Member Profile

Francis was appointed Senior Counsel in January 2009 and practices international commercial and treaty arbitration and litigation.

He is actively involved in cross-border commercial disputes in the areas of corporate banking, property, financial and investment related claims. He is currently acting in several cases before the Singapore International Court including representing an Australian energy entity in a very substantial dispute against an Indonesian conglomerate, being the very first case to be heard before the SICC.

He also specialises in aviation law and advised in the class-action suit resulting from the crash of the SilkAir flight (Indonesia) and the SIA crash (Taiwan).

Francis is recognised as a leading disputes lawyer – Asia Law Profiles (2017, 2018); Asia Pacific Legal 500 (2014-2018); Ranked Lawyers Chambers Global (2016-2018, 2019); Dispute Resolution Chambers Asia-Pacific (2016-2018); Best Lawyer in Litigation Practice, Best Lawyers International (2015-2017); Global Arbitration Review (2010); Best Litigation Lawyers in Singapore (2013); Asia Law Leading Lawyers (2009). Francis was also recognised by Asia Business Law Journal 2018 as amongst Singapore’s top 100 lawyers and is the winner of a Business Excellence Award (2019) issued by Corporate Insider, the Gateway to the World of Business; and named as a dispute resolution star by Benchmark Litigation Asia Pacific (2019). He was recently ranked as a leading disputes lawyer by Chambers Asia Pacific (2020); Labour, Employment & Benefits, Who’s Who Legal (2016, 2018, 2019); Who’s Who Legal : Thought Leaders – Labour & Employment (2020); Who’s Who Legal : Arbitration (2020); The Best Lawyers (2020, 2021 Editions) Singapore; the 5th Annual Global Business Edition of Best Lawyers (2020); Who’s Who Legal : Litigation (2020).

He has appeared as counsel and has acted as arbitrator (both party appointed and presiding) in a large number of arbitrations (both ad hoc and administered arbitrations including by ICSID, ICC, SIAC, AIAC, HKIAC, BANI and the Permanent Court of Arbitration).

Francis has acted for a number of parties in treaty disputes (including several Asian governments). He is currently sitting as party-nominated arbitrator of a Mauritius investor in a bilateral investment treaty (ICSID) dispute with the government of India. He is presently assisting several governments in setting up their international arbitration framework.

He is the immediate past global President of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) and also the immediate past President of the Inter-Pacific Bar Association. He is a Chartered Arbitrator and also a Past Chairman of the Singapore branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

He is the General Editor of two major publications - “Civil Litigation in Singapore” (Sweet & Maxwell, 2017) and “Arbitration in Singapore: A Practical Guide” (2nd Edition, Sweet & Maxwell, 2018).

He has been re-appointed to the Singapore Appeal Advisory Panels (constituted under the Business Trusts Act, Financial Advisers Act, Insurance Act, Securities and Futures Act and Trust Companies Act) by Deputy PM Tharman Shanmugaratnam for a further 2-year term (1 October 2019 to 30 September 2021).

He is the Chairman of the Listings Appeals Committee, Singapore Stock Exchange. He is also the Chairman of the Inquiry Panel of the Law Society of Singapore. He has been recently re-appointed as a member of the Rules Committee, Singapore Academy of Law for a further 2-year term (26 January 2020 to 26 January 2022).

Reported Judgments

- Esben Finance Limited V Neil Wong Hou-Lianq [2020] SGHC (1) 25

- CBX and another v CBZ and others [2020] SGHC (I) 21.

- CBX and another v CBZ and others [2020] SGHC(I) 17.

- ST Group Co Ltd and others vs Sanum Investment Limited [2019] SGCA 65

- BXY and others v BXX and others [2019] SGHC (I) 11.

- PT Bayan Resources TBK and another v BCBC Singapore Ltd and another [2019] SGHC(I)[01].

- Sanum Investments Limited v ST Group Co, Ltd and others [2018] SGHC 141.

- PT Bayan Resources TBK and another v BCBC Singapore Pte Ltd and another [2018] SGCA (I) 6

- PT Bayan Resources TBK and another v BCBC Singapore Pte Ltd and another [2018] SGCA(I) 6, Civil Appeal No 154 of 2017.

- Shi Ka Yee v Nasraf Lucas Muzayyin & Anor (OS 682 of 2016) [2016] SGHC 138.

