:27 1. The functional connection between Chia’s employment as finance manager and Chia’s fraudulent scheme was “illusory” since his position gave him very limited financial authority. Chia had no power to source for credit facility or to borrow money on the company’s behalf; 2. APB could not have reasonably contemplated that Chia might defraud a third party28 which he had not authority to deal with as finance manager; Chia’s fraud was “entirely unforeseeable”; 3. The policy consideration of victim compensation did not avail as Skandinaviska was in a much stronger financial position than APB and was not a vulnerable victim. Neither was APB an innocent victim as much of the blame for the successful perpetration of Chia’s fraud lay with APB; 4. As for deterrence, it cut both ways in the present case but there was a greater need for banks as compared with trading companies (such as APB) to adopt prudential measures. Chia’s fraud could have been prevented by the bank taking elementary measures, Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Feature such as contacting APB’s directors to verify that APB accepted the credit facilities. Imposing vicarious liability on APB may create “an unacceptable moral hazard” in that banks may be encouraged to take only minimal precautions against fraud; and 5. Finally, Chan CJ found that none of the five Bazley v Curry factors were present except for the first (opportunity afforded by enterprise to employee to abuse his power) but even then the connection was a tenuous one. In view of the above, it was not fair and just to impose vicarious liability on APB. In short, there was no close connection between Chia’s fraud and his employment, and the policy justifications for imposing vicarious liability were absent in the present case. Comments The Skandinaviska is significant on several counts. First, and most obviously, it declares that the close connection test applies in Singapore and to all torts, whether intentional or unintentional. Second, it makes it clear that apart from close connection there is a need to consider the policy considerations of victim compensation and deterrence. Victim compensation is premised upon victim innocence whilst deterrence is based upon the comparative ability to deter wrongdoing. If the premises upon which the considerations are based do not obtain in the case at hand, then it would not be fair and just to impose vicarious liability. Third, Chan CJ’s judgment introduced a new and important factor or consideration of the employer foresight of the employee’s tort. However, each of these in turn raises questions or doubts. First, what is the status of all other tests previously used? Are the Salmond test, the “frolic” test and other tests to be totally discarded, even though each of them may be useful in certain contexts? Or are they to be assimilated into or subsumed under the general concept or rubric of “close connection”? Chan CJ’s judgment does not give a clear indication, although his honour’s caution29 that the close connection test is a guide and not a rigid definition may suggest that pre-existing tests may usefully be resorted to in appropriate situations. Second, do both considerations of victim compensation and deterrence have to be satisfied before vicarious liability can be imposed or is it sufficient that one is satisfied? Here, again, there is no clear indication from the judgment. It should be observed, however, that victim compensation and deterrence are two primary goals of tort law and there is no discernible judicial approach or philosophy of requiring both these goals to be satisfied in order for tort liability to be imposed. Logically, so long as one of the two goals is satisfied, it should be permissible, policy-wise, to impose liability. Third, the role of foreseeability in vicarious liability poses the greatest difficulty. It is observed that in Chan CJ’s excursus of the law, there was no mention of foreseeability as a factor for deciding vicarious liability and it was only when he came to the application of the legal framework to the facts of the case that foreseeability emerged. If we examine Chan CJ’s reasoning as to why APB was not vicariously liable, we find that four reasons were given: Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Feature 1. There was no close connection between Chia’s fraud and his employment: paras [90], [95]; author benefitted from a discussion on the point of foreseeability with colleague Gary Chan. 2. APB could not foresee that Chia would commit, and commit successfully, the fraud on the banks: para [91]; Notes 3. Victim innocence, the premise upon which victim compensation is based, was not satisfied: para [92]; and 4. The deterrence justification did not obtain as there was a need to hold banks to a higher standard of prudence and responsibility: para [95]. Reading the judgment, one is drawn to the inevitable conclusion that Chan CJ was introducing foreseeability as an additional factor in the determination of vicarious liability, either under the broad concept of “close connection” or as a third requirement30 (in addition to “close connection” and “fair and just”). Assuming this is so, there is a further question of whether foreseeability is a necessary requirement for finding a close connection or whether it is simply an additional factor to be appended to the five factors of Bazley v Curry. If the former interpretation is correct, then vicarious liability is gravitating closer to the realm of fault-based liability. A strong argument may be made that foreseeability should have, at most, a minor role to play in vicarious liability (as one of many factors in ascertaining close connection) and that its true or primary role is in the tort of negligence. It is a matter of conjecture which interpretation is intended by the Court of Appeal. Concluding Remarks The Court of Appeal decision in Skandinaviska is to be welcomed. It has endorsed the close connection test and mandated that its application be carried out alongside policy considerations of victim compensation and deterrence. However, as with most legal developments, Skandinaviska brings with it questions and doubts, perhaps the most difficult of which is the role of foreseeability in the determination of vicarious liability. It is indeed a landmark decision, although its full implications will only be appreciated and worked out over time. ► Low Kee Yang * 1 The employer, however, may have primary liability if he is in breach of his own nondelegable duty or if he had authorised the independent contractor’s tort and thus be liable as joint tortfeasor. 2 See for example, Deakin, Johnston & Markesinis, Markesinis & Deakin’s Tort Law (OUP, 6th ed) pp 666-677. 3 Markesinis & Deakin’s, ibid at 678. 4 See Lunney & Oliphant, Tort Law: Text & Materials (OUP 4th ed) p 853. 5 The test first enunciated by J W Salmond in The Law of Torts(Stevens & Haynes, 1907). 6 [2002] 1 AC 215. 7 [1999] LGR 584, CA. 8 (1999)174 DLR (4th) 45. The actual name of the case is a lengthy one - The Children’s Foundation, the Superintendent of Family and Child Services in the Province of British Columbia and Her Majesty The Queen in Right of the Province of British Columbia as represented by the Ministry of Social Services and Housing v Patrick Allan Bazley. 9 [2002] 1 AC 215,245. 10 [2009] SGHC 197. 11 Ibid at [193] – [199]. 12 [1912] AC 716; confirmed by the House of Lords in Armagas v Mundogas [1986] AC 717. 13 [2011] SGCA 22 at [75], citing Bokhary PJ in Ming An Insurance v Ritz Carlton [2002] 3 HKLRD 844 at [19]. 14 [2011] SGCA 22 at [75], citing McLachlin J in Bazley v Curry. 15 [2004] 1 SCR 436 at [20]. 16 [2011] SGCA 22 at [77]. 17 [2011] SGCA 22 at [78]. 18 Ibid. 19 The requirement of innocence or relative innocence on the part of the victim helps to mitigate the apparent harshness of making an “innocent” employer vicariously liable. 20 Put another way, if a blameworthy or more blameworthy victim is able to sue an employer, then the principle of vicarious liability lacks any moral force. 21 Chan CJ, at [80] gave the example of where the equipment required to perform a job is supplied by an independent contractor. 22 [2011] SGCA 22 at [81]. 23 His Honour did not give examples of such other considerations but emphasized the “ultimate goals of fairness and justice must be paramount”: ibid. 24 Ibid at [82] – [83]. 25 Ibid at [97] – [105]. 26 Ibid at [85]. 27 Ibid at [90] – [95]. 28 Chan CJ remarked, at [91], that the connection would have been much closer if Chia had defrauded a bank which APB had existing dealings with. 29 [2011] SGCA 22 at [85]. 30 If so, then a comparison of vicarious liability and duty of care under negligence yields an approximate mirroring of the elements of foreseeability, proximity and policy. * LL.B (NUS), LL.M, PhD (King’s College London); Associate Professor, School of Law, Singapore Management University. The Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 R R Senior Position available Commissioning Editor (to be based in Singapore) LexisNexis® is one of the leading providers of comprehensive information and business solutions to professionals in a variety of fields such as legal, risk management, corporate, government, law enforcement and academic. A member of Reed Elsevier Group PLC, LexisNexis helps customers achieve their goals in 100 countries through its 13,000 employees, all dedicated to putting the Customer First. LexisNexis helps knowledge-driven organizations achieve new levels of excellence by combining advanced technology, global and local sources and convenient services to uniquely address specific customer needs. We are looking for achievement-oriented individuals to be part of our team. 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R R Wishes all Law Gazette readers and advertisers A Happy & Prosperous Gong Xi Fa Cai To find out more about our advertising options, call 6349-0172 or email slg@lexisnexis.com now! Feature This article discusses two important aspects that must be considered in international intellectual properly arbitration to ensure the efficiency and success of the same. International Intellectual Property Arbitration: How to Use it Efficiently? Introduction The challenges and difficulties of litigating international intellectual property disputes before state Courts are well known.1 These hurdles may justify why commercial arbitration2 has emerged as an attractive alternative for solving international intellectual property disputes3 at the global level and particularly in Asia.4 There is indeed a strong interest that parties to an international intellectual property agreement (such as a license agreement, a technology transfer agreement or a research and development agreement) have the power to submit their disputes to arbitration, which may allow them to solve all aspects of their dispute before one jurisdictional body: arbitration can thus meet the needs of the parties to centralize proceedings and to avoid costly parallel Court proceedings in various countries,5 which are particularly frequent in international intellectual property disputes.6 This trend for promoting arbitration has been reinforced by recent regulatory changes which have been adopted in certain countries (as most recently done by the French legislator)7 for the purpose of promoting the use of arbitration for intellectual property disputes. The potential use of arbitration for solving international intellectual property disputes, however, needs to be carefully prepared. The goal of this article is thus to discuss two important aspects that must be taken into account by the parties and their counsel in order to ensure the efficiency and thus the success of an intellectual property, arbitration ie, the scope of the arbitration clause (see Scope of the Arbitration Clause below) and the choice of governing law (see Choice of Governing Law below)8 in order to optimize the efficiency of the arbitration proceedings.9 It is, however, required to address first the issue of arbitrability of intellectual property disputes. Arbitrability A threshold question that must be considered first in connection with efforts to arbitrate intellectual property disputes is that of objective arbitrability.10 As a matter of principle, it appears reasonable to consider that intellectual property disputes shall generally be arbitrable.11 This liberal approach reflects the fact that intellectual property rights and, more generally, intangible assets, have become standard and alienable corporate assets of companies. Given that the condition of objective arbitrability frequently depends on whether the object of the dispute can freely be alienated by its owner,12 whether such object has an economic value13 or whether the arbitrability of such object would violate public policy,14 it seems appropriate to consider that intellectual property rights and intellectual property disputes meet these conditions so that they are fully arbitrable.15 The jurisdictional powers of arbitral tribunals are, however, generally considered to reach their outer limits when a dispute would require the arbitral tribunal to render an award on the validity or nullity of industrial property rights (ie, registered intellectual property rights) with effect erga omnes. This may be problematic in certain countries (while others have adopted a liberal approach such as Switzerland and the US16), whose legal regimes take the position that only the state authorities in the country of registration of such rights shall have jurisdictional power to decide on such issues.17 In any case, if arbitral tribunals do not make a decision on the validity of the relevant intellectual property rights (particularly of relevant industrial property rights, such as patents, trademarks and designs) with an effect erga omnes (which could lead to the cancellation of the industrial property right from the relevant registry), but merely decide on the issue of validity as far as this is required for deciding the dispute between the parties (with an effect inter partes), this should not raise concerns of arbitrability.18 In this respect, contracting parties may validly define the power of the arbitral tribunals to decide on these issues (with an effect inter partes),19 which might help overcome the risks which are generally associated with the arbitrability of intellectual property disputes.20 Beyond this specific issue of the jurisdiction to decide on the validity of certain registered intellectual property rights, it is generally admitted that other aspects, including aspects relating to the ownership and the transfer of intellectual property rights, are fully arbitrable. Accordingly, the use of arbitration as a mechanism to resolve such disputes is generally consistent with public policy in most jurisdictions even if certain public policy based restrictions may limit the arbitrability of intellectual property disputes in certain countries.21 As a result, the grounds of inarbitrability of intellectual property disputes are quite narrow and should not restrict the parties from conceptualizing and planning in advance how an intellectual property arbitration could successfully be structured and what factors should be taken into consideration in this framework. Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Feature Scope of the Arbitration Clause It is well known that “arbitration is a creature of contract”.22 This bedrock principle of arbitration can, however, sometimes lead to difficulties in the context of international intellectual property arbitration cases because these cases frequently raise issues which go beyond standard breach of contract claims. This situation can typically arise when the claim is made that a contracting party has misused trade secrets which have been disclosed to it (potentially in the course of a technology transfer agreement) given that trade secret misappropriation claims are not based on contract, but are frequently grounded on unfair competition law.23 Unless this is clearly expressed in the arbitration clause, the argument can thus be made by the opposing party that such non-contractual claims fall outside the scope of the arbitration clause and thus are beyond the power of the arbitral tribunal. This argument is of major practical significance particularly because an award which would decide on an issue which would be beyond the power of the arbitral tribunal might not be enforceable under the New York Convention precisely for this reason.24 The point here is thus to make sure that the arbitration clause embraces the “universe of disputes”25 which can arise between the parties. Experience shows, however, that many arbitration clauses are not formulated broadly enough in order to encompass intellectual property related claims (ie, infringement claims26 or claims relating to the validity/nullity of the relevant intellectual property rights) ie, certain clauses have been construed as limited to purely contractual claims.27 It is submitted that it would be fair, as a matter of principle, to maintain that all non-contractual claims which have a certain link with the relevant contract should also fall within the jurisdiction of the arbitral tribunal (this issue being of course subject to the rules of interpretation to be defined according to the standard legal principles governing this question).28 This is particularly important given that practice confirms that it may be difficult in certain circumstances to distinguish whether a given conduct (for instance the nonpayment of a royalty by a licensee) constitutes a breach of contract (ie, breach of the license agreement) and/or an infringement of the licensed intellectual property right.29 This confirms the need that the arbitration tribunal shall have the power to decide on all these issues instead of being limited to the contractual claims. Standard clauses provided for by recognised arbitration institutions can provide a basis for making sure that non-contractual claims are within the scope of the arbitration clause.30 Choice of Governing Law An advantage of submitting an international intellectual property dispute to arbitration, rather than to state Court litigation, results from the broad freedom to choose a single law which shall govern the dispute.31 The choice of law could also cover issues regarding the validity of the relevant intellectual property rights. As long as a decision to be made by an arbitral tribunal as to the validity of a certain industrial property right would only have an inter partes effect, the parties in principle should be able validly to decide that the issue of the validity of a given industrial property right, such as a patent (which would be granted in many countries, which is obviously not unusual in global patent licensing transactions), shall be assessed on the basis of one single patent law, and not by reference to each and every potentially diverging national patent law implicated by the relevant patent.32 This issue consequently also offers room for creativity to the careful contract drafter or, if this issue has not been properly addressed in the relevant contract, to the counsel in charge of the arbitration proceedings.33 It must be emphasized that this broad freedom does generally not exist when litigating before state Courts. This is particularly the case under art 8 of the Regulation (EC) No 864/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 July 2007 on the law applicable to non-contractual obligations (Rome II) provides indeed that “[t]he law applicable to a non-contractual obligation arising from an infringement of an intellectual property right shall be the law of the country for which protection is claimed” (art 8 para 1). This choice of law rule is mandatory and thus cannot be derogated from by contract (art 8 para 3). While other systems do not impose mandatory rules, the freedom of choice remains extremely limited (as it is the case under the new Chinese rules of private international law).34 It thus appears that the ability to choose the governing law constitutes another key advantage of arbitration in the sense that it helps to avoid a burdensome and costly piecemeal choice of law solution which would result from the application of multiple national intellectual property laws. But this freedom requires that the parties and their counsel be aware of this issue. In this respect, it would be worth keeping in mind that the scope of the choice of law clause should ideally reflect that of the arbitration clause35: the choice of law clause should indeed mirror the arbitration clause in making sure that all claims that fall within the scope of the arbitration clause shall be governed by the chosen law. Conclusion As confirmed by the growth of IP arbitration proceedings36 and by recent case law,37 the use of arbitration for solving international intellectual property disputes is expanding. This trend can be confirmed by the choice made by policy makers to authorise and promote the use of arbitration for solving intellectual property disputes,38 which constitutes a clear sign that arbitration is an adequate method for solving intellectual property disputes that does not threaten in any manner, the powers of the state authorities over intellectual property as such. This global trend can positively affect Singapore as a privileged hub for solving global intellectual property disputes.39 In view of these developments, it is important that all the stakeholders, and particularly the parties and their counsel, shall become aware of the adequacy of arbitration for solving international intellectual property disputes and shall take time to assess in advance the implications of Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Feature using arbitration effectively for solving such disputes. This requires moving beyond the threshold issue of arbitrability of intellectual property disputes in order to address the issues which can significantly affect the success of an arbitration in terms of cost, speed and efficiency, particularly the scope of the arbitration clause and the definition of the governing law. Alison Ross, Enforcement Success for Designer Brand in China (17 August 2011), available at: http://www.globalarbitrationreview.com/news/article/29765/; an English version of the decision of the Shanghai Intermediate Court of May 10, 2011 is available at: http://www.globalarbitrationreview.com/cdn/files/gar/_news/Shanghai_ judgment.pdf; on the arbitration of international intellectual property disputes from an Asian perspective, see the report of Kazushige Ogawa, “Overcoming Problems with Use of Arbitration in Intellectual Property Disputes (project conducted by the Japanese Institute of Intellectual Property for the Japan Patent Office”, http://www. iip.or.jp/e/e_summary/index.html, published in the Institute of Intellectual Property Bulletin 2011, Vol 20, p 1 seq. (available at: http://www.iip.or.jp/e/e_summary/pdf/ detail2010/e22_13.pdf ); Szu-Chou Peng and Fu-Jung Wu, “Solutions for Disputes Over Intellectual Property Between Taiwan and China — Analyzing Arbitration” (2009) 13 Barry Law Review, p 155 seq; Scott Donahey, “Enforcement of Injunctive Relief and Arbitration Awards Concerning Title and to Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights in Asia and the Pacific Rim” (1986) 19 Hastings Int’l & Comp. L. Rev, p 727 seq. ► Jacques de Werra* E-mail: Jacques.DeWerra@unige.ch Professor of contract law and of intellectual property law at the Law School of the University of Geneva (Switzerland); Member of the Swiss Federal Arbitral Commission for the Management of Copyrights and Neighbouring Rights; Domain Name Panellist of the Arbitration and Mediation Center of the World Intellectual Property Organization and of the Asian Domain Name Dispute Resolution Center (Hong Kong); the author will teach an intensive course on Intellectual Property Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution in the Geneva Master Program of International Dispute Settlement (www.mids.ch) in the academic year 2012-2013. * Notes 1 2 3 4 This also contributes to explain why projects have been conducted in order to harmonize the complex field of private international law of intellectual property. See the publication of the American Law Institute Intellectual Property: Principles Governing Jurisdiction, Choice of Law, and Judgments in Transnational Disputes (2008); see also, the European Max-Planck-Group for Conflict of Laws in Intellectual Property (“CLIP”): http://www.cl-ip.eu/ (the final version of the Principles for Conflict of Laws in Intellectual Property has been released on August 31, 2011, see http://www.ip.mpg. de/de/data/pdf/clip_principles_final.pdf (hereafter: the “CLIP Principles”) and the committee on Intellectual Property and Private International Law (chaired by the Japanese Professor Toshiyuki Kono) set up by the International Law Association in November 2010 (http://www.ila-hq.org/en/committees/index.cfm/cid/1037). This paper will not address the arbitration of intellectual property issues under investment law / investment arbitration rules, even if this topic has become of utmost importance, particularly in view of the ICSID case initiated by a tobacco group against Uruguay (see Philip Morris Products S.A. (Switzerland) and Abal Hermanos S.A. (Uruguay) v Oriental Republic of Uruguay, ICSID Case No. ARB/10/7) and of the action which has just been initiated by the same group (Philip Morris) against Australia under the 1993 Hong Kong Australia Bilateral Investment Treaty in connection with a similar public health driven cigarette (plain packaging) rule which is claimed to violate the trademark rights of the tobacco group as protected by international and bilateral agreements (see Philip Morris Sues Australia Over Cigarette Packaging (November 21, 2011): http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15815311 and the press release of the claimant : http://phx.corporate- ir.net/External.File?item=UGFyZW50SUQ9MTE 2MTIwfENoaWxkSUQ9LTF8VHlwZT0z&t=1; on this issue, see A. Alemanno, E. Bonadio, “Do You Mind My Smoking? Plain Packaging of Cigarettes Under the WTO TRIPS Agreement” (2011) 10 John Marshall Review of Intellectual Property Law, No 3. See the excellent book of Trevor Cook, Alejandro I. Garcia, International Intellectual Property Arbitration (Kluwer, 2010) (to which the readers can refer with utmost profit as this book constitutes the most elaborate and thorough contribution to date on all relevant issues of IP arbitration); see also Murray Lee Eiland, “The Institutional Role in Arbitrating Patent Disputes” (2008-2009) 9 Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal, p 283 seq. See by way of example, the recent successful enforcement of a foreign arbitral award (rendered in an arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration Association’s International Centre for Dispute Resolution) before a Chinese Court (the Shanghai Intermediate Court) in an international intellectual property licensing dispute, see 5 See Cook, Garcia (supra note 3), p 48. 6 This argument may equally justify the use of choice of Court clauses, see Fairchild Semiconductors Corp. v Third Dimension Semiconductor (D. Maine, Dec. 12, 2008) (enforcing a choice of Court clause before a US Court in a worldwide patent license agreement in spite of the fact that issues of foreign patent law (Chinese) may arise), available at : http://www.patentlyo.com/fairchild.PDF. 7 See art L 331-1 of the French Code of intellectual property law (“Code de la propriété intellectuelle”) for copyright; see also the similar provisions applicable to other intellectual property rights : art L. 615-17 para 2 for patents, art L 716-4 for trademarks, art L 521-3-1 para 2 for designs, art L 623-31 para 3 for plant varieties, and art L 722-8 al 2 for geographic indications. 8 For a discussion of other relevant aspects (ie, confidentiality, provisional orders, nonmonetary relief and enforcement of foreign awards), see the paper of the author, “Arbitrating International Intellectual Property Disputes: Time to Think Beyond (In) Arbitrability”, to be published in the (2012), International Business Law Review, No 1 and from which this paper is derived. 9 In view of its limited scope, this article cannot present the national solutions and perspectives on the different issues which shall be explored, but will rather discuss them from a broader perspective, whereby it is obvious that the relevant issues would need to be carefully analyzed under the relevant governing law (particularly the lex arbitri) in the light of the applicable rules and regulations (such as the arbitration rules which would be applicable in a given dispute). 10 This subject has provoked a flurry of publication activity. See Cook, Garcia (supra note 3), p 49 seq.; for Singapore, see the AIPPI report of Lawrence Boo, Arbitrability of Intellectual Property Disputes (available at: https://www.aippi.org/download/ reports/forum/forum07/12/ForumSession12_Presentation_Lawrence_Boo.pdf; for a comparative analysis, see Bernard Hanotiau, “L’arbitrabilité des litiges de propriété intellectuelle”, in Resolution of Intellectual Property Disputes/La résolution de litiges de propriété intellectuelle (Jacques de Werra ed, vol 3 of the book collection www.pi-ip. ch), (Geneva 2010) p 155 seq; Julian D.M. Lew, “Final Report on Intellectual Property Disputes and Arbitration”, (1998) 9 The ICC International Court of Arbitration Bulletin, No 1 pp 37-95; M.A. Smith, M. Cousté, T. Hield, R. Jarvis, M. Kochupillai, B. Leon, J.C. Rasser, M. Sakamoto, A. Shaughnessy, J. Branch, “Arbitration of Patent Infringement and Validity Issues Worldwide”, (2006) 19 Harvard Journal of Law and Technology, No 2 p 299 seq. 11 See the detailed comparative overview by Hanotiau (supra note 10), p 165 seq.; see also, (from a Singaporean perspective) Boo (supra note 10); see also Ankur Gupta, “Arbitrability Disputes Concerning Validity and Infringement of IPRs”, Singapore Law Gazette, April 2010, available at: http://www.lawgazette.com.sg/2010-04/feature2. htm. 12 The New York Convention generally refers to whether the subject matter is “capable of settlement by arbitration” (art II(1) and V(2)(a)), whereby this standard is held as not “entirely clear” (Gary B. Born, International Commercial Arbitration, Vol. I (Wolters Kluwer, 2009) p 773). 13 This is particularly the case under the liberal Swiss arbitration regime which is regulated in Chapter XII of the Swiss Act on Private International Law of December 18, 1987 (art 177 para 1). Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Feature 14 See s 11 para 1 of the Singapore International Arbitration Act (Cap 143A) pursuant to which “[a]ny dispute which the parties have agreed to submit to arbitration under an arbitration agreement may be determined by arbitration unless it is contrary to public policy to do so” as discussed by Boo (supra note 10). 15 See Anna P. Mantakou, “Arbitrability and Intellectual Property Disputes”, chapter XIII, Loukas A. Mistelis, Stavros L. Brekoulakis eds, Arbitrability, International & Comparative Perspectives (Wolters Kluwer, 2009) p 266. 16 USA (for patent law, 35 U.S.C. § 294) and Switzerland: this results from an official position expressed by the at that time Swiss Office of Intellectual Property (now Swiss Institute of Intellectual Property) after consultations with the Swiss Department of Justice in 1975, published in the Swiss Review of Intellectual Property Law in 1976, RSPI 1976, 36 seq. 17 This issue appears unsettled in Singapore even if the view has been expressed in the recent literature (see Boo and Gupta, supra notes 10 and 11) that intellectual property disputes should be arbitrable on the ground that the non-arbitrability based on public policy should be construed narrowly; the issue of public policy was, however, recently addressed in Singapore under the perspective of bankruptcy and arbitrability in the case decided by the Singapore High Court Petroprod Ltd v Larsen Oil and Gas Pte Ltd, [2010] SGHC 186, on 30 June 2010; for a discussion, see Nakul Dewan, Bankruptcy and Arbitrability: Public Interest Considerations Must Be Weighed, available at: http://siac.org.sg/index.php?option=com_content&view=a rticle&id=311:bankruptcy-a-arbitrability-public-interest-considerations-must-beweighed&catid=56:articles&Itemid=171. 18 For an in-depth discussion and rejection of the public policy arguments allegedly justifying the non-arbitrability of intellectual property disputes, see Cook, Garcia (supra note 3) p 62 seq. 19 See for instance the clause suggested as Appendix E of the ICC Final Report on Intellectual Property Disputes and Arbitration, published in 9 ICC International Court of Arbitration Bulletin, No 1 (1998) p 37 seq. which may arise in connection with a particular legal relationship, that court or those courts shall have jurisdiction to decide on all contractual and non-contractual obligations and all other claims arising from that legal relationship unless the parties express an intent to restrict the court’s jurisdiction” (Emphasis added). 29 See for instance the case MDY Industries v Blizzard Entertainment, 629 F.3d 929 (9th Cir. 2010); for a discussion of this case, see Robert W. Gomulkiewicz, “Clarifications and Complications in Enforcing Open Source Software Licenses”, Research Handbook on Intellectual Property Licensing, Jacques de Werra ed (to be published by Edward Elgar in 2012) www.ip-licensing.info. 30 See the WIPO standard arbitration clause (http://www.wipo.int/amc/en/mediation/ contract-clauses/clauses.html#4): “Any dispute, controversy or claim arising under, out of or relating to this contract and any subsequent amendments of this contract, including, without limitation, its formation, validity, binding effect, interpretation, performance, breach or termination, as well as non-contractual claims, shall be referred to and finally determined by arbitration in accordance with the WIPO Arbitration Rules. [...]” (Emphasis added). 31 The application of mandatory rules being reserved; for a discussion, see Cook,Garcia (supra note 3), p 89 seq. 32 See Lutzker (supra note 20), at 235; see also Thomas Halket, “Choice of Law in International Intellectual Property Arbitrations: A Three-Dimensional Chess Game?”, Contemporary Issues in International Arbitration and Mediation, the Fordham Papers 2008 (Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, 2009) p 227. 