Simplified Insolvency Programme

Singapore: The Simplified Insolvency Programme (SIP) has been instituted to facilitate the restructuring or liquidation of micro and small companies (MSCs) which have been severely impacted by COVID-19. The SIP was ushered in by the Insolvency, Restructuring and Dissolution (Amendment) Act 2020 (IRDA Amendment Act) and recently commenced on 29 January 2021.

This article seeks to give an overview of the SIP which aims to provide simpler, faster and lower-cost restructuring and insolvency processes for cash-strapped MSCs.

Harmonising of work pass policies: New changes to work pass requirements for Dependant’s Pass holders

Singapore: In a move to align the requirements with other foreigners working in Singapore, Dependant's Pass (DP) holders working in Singapore will soon have to secure a work pass if they want to work in Singapore. We take a look at the practical impact of this change on DP holders, employers and businesses.

Harmonising of work pass policies: New changes to work pass requirements for Dependant’s Pass holders (Japanese)

Singapore: In a move to align the requirements with other foreigners working in Singapore, Dependant's Pass (DP) holders working in Singapore will soon have to secure a work pass if they want to work in Singapore. We take a look at the practical impact of this change on DP holders, employers and businesses.

The right balance? The SGX’s proposed regulatory framework for SPACs

Singapore: The value of global deals involving special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) this year stands at a record amount. Some of Southeast Asia’s biggest technology companies are also looking to go public by merging with US-listed SPACs, leaving Asian bourses with some introspection to do. On 31 March 2021, the Singapore Exchange issued a consultation paper in relation to a proposed regulatory framework for the listing of SPACs on its Mainboard to seek market feedback for its proposals. Does this proposed framework strike the right balance of being sufficiently robust whilst remaining attractive to SPACs and their sponsors?

Copyright reform in Singapore continues with release of draft Bill for public consultation

Singapore: In February 2021, Ministry of Law (MinLaw) and Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) released a draft Copyright Bill (the draft Bill) for public consultation. The draft Bill is significant because it is the first time the existing Copyright Act (the Act) is being restructured and rewritten as a whole. Piecemeal legislative amendments over decades have kept the Act relevant to technological advancements, especially with the dawn of computers and the Internet. However, the amendments have made the Act more lengthy and complex. An overhaul is needed to make the law more understandable and accessible to the public. The draft Bill also aims to implement wide-ranging changes proposed in the Copyright Review Report published by MinLaw and IPOS in 2019. This article summarises some key changes.

The right balance? The SGX’s proposed regulatory framework for SPACs (Japanese)

Singapore: The value of global deals involving special purpose acquisition companies this year stands at a record amount. Some of Southeast Asia’s biggest technology companies are also looking to go public by merging with US-listed SPACs, leaving Asian bourses with some introspection to do. On 31 March 2021, the Singapore Exchange issued a consultation paper in relation to a proposed regulatory framework for the listing of SPACs on its Mainboard to seek market feedback for its proposals. Does this proposed framework strike the right balance of being sufficiently robust whilst remaining attractive to SPACs and their sponsors?

Introduction of actuarial tables for determining the multiplier in personal injury and death claims in Singapore: Is this a prelude to larger claims against doctors and healthcare providers?

Singapore: Pursuant to a recent amendment of the Supreme Court and State Courts Practice Directions, Singapore courts will refer to actuarial tables published by the Singapore Academy of Law to determine an appropriate multiplier in personal injury and death claims heard on or after 1 April 2021. This will likely lead to greater certainty and precision in the quantification of damages in personal injury and death claims.

Plastic Packaging law under the new Resource Sustainability Act, 2019 (Singapore)

Singapore: In order to reduce waste being sent to the Semakau landfill, Singapore introduced the Zero Waste Masterplan in 2019. The masterplan, along with the Resource Sustainability Act (RSA), 2019 provide the strategy and the legal framework to position Singapore as a sustainable, resource-efficient nation. These new developments apply to three waste-generating sectors – electronic waste, food waste and packaging waste, including plastics.

Food Waste law under the new Resource Sustainability Act, 2019 (Singapore)

Singapore: In order to reduce waste being sent to the Semakau landfill, Singapore introduced the Zero Waste Masterplan in 2019. The masterplan, along with the Resource Sustainability Act (RSA), 2019 provide the strategy and the legal framework to position Singapore as a sustainable, resource-efficient nation. These new developments apply to three waste-generating sectors – electronic waste, food waste and packaging waste, including plastics. Part V of the RSA fleshes out the procedure for food waste management to applicable entities.

E-Waste law under the new Resource Sustainability Act, 2019 (Singapore)

Singapore: In order to reduce waste being sent to the Semakau landfill, Singapore introduced the Zero Waste Masterplan in 2019. The masterplan, along with the Resource Sustainability Act (RSA), 2019 provide the strategy and the legal framework to position Singapore as a sustainable, resource-efficient nation. These new developments apply to three waste-generating sectors – electrical and electronic waste, food waste and packaging waste. Part III of the RSA legislates on e-waste management in Singapore, which provides for an extended producer responsibility system.