- Marty Limited v Hualon Corporation (Malaysia)) Sdn Bhd (OS 501 of 2016) [2017] SGHC 127.

- Abdul Rashid bin Abdul Manaf v Hii Yii Ann (Suit No. 930 of 2015) [2016] SGHCR 1.

- Koh Heng Chew and ors. v Liew Kit Fah and ors (Suit No. 125 of 2014) [2016] SGHC 140.

- Alliance Concrete Singapore Pte Ltd and Sato Kogyo (S) Pte Ltd [2014] SGCA 35.

- TMTA Asia Limited v BHP Billiton Marketing AG (Singapore Branch) and BHP Billiton Marketing Asia Pte Ltd (Suit 580 of 2013) [2015] SGHC 21.

- Law Society of Singapore v Udeh Kumar s/o Sethuraju [2013] SGHC 121.

- Kraze Entertainment (S) Ptd Ltd v Marina Bay Sands Pte Ltd [2013] SGHC 39.

- Rafat Ali Rizvi v. The Republic of Indonesia (ICSID Case No. ARB/11/13).

- Energenics Holdings Pte Ltd v Ronendra Nath Hazarika and 4 others (Suit No. 78 of 2012/G).

- Teleoptik-Ziroskopi and others v Westacre Investments Inc and other appeals [2012] SGCA 8.

- Griffin Travel Pte Ltd v Nagender Rao Chilkuri and 6 others (Suit No. 835 of 2011).

- MDIS and MDIS Pte Ltd v Edith Cowan University and 2 others (Suit No. 158 of 2011).

- Law Society of Singapore v Andre Ravindran Saravanapavan Arul [2011] SGHC 224.

- Holcim (Singapore) Pte Ltd v Precise Development Pte Ltd [2011] SGCA 1.

- Ng Swee Hua v Auston International Group Ltd and another [2010] SGHC 362.

- Management Corporation Strata Title Plan No. 301 of Grange Heights v Lee Tat Development Pte Ltd [2010] SGCA 39.

- The Law Society of Singapore v Jasmine Gowrimani d/o Daniel [2010] SGHC 143.

- The Law Society of Singapore v Aqbal Singh s/o Kuldip Singh and Another [2009] SGDT5.

- Sports Connection Private Limited v Deuter Sports GmbH [2009] SGCA 22.

- Susilawati v American Express Bank Limited [2009] SGCA 8.

- Susilawati v American Express Bank Ltd [2007] SGHC 179.

- Ting Sing Ning (alias Malcolm Ding) v Ting Chek Swee (alias Ting Chik Sui) and others [2007] SGCA 49.

- Ting Sing Ning (alias Malcolm Ding) v Ting Chek Swee (alias Ting Chik Sui) and others [2006] SGHC 192.

- ECRC Land Pte Ltd (in liquidation) v 1. Christopher Wing On Ho 2. Shum Sze Keong 3. Lee Yen Kee Ruby 4. Paul Law Kwok Fai 5. E-Zone (Plaza) Pte Ltd 6. The Grande Group Limited 7. East Coast Works Pte Ltd 8. Hong Kong Aberdeen Seafood Restaurant Pte Ltd 9. Nakamichi Pte Ltd 10. Café A1 Fresco Pte Ltd [2006] SGCA 25.

- CHS CPO GmbH and Another v Vikas Goel and Others [2006] SGHC 49.

- CHS CPO GmbH (in bankruptcy) and Another v Vikas Goel and Others [2005] 3 SLR 202; [2005] SGHC 74.

- ECRC Land Pte Ltd (in liquidation) v 1. Christopher Wing On Ho 2. Shum Sze Keong 3. Lee Yen Kee Ruby 4. Paul Law Kwok Fai 5. E-Zone (Plaza) Pte Ltd 6. The Grande Group Limited 7. East Coast Works Pte Ltd 8. Hong Kong Aberdeen Seafood Restaurant Pte Ltd 9. Nakamichi Pte Ltd 10. Café A1 Fresco Pte Ltd [2004] 1 SLR 105.

- Westacre Investments Inc v The State-Owned Company Yugoimport SDPR and 5 others (OS No. 1311 of 2004).

- Leow Tiak Cheow & Anor v Pan-United Industries Pte Ltd [2003] 1 SLR 569.

