Melvin is extremely quick of mind, constantly looking for innovative ways to solve disputes and set new precedents as Head of Disputes at TSMP. He brings an inventive spirit to his practice, which encompasses civil and commercial litigation and dispute resolution work, with a particular focus on complex corporate disputes, continually breaking new ground in construction and engineering disputes. His innovation is ever present, evident in the novel legal arguments he puts forth concerning the role of an adjudicator appointed under Security of Payment legislation, as well as in arguing complex engineering claims involving a cracking plant on Jurong Island.

Melvin is also fleet of foot, frequently competing in gruelling marathons. He brings his runner's competitiveness, commitment and dedicated preparation into the courtroom, which he pairs with an intellectual rigour and thorough appreciation of the law. As testaments to his passions, his marathon finisher medals sit alongside an impressive collection of prizes for academic excellence while reading law at King's College, London. Melvin's love of building spans luxury condominiums for work, his stamina for marathons, and his 4,000 piece Lego Death Star for fun.

While Melvin may be a legal shark, his heart is anything but cold. Perhaps it is all that cardio. As TSMP's pro bono director, he has overseen TSMP's pro bono services reach out to various charitable and non-governmental organisations including the Law Society Pro Bono Services Office, Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics, Transient Workers Count 2, and One Hope Centre - all efforts that still continue today.

Bar Admissions
Singapore

Education
LL.B. (HONS) (KING'S COLLEGE, LONDON)

Significant Accomplishments
Successfully acted for the architect in a landmark decision of MCST Plan No 3322 v Mer Vue Developments Pte Ltd & Ors [2016] SGHC 38, in which the High Court decided for the first time that the architect can rely on the independent contractor defence. The decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal in MCST Plan No 3322 v Tiong Aik Construction Pte Ltd & Anor [2016] SGCA 40.

Advising and acting for a major Korean main contractor in various disputes with its sub-contractors and suppliers relating to the construction of the Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Jurong Community Hospital, including Court litigation and Adjudication proceedings under the Security of Payment Act regime.

Successfully represented a foreign construction worker on a pro bono basis in a landmark decision of SATS Construction Pte Ltd v Islam Md Ohidul [2016] 3 SLR 1164 on the award of costs in pro bono cases. The case considered, for the first time, that a successful litigant was entitled to costs in legal proceedings notwithstanding that he was being represented pro bono.
Successfully acted for a shipyard in defending a claim brought by its former resident contractors with regard to the employment of foreign workers and allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation � Goldrich Venture Pte Ltd and another v Halcyon Offshore Pte Ltd [2015] SGHC 103. The case involved the novel issue of whether a plaintiff company could maintain a claim in misrepresentation on the basis of a representation made to its promoter before the plaintiff company was incorporated.

Successfully acted for both claimants and respondents in construction adjudication claims, including the landmark decision of Chip Hup Hup Kee Construction v Ssangyong Engineering and Construction [2010] 1 SLR 658.

• Power to the Contract

  By Melvin Chan, Nguyen Vu Lan |January 2021

• A Cure for Covid-19 and a Vaccine for Creditors?

  By Melvin Chan |November 2020

• Reading the Tea Leaves for 2020

  By Melvin Chan, Low Ka Wei |January 2020