Contact
khelvin.xu@covenantchambers.com
Office: +65 6635 8885 · LinkedIn
Focus Areas
Civil and Commercial Litigation
Mediation
International Arbitration
Commercial & Property Disputes
Business, Shareholders & Partnership Disputes
Fraud & Asset Recovery
Property Ownership & Trust Disputes
Fintech & Virtual Assets
IP, Media & Entertainment
Corporate, Commercial & Financial
Employment
Legacy Planning: Wills & Trusts
Probate & Estate Administration
Medical Negligence & Personal Injury
Medical Negligence
Personal Injury & Accident
Insolvency Disputes
Enforcing Creditors’ Rights
Memberships
Member, Law Society of Singapore
Member, Advocacy Committee (Standing Committee of the Law Society of Singapore)
Member, Singapore Academy of Law
Member, Singapore Khoh Clan Association
Education / Qualifications
Advocate & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore (2010)
LLB, Second Class (Upper Division) Honours, National University of Singapore, 2009
Khelvin Xu
Director
Khelvin spent 15 years at one of the Big Four firms, where he was a partner specialising in commercial litigation and arbitration. As a Director at Covenant Chambers, he now combines big firm expertise and sophistication with the agility and flexibility of a chambers model.
A savvy, tenacious, and persuasive litigator, he sees it as his privilege to advocate on behalf of his clients. He finds effective, commercial, and cost-efficient solutions for his clients.
Khelvin's practice has a particular focus on complex and cross-border commercial disputes, particularly those involving technology-related issues. He is regularly called upon for matters involving B2B disputes, shareholder agreements, minority oppression, directors' duties, and employment issues.
He appears as lead counsel:
at all levels of the Supreme Court and State Courts of Singapore;
in international arbitrations, having handled arbitrations in Singapore (involving Japanese, Hong Kong, Indonesian, Indian, and Malaysian parties), Vietnam and New York; and
in mediation sessions for international and domestic disputes.
A seasoned advocacy trainer, he sits on the Advocacy Committee, a Standing Committee under the Law Society of Singapore. Khelvin regularly conducts advocacy training as lead trainer, has been invited to conduct training overseas, and is also involved in train-the-trainer sessions.
Khelvin’s advocacy ability extends beyond the courtroom. He is a certified Mediation Advocate under the International Mediation Institute. His competence in mediation advocacy theory and practice allows his clients’ complicated disputes to be permanently resolved without the risk of unexpected outcomes before tribunals.
He authors the "Legal Profession" chapter for the Singapore Academy of Law Annual Review of Singapore Cases, an annual conspectus that encapsulates and evaluates decisions of the Singapore courts in the preceding year.
Sample Cases
International Arbitration / Cross-Jurisdictional Disputes
Acted in a multi-million dollar international arbitration for a Japanese corporation listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange against a Hong Kong entity (represented by an English Queen's Counsel / Hong Kong Senior Counsel), in respect of the distribution of consumer products in Mainland China.
Appeared before the Court of Appeal in a multi-million dollar High Court claim for an investment banking company against a South Asian high-net-worth-individual, who had sought to stay the proceedings on the ground of forum non conveniens.
Acted in a multi-million dollar international arbitration for the subsidiary of a major European financial institution against an Asian state-owned oil corporation, in respect of a multi-billion dollar oil exploration project in an African country.
Acting in a multi-million dollar international arbitration for a cryptocurrency platform against a cryptocurrency trading desk, linked to the cryptocurrency crash of June 2022.
Acted in a multi-million dollar claim for a major North American engineering and construction company, in respect of fraud and misrepresentation perpetuated in the course of a corporate acquisition. This matter involved the enforcement of arbitral awards, various Mareva injunctions, and the tracing of assets across various jurisdictions.
Acted in a New York-seated international arbitration for a commodities trader against a large North American trading company for a 7-digit sum, defending allegations of breach of contract.
Acted in an international arbitration administered by the Vietnam International Arbitration Center for a commodities trader against the Vietnamese subsidiary of a large Dutch distribution company, in respect of fraudulent payments.