33 For a detailed discussion, see Cook, Garcia (supra note 3), p 91 seq; see also Lutzker (supra note 20), at 235-236, suggesting that “a mechanism should be established for resolution of these potentially dispositive threshold issues at an early stage of the proceeding”. 34 See art 50 of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Application of Law for Foreign-related Civil Relations (the Application Law), adopted by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on 28 October 2010 which has come into effect on April 1, 2011 (available at: http://asadip.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/ law-of-the-application-of-law-for-foreign-of-china-2010.pdf ) which provides that “[t]he laws at the locality where protection is claimed shall apply to the liabilities for tort for intellectual property, the parties concerned may also choose the applicable laws at the locality of the court by agreement after the tort takes place”. 35 Cook, Garcia (supra note 3), p 130. 36 See eg, the caseload of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center: http://www. wipo.int/amc/en/center/caseload.html. 37 See as a most recent illustration, the case In re: Qimonda AG, Case No. 09-14766SSM, United States Bankruptcy Court, E.D. of Virginia (October 28, 2011), in which the administrator of a German bankrupt company offered to the licensees of such company to renegotiate the license agreements potentially by recourse to arbitration under the WIPO rules (the decision reports indeed that he “has filed pleadings committing to re-licensing Qimonda’s patent portfolio at a reasonable and non-discriminatory (“RAND”) royalty to be determined if possible though good faith negotiations, otherwise through arbitration under the auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organization”). 38 See the example of France (supra note 7) as well as the recent launch of an intellectual property arbitration program by the Philippine Intellectual Property Office (“IPOPHL”) and the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. (“PDRCI”) (http:// www.pdrci.org/ipo-launches-ip-arbitration-with-pdrci/). 39 See Boo (supra note 10) enumerating recent international intellectual property cases handled by the Singapore International Arbitration Center (SIAC); as confirmed by the recent opening of an office of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center at Maxwell Chambers, see Gupta (supra note 11). 20 See Joel E. Lutzker, “International Arbitration of Intellectual Property Validity”, Contemporary Issues in International Arbitration and Mediation, the Fordham Papers 2008 (Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, 2009) p 227 seq.at 232 and at 238. 21 Cook, Garcia (supra note 3) p 76; see also, from a Singaporean perspective, Boo (supra note 10). 22 Paul Szuts, Magda Szuts v Dean Witter Reynolds, Inc., 931 F.2d 830 (11th Cir. 1991). 23 See, by way of example, Simula Inc. v Autoliv Inc. (175 F.3d 716, 9th Cir. 1999). 24 Art 5 para 1 lit. C of the New York Convention. 25 P. Friedland, Arbitration Clauses for International Contracts, (New York, 2000) p 47: “An arbitration clause that provides ambiguously for arbitration of a set of disputes that is less than the universe of disputes arising out of or in connection with the contract is an invitation to litigation about the scope of the arbitrators’ jurisdiction”. 26 See for instance, the interpretation of the scope of the relevant arbitration clause which was made in Rhône-Poulenc Spécialités Chimiques v Scm Corporation, 769 F2d 1569 (Fed. Cir. 1985); see also Federal-Mogul Corp. and Felt Products MFG. Co. v Elrigklinger AG, Civ. No. 01-5797 (HAA), Nov. 1, 2004 (Dist. New Jersey). 27 A similar issue arises with respect to the drafting of choice of jurisdiction clauses, see A. Peukert, Contractual Jurisdiction Clauses and Intellectual Property, in Intellectual Property and Private International Law – Heading for the Future, IIC Studies in Industrial Property and Copyright Law, J. Drexl, A. Kur (eds)(2005) at 51. 28 This approach is also adopted with respect to choice of Court agreements, see art 2:301 para 1 of the CLIP Principles (supra note 1): “If the parties have agreed that a court or the courts of a State are to have jurisdiction to settle any disputes which have arisen or Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Feature In this article, the importance of IP, IPRs and trademark is firstly introduced. Then, international and regional efforts towards IPRs are presented in brief. After that, Myanmar’s current status of IPRs, the role of trademarks, the trademark registration system of Myanmar and settlement on infringement cases are mentioned. The article is concluded with an expectation for promulgating IP Laws in compliance with current international legal norms and principles in every aspect while keeping yet its own characteristics of Myanmar’s legal system. The Role of Trademarks in Myanmar: A Glance at the Trademark Registration System of Myanmar Introduction In this highly competitive era, Intellectual Property (“IP”) becomes one of the engines that influences and drives the national economy. Being one of the commercial ironies, legal monopoly characterizing ownership of Intellectual Property is typically a statutory right in the commercial practices. Intellectual Property Rights (“IPRs”) such as copyright and related rights, trademarks, geographical indications, patents, layout-designs of integrated circuits and industrial designs are protected. The protection of IPRs is meant for the following purposes: 1. To encourage and reward creative works; 2. To provide incentive for technological innovations; 3. To stimulate and ensure fair competition among producers; 4. To protect consumers by enabling them to make informed choices between various goods and services; and 5. To facilitate the transfer of technology in the form of foreign direct investment, joint ventures and licensing. Under art 15.1 of the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (“TRIPS”) Agreement of the World Trade Organization (“WTO”), “trademark” is defined as “any sign, or any combination of signs, capable of distinguishing the goods and services of one ‘undertaking’ from those of other undertakings must be eligible for trademark protection”. These signs could be words including personal names, letters, numerals, figurative elements and combination of colors as well as any combination of signs. There is no limitation on the type of signs that can constitute trademarks. The emphasis is on distinctiveness. While typically most trademarks are word marks or logos, there have also been registrations of shapes and colors and some countries have allowed the registration of sounds and, more recently, smells. Furthermore, art 16.1 of the TRIPS Agreement provides that “the owner of a registered trademark shall have the exclusive right to prevent all third parties not having the owner’s consent from using in the course of trade identical or similar signs for goods or services identical or similar to these in respect of which the trademark is registered where such use would result in a likelihood of confusion”. The trademark registration system is necessary to protect producers from unfair competition from other producers seeking to free ride on the goodwill earned by the trademark owner. Trademarks, therefore, help consumers to reliably identify and purchase a product or service which they prefer because of its nature, quality or other characteristic that consumers have come to expect on the basis of previous purchases or advertising. Hence, trademarks protect an undertaking as well as the consumers against confusion and deceptive practices. International and Regional Efforts towards IPRs With the goal to reduce distortions and impediments to international trade, to promote effective and adequate Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Feature protection of IPRs, and to ensure that measures and procedures to enforce IPRs do not themselves become barriers to legitimate trade, the Agreement on TRIPS becomes an Annex 1 C of the WTO Agreement of 15 April 1994, which is entered into force on 1 January 1995.1 The TRIPS Agreement is an integral Part of the WTO Agreement,2 and is binding on each member of the WTO from the date the WTO Agreement becomes effective for it. However, it gave original members transitional periods which differ according to their stages of development, to bring themselves into compliance with its rules. To facilitate the implementation of the TRIPS Agreement, the WTO concluded with WIPO an agreement (“Agreement”) on co-operation between the two organisations in 1994, which came into force on 1 January 1996. The Agreement provides for co-operation in three main areas, namely: (i) notification of, access to and translation of national laws and regulations; (ii) implementation of procedures for the protection of national emblems; and (iii) technical cooperation. Similarly, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (“ASEAN”) is fully aware of the crucial role of IP and IPRs in social, economic and technological progress, and hence in broad-based development and poverty reduction within the region. The ASEAN Framework Agreement on Intellectual Property Cooperation was signed in Thailand on 15 December 1995 and the ASEAN IPR Action Plan 20042010 was designed to build on the progress which has been achieved in collaboration among ASEAN governments, ASEAN dialogue partner countries and institutions, and civil society organisations. There are several successful outcomes. One of these outcomes is that the Experts Group on Trademark has finalized the ASEAN Filing Form for Trademarks and the Notes for the Completion of the Application.3 Despite its inherent complexities, member countries have continued their efforts in the harmonization of the trademark filing requirements. This is a process of significant importance towards the establishment of a regional filing system. Member countries have also made substantive progress in ensuring the conformance of their IP legislations to the TRIPS Agreement. Concerted efforts have also been made to better monitor, enforce and prosecute IPR infringements. ASEAN continues its active co-operation in the IP sector with the Dialogue Partners, donor countries and agencies and private sector organisations.4 Current Status of IPRs in Myanmar The legal system of Myanmar is a unique one because it is based on the Common Law Legal System and various customary laws of the land. Several Laws were enacted during the colonial period in the early 19th century, including the Copyright Act and Myanmar Patents and Design (Emergency Provision Act) for the protection of IPRs. At present, among the existing relevant laws that can be enforced on IPRs are the laws dealing with both criminal and civil action which are as follows: • The Code of Civil Procedure (1808) • The Myanmar Penal Code of 1860 (Indian Act XLV. 1860) • The Myanmar Merchandise Marks Act (1889) • The Code of Criminal Procedure (1898) • The Registration Act No. 16 of 1908 on basic registration system for trade marks (1908) • The Copyright Act of 1911 (1914) • The Land Customs Act (1924) • The Specific Relief Act 1877, as last amended up to Act No. 3 of 1954 (1958) • The Sea Customs Act No. 8 of 1878, as amended up to Act 1962 (1962) • The National Drug Law No. 7 of October 30, 1992 (1992) • Science and Technology Development Law No. 5 of June 7, 1994 (1994) • The Computer Science Development Law No. 10 of September 20, 1996 (1996) • The Traditional Drug Law No. 7 of July 7, 1996 (1996) • The Television and Video Law No. 8 of 1996 (1996) • The National Food Law, No. 5 of March 3, 1997 (1997) • The Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage Regions Law No. 9 of September 10, 1998 (1998) • Electronic Transactions Laws (2004) The Republic of the Union of Myanmar, being a founding member of the WTO, became an ipso facto member of the TRIPS Agreement. Likewise, Myanmar is a Member Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Feature of WIPO and ASEAN. Being a member state, Myanmar is now endeavoring in drafting IP Laws in accordance with the TRIPS Agreement by the Office of the Attorney-General with the co-operation of the ministries concerned and experts from various sectors and thus, the new IPRs Laws will be promulgated in the near future. It is also a transition period to set up IP Offices in Myanmar. Under the WIPO and WTO Joint Initiative on Technical Cooperation for Least-Developed Countries,5 WIPO not only offered Myanmar IP Lawyers passage to Geneva for discussion on the IP related laws but also sent an expert mission for IP legislative advices on the drafted Myanmar IP laws. To date, six IP related Seminars were already held in Myanmar as follows: 1. WIPO National Seminar on Trademark and Franchising (March 2011). 2. WIPO National Seminar on Intellectual Property (May 2010). 3. WIPO National Seminar on the Role of the Copyright System in Promoting the Publishing Industry (Sep 1 to Sep 3, 2008). 4. National Seminar on Copyright and Related Rights in the Creative Industries (May 16 to May 17, 2006). 5. WIPO National Workshop on the Implementation of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (the TRIPS Agreement) (Jun 28 to Jun 29, 2004). 6. WIPO National Seminar on Intellectual Property (Oct 22 to Oct 23, 1997). The Role of Trademarks in Myanmar It can be said that there is still neither particular statute nor law on trademark nor specific provision regarding registration of trademark in Myanmar today. However, the Penal Code6 defines trademark as “A mark used for denoting that goods are the manufacture on merchandise of a particular person”. Likewise, the Private Industrial Enterprise Law provides that “the business is not allowed to distribute or sell his goods without trademark”. Trademarks may be registered under the s 18(f) of the Registration Act, by means of a declaration of each trade mark but trademark registration is not compulsory. Although the mere fact of registration is not conclusive proof of the ownership or user of the trademark, it may be prima-facie evidence of ownership or user and the ability to produce a registered document may be of some help in a criminal or civil proceeding. The term “prior in use” prevails the registration status according to the case Law of Myanmar. Therefore, in order to obtain exclusive right of the trademark owner and protect their trademark rights, specific trademark registration system is needed in practice as one of the current issues in Myanmar. The Trademark Registration System of Myanmar A trademark or service mark can be registered at the Township Offices of the Settlements and Land Records Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation throughout Myanmar. Generally, it is based on the place of origin of a product. For example, if a product is produced in Thanlyin Township of Yangon Region, trademark registration should be taken place at Thanlyin Township Office of Yangon Region. However, in such a case that this trademark owner registers a trademark in another township, the Registry Officer shall make an enquiry to the place of origin of that product in order to make sure that there is no objection on this trademark registration and is not used for counterfeiting activities. For an applicant to be eligible to apply for a trademark or service mark, the applicant must satisfy the following requirements: an applicant and/or agent should be a Myanmar nationality; an applicant must be an inventor or a juridical person with contact address within the Republic of the Union of Myanmar; and foreign trademark owners can also apply through its Myanmar agent. Therefore, a foreign trademark owner must appoint an agent to act on behalf of him by means of a Special Power of Attorney. The documents that are to be submitted for filing an application for the trademark registration are the: 1.Declaration of Ownership of Trademark (“DOT”) executed by the applicant (for new trademark); and 2. any Declaration which was previously registered in Myanmar prior to this registration. These documents must be attached with copies of Special Power of Attorney executed by the applicant. The registration process can take place from one day (if documents are in order) to a month (if there are additional requirements). The declaration shall contain the name of the company, individual or firm represented in a special or particular manner and the signature of the applicant for registration. A trademark should have one or more created words and may be registered in respect of particular goods or classes of goods. Registry officers can refuse the application for registration if the mark is likely to be objectionable on moral or legal Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Feature grounds, or likely to hurt the religious susceptibilities of any class of citizens of Myanmar. Application for registration should also be refused where, for example, if the document is used as an instrument of fraud or is obscure. Imitation of a currency note should also be refused for registration. 