Construction & Engineering

Drew & Napier's dynamic Construction & Engineering Practice provides start to end legal, contractual, technical and practical advice on construction and engineering-related work.

Our approach encompasses contentious and non-contentious aspects of construction and engineering projects, both domestic and international, with particular expertise in energy and infrastructure.

Both Head and Deputy Head of our Construction & Engineering practice, Christopher Chong and Mahesh Rai, are recognised as Senior Accredited Specialist and Accredited Specialist in Building & Construction Law respectively by the Singapore Academy of Law under its Specialist Accreditation Scheme. This recognition is a testament to the high level of proficiency in building & construction law that Christopher and Mahesh have.

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific commends the Practice for its “speed and efficiency”, and adds “as with all dispute practices at the firm, the technical skills are top notch.”

Our Capabilities

Some of the significant non-contentious matters our Practice has handled include:

• Project counsel for a statutory body in Singapore in respect of a state-of-the-art flagship national project in Singapore with a project value of about S$2 billion through the project life cycle.

• Advising a telecommunications company in relation to the procurement of a satellite from a leading European supplier valued in excess of €200 million.

• Advising the Employer and his representative on day-to-day legal matters and managing potential disputes, during the construction phase of a billion-dollar offshore wind farm. Assisting with project documentation review for 2 related offshore wind farm projects.

• Advising a multinational conglomerate and major player in the energy transition, on tender and project documentation for the construction of an AI-heavy data centre.

• Advising the developer of one of the largest solar farms in Singapore, on contracts, vPPAs, day-to-day legal matters during the construction phase, and managing potential disputes.

Our Practice has also handled a number of highly technical and complex contentious matters including:

• Power (Conventional) – Representing a contractor in relation to disputes concerning the construction of a combined cycle power plant in Taiwan with claims and counterclaims in excess of US$660 million before an esteemed tribunal of 3 King’s Counsel / Senior Counsel and 2 of whom were former judges.

• Power (Renewables) – Successfully representing an employer in a SIAC arbitration against a major Chinese EPC contractor in relation to the construction of a wind farm project in Vietnam with claims and counterclaims in excess of US$50 million.

• Power (Equipment) – Successfully representing GE Vernova in Singapore Court proceedings and are currently acting in related arbitration proceedings arising from disputes concerning the reservation of a €35 million gas turbine for a power plant project in Bangladesh. Press report at https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/singapore-court-blocks-fraudulent-us2-million-bank-guarantee-call-cross-border-power-dispute and reported decision at GE Vernova Parts & Products GmbH v Anlima Meghnaghat Power Plant Ltd [2026] SGHC 21.

• Airports (Technology) – Representing a company listed on the Thai Stock Exchange in a dispute against a leading air transport communications and IT giant in an international arbitration on airport projects in Thailand in relation to a claim that is more than US$422 million.

• Power (Conventional) – Representing Power Machines against Petrovietnam in a US$1.2 billion SIAC arbitration and related Singapore High Court and Court of Appeal proceedings arising out of the EPC project involving the Long Phu 1 power plant in Vietnam.

Accolades

Asian Legal Business (ALB) SE Asia Law Awards
Southeast Asia Construction Law Firm of the Year 2026 (3 consecutive years)

Chambers Asia Pacific
Construction 2026 – Band 2 (4 consecutive years)
Construction 2022 – Band 4 (2 consecutive years)
Construction 2020 – Noted Practitioner (2 consecutive years)

Christopher Chong – Band 2 (5 consecutive years); Band 3 in 2020 and 2021; Leading Lawyer in 2019
Mahesh Rai – Band 3 (3 consecutive years); Band 4 in 2023
Kelvin Teo – Band 4  (2 consecutive years); Up and Coming in 2024 (3 consecutive years)

"“Drew & Napier is very structured and organised, with up-to-date knowledge of regulations.”

“The team is responsive and ensures that the client is fully informed of all matters as they occurred.”

"They are just very user-friendly and very sharp. They are extremely good lawyers. It's also important that they are easy to work with. These qualities really make them stand out from the crowd."

"They are able to guide me in complex situations and provide constructive ideas. They have a group of professionals who ensure that my files are properly looked after."

“Drew & Napier are knowledgeable and can handle complex matters. They always try to suggest ways to mitigate things. They constantly review the situation and update clients.”

"The firm is very experienced in handling complex construction disputes."

"Drew & Napier has a wide breadth of coverage and is good with corporate, insolvency, arbitration, security of payments and adjudication matters. This wide-ranging expertise has consistent quality across practice areas."

"The lawyers that we have engaged so far from Drew & Napier have been able to identify the issues very quickly, and are thorough and knowledgeable."

Drew & Napier is an "impressive team with extensive experience in construction and infrastructure law and the disputes that arise out of major projects."

“A market commentator praises Drew & Napier's attention to detail and says it is "an extremely efficient firm that provides excellent services."”

