Chia Huai Yuan

Director

Huai Yuan is a Director with Covenant Chambers LLC. He handles a wide range of contentious and non-contentious civil and commercial matters, and handles criminal, employment and investigation matters as well. He has been recognised by several leading ranking publications as a leading practitioner, and is encouraged to have received positive reviews / testimonials from the market, clients and lawyers alike for the work that he has done.

•  The ranking publications include Asian Legal Business (for being placed as one of Asia’s Super 50 dispute resolution lawyers and as one of Singapore’s Rising Stars in the legal industry), The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific as recommended practitioner in the fields of dispute resolution, insurance and employment, Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific as a Future Star in the field of Commercial and Transactions, and Singapore Business Review as one of Singapore’s 30 most influential lawyers under 40.

• The reviews received from the market, clients and lawyers have indicated that Huai Yuan is an exceptional lawyer who devotes extraordinary efforts and has successfully represented clients as lead counsel on several matters. He also comes recommended with reviewers stating that he is an excellent advocate, insightful, helpful, responsive, commercially minded, practical, sincere and able to solve problems well.

After graduating from the National University of Singapore’s Law Faculty (“NUS Law”) with First Class Honours and a number of awards (such as the Law Society of Singapore Book Prize for being the top student in the third year of his studies), Huai Yuan was fortunate to have been selected to work in the Supreme Court of Singapore as a Justices’ Law Clerk (“JLC”) to the Chief Justice and Justices of the Supreme Court. The JLC scheme is a programme of the Singapore Legal Service by which select top law graduates are handpicked to serve as judicial assistants / associates to the justices of the Supreme Court. During his stint as a JLC, Huai Yuan was involved in a number of landmark judgments spanning a variety of fields, including cases on the following specialised hearing lists: Complex and Technical Cases, Finance, Securities, Banking and Complex Commercial Cases, Company, Insolvency and Trusts, Arbitration, Tort Claims, and Public Law and Judicial Review.

While working in the Supreme Court, Huai Yuan concurrently held an appointment in NUS Law as a Teaching Fellow, and taught company law (the module of which has a component on insolvency). Prior to commencing appointment as a JLC, he was seconded to the Attorney-General’s Chambers as a Deputy Public Prosecutor and State Counsel on the directions of the Chief Justice. While working in AGC, Huai Yuan worked in the Criminal Justice Division and the Economic Crimes & Governance Division (which was re-named the Financial Crimes & Technology Division), and handled a wide range of cases involving white and blue-collar crimes, and advised on enforcement and regulatory matters.

In the field of litigation, arbitration and dispute resolution, Huai Yuan has worked on matters in all levels of court and in arbitration proceedings He has acted on and has advised on matters concerning fraud, digital assets, cryptocurrency, debt recovery, breaches of contract, breaches of directors’ duties, claims for breach of trust, property disputes, labour and employment disputes, non-compete disputes, misuse of confidential information, matrimonial matters, succession disputes, professional negligence and medical negligence. His practice also includes acting for individuals and institutions in relation to criminal matters and investigations. His clients include MNCs with regional offices covering the APAC region.

In 2018, Huai Yuan was appointed onto the Singapore Supreme Court’s panel of lawyers (known as amicus curiae or ‘friend of the court’) tasked with assisting it on select cases involving important questions of law concerning the public interest. In a reported matter which Huai Yuan assisted on as amicus curiae, his submissions were commended for greatly assisting the court in reaching its decision, and helping establish a new framework in the area of law concerned.

Huai Yuan is also effectively bilingual and able to speak, read and write in both English and Mandarin.

Sample Cases

Arbitration (International and Domestic)

• Confidential client: Advising and representing company that is in cryptocurrency and digital assets business in JAMS (Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services Inc) emergency arbitration proceedings with a claim amount amounting between US$ 1 to 2 billion concerning a botched token merger.

