Most Recent Articles
The Competition Commission commenced proceedings in the Competition Tribunal against individuals for the first time in Hong Kong
Reading Time: 3 minutesIntroduction On 6 September 2018, the Competition Commission (the “Commission”) commenced proceedings in the Competition Tribunal (the “Tribunal”) against three companies and two individuals – Mr Chan and Mr Lam in relation to the provision of renovation services at a subsidised housing estate in San Po Kong. Notably, this is the first time that the […]
5 Things to Know for Part-time Workers in Singapore
Reading Time: 5 minutesNowadays, part-time employees constitute an important section of the workforce. People may choose to work part-time due to various reasons: more leisure time, better work-life balance, a transition to full-time jobs. Employers, on the other hand, may also prefer part-time workers for higher flexibility and lower employment costs. Thus, to protect your right as a […]
SMU Lexicon: Possibility of Establishing a Fact-Finding Commission for the Rohingya Crisis
Reading Time: 17 minutes“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” John 8:32 “I discovered at a very early age that if I talk long enough, I can make anything right or wrong. So either I’m God or truth is relative” Jeff Winger, “Community: Pilot Episode” (NBC, 2009) Introduction While the recent attacks […]
Can I get my job back after being unreasonably and unlawfully dismissed in Hong Kong?
Reading Time: 3 minutesIntroduction The Employment (Amendment) (No. 2) Ordinance 2018 (the “Amendment Ordinance”) was passed by the Legislative Council on 17 May 2018 and took effect on 19 October 2018. Under the Amendment Ordinance, the Labour Tribunal is empowered to make an order for reinstatement or re-engagement of an employee in the event of unreasonable and unlawful […]
What constitutes elderly abuse?
Reading Time: 4 minutesElderly abuse is an issue that has been discussed in the public sphere recently, with the Vulnerable Adults Bill being passed in Parliament in May this year, and scheduled to come into force by the end of the year. Elderly abuse refers to the situation where caretakers of elderly people (often a family member) abuse […]
Singapore Patents – High Court Disallows Correction to Patent Register with regard to Error in Priority Application Number due to undue delay and there being no exceptional grounds to rely upon for Bristol-Myers in seeking correction – Novartis (Singapore) Pte Ltd V Bistrol-Myers Squibb Pharma Co [2017] SGHC 322
Reading Time: 7 minutesIn a decision rendered by Singapore’s High Court on 20 December 2017, the High Court allowed an application by Novartis (Singapore) Pte Ltd (commenced under Section 44(1) of the Patents Act) and reversed the Registrar’s decision to grant correction to the Register in respect of corrections to priority application number of Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Company’s […]
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights in Hong Kong: The Court of Appeal overturned same-sex civil servants benefits
Reading Time: 4 minutesIntroduction In our Newsletter in June 2017, we discussed the judgment of the Court of First Instance (“CFI”) in Leung Chun Kwong v Secretary for the Civil Service and Another HCAL 258/2015, where the CFI ruled that the Hong Kong Government should grant the same spousal benefits to employees in same-sex marriages as those enjoyed by their heterosexual […]
Top 5 Contract Tips for An Esports Player
Reading Time: 4 minutesSo, you are considering upping your game in Esports and joining a team. Short of having your own lawyer, what are some of the top five things for you to consider from a legal perspective? In this first of a two part series, video games and entertainment lawyer Adrian Kwong shares his views of some […]
I’m a foreign worker in Singapore. Where can I seek help?
Reading Time: 6 minutesLegal help for foreigners in Singapore: The Story In 60 Seconds While foreigners may not qualify for legal aid in Singapore, there are still a few avenues for legal assistance. One key element in this support is a free legal clinic, where you may have a brief consultation with a lawyer for little or no […]
Hong Kong Legal Update: Sex discrimination in workplace cannot be inferred
Reading Time: 4 minutesIt is unlawful for any employer to dismiss any of its employees on the basis of his or her gender. However, it is often difficult, if not impossible, for an employee to produce direct evidence of such discrimination against his or her employer. In addition, the Court is often reluctant to draw an inference of […]
Reckless Riders: What To Do If You Get Hit By A Personal Mobility Device (PMD)
Reading Time: 5 minutesLast year, between January and September, there were 30 accidents involving Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) and pedestrians, out of a total of 110 accidents involving PMDs. Commonly ridden on footpaths, PMDs are able to travel swiftly and silently at high speeds. The consequences of a PMD collision can be severe. In September last year, a […]
Myanmar Legal Update: Does the New Myanmar Amended Companies Act Affect You? Are You Compliant?
Reading Time: 1 minutesAugust 1st, marked the launch of the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration’s (“DICA”) online registry system, Myanmar Companies Online (“MyCO”). Through this release, Myanmar has made a notable stride forward in its efforts to attract greater levels of foreign participation and investment. The corporate compliance process is now significantly more streamlined and efficient under […]
Personal
SMU Lexicon: A Non-parent’s Maintenance Obligation
Reading Time: 7 minutesIntroduction Imagine you marry someone with a child from a prior relationship. Initially, you do not mind caring for this child. Then, your marriage sours and you no longer want anything to do with your spouse or the child. However, can your initial conduct of caring for the child unknowingly saddle you with a legal […]
Business
Singapore’s latest push as a restructuring and insolvency hub – Amendments to SICC rules
Reading Time: 3 minutesSingapore has earned a budding reputation as a hub for debt restructuring and insolvency in Asia, with its transparent legal system and judicial expertise. This growth can also be attributed to enduring efforts to innovate and reform. To enhance Singapore as a forum of choice in international restructuring and insolvency proceedings, the Rules of Court […]
Most Common and Confusing Legal Words (Legalese) Explained Simply 
Pornography: How Legal is it in Singapore? 
What’s the difference between advocates, solicitors, barristers, counsels, notaries, lawyers and att... 
“Traditional” vs. “Design and Build” Contracts: What’s the Difference? 
Can WhatsApp messages be used in court in Singapore? 
What is the difference between paid up and authorised capital? 
Media Law 101: Do you need permission to take photos? -
A Guide To Family Offices In Singapore 
How does an escrow account work in Singapore? - A Summary of “The Rule Of Law” by Tom Bingham: Part 1