Acted in various domestic and foreign proceedings for an East Asian businessperson, in respect of a foreign franchise agreement and intellectual property relating to a Michelin-rated restaurant.
Acted in a multi-million dollar High Court estate claim for an investment holding company, owned by a late European technology entrepreneur who developed household-name software, against the late entrepreneur’s estranged daughter. Varied and then discharged a Mareva injunction enjoining the company.
Domestic Commercial Litigation
Acted for a Chinese national against 2 other Chinese nationals, in defending strong claims for non-payment under a sale and purchase agreement for shares. The Court held that the written agreement was inadmissible as evidence.
Acted in a multi-million dollar domestic arbitration for a construction company against a sub-contractor, in respect of issues relating to an elevator project, extensions of time, and liquidated damages.
Acted in a multi-million dollar High Court claim for a large European bank against customers' allegations of fraud, misrepresentation, and breaches of duties.
Acted in a multi-million dollar High Court claim for an Indonesian high-net-worth individual against claims for breach of trust, in respect of an investment in a mixed-use development in Dallas, Texas.
Appeared before the Court of Appeal for and against players in the motor repair industry, in a claim for breach of trust and outstanding invoices. Took over appeal from the previous set of lawyers. The Court of Appeal agreed that various corporate documents did not support the opposing party's case.
Acted in a High Court claim for a Singaporean company with Middle Eastern principals, against ex-employees for breaches of their restrictive covenants. Obtained ex parte interlocutory injunctions and summary judgment.
Acted in an uncommon counterclaim for a 7-digit sum in the State Courts for a Singaporean company, in respect of faulty food processing machinery. The trial involved the extensive use of photographic, videographic, and expert evidence, as well as the remote cross-examination of foreign witnesses.
Acted in a High Court claim for a Scandinavian medical company, in respect of claims for the non-delivery of consumables during the COVID-19 pandemic. Obtained summary judgment which was upheld upon appeal.
Acted in a High Court claim for Middle-Eastern high-net-worth individuals, in claims for misrepresentation and breaches of a settlement agreement relating to a fintech startup in Singapore.
Acted in a High Court claim for a Singaporean high-net-worth individual against a fund, which denied that it was liable to account for large sums of money received from the client.
Acted for a Singaporean tour operator against another Singaporean tour operator, defending claims for outstanding invoices.
Directors’ Duties and Shareholder Rights
Acted in a High Court claim for a Singaporean company of over 50 years' history, in resisting a winding-up application brought by a group of minority shareholders. Resisted allegations that the company was run as a quasi-partnership and that the directors of the company had acted in their own interests.
Acted in multiple High Court proceedings for a family business with over 30 years of experience in food manufacturing and distribution, in respect of a share swap agreement and claims for misrepresentation.
Acted in a High Court claim for the Singaporean subsidiary of a Taiwanese wire / cable company, against an ex-director for egregious breaches of his fiduciary duties. Obtained orders for accounts to be taken and for judgment to be entered against the ex-director before the trial of the matter.
Acted in a number of High Court claims for an East Asian high-net-worth-individual against a Singaporean individual, defending allegations of breach of fiduciary duty / minority oppression. Recovered shares in a joint venture company held on trust for the client.
Acted in a High Court claim for a Singapore-listed construction / property / engineering company, in resisting minority oppression claims in respect of a joint venture company. Resisted appeal before the Court of Appeal.
Acted in a multi-million dollar High Court claim for a number of companies and individuals, including a high-net-worth individual, against claims of minority oppression brought by a Singapore-listed company. The dispute centered around various properties, including a commercial property in the Civic District in Singapore and a gazetted national monument.
Non-Commercial Disputes
Acted in a 7-digit High Court claim for 2 elderly Singaporean hawkers in respect of significant personal injuries suffered in a motor accident.
Acted for an academic against an ex-student, in a Protection from Harassment Act claim in respect of online and offline stalking and harassment. Obtained an Expedited Protection Order at extremely short notice.
Acted for a Singaporean high-net-worth individual in respect of a motor accident in Malaysia involving several supercars.
Defended an individual against High Court claims brought by a former romantic partner for alleged fraud, misrepresentation, and catfishing. Varied an ex parte Mareva injunction for a 7-digit sum.