• Confidential client: Advising and representing company in relation to threatened HKIAC proceedings with claim amount potentially exceeding US$ 180 million, and substantial cross claim.

• Confidential client: Advising and representing major education conglomerate in successful arbitration proceedings over an alleged breach of a joint venture agreement and disputes arising out of the sale and purchase of land in a foreign jurisdiction.

• Confidential client: Acting for major Israel-based multinational company in relation to threatened arbitration proceedings concerning major infrastructure project in foreign jurisdiction.

• Confidential client: Advising for one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges in relation to threatened arbitration and suits brought by users.

• Payment service provider: Advising major payment service provider in relation to threatened arbitration proceedings and representative actions brought by users.

• Sim Chay Koon and others v NTUC Income Insurance Co-operative Ltd [2016] 2 SLR 871: Leading Supreme Court decision concerning representative action (i.e., class action), the Central Provident Fund Act and Industrial Relations Act, the doctrine of kompetenz-kompetenz and arbitrability of disputes, and the standards to be adopted in determining whether arbitration proceedings should be stayed. Worked on this matter while in the Supreme Court.

Commercial cases, multi-jurisdictional cases, conflicts of laws, fraud, conspiracy, economic torts, banking and disputes involving financial institutions

• Confidential clients: Acting for prominent businessperson and investment arm of a foreign listed company in multi-jurisdictional claims in fraud, deceit and conspiracy worth US$230 million in the Supreme Court.

• Confidential clients: Acting for company in resisting multi-jurisdictional claims in fraud, deceit and conspiracy worth US$195 million in the Supreme Court.

• Confidential client: Acting for leading property firm in the defence of a claim in conspiracy, malicious falsehood, and inducement of breach of contract in a multi-party suit involving 24 parties and several major property firms in the Supreme Court.

• Confidential client: Acting for company that is in the cryptocurrency / token business in seeking proprietary injunction, worldwide freezing order and application for substituted service in the Supreme Court in relation to hacking incident perpetuated by fraudsters.

• Institutional bank: Acting for bank in banker’s book application to obtain pre-action disclosure of documents in aid of proceedings concerning multi-jurisdictional fraud, and an application to lift the Riddick undertaking for use of documents in separate proceedings.

• Executive chairman of SGX listed company: Acted for an executive chairman of a SGX listed company in the property and marine industry in defence of third-party proceedings brought against him in the Supreme Court over alleged breaches of directors’ duties and dishonest assistance.

• Confidential client: Acting in a dispute involving misappropriation and conversion of shares and assts of a BVI company.

• AQN v AQO [2015] 2 SLR 523: Key Supreme Court decision on anti-suit injunctions and proceedings to restrain institution of foreign proceedings, and natural forum to hear disputes for multi-jurisdictional matter. Worked on matter while in Supreme Court.

• SRS Commerce Ltd and another v Yuji Imabeppu and others [2015] 1 SLR 1: Supreme Court decision on effecting service of court documents outside of jurisdiction. Worked on matter while in the Supreme Court.

• Tradewaves Ltd and others v Standard Chartered Bank and another suit [2017] SGHC 93: Leading case on the scope of bank’s duty of care owed to investors in relation to failed investments arising out of the world’s largest Ponzi scheme perpetuated by Bernie Madoff. Worked on this matter while in the Supreme Court.

• Financial institution: Assisting financial institution in relation to a series of disputes in the Supreme Court on a variety of issues, including online fraud, payment terms, and liquidated damages.

• Financial institution: Assisting financial institution in resisting an application brought in the United States courts for a deposition of a witness.

Companies & Insolvency, Winding up, Partnership and shareholder disputes

• PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and others v Celestial Nutrifoods Ltd (in compulsory liquidation) [2015] 3 SLR 665: Leading case in Singapore on insolvency law and corporate governance, and the powers of a liquidator to investigate into a company’s affairs.