1. By re-registration once every three years after first registration; or The Registration is usually followed by an advertisement or announcement in the daily newspaper, usually stating that any fraudulent limitation or unauthorised use of or infringement of the said trademark shall be dealt with accordingly. 3. By the way of both re-registration and re-publication aiming at preventing against the possible infringers and showing his constant interest upon the mark. 2. By republication once every three years after first publication; or Besides, if there were any material changes such as proprietor’s name, device, address or covered goods or services to the registered mark, it used to be registered as a fresh trademark . Trademark search is a preliminary status of the trademark registration process. In Myanmar, however, an official trademark search facility has not been established yet. The proposed trademark owner conducts a private search, mostly in newspapers. Assignment of the trademark rights from original proprietor as an assignment to another person as an assignee could be lawfully done under s 18 (d) of the Registration Act. Settlement on Infringement Cases There are isolated provisions in various statutes, which are related to trademark. Currently, IPRs infringement cases are handled by the Township/District/State or Regional Courts and the Supreme Court. Disputations are amicably solved by negotiations or conciliations and with the intervention of a third party which may sometimes take place. Under the Specific Relief Act, any person entitled to any rights as to any property, including intellectual property, may institute a suit against any person denying, or interested to deny, his title to such right. The Court may in its discretion make therein, a declaration that he is so entitled. In addition, the plaintiff, under the said Act, may also claim a decree for a perpetual injunction. Figure 1: An Example of Cautionary Notice (in English) Validity period of trademark registration is not prescribed by existing Myanmar laws. However, as per current wellestablished practice, a trademark is to be renewed in one of these three options: An action for infringement of the trademark is maintained by means of a civil suit under the “Specific Relief Act” that authorises the Court of Law to grant a perpetual injunction against the infringer. In addition to the civil litigation, counterfeiting a trademark and selling goods with counterfeit trademark are punishable criminal action under the Penal Code. Punishments range from fine to three years imprisonment added with a court order of seizure and destruction of infringing articles and goods. Further, the Penal Code enforcement actions of trademark infringement cases are handled by the Myanmar Merchandise Act and the Sea Customs Act respectively. The Myanmar Merchandise Marks Act supplements relevant provision in the Penal Code which prescribes penalty for applying a false trade Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Feature description. In particular, penalties for selling goods to which a false trade description is applied and unintentional contravention of the law relating to marks and descriptions are prescribed in ss 7 and 8, respectively. Section 15 of the said Act provides that no prosecution shall commence after the expiration of three years next after the commission of the offence, or one year after the first discovery thereof by the prosecutor, whichever expiration first happens. The “Sea Customs Act” prohibits export or import by land or sea of goods having applied a counterfeit trademark. ► Shwe Zin Ko Directorate of Trade Ministry of Commerce Myanmar E-mail: shiroiyurn@gmail.com References 1 Agreement on Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights. Annex 1 C. Retrieved August 24, 2011, from http://www.wto.org/english/docs_e/legal_e/legal_e. htm#TRIPs 2 Hairani Saban Hardjoe. Class lectures of Intellectual Property – Systems, Governance & Management. 13-17 June 2011. Yangon, Myanmar 3 Kyay Hmone Daily Newspaper. 4 Professor Kyi Thwin, Ministry of Science and Technology. Retrieved August 24 2011, from http://www.wipo.int/edocs/mdocs/aspac/en/wipo_inn_tyo_09/wipo_inn_ tyo_09_ref_myanmar.pdf 5 The Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Retrieved August 24 2011, from http:// www.asean.org/19084.htm 6 World Intellectual Property Organization. Retrieved August 23 2011, from http:// www.wipo.int/treaties/en/Remarks.jsp?cnty_id=111C Conclusion 7 World Intellectual Property Organization. Retrieved August 24 2011, from http:// www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/details.jsp?id=6180 The legal environment plays a crucial role on a macro level for the implementation of the TRIPS Agreement and protection of IPRs. In the developing and least-developed countries, it is generally not easy in practice to implement the minimum standards of the TRIPS Agreement in the national legislation. In this regard, experience and expertise as well as technical assistance are essential. As a signatory member of International Agreements and Treatises, Myanmar needs to enhance its IP regime by promulgating and implementing the IP Laws in accordance with the TRIPS Agreement to develop national economy and then, comply with the transparency obligation by notifying its laws and regulations according to art 63.2 of the TRIPS Agreement. At the same time, it is important to subject these laws, rules and regulations for periodic review in order to improve and align them in accordance with the needs of Myanmar in a rapidly changing global trend. 8 World Intellectual Property Organization. Retrieved August 25 2011, from http:// www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/details.jsp?id=6176 9 World Trade Organization. Course Modules of trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights. In the settlement of disputes relating to IP infringements, the Civil Procedure Code plays an important role in Myanmar. Under the said Code, there are some effective procedures for the right decision and speedy disposal of the suits. Under the Civil Procedure Code, every allegation of fact in the plaint, if it is not denied specifically or by necessary implication, or stated not to be admitted, in the written statement of the defendant, shall be deemed to be admitted, except as against a person under disability. With a longer transition period for LDCs, Myanmar should take this opportunity to enhance technical co-operation, capacity building and education for its competent authorities through the co-operation of developed country members, international organisations such as the WTO, WIPO and regional organisations such as ASEAN. Finally, with the provision of the technical and logistical assistance from the WTO, WIPO and other relevant international and regional organisations in the drafting process of IP legislative instrument, it is expected that IP laws would be promulgated soon in compliance with current international legal norms and principles in every aspect while keeping yet its own characteristics of Myanmar’s legal system. Notes 1 First, the TRIPS Agreement sets the standards by requiring compliance with the substantive obligations of the main conventions of the WIPO, the Paris Convention and the Berne Convention in their most recent versions. With the exception of the provisions of the Berne Convention on moral rights, all the main substantive provisions of these two conventions are incorporated by reference and thus come obligations under the TRIPS Agreement between members. 2 Part I of the TRPS Agreement sets out general provisions and basic principles of the Agreement, such as national treatment and most-favoured-nation treatment, and exhaustion of IPRs. Part II of the Agreement sets out the minimum standards of intellectual property protection to be provided by each Member. It covers trademarks including service marks. Part III of this Agreement deals with domestic procedures and remedies for the enforcement of IPRs. Part IV of the Agreement contains general rules on procedures related to the acquisition and maintenance of IPRs. Part V of the Agreement deals with dispute prevention and settlement. Part VI of the Agreement contains provisions on transitional periods, transfer of technology and technical cooperation. Part VII deals with institutional arrangements and certain cross-cutting matters such as the protection of existing subject matter. 3 Including list of ethnic goods and services, represent important steps forward in the regional co-operation in IP. These achievements, together with the completed ASEAN Common Form and the consolidated ASEAN. 4 Including the ASEAN Intellectual Property Association, the International Trademark Association, Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (“OHIM”), WIPO, Australia, EU, and Japan Patent Office. 5 The WIPO and WTO Joint Initiative on Technical Cooperation for Least-Developed Countries was launched in 2001 with the aim of helping LDC Members of the WTO comply with their obligations under the TRIPS Agreement and make best use of the intellectual property system for their economic, social and cultural development. It is open to other LDCs as well. 6 The Penal Code of Myanmar also known as Indian Penal Code (Act XLV. 1860, published on 1st May 1861) because the 1860 Indian Penal Code was inherited in Myanmar when Myanmar was part of India. Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Columns Pro Bono Publico Writing an Emotional Will – Lessons on Living in Reverse For most, the belief that there is still time to see familiar faces later in the day, tonight, tomorrow or next week is an unconscious and habitual practice – nothing wrong with that. We always look forward to meeting more of our own favourite people, not thinking that we or they may depart from this world before we can see them again. We all know that death and dying are a part of life. We go about our daily lives knowing that at some point, it will happen. The departure may be swift and sudden; a deliberate and pre-determined date; or a gradual decline of health and old age. Who will come to my funeral and what will they say of me? Will my parting leave behind questions unanswered, messages undelivered? What value has my existence been to the people in my life? These questions have recently become more real to me ever since my 70-year-old grandmother fell ill. Having survived a stroke several years ago, her physical dexterity and mental faculties have been less than sharp. I have lived with her for some time to witness this decline and the experience is shocking, painful and heartbreaking. She is no longer the strong and independent woman I knew her to be. In my presence, in my hands, she was weak and incapable of carrying herself up. I dared not keep her out of sight fearing that she would fall and hurt herself if I did. The same week my grandmother fell ill, I was invited to a Rose Party organised by the Lien Foundation. It was a session that introduced the concept of emotional will writing. This was unlike the writing of a legal will, which would require a full list of one’s assets. We are all familiar with legal wills – leaving one’s house or money to those who matter. A legal will involves material and tangible items that are of value, is legally binding and has legal implications. An emotional will, however, is not a legal document and is not meant to have any legal effect on one’s estate. Instead, it expresses a person’s message of love and his or her values to share. This can be in the form of a voice or video recording, or a written letter to specific persons. In an object, it embodies or represents a person’s message of love, endearment, memories and important lessons learnt. An emotional will also provides closure and allows the person to leave with dignity. I attended the Rose Party on a rainy Saturday afternoon at The Coffee Connoisseur. Ten of us had come to be introduced to the concept of an emotional will. The event involved a unique exercise of writing precious and intimate memories, thoughts and messages which one wishes to convey to surviving loved ones. Some attendees chose to write to their spouses, children or friends, and some were invited to share their message or their experience in the exercise. It allowed me to stop and “smell the roses” and think about the legacy I want to leave behind. I shared between tears and a lump in my throat my message of immense gratitude to my grandmother for her unconditional love. Mr Simon Tan, a lawyer from Attorneys Inc LLC gamefully shared his emotional will which was beautiful and eloquently written. Mr Shashi Nathan, another lawyer, spoke about his friend “C”, whose words of encouragement helped him embrace life. Mr Nathan once found his own life hanging on a thread when his health took a turn for the worse. He shared that if “C” had not urged him to hold on, he would have given up. Everyone knows that death is inevitable, but not everyone is ready to talk about it. Speaking about death is taboo in many cultures and sometimes we are just too caught up with the business of our lives that we don’t stop to really think about death and dying. The Lien Foundation seeks to de-stigmatise death and dying by spurring “die-logues” amongst attendees. The Rose Party is one of its many “Life before Death” initiatives. The Foundation’s model of radical philanthropy focuses on innovative solutions, convenes strategic partnerships and catalyses action on social and environmental challenges. For the community, it addresses crucial needs and empowers individuals to reach their full potential. Death is so closely linked to life. And it is impossible to have a separate discussion about death without so much as acknowledging life. This was apparent at the Rose Party when writing the parting message allowed participants to reminisce and celebrate life. Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Columns Pro Bono Publico And unless I am Ebenezer Scrooge, life has no real intrinsic value if there is no love, authenticity and warmth in my approach to relationships and people. The purpose of the Rose Party was to talk about emotional wills. Its context involved death. At a deeper level, I think, what the Rose Party created for me was to see what possibilities I could create for myself now as I journey in life towards the inevitable - closer family ties or a deeper and intimate connection with loved ones. I do not speak for everyone, but I am certain that when I die, I want my family with me. And if I do not have the chance to speak with them personally, I would want my emotional will to be read to them. I do not know how my emotional will would look or sound like. But I trust that when the time comes, there will be no hesitation in what I would like to share. It will be filled with love and gratitude. It will forgive, seek forgiveness and it will celebrate a life well lived. ► Lilyana Gan Pro Bono Services Office The Law Society of Singapore This is my last will and testament: I wish to bequeath all my goodwill and love to those people who have crossed my path in my transcient life and made it memorable. It is heartwrenching to have to leave you. I wish to remove the stones and boulders that have stood in my way to personal fulfillment by collecting them, one by one, as lessons of my life. My hope is that these lessons would make it easier to reduce the load of those after me who have to walk the same path and go through the school of hard knocks. This litany of life’s lessons so painfully collected and documented would hopefully be a useful lexicon of good living and it is appended for the reading pleasure of all who wish to read my story. In carrying my heavy load, I have become acutely aware that I have erred in not realising how heavy the stones and boulders have now become at this late stage of my life. I wish that I could have resiled from my ways and undertaken this journey to be a better person when I was younger and stronger so that the load is easier to bear. I wish my trustee to liquidate and give all my worldly treasures to those who are in need of the basic necessities of life. While that may not be enough to nourish and sustain all, I hope that it would be enough for the rest of us to wake up and do the same so as to ensure a more equitable distribution of wealth for the impoverished and poor. As for the song to be played at my funeral, Cool Night by Paul Davis (circa 1981) springs to mind. It evokes a feeling of nostalgia for a time when so much could be done but not done sooner. As I leave this world, I ask for peace and love. For love is the universal command that eliminates all problems in life. With love, all else is possible and nothing is impossible. With regard to my body, I want it to be cremated and my ashes left anonymously buried in Niseko, Japan, a country driven with disaster and bad fortune but whose people have demonstrated so much character and fortitude in adversity. I am one with the people in showing that we can live without fear of what danger lurks round the corner. Finally, to all my friends, I am sorry for not having said this early and sooner enough. I love you with all my heart and mind and soul. I will watch over you and take care of you. If there is a chance, let me do this good turn for the world by the drafting of this my will so that my soul can be saved from eternal damnation. Simon Tan Signed before two attesting witnesses: God and My Conscience Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Lifestyle Alter Ego The Singapore Happiness Index The Bhutanese Gross National Happiness was one of the highlights in our Parliament sessions in 2011. Member of Parliament, Sylvia Lim urged the Government to focus on “happiness” found in our national pledge. Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan replied that Bhutan is not a Shangri-La and that he had personally witnessed unhappy Bhutanese during his visit. His speech in Parliament reiterated that the other words, “progress” and “prosperity” in our pledge were important for Singapore’s growth. This spurred many discussions and a call for a happiness index in Singapore. Bhutan’s resolution in the United Nations Assembly, “Happiness: Towards a holistic approach to development” was sponsored by 66 nations, Singapore being one of them. It was adopted by the United Nations without a vote in July 2011. MP Sylvia Lim then asked Parliament what has been done to carry out the resolution and whether we are going to have our own national index of happiness and well-being. The discussion begets the question what happiness means to us in Singapore. For most of us, material comforts and benefits seem to make us happy. In Singapore, the acquisition of material possessions is often equated with happiness. If this is correct, then happiness is one endless journey of acquisition. Looking around me, I can only see one group of happy people – the retailers. If material acquisitions make a person happy, albeit temporarily, why not? Happiness is a subjective notion and has different meanings to each of us at different phases of our life. For some, it could be a good job with good pay, good working environment and good working hours giving them sufficient time for family and personal pursuits. Good health and an opportunity to not have to work could also be a source of happiness. Fulfillment of urgent needs or wishes such as a secure job, good pay increments or the birth of a child could make others happy. If happiness is subjective, then is it the duty of the State to make its citizens happy? Should we subrogate our fundamental liberty to be happy to the State? We have the personal power to make ourselves happy or not. If we are not happy, we may have to do some soul searching to find Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Lifestyle Alter Ego the answer to our happiness. I remember a schoolmate who was not happy with her life. As friends, we tried to help her but failed. When I met her recently, I observed that she had found some form of happiness and contentment in her life. During my visits to Bangkok, I have been fascinated by one thing – the happiness and lighthearted attitude the Thais show towards life. Their “mai pen rai” (no worries) attitude is refreshing. Despite living in a country which is not economically prosperous, the Thais seem very happy. When I asked NTU Professor Nattavudh Powdthavee and author of popular economics book, The Happiness Equation: The Surprising Economics Of Our Most Valuable Asset the reason for such happiness, he smiled and said that it could be happiness created by tourism. I would think that people who have lesser possessions and lower expectations are happier. Recently, my wife, after receiving some expensive gifts from me, turned to me and said, “These things do not make me really happy.” When I asked my nine-year-old niece for her wish list for a year-end present, she posed me a question in return: “What do you think I would like?” Further probing led to further vague responses, “Just buy me what you like.” Although I rolled my eyes in exasperation, one thing became clear to me. I have to find out what makes my loved ones happy. If I can do or be what makes them happy, that is the best happiness I can give them. One of the many Christmas cards that I received last month was from an 11-year-old boy. I had helped his father to obtain a relocation order for him to live and study in Australia. I had no idea how much happiness the court order had brought him until I read his words of happiness in the card. He shared about his academic progress and personal growth. The rest of the phrase “to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress” in our country’s pledge seems to suggest that happiness is an important ingredient for us to create prosperity and progress in our lives. During one phase of my life, I spent a lot of time in the pursuit of happiness. I now think that self-contentment is more important than happiness. Creating happiness for the people around me makes me very happy. Let’s be happy and make everyone happy in 2012. ► Rajan Chettiar Rajan Chettiar & Co E-mail: rajan@rajanchettiar.com Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Lifestyle Travel La Flora Resort, Patong Patong Beach I have always wondered what it would be like to wake up in the morning and jump straight into a hotel swimming pool. Not just any ordinary pool. A private pool, no less. So there I was, at a pool villa in Patong, Phuket, standing next to a private pool and ready to jump in. Somehow I hesitated – the morning was quite cold after the torrential rain the night before. But it wasn’t the temperature that held me back. It was the leaves. There were so many leaves floating on the surface of the water (no thanks to the torrential rain) as if they were trying to deter me from entering the pool. I stood there for a while wondering if I should clear the leaves before jumping in. In the end, I did so and the romantic notion of swimming leisurely in a private pool early in the morning was crushed, by my very own hands. The pool villa in question belongs to a resort located conveniently along Patong beach in Patong town, named La Flora Resort. When my wife and I decided to take a holiday in Phuket, we took the opportunity to fulfill one of my dreams, which was to stay in a pool villa. The search for the perfect pool villa, however, wasn’t as easy as we had expected it to be. Most hotels with pool villas in Phuket are either located far from town or at some extremely remote location, I suppose, to give them a sense of exclusivity and seclusion. So imagine our surprise and delight when we finally found La Flora Resort Patong, which is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The convenient location of the resort within walking distance to the beach and Patong’s shopping and partying district is such a rarity. I had to Google and read all the online reviews to make doubly sure that the resort is where it says it was – literally sitting on pristine white sands, and so incredibly close to Bangla Road – the most happening street in Patong. Most beach resorts in Phuket can boast that they are close to the beach. None, however, can lay claim to the fact that it is sitting right next to the beach with an open back door that leads directly onto the beach. While La Flora Resort Patong only opened in 2008, the brand name of La Flora has unfortunately been forever linked to a royal tragedy. The late Khun Poom Jensen, Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Lifestyle Travel The 1.5m deep private pool, adjacent to the beach The facade of the hotel grandson of the King of Thailand, was killed in the 2004 tsunami when he and his family were vacationing at the La Flora Resort hotel in Khao Lak. Patong beach was also hit hard by the tsunami but La Flora Patong fortunately only commenced business four years after the tragedy. The resort itself is by no means big. It has only 67 rooms, suites and pool villas. Then again, for a boutique resort, it is meant to be small. But to label it as small does not do it justice either. For amenities, the resort offers a spa, two parallel lap swimming pools, two restaurants, a library, a fitness centre and even a business centre. Upon checking-in, we learnt that our room had been upgraded as we had made the booking under the partnership between the Law Society and the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (see box below). We were offered the biggest pool villa available - the Beachfront Grand Pool Villa. With a space of about 159 square metres, a generous dining area adjacent to the private pool and a huge bathtub, it so overwhelmed us that for a while, we didn’t quite know what to do! beach from our hotel room; bane in that sand from the beach was constantly blown into our room by the strong winds. On numerous occasions, I felt like taking a broom to the floor when I realised I was actually on holiday. The room itself came with amenities befitting its luxury resort status – there was the Bose hi-fi system, full DVD system with 40-inch television, Nespresso machine with complete range of capsules as well as an expanse of expensive toiletries. The private pool, we estimate, was about 1.5 metres deep, which was a bit steep for a leisure pool. For non-swimmers, it can be a little intimidating. But hey, no problem, there is always the huge bathtub in the room which can fit a party of four easily, with room to spare for a kid or two. Breakfast comes free at the hotel. Being a coffee person, I thoroughly enjoyed the coffee. Not just any coffee but Nespresso (read: real coffee). If coffee is not your cup of tea, there is also a booth inside the restaurant where you can order any fresh fruit juice you wish. The design of the resort is such that it blends into the neighbourhood and the beach, so there was no ugly fencing to enclose the villa grounds. Our pool villa literally fronts the beach but removable timber panels were cleverly and strategically placed to afford privacy. Security at the resort was reassuringly tight with security guards patrolling the grounds around the clock. Unlike many other hotels or resorts which we have stayed in, the General Manager of the resort, Mr Sawai Sombat, made his presence felt throughout our stay, in a nonintrusive yet reassuring way. We found a welcome card in the room signed off by him when we checked-in and we also met him at breakfast one morning when he was on his rounds talking to guests. Staying so close to the beach is, as we discovered, both a boon and a bane – boon in that it was mere steps to the The management and staff of the resort pay much attention to little details to ensure the comfort of the guests. The Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Lifestyle Travel Room overlooking the private pool The main bedroom aroma of lemongrass soothed our senses every time we entered our room, thoughtfully scented by the housekeeping staff. Complimentary umbrellas were placed in the room for guests without having to ask. There was also a radio cum alarm clock which could be connected to an iPhone or iTouch to stream music. Our room had no less than five double-sockets to charge devices – we could have easily set up a work station at one of the tables. Wireless internet, although provided free by the hotel, was a bit too slow to get any real work done. But then, it is supposed to a beach resort and guests are not expected to be working (save for me)! Like a true luxury resort, they also provide complimentary turndown services. After a tiring day of partying, shopping and sightseeing, we came back to the room to find the bed turned down and ready to sleep in, towels were changed and small bottles of mineral water placed conveniently at the side of the bed. The sweetest gesture was the thoughtful note hanging on the mineral water bottles to remind you to drink a little before sleeping. Staff at the resort were courteous and seem to have an uncanny ability to foresee when you need assistance, yet quietly stay in the background when no help is needed. But really, with everything already thoughtfully provided for, we hardly required any assistance. Overall the price of the resort is a little higher than the hotels in the same area, but this could easily be attributed to the prime location and the exceptional service. If you have been longing to stay in a location where you can party all night then take a short stroll back to a quiet oasis by the beach with your own private pool, La Flora Resort Patong is definitely for you. But do remember to clear the leaves before you jump into the pool! ► Shawn Toh The Law Society of Singapore Exclusive Privileges from Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ The Law Society, in partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World (“SLH”), is pleased to offer members a special partner rate* at participating SLH properties. Simply visit www.slh.com/lawsocsg to take advantage of this exclusive rate* with added privileges. SLH is an unsurpassed collection of over 520 hotels in more than 70 countries, from cutting-edge design hotels to palatial 17th century mansions, city centre sanctuaries to remote private islands, historic country houses to idyllic resorts. Whatever your inclination, SLH is guaranteed to have that exclusive hotel with its own unique character and charm. This exclusive members’ rate* includes the following complimentary benefits: • Continental daily breakfast for two • Room upgrade (subject to availability at check-in) • Late check-out at 4pm (subject to availability at check-in) * Terms & conditions apply. Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Lifestyle Food grandma (bless her). It is about roiling emotions at seeing relatives and friends and at meeting the absence of people who choose to disappear year after year. Where else can one find such a potent bittersweet? It is no wonder we keep going back for more every year. Char-grilled Wagyu Beef Yu Sheng There is yusheng with truffle oil, and even yusheng with foie gras. But they always come with raw fish slices. In the ultimate twist, Peach Blossoms restaurant offers yu sheng, without the yu (fish) but with wagyu beef slices, in a sesame dressing, that boldly edge the golden crackers, five-spice powder and plum sauce – one of this season’s most intriguing dishes. Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant Collisions in the Mouth – It’s the New Year Again If there is a time of flavours colliding, it is during Chinese New Year dinner. The time when many dishes follow one after the other in a myriad of tastes. No surprise really, as this traditional feast is not always a graceful segue from savour to savour. The dinner is, first and foremost, symbolism – partaking of braised prawns and pig’s tongue in a single dish, and eating sweet sticky nian gao (new year cake) right after one has dealt with the divinely sticky rubber-like sea cucumber, and deconstructed the hairy crab. The restaurant also offers the excellent Baked Lobster with Sliced Garlic and White Truffle Oil and Double-Boiled Chicken Broth with Gingko Nuts and Cordycep Flower. The dish that melts the heart, though, is the Almond-flavoured Soup with Fish Maw – the ground almond perks up the soup with its utter freshness and aroma but more importantly, it sends one soaring on the inside. To end the meal, the Four Treasures Pastry – Oriental tarts made with fillings of mixed berries, cashew nut, pineapple and walnut with lotus paste – are a must. When taken with tea, the crust of the tart brings out exquisitely the delicacy of Xiang Pian and the ever-so-mild smokiness of Pu-er. Peach Blossoms (Marina Mandarin Singapore) 6 Raffles Boulevard Marina Square Tel: 6845 1000 Two sittings at 5.30pm and 8.30pm for Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner These and other dishes are an overt multi-pronged reference to wealth and fertility and – just so that nothing good ever slips by – general abundance in its exceeding fullness. The Chinese spare no effort to catch each and every wisp of fortune. Never mind the strangely delightful rumbles in the mouth – these are just crashes at food intersections. The new year experience is about improbable mixes of aromas and textures, and the clutching at prosperity, real or imaginary. The feast is about meeting loved ones and much-lesserloved ones – and people one does not even remember as relatives until prodded with a whisper by an all-knowing Peach Blossoms – Wagyu Beef Yu Sheng Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Lifestyle Food Pen Cai with Goose Web Iberico Char Siu / Lapsang Smoked Abalone At Wan Hao restaurant, roasting the prized Iberico pork the Chinese way is an ingenious twist – fusing the nutty rosy taste of the meat with the sweetness of oriental barbeque sauce. The unique flavour of black Spanish pork comes from the pig’s diet of wild thyme, rosemary, mushrooms, and acorns. The Lapsang-smoked Abalone is too a palate-pleaser – smoking the abalone with robust lapsang suchong tea leaves is a compelling combination and gives a fresh vivid complexity to this shellfish. The restaurant also serves a very delectable Mushroom pen cai (or stew pot) – a variety of mushrooms including oyster mushrooms and abalone mushrooms are braised with black