Acted for an international school in respect of COVID-19-related disputes with parents regarding curriculum and assessment.
Defended a business owner against committal proceedings in the High Court for alleged breaches of an Order of Court.
Acted in a High Court claim for defamation, involving a high-profile dispute between national marathoners.
Defended members of a Management Corporation Strata Title management committee against a defamation claim brought by the ex-chairman of the committee.
Acted for a Management Corporation Strata Title, in respect of disputes relating to various subsidiary proprietors' actions and the conduct of an Annual General Meeting.
Published Judgments
Wee Lai Soon (alias Hoi Lai Soon and another v Ong Jian Min [2022] SGHC 102
P Control Technology Pte Ltd v Mr Popiah Pte Ltd [2021] SGMC 86
Yip Kin Lung and another v Ding Auto Pte Ltd and another [2020] SGCA 34
Petroships Investment Pte Ltd v Wealthplus Pte Ltd and others and another matter [2016] 2 SLR 1022
Long Well Group Ltd and others v Commerzbank AG and others [2016] SGHC 158
Petroships Investment Pte Ltd v Wealthplus Pte Ltd and others [2015] SGHC 145
Orchard Capital Ltd v Ravindra Kumar Jhunjhunwala [2012] 2 SLR 519
Orchard Capital I Ltd v Ravindra Kumar Jhunjhunwala [2011] SGHC 185
Neoh Raymond Dennis v Liew Leong Wan and another [2011] SGHC 179
Publications
Author, "Legal Profession", Singapore Academy of Law Annual Review of Singapore Cases, 2019 - date
Contributor, "Legal Profession", Singapore Academy of Law Annual Review of Singapore Cases, 2013 - 2014
Media Mentions
Volunteer Work
Long Service Mentor, NUS Law Alumni Mentor Programme
Volunteer, Bukit Batok SMC Legal Clinic
Khelvin Xu
Director
Khelvin spent 15 years at one of the Big Four firms, where he was a partner specialising in commercial litigation and arbitration. As a Director at Covenant Chambers, he now combines big firm expertise and sophistication with the agility and flexibility of a chambers model.
A savvy, tenacious, and persuasive litigator, he sees it as his privilege to advocate on behalf of his clients. He finds effective, commercial, and cost-efficient solutions for his clients.
Khelvin's practice has a particular focus on complex and cross-border commercial disputes, particularly those involving technology-related issues. He is regularly called upon for matters involving B2B disputes, shareholder agreements, minority oppression, directors' duties, and employment issues.
He appears as lead counsel:
at all levels of the Supreme Court and State Courts of Singapore;
in international arbitrations, having handled arbitrations in Singapore (involving Japanese, Hong Kong, Indonesian, Indian, and Malaysian parties), Vietnam and New York; and
in mediation sessions for international and domestic disputes.
A seasoned advocacy trainer, he sits on the Advocacy Committee, a Standing Committee under the Law Society of Singapore. Khelvin regularly conducts advocacy training as lead trainer, has been invited to conduct training overseas, and is also involved in train-the-trainer sessions.
Khelvin’s advocacy ability extends beyond the courtroom. He is a certified Mediation Advocate under the International Mediation Institute. His competence in mediation advocacy theory and practice allows his clients’ complicated disputes to be permanently resolved without the risk of unexpected outcomes before tribunals.
He authors the "Legal Profession" chapter for the Singapore Academy of Law Annual Review of Singapore Cases, an annual conspectus that encapsulates and evaluates decisions of the Singapore courts in the preceding year.
Sample Cases
International Arbitration / Cross-Jurisdictional Disputes
Acted in a multi-million dollar international arbitration for a Japanese corporation listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange against a Hong Kong entity (represented by an English Queen's Counsel / Hong Kong Senior Counsel), in respect of the distribution of consumer products in Mainland China.
Appeared before the Court of Appeal in a multi-million dollar High Court claim for an investment banking company against a South Asian high-net-worth-individual, who had sought to stay the proceedings on the ground of forum non conveniens.