• Confidential client: Acting for investment company of Thai Stock Exchange listed company in resisting winding up proceedings and proceedings to resist appointment of provisional liquidator and liquidator.   

• Financial institution: Acting for major property firm in the sale and purchase of property from liquidators of a company in insolvency.  

• Cheong Soh Chin and others v Eng Chiet Shoong and others [2015] SGHC 173: Leading Supreme Court decision in relation to multi-million dollar dispute between business partners in relation to private equity and investments. Worked on matter while in the Supreme Court.

Competition / consumer protection disputes

• Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore: Acting for the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore in court proceedings against a company and its sole director for injunctive and declaratory relief under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act.

Contract

• Confidential clients: Advised various clients in relation to contractual interpretation matters.

Cryptocurrency and digital asset disputes

• Confidential clients: Advising and representing company that is in cryptocurrency and digital assets business in JAMS (Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services Inc) emergency arbitration proceedings with a claim amount amounting between US$ 1 to 2 billion in relation to a botched token merger (as listed above).

• Confidential client: Acting for company that is in the cryptocurrency / token business in seeking proprietary injunction, worldwide freezing order and application for substituted service in the Supreme Court in relation to hacking incident perpetuated by fraudsters (as listed above).

• Confidential client: Advising individual client in relation to cryptocurrency and digital assets dispute concerning issues of alleged negligence, breach of contract, and claim for stolen cryptocurrency and digital assets.

• Confidential client: Advising institutional client in relation to representative / collective action involving cryptocurrency and tokens in both court and arbitration contexts.

• Confidential client: Advising institutional client in claim by platform investors for alleged misrepresentation and counterclaim against those investors for failing to make payment.

Criminal, white collar / financial crimes and investigations

• Chua Boon Chye v Public Prosecutor [2015] 4 SLR 922: Leading Supreme Court decision on evidence law and the admission of prior convictions in subsequent proceedings. Worked on matter while in the Supreme Court.

• Public Prosecutor v Tan Peng Khoon [2016] 1 SLR 713: Leading Supreme Court decision in relation to extension of time applications in the criminal context. Worked on matter while in the Supreme Court.

• Public Prosecutor v Tai Ai Poh (Magistrate’s Appeal No. 9046 of 2014): Supreme Court decision in relation to private sector corruption.

• Public Prosecutor v Hang Tuah Bin Jumaat [2016] 1 SLR 527: Leading decision on whether sentences should run concurrently or consecutively.  Worked on matter while in the Supreme Court.

• Public Prosecutor v Koh Wen Jie Boaz [2016] 1 SLR 334: Leading decision on sentencing of youth offenders and sentencing options. Worked on matter while in the Supreme Court.

• Confidential client: Acting for client (a youth offender) in relation to a charge for criminal intimidation.

• Confidential client: Acting for client in relation to charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

• Confidential client: Advising client in relation to offences for criminal breach of trust, and offences under the Securities & Futures Act 2001. 

• Confidential client: Conducting investigations in relation to alleged bribery offences committed by employees. 

• Confidential clients: Advising clients in relation to offences under the Income Tax Act.

• Confidential client: Advising clients in relation to offences under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990.

• Singapore government agency: Arguing and obtaining summary judgment and high costs orders against persons who perpetuated fraud on a government agency in a high-profile matter. Summary judgments are rarely granted by the courts and more so in fraud cases as they involve disputed facts.  

Defamation

• MNC based in the United States: Acting for MNC based in the United States in relation to defamation matter.

• Confidential client: Acting for former financial controller of company in relation to threatened defamation proceedings.

• Confidential client: Acting for various individuals and institutions in relation to defamation matters.

Data privacy

• National professional body: Advising client in relation to data privacy issues arising out of the Personal Data Protection Act 2012.

• Non-profit organisation: Advising non-profit organisation in relation to its obligations under the Personal Data Protection Act 2012, and drafting of non-disclosure agreements.