truffles, sea moss, beancurd sheet and garlic for a light and focused flavour. This is one of the very best pen cai ever sampled. Another very agreeable dish to note is the Prosperous Yu Sheng that comes with foie gras, scallop, lobster and hamachi. Man Fu Yuan Braised Goose Web The goose web is a prized delicacy in Chinese cuisine. At Man Fu Yuan restaurant, they offer an excellent version, either boiled or braised. It is either served on its own (for which advance orders should be made) or as part of the ubiquitous pen cai (treasure pot stew) – though in the latter, the full flavour of the web is a bit lost with all the other ingredients. Wan Hao (Marriott Singapore) 320 Orchard Road Tel: 6831 4615 Three sittings at 5.30pm, 7.30pm and 9.30pm for Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner There is also the Whole Suckling Pig (stuffed with glutinous rice) that is cooked in the best authentic way – it is roasted as the rice is being cooked inside the pig, which is a difficult culinary feat. Done in this way, the rice is enriched with the flavour of the meat and the pork itself is moistened from being cooked with the rice. Other unusual dishes include Hot & Sour Soup with Sharks’ Fin, Hakka-style Bean Curd Yu Sheng, and Hashima Egg Tarts. Man Fu Yuan (InterContinental Singapore) 80 Middle Road Tel: 6825 1062 Only one sitting for Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner Spanish Iberico Char Siu Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Lifestyle Food Hand Pulled Noodles with Crab Meat in Red Vinegar I love it when chefs pull off subtle dishes such as Noodles with Crab Meat in Red Vinegar and let the food do all the whispering. At Hai Tien Lo restaurant, this is one of the most refreshingly understated dishes – and appropriately so. The noodles are soft as silk, and the crab meat flavourful with the vinegar giving a scented oomph right at the end. Other notable dishes include Prawn Paste Scallops in Butter Lemon Sauce (accompanied with foie gras in Chinese wine), and Steamed Boston Lobster with Dried Oyster in Mince Garlic. Hai Tien Lo Restaurant For sweets, there is the osmanthus-flavoured nian gao (nicely sticky as the traditional new year cake should be, unlike modern versions that are more jelly-like in texture), Double-boiled Herbal Hashima and almond apricot cake. Hai Tien Lo (Pan Pacific Singapore) 7 Raffles Boulevard Tel: 6336 8111 Two sittings at 6.00pm and 8.30pm for Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner Noodles with Crab Meat in Red Vinegar Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Lifestyle Food Braised Lobster with Spicy Wok-Fried Fish Noodles This season, there are some quite extraordinary dishes at Szechuan Court. The braised Lobster with Spicy Wok-Fried Fish Noodles is a harmonious dish – the crustacean is cooked just right, with noodles made from fish paste and wheat, and a small serving of glutinous rice. The chilli flakes infused into the noodles give a spirited jolt to the tasting experience. The spicy Szechuan pen cai deserves high marks because of its clarity of taste – something that is hard to say about the traditional casserole comprising a mish-mash of ingredients. The chef has, however, sharpened his focus by braising mushrooms, lotus root, and dried bean curd in a lobster-based soup, with the pleasant yank of chilli in its concluding notes. For a braised dish, flavours are not merged and blended; there are welcome multi-tones instead – the barely-there crunch of lotus root, and the textured sponginess of bean curd. The Stewed Herbal Pig’s Trotters is a roast-and-braise affair with a fairly thin skin undergirded with melted fat. This is one of the more difficult dishes in Chinese cuisine – the version here is aromatic and almost perfect but the salt factor needs dialing down. Szechuan Court (Fairmont Singapore) Level 3, 80 Bras Basah Road Tel: 6339 7777 Two sittings at 6.00pm and 8.30pm for Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner. Shark’s fin is not available ► Jeffrey Lee A Frank Foodnotes Review Szechuan Spicy Wok-Fried Fish Noodles with Braised Lobster Szechuan Court (Private Dining Room) Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Notices Professional Moves New Law Practices Mr Chandrayogan Yogarajah (formerly of Island Law LLC) has, with effect from 3 November 2011, commenced practice under the name and style of C. Yogarajah at the following address and contact numbers: 883 North Bridge Road #19-05 Southbank Singapore 198785 Tel: 6292 5838 Fax: 6292 5938 E-mail: Chandran@islandlaw.com.sg Mr Fong Mun Yung Gregory John and Mr Fong Chee Yang (both formerly of Chee & Michael Chong Partnership) have, with effect from 8 November 2011, commenced practice under the name and style of Beston Law LLP at the following address and contact numbers: 490 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh #06-12 HDB Hub Biz 3 Lobby 2 Singapore 310490 Tel: 6397 2248 Fax: 6397 2773 E-mail: legal@bestonlaw.com Ms Angeline Suparto has, with effect from 15 November 2011, commenced practice under the name and style of Angeline Suparto Law Corporation at the following address and contact numbers: 80 Raffles Place #24-20 UOB Plaza Singapore 048624 Tel: 6223 3638 Fax: 6223 3090 E-mail: as@asuparto.com.sg Mr Roland Tong has, with effect from 22 November 2011, commenced practice under the name and style of Roland Tong at the following address and contact numbers: 3 Pickering Street #02-22 Nankin Row Singapore 048660 Tel: 6225 0219 Fax: 6225 1219 E-mail: rtong.bp@gmail.com Mdm Janet Tan (formerly of Shook Lin & Bok LLP) has, with effect from 1 December 2011, commenced practice under the name and style of Janet Tan & Co at the following address and contact numbers: 1 Finlayson Green #14-02 Singapore 049246 Tel: 6513 3858 Fax: 6512 5452 E-mail: janet@janet-tan.co Mr Lau Teik Soon (formerly of Lau & Gur) has, with effect from 1 January 2012, commenced practice under the name and style of Lau Teik Soon & Associates at the following address and contact numbers: 133 New Bridge Road #17-08 Chinatown Point Singapore 059413 Tel: 6327 5466 Fax: 6535 5466 E-mail: lauts.assoc@pacific.net.sg Dissolution of Law Practice The law practice of Chee & Michael Chong Partnership dissolved on 8 November 2011. Outstanding matters of the former law practice of Chee & Michael Chong Partnership have, with effect from 8 November 2011, been taken over by: Beston Law LLP 490 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh #06-12 HDB Hub Biz 3 Lobby 2 Singapore 310490 Tel: 6397 2248 Fax: 6397 2773 E-mail: legal@bestonlaw.com Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 The law practice of Angeline Suparto & Company dissolved on 14 November 2011. Outstanding matters of the former law practice of Angeline Suparto & Company have, with effect from 15 November 2011, been taken over by: Angeline Suparto Law Corporation 80 Raffles Place #24-20 UOB Plaza Singapore 048624 Tel: 6223 3638 Fax: 6223 3090 Change of Law Practice Name The name of the law practice known as Yu Sarn Audrey has been changed to Yusarn Audrey with effect from 16 November 2011. The address and contact numbers of the firm remain unchanged. Closure of Branch Office Prasanna Devi & Co 301 Serangoon Road Level 1, Corner Shop Singapore 218224 (wef 1 November 2011) Change of Law Practices’ Addresses CTLC Law Corporation 3 Raffles Place #06-01 Bharat Building Singapore 048617 Tel: 6336 8989 Fax: 6323 7678 (wef 19 December 2011) Hogan Lovells Lee & Lee 50 Collyer Quay #10-01 OUE Bayfront Singapore 049321 Tel: 6538 0900 Fax: 6538 7077 (wef 5 December 2011) Notices Professional Moves Lee & Lee 50 Raffles Place #06-00 Singapore Land Tower Singapore 046823 Tel: 6220 0666 Fax: 6224 8505 (wef 8 November 2011) Michael Por Law Corporation 137 Market Street #13-01 Singapore 048943 Tel: 6221 9065 Fax: 6221 0623 (wef 29 November 2011) William Chai Sunforester LLC 151 Chin Swee Road #02-21 Manhattan House Singapore 169876 Tel: 6533 3698 Fax: 6227 8082 (wef 27 July 2011) Liew Geok Heok 5001 Beach Road #03-53 Golden Mile Complex Singapore 199588 Tel & Fax: 6294 8767 (wef 1 January 2012) One Legal LLC 6 Shenton Way #21-08 DBS Building Tower Two Singapore 068809 Tel: 6720 6788 Fax: 6720 7998 E-mail: general@onelegal.sg (wef 28 November 2011) Wong Chai Kin 48-B Smith Street Singapore 058957 Tel: 6223 0263 Fax: 6223 0176 (wef 21 November 2011) Surian & Partners 101 Upper Cross Street #07-02 People’s Park Centre Singapore 058357 Tel: 6533 1393 Fax: 6533 2161 (wef 1 November 2011) A Mohamed Hashim Email: amh.chambers@yahoo.com Manicka & Co 101 Upper Cross Street #04-31 People’s Park Centre Singapore 058357 Tel: 6532 8823 Fax: 6533 0658 (wef 1 December 2011) LAW GAZETTE An Official Publication of The Law Society of Singapore | January 2011 Clearing the Bar on Jurisdiction and Leave to Appeal Misplaced your copy of the Singapore Law Gazette? Looking for an article on insolvency published 5 years ago? No idea where to look? MICA (P) No. 124/11/2010 R R www.lawgazette.com.sg Find it at www.lawgazette.com.sg Current and archived copies of the Singapore Law Gazette dating back to year 2000 are avaiable online. A convenient search function allows you to easily look for articles on various subjects. Go online today and never lose another copy of the Gazette again! LAW GAZETTE An Official Publication of The Law Society of Singapore | March 2011 Former Client Conflicts: Sword or Shield? MICA (P) No. 124/11/2010 R R www.lawgazette.com.sg Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Change of E-mail Address Notices Information on Wills Name of Deceased (Sex) NRIC Date of Death Last Known Address Solicitors/Contact Person Reference Ong Wee San (M) S0618560F 4 July 2011 25 Jalan Tembah Thomson Singapore 577496 Hoh Law Corporation 6553 4800 YM/P5739.11/tc Rajaratnam s/o Ayyakkanu (M) S2599434E 16 July 2011 Blk 446 Choa Chu Kang Ave 4 M&A Law Corporation #06-293 6557 6483 Singapore 680446 BS/nn/1035.01/rs Fu Jat Men @ Fu Yat Men (M) S0365974G 16 September 2011 61 Ellington Square Singapore 568964 S Nabham 6224 8900 SN.3730.11.LHV Trinh Doanh (F) S8177603B 3 October 2011 Blk 93 Commonwealth Drive #04-732 Singapore 140093 Patrick Tan LLC 6535 8100 PT/HS/PROB/20110566. ac Anthony Muttu s/o Selvam S0245232D 7 October 2011 Blk 51 Telok Blangah Drive #13-120 Singapore 100051 Joethy & Co 6535 6000 RJ/lm/596/2011 David Malcolm Braden Beattie (M) S2711283H 12 October 2011 Blk 212 Loyang Ave #03-03 Singapore 509064 Joseph Tan Jude Benny LLP 6220 9388 2011320439MP/KY/wy Wong Chye Lan (F) S1348501D 31 October 2011 Blk 109 Rivervale Walk #09-22 Singapore 540109 Tang Khin Wai & Co 6334 1328 TKW/jw/544/11 John Walter Eynon (M) S2199978D 6 November 2011 Blk 155 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh #10-1167 Singapore 310155 Drew & Napier LLC 6535 0733 JLTL/393519 Lee Boon Leong @ Lee Kang Lam (F) 1A Tanglin Hill S2539279E Singapore 248019 20 November 2011 Alan Shankar & Lim LLC ALS/10581/1211/d 6538 1044 Lim Soo Cheng (M) S1184572Z 27 November 2011 Blk 313 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 #10-2308 Singapore 560313 Hoh Law Corporation 6553 4800 Soh Jit Sheng (M) S1394912C 30 November 2011 Blk 14 Ghim Moh Road #07-01 Singapore 270014 Summit Law Corporation 201112152/11 6597 8363 Tan See Choon (M) S0583079F 7 December 2011 Blk 252 Hougang Ave 3 #11-356 Singapore 530252 Hoh Law Corporation 6553 4800 EC/P5744/11/at EC/P5755/11/at To place a notice in this section, please write to the Publications Department at The Law Society of Singapore, 39 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058673, Fax: 6533 5700, with the deceased’s particulars, a copy of the death certificate and cheque payment of S$85.60 per notice made in favour of ‘LexisNexis‘. All submissions must reach us by the 5th day of the preceding month. Singapore Law Gazette January 2012 Appointments 50 Stand Out With Hughes-Castell In-house Regional Compliance Officer APAC (10+ yrs pqe) Singapore Join this innovative agricultural technology company as they seek a talented compliance professional to help implement a range of operations across the Asia-Pacific region. You should have substantial ethics and compliance experience in multiple jurisdictions in Asia, ideally gained at a multinational company. A dynamic personality and great communication skills are required. Ref: 10222/SLG Senior Legal Counsel (6-12 yrs pqe) Singapore A rapidly expanding international property and hospitality business is seeking a senior lawyer to advise on corporate and commercial matters in Asia, with a focus on China and India. You should have the ability to work closely with business leaders, and some Mandarin language skills would be a plus. Ref: 10534/SLG VP Legal Counsel (8+ yrs pqe) Singapore Excellent opportunity to take on a range of international employment matters at this bank. This role will be responsible for advising a large HR function from a legal perspective, handling group policies, governance, regulatory rules and disciplinary issues. You should have a law degree, a proactive attitude, the ability to formulate group policy across jurisdictions and very good people skills. Candidates from non-banking industries will be considered. Ref: 10526/SLG Corporate Counsel - Insurance (8+ yrs pqe) Singapore Join this international insurance company as they seek a Senior Corporate Counsel to advise and support their individual consumer product business unit. You will review complex reinsurance contracts and provide insurance and reinsurance regulatory advice. This role requires very good insurance experience, gained either at a reinsurance broker/intermediary, insurance/reinsurance company or an international law firm. Hong Kong, Singapore, UK, Australia or US qualification will be considered, and those not currently in Singapore may apply. Ref: 10514/SLG Legal Counsel & Company Secretary (7+ yrs pqe) Singapore Work closely with the General Counsel at a very well established international healthcare company. This position requires good knowledge of Singapore companies law and listing requirements, and you will be responsible for identifying and mitigating legal and regulatory risk in a timely manner. The ability to work with contracts, IP matters and compliance issues needed, Mandarin language skills would be a plus. Ref: 10532/SLG Senior Legal Counsel (7+ yrs pqe) Singapore Handle compliance, contracts and real estate matters at this international property company. This role is responsible for commercial, trademark licensing, property management, tenancy matters and regulatory risk management. Prior experience at a listed company in Singapore preferred, fluent English and Chinese required. Ref: 10439/SLG Compliance Leader (6+ yrs pqe) Kuala Lumpur This Fortune 500 financial conglomerate is now hiring a Compliance Leader to help oversee business units in Asia. This position will take the lead on a variety of financial compliance matters covering Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and other ASEAN countries. The ideal candidate for this role has very strong compliance experience at an international bank or financial institution. Ref: 10432/SLG Finance Legal Counsel (5+ yrs pqe) Singapore Advise on interesting financing matters as this international energy company expands its operations in Singapore. You will join a dedicated banking and finance team and may work on some general corporate matters. Fluent Mandarin required, and those currently in private practice will be considered. Ref: 10477/SLG Compliance Officers (2-8 yrs pqe) Singapore Two compliance positions are now available at this international investment management company. One of the roles will focus on regulatory compliance, whereas the other will focus on investment guidelines and trade surveillance. Both junior and mid-level candidates are sought, and mid-level individuals should be ready to move into a leadership position within a few years. Ref: 10448/SLG Private Practice Corporate Partner – Singapore Take on a leadership position on the well established corporate team at this international firm. Senior associates with strong regional credentials are encouraged to apply. Ref: 10287/SLG Competition Director – New Delhi A leading law firm in India is looking to recruit an experienced competition lawyer. You should have around 15 years of experience in the areas of competition and antitrust, gained in the US or the EU. Ref: 10515/SLG Project Finance Senior Associate (6+ yrs pqe) Singapore Do you have good project finance experience and want to join an international law firm on the partnership track? This role requires a self starter with a proven ability to help develop a practice, and strong business development skills with partnership ambitions is a must. English qualification required, Australian qualification would be a plus. Ref: 10135/SLG HONG KONG Tel: (852) 2520 1168 Fax: (852) 2865 0925 Email: hughes@hughes-castell.com.hk SINGAPORE Tel: (65) 6220 2722 Fax: (65) 6220 7112 Email: hughes@hughes-castell.com.sg BEIJING Tel: (86) 10 6581 1781 Fax: (86) 10 6581 1773 Email: beijing@hughes-castell.com.hk SHANGHAI Tel and Fax: (86) 21 2206 1200 Email: shanghai@hughes-castell.com.hk SLG SING Jan12 Stand.indd 1 