- 1. Irawan Darsono 2. Arhawishanto International Holdings Pte Ltd v Ong Soon Kiat [2002] 4 SLR 84.

- Flaris Technology Corporation Limited & Anor v Gan Huan Kee & Ors [2002] SGHC 116.

- Sim Yew Thong v Ng Loy Nam Thomas and other appeals [2000] 4 SLR 193.

- Chan Chim Yee v Public Prosecutor [2000] 2 SLR 1.

- The Law Society of Singapore v Khushvinder Singh Chopra [1999] 4 SLR 775.

- Niranjan M. Lilani v Devadas Naidu & Anor [1999] 4 SLR 418.

- R. Mahendran & Anor v R. Arumuganathan [1999] 2 SLR 579.

- Lau Song Seng & Ors v Public Prosecutor [1998] 1 SLR 663.

- Mooka Pillai Rajagopal & Ors v Khushvinder Singh Chopra [1998] 1 SLR 186.

- Sundara Moorthy Lankatharan v Public Prosecutor [1997] 3 SLR 464.

- Sumitomo Bank Ltd v Kartika Ratna Thahir [1997] 1 SLR 690.

- Essen System Builders (S) Pte Ltd & Anor v Chew Boon Hee [1997] 1 SLR 671.

- Mookka Pillai Rajagopal & Ors v Khushvinder Singh Chopra [1996] 3 SLR 457.

- Khushvinder Singh Chopra v Mookka Pillai Rajagopal & Ors [1996] 2 SLR 379.

- Alrich Development Pte Ltd v Rafiq Jumabhoy [1995] 2 SLR 401.

- Ramond Selva Clement v Public Prosecutor [1994] 3 SLR 515.

- Kartika Ratna Thahir v PT Pertambangan Minyak dan Gas Bumi Negara (Pertamina) [1994] 3 SLR 257.

- Public Prosecutor v Lee Twe Jeat [1994] 3 SLR 219.

- Alrich Development Pte Ltd v Rafiq Jumabhoy [1994] 3 SLR 1.

- Sumitomo Bank Ltd v Kartika Ratna Thahir & Ors and another matter [1993] 1 SLR 735.

Unreported Judgments

- Gavin James Millar v 1. Lee Hsien Loong 2. Lee Kuan Yew, judgment dated 9 July 2007 in Civil Appeal No. 70 of 2007.

- 1. Flairis Technology Corporation Limited 2. Flairis Advanced Manufacturing Pte Ltd v 1. Gan Huan Kee 2. Chan Tien Seng 3. Khong Soo Har @ Khong Fan Kee 4. Wong Kwok Ping, judgment dated 29 May 2002 of J Lai Siu Chiu in Suit No. 723 of 2001/A.

- Sutjiawang Johanis Alias Tjia Eng Liong v Tjia Eng Soei, judgment dated 30 April 2002 of J Rubin in Suit No. 600025 of 2000.

- Finnian Tseng Cheng Yao & anor v Tan Kah Imm, judgment dated 15 November 1999 of JC Amarjeet Singh in OS No. 735 of 1998.

- Ismail Bin Sumali v Public Prosecutor, judgment dated 23 September 1994 of J Chao Hick Tin in CRA16 of 1994.

- Re Arthur Leolin Price, QC, judgment dated 21 December 1994 of JC K S Rajah in OM 109 of 1994.

- Boldward Enterprises Pte Ltd v Hitachi Zosen Singapore Limited, judgment dated 9 July 1997 of J Rubin in Suit No 865 of 1994.

- Management Corporation Strata Title Plan No. 964 v Gordon Industrial Land Pte Ltd & Anor, judgment dated 19 April 1995 of J Goh Joon Seng in Suit No. 258 of 1994 (RA 222 of 1994).

- Management Corporation Strata Title Plan No. 964 v Gordon Industrial Land Pte Ltd & Anor, judgment dated 19 April 1995 of J Goh Joon Seng in Suit No. 258 of 1994 (RA 222 of 1994).

- Fritz Karl Schnell & Anor v Thomas Edward Dorn & Ors, judgment dated 30 May 1997 of J Lai Siu Chiu in Suit No 2140 of 1993.

- Public Prosecutor v Supramaniam A/L P Palani And Anor, judgment dated 27 April 1994 of JC Amarjeet Singh in Criminal Case No. 19 of 1992.