Acted in a multi-million dollar international arbitration for the subsidiary of a major European financial institution against an Asian state-owned oil corporation, in respect of a multi-billion dollar oil exploration project in an African country.
Acting in a multi-million dollar international arbitration for a cryptocurrency platform against a cryptocurrency trading desk, linked to the cryptocurrency crash of June 2022.
Acted in a multi-million dollar claim for a major North American engineering and construction company, in respect of fraud and misrepresentation perpetuated in the course of a corporate acquisition. This matter involved the enforcement of arbitral awards, various Mareva injunctions, and the tracing of assets across various jurisdictions.
Acted in a New York-seated international arbitration for a commodities trader against a large North American trading company for a 7-digit sum, defending allegations of breach of contract.
Acted in an international arbitration administered by the Vietnam International Arbitration Center for a commodities trader against the Vietnamese subsidiary of a large Dutch distribution company, in respect of fraudulent payments.
Acted in various domestic and foreign proceedings for an East Asian businessperson, in respect of a foreign franchise agreement and intellectual property relating to a Michelin-rated restaurant.
Acted in a multi-million dollar High Court estate claim for an investment holding company, owned by a late European technology entrepreneur who developed household-name software, against the late entrepreneur’s estranged daughter. Varied and then discharged a Mareva injunction enjoining the company.
Domestic Commercial Litigation
Acted for a Chinese national against 2 other Chinese nationals, in defending strong claims for non-payment under a sale and purchase agreement for shares. The Court held that the written agreement was inadmissible as evidence.
Acted in a multi-million dollar domestic arbitration for a construction company against a sub-contractor, in respect of issues relating to an elevator project, extensions of time, and liquidated damages.
Acted in a multi-million dollar High Court claim for a large European bank against customers' allegations of fraud, misrepresentation, and breaches of duties.
Acted in a multi-million dollar High Court claim for an Indonesian high-net-worth individual against claims for breach of trust, in respect of an investment in a mixed-use development in Dallas, Texas.
Appeared before the Court of Appeal for and against players in the motor repair industry, in a claim for breach of trust and outstanding invoices. Took over appeal from the previous set of lawyers. The Court of Appeal agreed that various corporate documents did not support the opposing party's case.
Acted in a High Court claim for a Singaporean company with Middle Eastern principals, against ex-employees for breaches of their restrictive covenants. Obtained ex parte interlocutory injunctions and summary judgment.
Acted in an uncommon counterclaim for a 7-digit sum in the State Courts for a Singaporean company, in respect of faulty food processing machinery. The trial involved the extensive use of photographic, videographic, and expert evidence, as well as the remote cross-examination of foreign witnesses.
Acted in a High Court claim for a Scandinavian medical company, in respect of claims for the non-delivery of consumables during the COVID-19 pandemic. Obtained summary judgment which was upheld upon appeal.
Acted in a High Court claim for Middle-Eastern high-net-worth individuals, in claims for misrepresentation and breaches of a settlement agreement relating to a fintech startup in Singapore.
Acted in a High Court claim for a Singaporean high-net-worth individual against a fund, which denied that it was liable to account for large sums of money received from the client.
Acted for a Singaporean tour operator against another Singaporean tour operator, defending claims for outstanding invoices.
Directors’ Duties and Shareholder Rights
Acted in a High Court claim for a Singaporean company of over 50 years' history, in resisting a winding-up application brought by a group of minority shareholders. Resisted allegations that the company was run as a quasi-partnership and that the directors of the company had acted in their own interests.
Acted in multiple High Court proceedings for a family business with over 30 years of experience in food manufacturing and distribution, in respect of a share swap agreement and claims for misrepresentation.
Acted in a High Court claim for the Singaporean subsidiary of a Taiwanese wire / cable company, against an ex-director for egregious breaches of his fiduciary duties. Obtained orders for accounts to be taken and for judgment to be entered against the ex-director before the trial of the matter.
Acted in a number of High Court claims for an East Asian high-net-worth-individual against a Singaporean individual, defending allegations of breach of fiduciary duty / minority oppression. Recovered shares in a joint venture company held on trust for the client.