Employment, breach of confidence, and non-compete disputes

• MNC based in the United States: Acting for global senior vice president of a New York Stock Exchange listed MNC in Supreme Court proceedings brought against by another large MNC listed in the London Stock Exchange over alleged breach of non-compete and non-solicitation obligations, and alleged misuse of confidential information.

• Company listed on the SGX: Advising client in relation to disciplinary procedures, termination, remuneration and severance packages of high-level employees (namely, its executive chairman and chief operating officer) and the interpretation of its company constitution.

• Temasek linked company: Acting for Temasek linked company in court proceedings in relation to breaches of employment obligations and training bonds by several staff.

• Investment and wealth management firm: Advising client in relation to debt recovery and the termination of one of its directors.

• Marine company: Advising client on the misuse of corporate and staff privileges by its staff, and claw back of monies.

• Confidential clients: Acting for high-level employees of a MNC and various other MNCs in relation to claim for alleged breach of non-compete, confidentiality and non-solicitation obligation.

• American MNC: Advising and representing client in court proceedings to recover monies misappropriated by high-level employee.

• German MNC: Advising client in relation to disciplinary procedures, termination and remuneration of high-level employees.

• Confidential client: Advising clients in relation to claims brought against them in the Employment Claims Tribunal.

• Confidential client: Advising clients in relation to claims concerning wrongful dismissal, maternity benefits, flexible work arrangements, employment of foreign manpower matters, and a wide variety of other employment matters

Injunctions, search orders, interim relief and related court applications

• Confidential clients: Advising clients in relation to potential applications for injunctions and search orders.

• Confidential client: Advising client in resisting injunction application brought by leading software MNC in technology industry.

• Confidential clients: Acting for prominent businessman and investment arm of foreign listed company to resist application for worldwide freezing order made against them.

• Confidential clients: Acting for Singapore company in resisting application for freezing order.

Insurance 

• Insurance companies: Acting and advising several reputable insurance companies in relation to insurance claims brought against their insured.

• Insurance companies: Advising several reputable insurance companies in relation to matters concerning policy wording.

Intellectual property   

• Public Prosecutor v Koh Peng Kiat and another appeal [2014] 4 SLR 703: Leading Supreme Court decision on trademark infringements and statutory offences under the Trademarks Act 1998 and Health Products Act 2007. 

Land, property, succession disputes, equity & trusts and private wealth

• Muthukumarakan s/o Varthan and another v Kwong Kai Chung and others [2016] 1 SLR 1273: Leading Supreme Court decision on easements and the framework used in determining whether implied easements arise under the Land Titles Act 1993. Worked on matter while in the Supreme Court.

• Ritzland Investment Pte Ltd v Grace Management & Consultancy Services Pte Ltd [2014] 2 SLR 1342: Supreme Court decision concerning obligations between landlord and tenant arising in relation to commercial land, and key Supreme Court decision on legal, evidential and tactical burdens of proof. Worked on matter while in the Supreme Court.

Confidential clients: Advising on tenancy disputes.

• Hoy Fatt Pte Ltd v Riway (Singapore) Pte Ltd and another [2015] SGHC 8: Supreme Court decision on rescission and specific performance in relation to land purchases.

• Confidential clients: Acting for clients in relation to claims for wrongful advice rendered in the structuring of land / property purchases (specifically, in structuring purchases in a 99-1 manner).

• Confidential client: Acting for client in court application to remove caveats lodged against property.

• Confidential client: Acting for client in relation to succession dispute in relation to assets and properties.

Medical law, mental capacity and personal injury

• ACB v Thomson Medical Pte Ltd [2015] SGHC 9: Supreme Court decision on the novel issue as to whether wrongful birth claims should be allowed and damages should be awarded. Worked on matter in the Supreme Court.

• TWD and another v UQE [2019] 3 SLR 662: Leading Supreme Court decision on the Mental Capacity Act 2005, related procedural rules and intervention proceedings. Worked on matter as amicus curiae.