A client remarks, "We are very happy with their performance. Their legal strategy is sound and they deliver on tight timelines. They are particularly good at analysing various available legal options and communicating those to us so that we can take considered decisions."

“The team made themselves available and were always on point, with a very good understanding of the whole process."

"Christopher Chong is a construction law expert and an excellent strategist when it comes to resolving complex multi-party disputes on major infrastructure projects. When projects go south, you want him on your team."

"Christopher is pragmatic and quick on his feet”.

Christopher is "a very sound construction lawyer."

A client praised Christopher for his "knowledge and practical experience," added that "he is excellent and has a very bright mind."

Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific
Construction 2026 – Tier 2 (5 consecutive years)  

Christopher Chong – Litigation Star (7 consecutive years)
Mahesh Rai – Litigation Star (2 consecutive years)
Kelvin Teo – Litigation Star (2 consecutive years)
Chen Zhihui – Future Star (2 consecutive years)

A client commented that Drew & Napier has an “excellent dispute resolution practice. Very professional and service oriented. They are able to anticipate and identify issues and offer sound and practical ways out of a situation.”

Christopher has “impressive ability to cut through complex fact scenarios and get to the heart of the issues. Provides strategic and commercial advice.”

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific
Construction 2026 – Tier 2 (3 consecutive years)

Christopher Chong – Recommended Lawyer (6 consecutive years)
Mahesh Rai – Recommended Lawyer (6 consecutive years)
Jimmy Yim SC – Recommended Lawyer (5 consecutive years)
Cavinder Bull SC – Recommended Lawyer (5 consecutive years)
Kelvin Teo – Next Generation Partner (3 consecutive years)
Chen Zhihui – Recommended Lawyer (2 consecutive years)
Loh Tian Kai – Recommended Lawyer

“The team stands out for its exceptional professionalism, deep legal expertise, and consistent delivery of high-quality advice. What makes the practice particularly unique is the team’s ability to balance technical legal rigour with practical commercial insights, which is critical in construction-related matters.”

“Compared to other firms, the team's approach is refreshingly solutions-oriented, and it is always proactive in identifying risks and proposing pragmatic strategies. The team demonstrates strong internal collaboration, and their integration of legal technology helps streamline the delivery of legal services.”

“Zhihui Chen is highly knowledgeable, approachable, and always willing to go the extra mile. He distinguishes himself by his ability to simplify complex legal concepts without losing nuance, and he maintains a calm, strategic focus even under pressure. His attention-to-detail, integrity, and reliability have consistently earned my trust.”

“Strong view and grasp of construction and arbitration law and proceedings which are interconnected. Strong balance of academic, technical and law based rigour with the ability to break it down for commercial reasoning and rationale. They are sharp and able to pinpoint the opponent's weakness. They are approachable and understanding, without being wishy washy; focused for the kill.”

“With Christopher Chong at the helm of its construction practice, which is core to us, Drew & Napier has been our trusted go-to firm on a regular, consistent basis for some years now with full intention on our part to continue this relationship.”

“Christopher Chong is a singularly exceptional practitioner, that is all-rounded in terms of legal depth of knowledge, commercial acumen, client responsiveness, innovation and unmatched local knowledge. His dedication to his craft and in assisting us to find sensible, practical and mutually beneficial solutions is close to peerless.”

“The team that I had worked with for the last three years were meticulous and provided professional and timely service. The team was also alway able to provide commercially sound advices and solutions.”

“Christopher Chong and Chen Zhihui are always a phone call away to provide professional and sound advice.”

“‘This team worked cohesively, knowledgeable and committed.”

“Mahesh Rai is a detailed professional and addresses issues to the point. Summarises the pros and cons for the clients. Ensures clients are aware of the potential outcome and advises clients accordingly.”

“‘Brilliant construction team, adept at handling complex cross-border construction disputes.”

“Outstanding in every respect. Genuinely satisfied with their performance.”

“Jimmy Yim SC and Mahesh Rai are top-class advocates, thinking out of the box for solutions.”“Christopher Chong is first-rate counsel for construction disputes in SE Asia. He and his team have done an excellent job in guiding us through some very complex projects.”

“Kelvin Teo is a bright up-and-coming partner in projects disputes.”

"Very well-organised. Working protocol and responsibilities are clear so that efficient and effective work flows are well-kept."

“Drew & Napier’s construction & engineering practice is first-rate in the projects disputes area. “

“Comprehensive full-service firm with depth of expertise in a range of critical areas that are indispensable for our day-to-day operations, whether during a growth cycle or a downward trend, such as construction, corporate, insolvency & restructuring, security of payment matters and dispute resolution. Drew & Napier has been our trusted go-to firm on a regular, consistent basis for some years now with full intention on our part to continue this relationship for a long time to come.”

“For an international conglomerate operating subsidiaries in Singapore, we need (and expect) that practitioners have an international perspective and at the same time is in tune with the local pulse and practices. Excellent legal work aside, the Drew & Napier team excels in bringing in-depth local on-the-ground knowledge to the table, conveyed in a matter that an international client would readily understand and appreciate. Their knowledge, responsiveness, and efficiency in matters, is something that other firms can only aspire to.”