Acted in a High Court claim for a Singapore-listed construction / property / engineering company, in resisting minority oppression claims in respect of a joint venture company. Resisted appeal before the Court of Appeal.
Acted in a multi-million dollar High Court claim for a number of companies and individuals, including a high-net-worth individual, against claims of minority oppression brought by a Singapore-listed company. The dispute centered around various properties, including a commercial property in the Civic District in Singapore and a gazetted national monument.
Non-Commercial Disputes
Acted in a 7-digit High Court claim for 2 elderly Singaporean hawkers in respect of significant personal injuries suffered in a motor accident.
Acted for an academic against an ex-student, in a Protection from Harassment Act claim in respect of online and offline stalking and harassment. Obtained an Expedited Protection Order at extremely short notice.
Acted for a Singaporean high-net-worth individual in respect of a motor accident in Malaysia involving several supercars.
Defended an individual against High Court claims brought by a former romantic partner for alleged fraud, misrepresentation, and catfishing. Varied an ex parte Mareva injunction for a 7-digit sum.
Acted for an international school in respect of COVID-19-related disputes with parents regarding curriculum and assessment.
Defended a business owner against committal proceedings in the High Court for alleged breaches of an Order of Court.
Acted in a High Court claim for defamation, involving a high-profile dispute between national marathoners.
Defended members of a Management Corporation Strata Title management committee against a defamation claim brought by the ex-chairman of the committee.
Acted for a Management Corporation Strata Title, in respect of disputes relating to various subsidiary proprietors' actions and the conduct of an Annual General Meeting.
Published Judgments
Wee Lai Soon (alias Hoi Lai Soon and another v Ong Jian Min [2022] SGHC 102
P Control Technology Pte Ltd v Mr Popiah Pte Ltd [2021] SGMC 86
Yip Kin Lung and another v Ding Auto Pte Ltd and another [2020] SGCA 34
Petroships Investment Pte Ltd v Wealthplus Pte Ltd and others and another matter [2016] 2 SLR 1022
Long Well Group Ltd and others v Commerzbank AG and others [2016] SGHC 158
Petroships Investment Pte Ltd v Wealthplus Pte Ltd and others [2015] SGHC 145
Orchard Capital Ltd v Ravindra Kumar Jhunjhunwala [2012] 2 SLR 519
Orchard Capital I Ltd v Ravindra Kumar Jhunjhunwala [2011] SGHC 185
Neoh Raymond Dennis v Liew Leong Wan and another [2011] SGHC 179
Publications
Author, "Legal Profession", Singapore Academy of Law Annual Review of Singapore Cases, 2019 - date
Contributor, "Legal Profession", Singapore Academy of Law Annual Review of Singapore Cases, 2013 - 2014
Media Mentions
“‘The genie’s out of the bottle’: When AI meets politics”, The Business Times (15 March 2024)
“Hong Kong losing to Singapore as venue for arbitration”, The Straits Times (23 July 2020)
Articles
”On entrenched employees, exasperated employers, and restricting re-employment” (Part 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5)
Volunteer Work
Long Service Mentor, NUS Law Alumni Mentor Programme
Volunteer, Bukit Batok SMC Legal Clinic
Contact
khelvin.xu@covenantchambers.com
Office: +65 6635 8885 · LinkedIn
Focus Areas
Civil and Commercial Litigation
Mediation
International Arbitration
Commercial & Property Disputes
Business, Shareholders & Partnership Disputes
Fraud & Asset Recovery
Property Ownership & Trust Disputes
Fintech & Virtual Assets
IP, Media & Entertainment
Corporate, Commercial & Financial
Employment
Legacy Planning: Wills & Trusts
Probate & Estate Administration
Medical Negligence & Personal Injury
Medical Negligence
Personal Injury & Accident
Insolvency Disputes
Enforcing Creditors’ Rights
Memberships
Member, Law Society of Singapore
Member, Advocacy Committee (Standing Committee of the Law Society of Singapore)
Member, Singapore Academy of Law
Member, Singapore Khoh Clan Association
Education / Qualifications
Advocate & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore (2010)
LLB, Second Class (Upper Division) Honours, National University of Singapore, 2009
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