www.hughes-castell.com.sg 5/1/2012 15:07:43 51 Appointments As trustee of the nation’s savings, we understand what it means to be trusted. In our hands we hold the future of real people and real lives. We foster an environment of trust and encourage positive relationships for effective teamwork. We offer you the space to develop with meaningful opportunities and fresh challenges. We adopt a total rewards focus comprising competitive remuneration, attractive benefits and non-monetary recognition. Take that first step with us. For Trust is the starting point for all we do. Make a Difference As Legal Counsel with the Central Provident Fund Board Our legal team has expanded over the years and we are still growing. We offer excellent opportunities for motivated and committed individuals. You will have the opportunity to work on stimulating matters that will give you a sense of achievement and fulfilment, and at the same time learn new skills and gain an insight into policy making. You will also enjoy diverse training programmes that include developing leadership skills, a friendly and nurturing work environment as well as a good work-life balance. Apply today for the chance to work in an award winning key public institution that is committed to developing talents, promoting innovation and providing ample opportunities to grow and excel. Your Role Working closely with management, you will play a crucial role when advising on a wide spectrum of legal matters. Your key responsibilities will be to: • Provide legal advice on issues varying from IP and IT to divorce and probate. • Provide legal advice on CPF Board’s duties and corporate affairs. • Draft, review and advise on a wide range of commercial and IT contracts, service level agreements and deeds. • Draft and advise on CPF legislation. • Manage CPF Board’s external lawyers. What We Offer • • • • • Competitive pay package and employee benefits. Good work-life balance. Excellent opportunities to learn new skills, such as legislation drafting, and to understand how policy is made and implemented. Opportunity to work with other government and statutory bodies. Dedicated mentoring, ample training and development. What We Require • • • • A good Honours degree in Law from a recognised university and be eligible to be called to the Singapore Bar. At least 1 year PQE (for junior position) and 4-6 years PQE (for senior position), whether in practice or in-house. Good communication skills. Ability to work well independently as well as in a team. To apply Visit our website at http://www.cpf.gov.sg/careers to apply. (We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.) Appointments 52 In 2012, CML continues to help you stay one step ahead, with the launch of our brand new website. Scan this QR code to go to our website Discreet. Professional. Effective. CmlAsia CML_HK_NewWebsite_print-ad_SingaporeLawGazette.indd 1 CareerAsia cmlrecruitment.com.hk +852 2836 6382 1/5/12 5:22:37 PM 53 Appointments APAC General Counsel (15+ PQE), Singapore Regional Legal Counsel (3-5 PQE), Hong Kong Our client, a NYSE listed technology company which is a leader in its field, is looking for an APAC General Counsel with strong regional commercial experience. Reporting to the Group's General Counsel in US headquarters, the successful candidate will supervise a team of dedicated legal professionals while acting as a trusted advisor and partner to business leaders in Asia. This position offers a broad portfolio of responsibilities crucial to the support of the company's rapid growth in Asia. Mandarin preferred but not essential. [S2698] Our client is an established European conglomerate with a global presence. They now seek a generalist corporate/ commercial lawyer to join their Regional Legal Team. You will have an Asia Pacific coverage and be consulted on regulatory/compliance issues, risk management, competition law, intellectual property and tax related matters etc. Successful candidate will be decisive and confident, with a hands-on approach. Strong written and verbal communications skills in both English and Chinese a must. Mandarin highly preferred. A very competitive compensation package commensurate with experience on offer for this terrific opportunity. [S2984] Asia Legal Director (12-15 PQE), Singapore Rare opportunity for a dynamic and experienced in-house lawyer to join a fast growing NYSE listed company, to set up the company's legal function in the Asia Pacific region. As an integral member of the senior management team, the successful candidate will support high profile and complex commercial transactions with a focus on M&A. The ideal candidate must be a self starter with a hands-on approach, highly adaptable and able to provide creative solutions to complex legal problems. Familiarity with the O&G, logistics or commodities industries is preferred though not critical. Fluency in Mandarin is advantageous. [S2948] Legal Counsel (6-8 PQE), Singapore A role with a leading global hotel chain has become available for an ambitious mid level lawyer. Working with their team based in Singapore, the successful candidate will support the business with all hotel operations in the Asia Pacific region, from deal execution to hotel openings, draft and review commercial contracts, and handle litigation and IP protection matters. The successful candidate should possess strong corporate commercial experience. Experience in the hospitality or real estate industry and proficiency in Mandarin would be an advantage. [S2985] Compliance Singapore and Legal Counsel (5-7 PQE), Premier global investment and advisory firm is looking for a compliance & legal counsel to be based in Singapore and to provide compliance, risk management, regulatory and legal support for their activities in the funds and investments space. You should be familiar with local compliance and general corporate commercial issues, especially those relating to funds and asset management. Candidates who also have experience with cross-border matters will have an advantage. [S2986] Singapore Office: 24 Raffles Place, #17-06 Clifford Centre, Singapore 048621 | Tel: +65 6236 0166 Hong Kong Office: Unit 1602, 16/F, Dina House, 11 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong | Tel: + 852 2526 2981 Corporate Counsel (9-13 PQE), Beijing, China A career enhancing opportunity for a corporate counsel to join a brand name NYSE listed technology star. You will support all legal affairs for Greater China and occasional special projects in the broader APJ region, including M&A, JV, financing, corporate governance, employment, litigation and procurement matters. If you are a leader with superb interpersonal and communications skills, ability to multi-task and exercise sound judgment, this role will reward you with a great deal of autonomy and responsibility. Ideal candidate will have previous in-house experience and knowledge of Chinese law. Must speak, read and write fluent Mandarin Chinese and English. [S2964] Country Counsel (5+ PQE), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia A US MNC seeks a Malaysian-qualified lawyer with at least 5 years experience to join them in a role based in Kuala Lumpur. The successful candidate will work with senior management to protect commercial and legal interests in the country on transactional, litigation and government relations. The ideal candidate should have strong commercial experience gained in a law firm, some experience dealing with multinational clients and must be comfortable operating on a senior level. Fluency in English and Bahasa Malaysia is required for this role. [S2978] Senior Attorney (10-20 PQE), Delhi/Mumbai, India Leading communications provider is looking for a senior lawyer to manage a team of lawyers to support India business operations. Based in Delhi/ Mumbai, the person will work closely with senior management on strategic business issues, advise on high value transactions and be responsible for regulatory compliance procedures and policies. Senior in-house lawyers with experience in domestic and international law, telecommunications matters and who possess strong leadership skills will be well suited for this role. [S2936] 54 Appointments ROLANDTONG S O L I C I T O R S NICHE BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM WITH SPECIALISED M&A PROJECT WORK REQUIRES: 1. LEGAL ASSISTANT, 3 TO 8 YEARS PQE. MUST HAVE SOLID INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY EXPERIENCE GAINED IN EITHER CORPORATE OR LITIGATION DEPARTMENT. SOUND KNOWLEDGE OF RECENT IP CASE LAW DEVELOPMENT IS ESSENTIAL. TRAVEL IS REQUIRED. 2. PRIVATE SECRETARY FOR PRINCIPAL CLIENT, MINIMUM 10 YEARS SECRETARIAL EXPERIENCE. MUST BE WELL SPOKEN, ORGANISED AND HAVE EXCELLENT PC KNOWLEDGE AND PR SKILLS TO FILL FAST PACED CONFIDENTIAL POSITION. TOP MARKET REMUNERATION WILL BE PAID TO THE RIGHT CANDIDATE. PLEASE SEND DETAILED RESUME INDICATING LAST DRAWN AND EXPECTED SALARY WITH RECENT PHOTO TO: THE OFFICE MANAGER, M/S ROLAND TONG, 3 PICKERING STREET #02-22, SINGAPORE 048660. EMAIL: gkwan.bp@gmail.com The Competition Commission of Singapore (CCS) champions competition for growth and choice. We enforce the Competition Act by taking action against anti-competitive behaviour. We also promote pro-competition practices among businesses and government agencies. We take pride in our intellectual rigour, objectivity and passion. Legal Counsel, Legal and Enforcement Division Responsibilities: Reporting to the Director (Legal & Enforcement), you will assist in the Commission’s enforcement of the Competition Act against cartels, dominant companies that abuse their position and mergers which substantially lessen competition. You will have the opportunity to participate in dawn raids, work on policy matters and law reform relating to competition law, and represent the Commission in the Courts and Tribunals, as required. You may also have the opportunity to work on Free Trade Agreements and represent the Commission in international fora. Requirements: • • • • • • Good law degree from a reputable university Called to the Singapore Bar Preferably one to three years of Post-Qualified Experience Economics qualifications is an added advantage Analytical, independent and self-motivated Strong communication and interpersonal skills A competitive remuneration package commensurate with the applicants’ qualifications and experience will be offered. Actual designation will depend on the years of experience the applicants possess. Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence and will not be returned. Only short-listed candidates will be notified. Information on this position is also available at http://app.ccs.gov.sg/Careers_index.aspx and http://www.careers.gov.sg. Alternatively, you may also wish to submit your curriculum vitae to ccs_hr@ccs.gov.sg or to: Human Resource Division, Competition Commission of Singapore, 45 Maxwell Road, #09-01, The URA Centre, Singapore 069118 Closing Date: 31st January 2012 55 Appointments WONGPARTNERSHIP WongPartnership LLP is one of Singapore’s top law firms, with its major practices ranked at the highest levels by international commentators. The Firm was named "Singapore National Law Firm of the Year" at the inaugural Chambers Asia Awards for Excellence 2010 in recognition of its outstanding work, impressive growth and excellence in client service. The Firm was also voted Asian Legal Business’ top "Employer of Choice 2010" for Singapore, and one of "Singapore’s 100 Most Popular Graduate Recruiters in 2011", determined by The Singapore Graduate Barometer. We invite applications from highly motivated and committed individuals to take up the following challenges: ASSOCIATES • • • • • • • Asset Management & Funds Banking & Finance Banking & Financial Disputes Capital Markets China Commercial & Corporate Disputes Competition & Regulatory • • • • • • • Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions Corporate Real Estate Financial Services Regulatory Infrastructure, Construction & Engineering Intellectual Property, Media & Technology Middle East Shipping & International Trade Applicants to our China Practice should possess relevant experience in handling corporate transactions and must be reasonably proficient in spoken Chinese. A career with WongPartnership offers opportunities to work with and learn from some of the best legal minds, in an environment that is challenging and nurturing. We are also consistently one of the best paying law firms in Singapore. Interested applicants are invited to send in their detailed resume together with a recent photograph to joinus@wongpartnership.com. You may visit our website at www.wongpartnership.com for more information. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be notified. SINGAPORE | CHINA | MIDDLE EAST WongPartnership LLP (UEN: T08LL0003B) is a limited liability law partnership registered in Singapore under the Limited Liability Partnerships Act (Chapter 163A). Appointments 56 In-House Private Practice PROJECT FINANCE Singapore Senior Associate SENIOR LEGAL COUNSEL – FMCG Singapore 6+ PQE This international firm has a strong commitment to project finance and are well placed in the region to attract the highest quality work. They are well resourced across project development, finance and corporate to offer a full service on complex regional projects. They are seeking a senior lawyer who is ready for partnership. No book of business required but you must have a demonstrable interest in business development. (Ref 7488) Reporting to the Regional GC of this global MNC, this role sits in the regional headquarters in Singapore. It is a senior level role to advise on general commercial work, transactions and strategic projects. They are seeking a senior lawyer with previous in-house experience in FMCG or retail. This is an extremely dynamic business and the role offers ongoing personal development and high quality work. (Ref 7699) DISPUTES/ARBITRATION Singapore LEGAL COUNSEL – INSURANCE Partner Singapore 4-7 PQE This international firm with Singapore law capability is seeking a partner to join their dispute resolution team. You will be a Singapore qualified junior partner or senior associate and have a wealth of experience in both general litigation and arbitration. You must have a self-sustaining book of business with business development capabilities to build on existing capabilities. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside a leading SC and work with a global network of offices and clients. (Ref7682) This is a generalist in-house role in an international business. The work will encompass drafting and negotiation of contracts, regulation, litigation and risk management. It is a small legal team and you will enjoy immediate responsibility for an interesting mix of regional work. You must have strong interpersonal skills and be able to develop strong relationships with the business. (Ref 7685) IT/TMT IN-HOUSE CORPORATE Singapore 2-3 PQE Singapore 4-5 PQE An opportunity has arisen for a 2-3 year Singapore qualified lawyer to join this top-ranked international IT practice. The role is Telco focused and will cover IT, communications and computer law. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing practice and learn from experts in the field. You must have relevant experience as well as an understanding and appreciation of the IT and Telco industries. (Ref 7680) Our client is a high profile international business with global HQ in Singapore. They have an established legal team and are seeking to hire a Corporate lawyer for a role which will involve transactional corporate, equities and other deal work with a focus on China based M&A. You will thrive on pressure and be excited by working on high-profile M&A deals. Candidates with fluent Mandarin will be preferred. (Ref 7468) CORPORATE ASSOCIATE SOLE REGIONAL COUNSEL Singapore 2-4 PQE Singapore 5-10 PQE Our client is a leading UK firm and they are expanding their team in Singapore (their regional HQ). This is an unusual opportunity to join a small office with a close knit team of lawyers. The firm has ambitious plans to expand. They work with MNC’s and smaller regional businesses. They will consider UK or locally qualified lawyers and are particularly interested in regional language skills. (Ref 7686) Our client is a leading engineering and design consultancy firm and is seeking a general corporate and commercial lawyer with M&A experience to be the sole legal counsel for SE Asia. You must already have worked in an in-house role for an MNC in the construction, engineering or heavy industrial sectors or in a broader role for an MNC with regional experience. They are seeking a Singapore or Malaysian qualified lawyer for this role. (Ref 7640) ASSET FINANCE BANKING AND FINANCE Singapore 2-5 PQE Hong Kong Legal Counsel This is a new opportunity to join one of the leading aviation finance teams. The partners in this group are recognised leaders in the market, acting for banks, investors, airlines, governments and manufacturers. You will work on award winning complex, cross-border aircraft finance deals and be exposed to the highest quality of work. (Ref 7684) Investment bank seeks a lawyer with at least 5 years’ experience to support the business across a range of matters including loan products, trade products and receivables financings. General banking lawyers from private practice or already in-house with relevant experience and a commonwealth qualification will be considered. (SLG 7683) M&A GENERAL COUNSEL Hong Kong/Beijing Snr Associate/Partner Well known US firm with a solid reputation for mid cap private equity and M&A deals is looking to hire a senior associate or Partner to support this thriving practice. A following is not critical, though the ability to lead and develop the practice is important. Fluent Mandarin essential. (SLG 7607) Hong Kong 12+ PQE Diversified entertainment business seeks a Hong Kong based General Counsel to lead and manage the legal function in Asia. Those with experience in content acquisition, distribution, operations, and solid general corporate & commercial skills encouraged to apply. Written & spoken Chinese essential. (SLG 7654) These are a small selection of our current vacancies. If you require further details or wish to have a confidential discussion about your career, market trends, or would like salary information then please contact one of our consultants: Lisa Owens +65 6557 4159 or Gemma Glynn on +65 6557 4172 Hong Kong Singapore Beijing Shanghai Abu Dhabi (852) 2920 9100 als@alsrecruit.com (65) 6557 4163 singapore@alsrecruit.com (86) 10 6567 8728 beijing@alsrecruit.com (86) 21 6372 1058 shanghai@alsrecruit.com (971) 2412 4132 mena@alsrecruit.com 57 Appointments Startamoretargetedsearch. ExecutiveSearchisourcorebusiness.That’swhyanincreasingnumber ofcompaniesarelookingtoustofindtheexceptionalpeopletheyneed. AtPureSearchInternationalwedon’tsubscribetoahigh-volumerecruitmentstrategyandwedon’t believeingimmickstoattractthebesttalent. Instead we offer a tailored search methodology which has firmly established our reputation as a company which never fails to deliver. n The vast majority of our Legal & Compliance mandates are exclusive to Pure Search International and we’re proud of our outstanding completion record of retained searches. n Our track record includes Legal Counsel to APAC GC and Associate to Partner level appointments throughout the APAC region. n We constantly research, analyse and benchmark professionals across the market – we know the answer to “What am I worth?” MakeamoreinformeddecisionandcallthebestconnectedLegal&Compliancesearchprofessionals inthemarket. In-house Liam Richardson +852 2168 0791 liamrichardson@puresearch.com PrivatePractice Charlotte Brooks London 160 Queen Victoria Street London EC4V 4BF www.puresearch.com +852 2168 0784 charlottebrooks@puresearch.com HongKong Unit 501, Level 5, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place Central, Hong Kong Jeremy Poh Singapore Expect the market leader to know the market No-one knows the legal job market better than Taylor Root. After all, we’ve been leading the way in specialist legal recruitment for more than 20 years. And with offices around the world, we can advise on the widest range of opportunities across global firms, niche practices and in-house. So whether you’re recruiting legal talent or looking for your next career move, talk to the experts. Contact us on +65 6420 0500 or visit taylorroot.com.sg THE SR GROUP . BREWER MORRIS . CARTER MURRAY . FRAZER JONES . PARKER WELLS . SR SEARCH . TAYLOR ROOT taylorroot.com.sg In-House Roles Transaction (Corp) Singapore IT Services Singapore Derivatives Singapore Our client, a prominent Asian-based investment house seeks a transactional lawyer to join them. You should be a Singapore qualified lawyer with M&A/financial regulatory services experience gained from a top-tier firm. Apply now. Ref: JP149601. 4+ years Global IT services company seeks a lawyer with general commercial experience to take up this newly created position as Singapore Commercial Counsel. IT services background would be helpful but not essential. Up to SG$140,000. Apply now. Ref: 150301. 4+ years Top-tier financial institution seeks an expert in the field of derivatives and structured products to advise its structuring and sales business. Applicants must have legal and regulatory risk experience in this area of the law. An excellent opportunity. Ref: 150501. 8+ years Financial Services Counsel Singapore Media Counsel Derivatives Opportunities exist for an experienced commercial lawyer with prior experience dealing with the PRC and Asian markets for financial services, banking and card/travel related businesses. Chinese language skills would be an advantage. Ref: JP137801. 5+ years An excellent opportunity for a commercial lawyer to join the in-house team of this international media company. IT/IP/corporate and general commercial backgrounds will be considered. Apply now for further details. Up to SG$100,000. Ref: 149001. 1+ years Investment bank seeks a lawyer with experience in capital markets and banking to focus on drafting documentation on a wide variety of products, transactions and counter parties. Experience with ISDA® terms essential. Ref: 143801. 1-3 years Legal Manager Singapore APAC Commercial Counsel Singapore Banking Excellent opportunity to join the legal team of one of the world’s leading aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul companies. Currently looking for a Singapore qualified lawyer with experience in general commercial/corporate secretarial matters. Ref: JP144101. 5+ years US software giant seeks Japanese speaking commercial counsel to take up a newly created position within their Singapore regional headquarters. Experience preferably within the IT/IP industry preferred. Up to US$150,000. Ref: 150701. 5-7 years Renowned financial house seeks to recruit a banking lawyer interested in moving in-house to a varied position covering corporate finance and capital market transactions. The position will come with excellent working hours. Ref: 149901. 5-6 years Singapore Singapore Singapore To discuss In-House roles, call Hayden Gordine or Jeremy Poh on +65 6420 0500 or email haydengordine@taylorroot.com or jeremypoh@taylorroot.com ISDA® is a registered trademark of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association. Private Practice Roles Aviation Partner Singapore Aviation Litigation Singapore Banking/Asset Finance Singapore Our client is interested in talking to either existing Partners or senior associates. Not only should you have good finance experience but also the ability to take on a broader variety of aviation related transactional work. Ref: 101001. 7+ years Disputes lawyer with arbitration experience particularly in the aviation sector required. You will deal with major losses and provide advice on contractual and regulatory matters and handle routine claims for a number of carriers around SE Asia. Ref: 148501. 2-5 years Good opportunity for someone with asset finance experience in either marine and/or aviation work. Ideal for someone looking for a change or looking for better quality work where the deals are second to none. Magic Circle rate. Ref: 122701. 2-5 years Ship Finance M&A Language Skills Singapore Sydney Singapore A shipping finance associate is sought to join the Singapore office of our client, a UK firm with a top-tier asset finance practice. Strong drafting skills and an ability to run transactions are essential for this role. SG$200,000-$300,000. Ref: 150201. 5-8 years A brand new role with one of Australia’s top corporate teams. Seeking a lead SA to work alongside a Partner running some of the largest IPO’s currently underway in Australia. AUS$160,000-$220,000. Serious career prospects exist. Ref: 644193. 5-7 years This relatively new international firm is looking for transactional lawyers with fluent language ability in any of the following: Bahasa Malaysian, Bahasa Indonesian or Indian languages. You should have experience from a good law firm. Ref: 149701. 1-5 years Corporate/Funds Banking & Finance Dispute Resolution Singapore You will gain experience across a broad range of transactions, in particular advising corporates, lenders and/or private equity houses on leveraged buy-outs, cross-border transactions, M&A, equity offerings and corporate restructurings. Ref: 149101. 3-6 years Hong Kong Top international law firm in Hong Kong seeks a generalist banking and finance lawyer to work on a range of deals including acquisition and leveraged finance. The ideal candidate will be a fluent Mandarin speaker. HK$85,000$100,000. Ref: 180300. 2-4 years London An associate is required to join the London office of this Magic Circle firm. Experience from a top-tier practice is required and the successful candidate will enjoy a broad range of high value, multi-jurisdictional disputes. Apply now. Ref: 655720. 3-5 years To discuss Private Practice roles, contact Jamie Newbold on +65 6420 0500 or email jamienewbold@taylorroot.com Please note our advertisements use PQE/salary levels purely as a guide. However we are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role. LONDON . DUBAI . HONG KONG . SINGAPORE . SYDNEY . MELBOURNE PRIVATE PRACTICE – SINGAPORE PRIVATE PRACTICE – WORLDWIDE CROSS-BORDER M&A CONSTRUCTION ARBITRATION – DOHA With this premier UK firm you will undertake high-end cross-border M&A work in a team led by supportive partners. To secure the role, you will need to have worked with another top international firm in a financial centre. (PTSDH2326) 3-7 YRS PQE Our client, an international firm that is well established in the Gulf is seeking a contentious construction lawyer. Candidates must be well versed in construction arbitration. Experience in the Middle East would be highly regarded. (MEDH827) 3 YRS+ PQE ARBITRATION ISLAMIC FINANCE – DUBAI For this arbitration role with one of the top international firms, you must be called in Singapore and have excellent academics. This role offers the opportunity to do high end arbitration work. Potential for international travel. (PTSAJ2311) 1-4 YRS PQE A vacancy has arisen at a magic circle firm in the Islamic finance arena. Candidates should have experience in Islamic Finance, in particular Islamic Finance structuring. Candidates should also have the ability to supervise junior lawyers. (MEAJ874) 5-7 YRS PQE BANKING & FINANCE CORPORATE (JAPANESE SPEAKING) – DUBAI Our UK firm client has an award winning practice in Asia and is looking to expand their finance team. Suitable candidates who will be Commonwealth qualified and committed to being in Singapore, can expect high end work. (PTSDH2319) NQ-4 YRS PQE A new position has arisen with a top international firm. To secure this role, working with an impressive team, you will need strong academics, corporate M&A experience with a top firm and Japanese speaking abilities. (MEAJ891) 2-5 YRS PQE PROJECTS CORPORATE – RIYADH OR JEDDAH Short track to partnership for an ambitious projects lawyer. Candidates must have regional contacts, projects experience in the construction/engineering or energy/oil & gas sectors along with an entrepreneurial spirit. (PTSDH2317) 8-11 YRS PQE Opportunity for a senior corporate associate to step up to partnership in due course with a reputed international firm. Applicants must have an established track record of business development and experience working in the Gulf. (MEAJ871) 5 YRS+ PQE BANKING & FINANCE BANKING AND FINANCE ASSOCIATE – JAPAN This is a superb opportunity with a top UK firm. Our client is seeking to hire a Singapore qualified finance lawyer with good academics (2:1 minimum) and directly relevant experience. Apply now to work on headline grabbing deals. (PTSAJ2359) 4-6 YRS PQE Excellent opportunity for an associate to join a global firm. You will have had excellent training with a recognised city firm and have at least 2 years of banking experience. Japanese language ability is advantageous. (PTJAK00040) 2-5 YRS PQE PARTNERS TMT ASSOCIATE – HONG KONG A UK law firm is in expansion mode and seeking either B&F, corporate energy, projects/project finance or aviation finance partners with a following and/or contacts. This is an opportunity to take a lead in developing your practice. (PTSAJ2379) PARTNER The successful TMT team of this international firm seeks a forward thinking associate. Candidates should have strong drafting skills and fluent Chinese and will enjoy stimulating work from a varied client base. Excellent salary and work life balance. (PTAD2916) 3-6 YRS PQE DISPUTES CONSTRUCTION DISPUTES – UAE This role is based in Singapore but with frequent travel to Indonesia. Applicants must have good Bahasa Indonesia language skills. You will have a chance to work on high profile complex dispute and arbitration matters. (PTSAJ2347) 2-3 YRS PQE This role would suit an ambitious litigation lawyer with experience of construction and infrastructure disputes and international arbitration. Superb environment and top quality work on offer with this top-tier international firm. (MEAJ861) 4 YRS+ PQE SINGAPORE OFFICE HONG KONG OFFICE TOKYO OFFICE Please contact Matthew Gardner at (65) 6603 1999 or Please contact James Garzon at (852) 2521 0306 Please contact Amir Khan at (81) 3 4550 1526 email sing@law-alliance.com or email hk@law-alliance.com or email japan@law-alliance.com IN-HOUSE – SINGAPORE IN-HOUSE – SINGAPORE LEGAL COUNSEL - MNC LEGAL COUNSEL - MNC Fast growing European MNC is expanding its Singapore operations to include legal counsel. This represents an opportunity for a top lawyer with broad experience across banking and corporate sectors. Excellent pay and benefits. (ISSMG1609) 5 YRS PQE Join an SGX listed company. With regional work on offer and a tightly knit legal team, you will work closely with senior management and deal with a range of issues relating to the business. Commonwealth qualifications are welcomed. (ISSRB1607) 4 YRS+ PQE LEGAL ADVISOR - MNC HEAD OF COMPLIANCE - PRIVATE EQUITY Spanning the globe, our client is playing a key role in Singapore’s transport development. They are now seeking a corporate generalist to support an ongoing project. Previous in-house experience is paramount. Good package. (ISSMG1608) 5 YRS PQE Our client is a European entity with a private equity arm and is looking for a senior hire to be part of its regional compliance team. You will ideally have PE experience and will be familiar with the regulatory landscape of HK and Japan. (ISSRB1595) 7 YRS+ PQE REGIONAL COUNSEL - MNC VP COMPLIANCE - PRIVATE BANK This healthcare giant operates worldwide. They now need a senior lawyer with in-house healthcare experience. The incumbent will have over a decade of experience and be based in either Singapore or HK overseeing Asia Pacific. (ISSMG1604) 10 YRS+ PQE Senior role with a global leader in wealth management to oversee the Asia Private Wealth Management Program. Experience in structured products; derivatives, equities, and fixed income would be ideal. Based in Hong Kong or Singapore. (ISSRB1592) 9 YRS+ PQE LEGAL COUNSEL - MNC SENIOR COMPLIANCE COUNSEL - MNC Renowned Fortune 500 Company has an opening for a mid-level corporate lawyer. Strong qualifications and experience are requisite. An IT/IP background will be advantageous. You will be responsible for business units across the region. (ISSMG1598) 7 YRS PQE Leading player in the communications field is now hiring a lawyer to implement internal compliance policies for the group. This global role would suit a lawyer who has worked on FCPA, Bribery Act and similar regulations. (ISSRB1316) 8 YRS+ PQE PARALEGAL - BANK LEGAL COUNSEL - TELCO With a background in finance you will be perfectly placed to secure this role in a global bank. As they go from strength to strength, this bank offers a good career progression. Documentation experience is essential. (ISSMG1593) 2-5 YRS PQE If you are a Singapore called lawyer interested in big ticket deals and working for a blue chip name, then apply for this opportunity. In addition to strong drafting skills and IP on your resume, you would have projects/construction experience. (ISSRB1602) 3 YRS+ PQE POLICY MANAGER - BANK LEGAL COUNSEL - REAL ESTATE / LAND A new role has arisen at a top client. You will work with the Head of Policy & Training to drive the development of legal and compliance policies and procedures. You will have 5 years or more of experience in the regulatory field. (ISSMG1612) 5 YRS+ PQE A Legal Counsel is sought by this real estate entity. Candidates must be familiar with commercial practice/legislation relating to real estate. Good drafting skills and the ability to interact with and advise stakeholders will be a plus. (ISSRB1522) 1-2 YRS PQE CHIEF CORPORATE COUNSEL - MNC LEGAL COUNSEL - SHIPPING Major energy player seeks experienced in-house counsel for its KL office to work closely with the business units across Malaysia. You must have 5-8 years post qualification experience in corporate/ commercial law. (ISSMG1587) 5 -8 YRS PQE Attractive in-house opportunity for a maritime lawyer to be the sole shipping specialist within a generalist legal team and advise the Group HQ. This role is ideal for a shipping lawyer looking for a transition from private practice. (ISSRB1603) 5 YRS+ PQE www.law-alliance.com Visit our website to see the latest in-house and private practice vacancies worldwide.