Derek Loh
盧有志
M.A. (CANTAB)
Partner
Fellow of the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators
“What is more important than possessing a moral compass is having the will and courage to use it.”
Derek has a knack for turning any conversation into an erudite discussion, segueing with ease between diverse topics from ancient Greek philosophy to climate change. But there’s no subject he is more au fait with than construction. It is an area he landed on when he was called to the Bar more than 30 years ago, and he has since built an impressive practice that encompasses the entire spectrum of construction and engineering law.
Clients rely on him to draft bullet-proof contracts and advise on sound financial structures. When things go south, Derek is the go-to construction specialist for resolving conflicts, whether through mediation, adjudication, litigation or arbitration. Either way, there are no projects too complex for Derek: he has advised on power plants, refinery plants, subway rail systems, road networks and airports. His practice is multi-jurisdictional, involving local and international contractors and employers in projects that span the Asia-Pacific.
Little wonder then that when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was seeking a Non-Resident High Commissioner for Bangladesh, Derek was on the top of its list. He has served in this capacity since 2017.
A firm believer that knowledge is fundamental to human development – and nowhere is this more important than the education of our young – Derek is a member of the Board of Governors of St Joseph’s Institution Singapore and St Joseph’s Institution International Singapore. He is also a trustee of the St Joseph’s Institution Foundation Singapore, a charitable foundation.
Testimonials
Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific
“He delivers creative solutions in addition to standard solutions.”
The Legal 500 Asia Pacific
“He is creative thinker who finds solutions to the most difficult issues or problems we have had. He consistently gave us best results in various disputes where we initially had weak positions before he represented. He knows what his client wants.”
Asialaw Leading Lawyers
“Derek is a great personality and is really smart and applies these commercially exceedingly well.”
Asialaw Leading Lawyers
“Attentive, engaging, experienced and capable. Doesn't overdo things.”
Chambers Asia-Pacific
“He will always try and find a negotiated solution for any serious problem before going for litigation.”
Chambers Asia-Pacific
“Derek Loh is highlighted for his depth of expertise regarding construction and engineering”
Who’s Who Legal
“An excellent legal mind...”
Notable Briefs
Advising international contractors on mass transit projects
Advising international contractors on disputes with Governments
Drafting bespoke contracts for international contractors for use both in Singapore and regionally
Derek Loh in the News
24 June 2021
Derek Loh quoted in BT: “More intervention, support needed for Singapore infrastructure sector: report”
22 February 2021
Derek Loh quoted in BT: “Propped up by government support last year, construction sector could see more exits in 2021”
17 February 2021
Derek Loh commented in BT: “Built environment sector anticipating greater digitalisation and collaboration”
2 April 2020
Derek Loh comments in BT: “Contract relief proposal a big help for construction, but costs still key worry”
24 March 2020
Derek Loh quoted in the Business Times: “Emergency legislation ‘would help builders deal with delays'”
24 March 2020
Derek Loh quoted in the Business Times: “Contractors seeking legal advice over project delays”
21 February 2020
Derek Loh quoted by Today: “Covid-19: Faced with labour crunch, supply disruptions, contractors in S’pore fear missing project deadlines”
20 February 2020
Derek Loh quoted by Reuters: “Singapore builders seek force majeure advice as coronavirus causes labor crunch”
4 November 2019
Derek Loh’s commentary on climate change “Pollution of the Solution?” published in the BT
Penned by Derek Loh
7 February 2024
My Wishlist For 2024
By Thio Shen Yi, SC, Stefanie Yuen Thio, Ong Pei Ching, June Ho, Ian Lim, Jennifer Chia, Felicia Tan, Mark A. Jacobsen, Derek Loh, Melvin Chan
4 January 2021
2021: In Which We Rise From the Ashes of the Pandemic
By Thio Shen Yi, SC, Stefanie Yuen Thio, Ong Pei Ching, June Ho, Jennifer Chia, Kelvin Koh, Derek Loh, Melvin Chan, Adrian Tan
7 January 2020
Reading the Tea Leaves for 2020
By Thio Shen Yi, SC, Stefanie Yuen Thio, Ong Pei Ching, June Ho, Ian Lim, Jennifer Chia, Kelvin Koh, Derek Loh, Chee Chin Wi, Kishan Pillay