- Public Prosecutor v 1. Yacob S/O Rusmatullah 2. Mohamad Jaffar Bin Abidin, judgment dated 17 July 1993 of JC Amarjeet Singh in Criminal Case No. 15 of 1992.

- Public Prosecutor v 1) Tan Chee Hwee 2) Soon Kin Liang Joseph @ Sun Jianliang Joseph, judgment dated 31 October 1992 of JC Rubin in Criminal Case No 12 of 1991.

- Jurisdictional Council Member (Singapore), Inter Pacific Bar Association.

- Appointed by the Minister for Law (pursuant to s 48 of the Legal Profession Act) to serve on the Council, Law

- Society of Singapore from 1 January 2005 until 31 December 2008.

- Vice Chairman, Committee on Legal Education and Studies, Singapore Academy of Law (2015).

- Member, Executive Committee of the Council of the Law Society (2008).

- Chairman, Law Society Regulatory Oversight Committee (2008).

- Member, Ad Hoc Committee to Review Rule 31, Legal Profession (Professional Conduct) Rules (PCR) (2008).

- Member, Law Society Finance Committee (2008).

- Law Society Council Representative, Civil Practice Committee (2008).

- Chairman, Motor Insurance Practice Review Committee of the Law Society of Singapore (2006/2007).

- Chairman, Entrapment Practice Review Committee of the Law Society of Singapore (2007 to 2009)

- Member, Sub-Committee to the Corporate Practice Committee of the Law Society to Review Proposed Legal

- Changes on Insider Dealing (2001).

- Member, Continuing Legal Education Committee of the Law Society of Singapore (1999 to 2001).

- LLB (Hons), National University of Singapore

- Senior Counsel, Supreme Court of Singapore

- Solicitor, Supreme Court of England and Wales

- Chartered Arbitrator, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK

- Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK

- Fellow, Singapore Institute of Arbitrators

- Fellow, Singapore Academy of Law

- Fellow, The Malaysian Institute of Arbitrators

- Panel of Arbitrators, Singapore Institute of Arbitrators

- Panel of Arbitrators, Asian International Arbitration Centre (formerly KLRCA)

- Panel of International Arbitrators, Kigali International Arbitration Centre, Rwanda

- Panel of Arbitrators, Russian Arbitration Centre of the Russian Institute of Modern Arbitration, Moscow

- Panel of Arbitrators, Vietnam International Arbitration Center

- Panel of Arbitrators, Center for International Investment and Commercial Arbitration, Pakistan

- Panel of Arbitrators, Thailand Arbitration Center

- Panel of Arbitrators, Beihai Asia International Arbitration Centre

- Panel of Arbitrators, Maldives International Arbitration Centre

- Specialist Mediator of Singapore International Mediation Centre

Books

- Contributor on the Chapter on “The Rise of International Commercial Courts” in Legal Research on Investment and Financing of Chinese Enterprises in the Singapore, Switzerland and Germany, the fifth series of Legal Research on overseas Investment and Financing for Chinese Enterprises (2019).

- General Editor, “Civil Litigation in Singapore” Sweet & Maxwell (2018).

- General Editor, “Arbitration in Singapore: A Practical Guide” (2nd Edition, Sweet & Maxwell, 2018).

- Contributor on the Chapter on Advocacy in the SICC in “Modern Advocacy – More Perspectives from Singapore” SAL Academy Publishing (2019).

- Contributor, report on “Women, Business and the Law 2018” (published by the World Bank Group).

- The Singapore Chapter, Women, Business and the Law 2014 and 2015: Removing Restrictions to Enhance Gender Equality (published by World Bank, IFC).

- The Singapore Chapter, the International Comparative Legal Guide: Enforcement of Foreign Judgments, Global Legal Group (2016).

- “Perspectives on Preserving Electronic Evidence when Litigation is Contemplated or has Commenced” published in “International Conference on Electronic Litigation” (2012).

- 2nd Edition of the report entitled Women, Business and the Law 2012: Removing Barriers to Economic Inclusion (World Bank).

- Contributor, Singapore Precedents of Pleadings (Sweet & Maxwell Asia, 2006 Edition).

- Contributor, Business Torts and Business Crimes in the Law of Rights and Obligations of Business in Singapore, Singapore Business Development Series (1996 Edition, Addison –Wesley).