• Medical institution: Acting for medical institution in relation to medical negligence claims.

• Asnah bte Ab Rahman v Li Jianlin [2016] 2 SLR 944: Leading Supreme Court decision in relation to personal injury, assessment of damages, and contributory negligence.

• Myktowych Pamela Jane v VIP Hotel [2016] 4 SLR 829: Leading Supreme Court decision in relation to personal injury, assessment of damages and the law on privilege. Worked on matter while in Supreme Court.

Professional negligence and misconduct

• Cheng William v Allister Lim Thrumurgan and another and another appeal [2015] 3 SLR 201: Leading Supreme Court decision on professional negligence and contributory negligence. Worked on matter while in Supreme Court.

• Ser Kim Koi v GTMS Construction Pte Ltd [2016] 3 SLR 51: Leading Supreme Court decision in relation to alleged fraud perpetuated by professional in the building and construction industry. Worked on matter while in Supreme Court.

Public & administrative law, judicial review, inquiry / review panels

• Per Ah Seng Robin and another v Housing and Development Board and another [2016] 1 SLR 1020: Leading Supreme Court decision on quashing orders and judicial review.

• National professional body: Acting for national professional body in relation to threatened judicial review proceedings arising out of an inquiry / review panel’s deliberations.

Publications

• “Rethinking the reflective loss principle”, Law Quarterly Review, 342-348 (2022)

• Co-author, “New Courts, new procedures and renewed access to justice: Key developments since 2021 and what to expect over the horizon”, Chambers and Partners (2022)

• Co-author, “Singapore: Effective ecosystems of arbitration – Key developments since 2021 and what to expect moving forward”, Chambers and Partners (2022)

• “Singapore’s highest court rules on importance of pleadings in arbitration – CAJ and another v CAI and another and another appeal [2021] SGCA 102”, Singapore Law Watch, JD Supra (2022)

• “UK Supreme Court issues landmark judgments on the scope of duty principle in the tort of negligence”, Singapore Law Watch, JD Supra (2022)

• Client update: “No oral modification clauses: Perspectives from Singapore” (2021)

• Client update: “Singapore’s highest court issues landmark judgment on penalty clauses” (2021)

• “Essentials of Corporate Law & Governance in Singapore” (Contributor), Sweet & Maxwell (2018)

Accolades

• The Legal 500 Asia Pacific: Recognised as a recommended practitioner in the fields of Dispute Resolution, Employment and Insurance

• Asian Legal Business: Recognised as one of Singapore’s Rising Stars

• Asian Legal Business: Recognised as one of Asia’s Super 50 Disputes Lawyers

• Benchmark Litigation Asia Pacific: Recognised as a Future Star in Commercial and Transactions

• Singapore Business Review: Recognised as one of Singapore’s 30 most influential lawyers under 40

• The Law Society of Singapore Book Prize (Top Student, 3rd Year, NUS Law Faculty)

Media Mentions

• “Understanding Witness Requirements in Court Proceedings”, Lianhe Zaobao, November 3, 2024

• “Understanding class action and representative action proceedings”, Lianhe Zaobao, September 8, 2024

• “CNA Explains: A company closes after selling you a prepaid package – can you get your money back?”, Channel News Asia Online, May 20, 2023 (Huai Yuan’s views cited by the press)

• “Intervention in arbitration awards not common, says top court”, The Straits Times, February 28, 2022 (Huai Yuan’s comments on Singapore arbitration law cited by the press)

• “Cancel culture – How to protect yourself?”, Lianhe Zaobao, May 8, 2022 (Huai Yuan’s views on the law of defamation and harassment cited by newspaper)

• “Motorist’s bid to be involved in victim’s hearing rejected by the High Court”, The Straits Times, December 28, 2018 (article mentions Huai Yuan’s appointment as amicus curiae in the High Court in view of the novelty of the issue and importance of the case at hand)