“Drew & Napier LLC is “renowned” for real estate and construction, advising on the contentious and non-contentious aspects of construction, engineering and related insurance issues."

"Drew & Napier LLC has broad and deep expertise in both contentious and non-contentious real estate and construction matters.”

Asialaw Profiles
Construction 2025 – Highly Recommended firm (3 consecutive years)
Construction 2019 to 2022 – Recommended firm (4 consecutive years)
Construction & Real Estate 2013 to 2018 – Highly Recommended firm (6 consecutive years)

“Service is prompt. Advice is always well considered.”

“They are very knowledgeable with good advocacy skills.”

“Able to provide clear, succinct and actionable advice.”

“Extremely effective and efficient.”

“Fast, quick responses and able to provide alternative solutions.”

"With Christopher Chong at the helm of its construction practice, which is core to us, Drew & Napier has been our trusted go-to firm on a regular, consistent basis for some years now, with the full intention on our part to continue this relationship for a long time to come.”

“A group of very talented lawyers” who “gave much valuable and insightful advice” and produce “really excellent work [despite] tremendous pressure.”

Asialaw Leading Lawyers
Construction 2025

Christopher Chong – Distinguished Practitioner (6 consecutive years)
Kelvin Teo – Distinguished Practitioner

Kelvin Teo is “accessible, positive, strategic, explains approach well. Communication is supportive and empathetic.”

“Christopher Chong is a singularly exceptional practitioner, who is all-rounded in terms of legal depth of knowledge, commercial acumen, client responsiveness, innovation and unmatched local knowledge. His dedication to his craft and in assisting us to find sensible, practical and mutually beneficial solutions is close to peerless. Chris is backed by a solid team that, whether as a whole or individually, are more than capable of pulling their own weight and delivering value to us in the context of the role they play. We must mention director Kelvin Teo, and senior associates Nicole Toh and Josh Tan.”

“Christopher is an excellent advocate in international commercial arbitrations.”

“Christopher has an in-depth knowledge of the industrial sector, is up to date in new trends and technologies of the industry.”

“Christopher Chong is a first class international arbitration practitioner supported by a strong team.”

Mahesh has “deep understanding of Singapore law and appreciation of practical problems in multijurisdiction litigations.”

Mahesh possesses “strong knowledge of Indian laws.”

Sources say Mahesh “demonstrates commitment and responsiveness to queries at all hours. A very driven individual who has sensible commercial solutions. A capable lawyer who delivers results we ask for.”

“Mahesh is a first-rate litigator with a good eye for detail. He grasps issues quickly, was accessible and was excellent in providing commercial solutions to our problems.”

“Mahesh is an excellent disputes lawyer and a master strategist with a deserved reputation for solving complex issues. He was very user friendly, commercially-minded and was one of the best lawyers my company has worked with.”

“The level of legal advice and general client service that I received while working with Mahesh Rai's team was outstanding. My queries were answered promptly and with great attention to detail. Not only did the team closely monitor the progress of the settlement discussions, but it had also taken it upon itself to supervise and check the drafts that came back from the Indonesian law firm instructed by us to advise on Indonesian law queries pertaining to the transaction. Our management and I have been very pleased with the standard of service received from D&N.”

“Kelvin Teo is very knowledgeable about the law and the legal system. He is able to provide clear guidance on the relevant issues.”

Lexology Index
Thought Leaders Guide: Construction 2025
Christopher Chong – Thought Leader (5 consecutive years)
Kelvin Teo – Thought Leader (3 consecutive years)

Construction 2025
Christopher Chong – Thought Leader (5 consecutive years)
Mahesh Rai – Recommended Lawyer (2 consecutive years)
Jimmy Yim SC – Recommended Lawyer
Kelvin Teo – Thought Leader (3 consecutive years)

Southeast Asia - Construction 2025
Christopher Chong – Recommended Lawyer (5 consecutive years)
Kelvin Teo – Recommended Lawyer (4 consecutive years)

Christopher Chong is held in high esteem by market commentators as “extremely thorough in his work” for private and public urban development matters.

Christopher earns praise for his “unparalleled strategic mindset and commercial outlook”.

Christopher’s “high quality, clear and effective arguments and drafting” are considered to be “a delight to behold”.

Kelvin Teo is looked upon with enormous favour as “an insightful and formidable hand” when it comes to infrastructure, energy and resource matters.

Best Lawyers International: Singapore
Construction Law 2026

Christopher Chong – Endorsed Individual (6 consecutive years)
Jimmy Yim SC – Endorsed Individual (12 consecutive years)
Cavinder Bull SC – Endorsed Individual (3 consecutive years)
Kelvin Teo – Endorsed Individual (2 consecutive years)
Adam Maniam – Endorsed Individual (2 consecutive years)

Who's Who of Construction 2014
Recommended Individuals
Cavinder Bull, SC