- 25th Anniversary Publication on the Historical Development of the Law Society of Singapore, 1995.

- Specialist Editor – Mallal’s Digest of Malaysian and Singapore Case Law (Fourth Edition – 1991) – Volume 5 (Criminal Procedure).

Articles

- “A Presumption in the Implied Choice of Law Governing Arbitration Agreements? Sulamerica Reconsidered in Singapore” published in 2016 Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre 5th Anniversary book.

- “When is recourse available to the Singapore Courts for an anti-arbitration injunction?” Thought Leadership Experts published on 30 September 2015 Expert Guides.

- “The Issue of Extra-Territoriality in Securities Litigation: A Comparative View” published in 2011 Bloomberg Finance L.P. in the Vol. 4, No. 6 edition of the Bloomberg Law Reports – Asia Pacific.

- “The Rome Convention Dealing with Damages Caused By Foreign Aircraft to Third Parties” published in Lawlines, (Volume 9, Issue 2), June 2007.

- “The Impact of Free Trade Agreements on Labour Mobility”, published in the Law Gazette, December 2006.

- “Workplace Influenza Pandemic – Legal Boundaries and Best Practice” published in Lawlines, (Volume 8 Issue 1), March 2006.

- The Singapore perspective – “Pandemics and the Workplace, A Regional Analysis”, being part of an Asian-wide publication coordinated by Johnson Stokes and Masters, January 2006.

- “Recent Developments In the Garnishment of Retention Monies” published in Lawlines, (Volume 7 Issue 3), September 2005.

- “Drafting of Charges in Disciplinary Proceedings” published in Lawlines, (Volume 4 Issue 2), May 2002.

- “The Domestic and International Arbitration Regimes in Singapore”’ published in Lawlines, (Volume 3 Issue 3), September 2001.

- “An Overview of Arbitration Internationally and in Singapore” published in the Singapore Law Gazette, August 2001.

- “Arbitration as a Method of Dispute Resolution” published in Lawlines (Vol 3, Issue 1), December 2000.

- “Disciplinary Proceedings in the Medical Profession” published in the Singapore Law Gazette, May 2000.

- Author, article on “Disciplinary Proceedings in the Medical Profession” published in the Singapore Law Gazette, May 2000.

- Member, Advisory Committee of the Centre for International Alternative Dispute Resolution (CIAdr), Bangladesh.

- Board member of the Russian Arbitration Center at the Russian Institute of Modern Arbitration, Moscow and Chair, International Arbitration Committee.

- Member, Panel of Neutrals - Law Society Neutral Evaluation and Determination Scheme (Singapore).

- Member, The Asia Advisory Committee, American Arbitration Association, International Centre for Dispute Resolution (AAA-ICDR), Singapore.

- Member, Advisory Board, Kovise Foundation Conflict Resolution International (India).

- Referee, appointed for a 2-year term by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) under the Industrial Relations Act (Cap 136) commencing 19 April 2018.

- Chairman, IPBA Committee promulgating guidelines to the arbitration community on Confidentiality and Privilege (2016-2020) released in 2019.

- Member, Council of Law Reporting, Singapore Academy of Law.

- Member, Users’ Council, Singapore International Arbitration Centre.

- Member, Professional Affairs Committee, Professional Values Chapter, Singapore Academy of Law.

- Member, International Promotion of Singapore Law Committee, Singapore Academy of Law.

- Regional Pathway Leader and Faculty member, Approved Faculty of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK).

- Member, Panel of Arbitrators, Law Society Arbitration Scheme.

- Member, Complaints Panel of the Singapore Pharmacy Council.

- Chairman, Junior College Law Conference Organising Committee, Singapore Academy of Law (since 2009).

- Member, Advocacy Committee of the Law Society of Singapore (1995 to 2006).

- Member, Criminal Law Special Assignments Committee of the Law Society of Singapore (1989 to 2001).

- Member, Independent Committee of Investigation (ICI), National Technological University (2004).

- Member, Law Society Audit Committee (2009).

- Aviation Lawyer of the Year – Global Awards 2020, 11 November 2020.

- Public Service Medal Award, National Day Awards, 23 November 2014 (for his role in the Singapore Academy of Law Committee on Legal Education and Studies).

- Merit Award, Singapore Academy of Law, November 2013.

- Criminal Legal Aid Scheme, Volunteer Award, Law Society of Singapore (2007).