Projects, Energy & Infrastructure
Asia’s rapid development and urbanisation continue to drive demand across energy, transportation, logistics, telecommunications, water and sanitation, utilities, housing and social infrastructure. Projects are increasingly complex, capital-intensive and subject to regulatory, environmental and geopolitical pressures.
Drew & Napier’s Projects, Energy & Infrastructure (PE&I) practice brings together multi-disciplinary specialists across project development, banking & finance, mergers & acquisitions, capital markets, construction, real estate, private equity, competition, regulatory, restructuring and dispute resolution.
We support clients across the entire project life cycle, from structuring and regulatory advisory, to financing and investment, to implementation, construction and dispute resolution. Our integrated approach allows us to anticipate issues early, structure risk appropriately and defend our clients’ interests when disputes arise.
We are frequently engaged on the Singapore and regional elements of significant mandates in Southeast Asia and beyond and are accustomed to advising governments, statutory bodies, state-owned enterprises, financial institutions, investors, sponsors, contractors and multinational companies.
Regulatory & Advisory
We advise on project structuring, licensing requirements, regulatory compliance, environmental and tax considerations. Our team has supported clients in bids and tenders for public-private partnership (PPP) projects and public infrastructure developments across power, transport, construction and public works.
Our experience includes advising:
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a consortium led by Government of Singapore Investment Corporation, in respect of a stake in a toll road operator.
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one of the tenderers who submitted bids in the Land Transport Authority’s call for tenders for the right to operate the first bus package under the Government Contracting Model (as it was then known).
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an MNC, in a design and build project for the construction and commissioning of a production facility in Singapore and procurement contracts for the design, manufacture and installation of a production plant.
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the employer on tender documentation and conditions of contract for the development and construction of a data centre in Singapore.
Project Finance & Investment
We act for financiers, sponsors, project companies and government agencies across power and desalination plants, oil & gas assets, renewable energy assets, telecommunications infrastructure and integrated developments.
We are experienced in security structures, intercreditor arrangements, direct agreements, step-in rights and green finance considerations.
We have also advised on restructuring project companies involving governments, statutory bodies and significant creditors.
Our experience includes advising:
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Resorts World at Sentosa Pte. Ltd. in its S$4.1925 billion syndicated senior secured credit facilities for the development of an integrated resort.
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a syndicate of lenders financing part of China Huaneng Group's S$4.2 billion acquisition of Tuas Power.
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lenders in relation to specific Singapore law security aspects of PT Cirebon Energi Prasarana’s 1,000 MW coal-fired power plant in Indonesia.
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a NASDAQ-listed solar energy group in relation to multi-million dollar revolving and swingline loan facilities.
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Hyflux Ltd and its subsidiaries in relation to the construction and estimated $890 million project financing of Singapore's second desalination plant and associated power facility.
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a government agency on the debt restructuring of a desalination facility and power plant.
M&A and Corporate Transactions
Our lawyers regularly conduct due diligence and advise on acquisitions, joint ventures, divestments and restructuring of energy and infrastructure assets across Southeast Asia.
Our experience includes advising:
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Banpu PCL in the S$490 million sale of its 47.5% shareholding in Sunseap Holding Pte. Ltd.
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Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Co., Ltd. on the S$88 million acquisition of shares in Antara Koh Private Limited.
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RSK Group Limited on its acquisition of Black & Veatch’s Water Europe and Water Asia business.
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a Canadian infrastructure fund in its restructuring of its solar energy business in Asia.
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a Southeast Asia head-quartered group in a competitive bid process for utilities assets in the region.
Dispute Resolution
Energy and infrastructure projects are inherently complex, capital-intensive and technically demanding. They frequently involve multi-party contractual arrangements, long-term concession structures and intricate engineering issues. Disputes may arise in the financing, construction, commissioning or operational stages of a project.
Our dispute resolution team works closely with our corporate, finance, projects and construction specialists. The team’s deep experience with the types of issues that commonly give rise to disputes in the financing and implementation of projects enables us to guide clients in avoiding disputes where possible and to provide effective mechanisms for dealing with them if they do arise.
We represent clients in mediations, adjudications, arbitrations and court proceedings across the energy and infrastructure space, including disputes relating to power plants, petroleum companies, oil and gas producers, coal producers, waste disposal systems and infrastructure developments.
Our experience includes acting for:
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one of the biggest Korean international construction companies in an ad hoc arbitration under the UNCITRAL Rules 2010 involving claims amounting to US$434.7 million. The claims arose from the Dahej project, involving the construction of Asia’s largest petrochemical plant.
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a high-stakes SIAC arbitration exceeding US$600 million between a Korean state-owned power company and its Indian partner and shareholders in relation to the construction of a coal-based power plant.
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a Vietnamese state-linked entity employer against a Chinese state-linked construction contractor in a US$210 million arbitration before the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre (VIAC) concerning a hydro-electric dam project in central Vietnam.
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PT Koalindo Tuhup, a producer of premium coking coal, in multiple SIAC arbitrations and Singapore court proceedings against its off-take partner concerning rights to coal produced by the Tuhup mine in Central Kalimantan.
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a large land-based utility-scale solar farm in Singapore and its related entities in various adjudications and court proceedings before the Singapore courts
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a large land-based utility scale solar farm in Singapore and its related entities on various matters and acting for them in various adjudications and court proceedings in the Singapore courts.
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an employer against a turnkey EPC contractor in an international arbitration arising out of the design and construction of a hydropower plant project.
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a public-listed company in a multi-million dollar ICC arbitration concerning the design, construction and commissioning of an industrial boiler.
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a company involved in a multi-party arbitration governed by Malaysian law arising out of an oil rigging dispute off the coast of Terengganu, Malaysia.
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a Japanese corporation in a joint-venture dispute with a Hong Kong public-listed corporation concerning solid waste disposal systems and incineration plants, involving claims exceeding US$10 million under Japanese law.
Project Development
We are trusted advisers on complex project development matters, particularly greenfield and brownfield projects, PPPs and concessions. Our team combines commercial and transactional expertise to help clients structure and execute landmark projects across various sectors, in particular oil, gas, renewables, logistics, ports and terminals.
Our experience includes advising:
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a global port operator on the USD 420m container terminal in Webb Dock in Melbourne, including negotiating the concession, the JV, the construction and equipment procurement contracts and the AUD 398m project finance.
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a listed renewables company on the greenfield jetty port project developed in connection with the 344.5-megawatt-peak Quezon North Wind Power Project in the provinces of Laguna and Quezon in the Philippines.
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a global port operator on the PPP, JV and tender to take over and develop four container terminals in Indonesia.
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a global developer on a USD 110m greenfield cold chain logistics project in the Klang Valley in Malaysia, including deal structuring, land acquisition, governments permits and EPC contracts.
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a global port operator on the extension of the concession and expansion for the largest container terminal in Manila in the Philippines.
Construction & Engineering
The team provides start to end legal, contractual, technical and practical advice on construction and engineering-related work.
Our experience includes advising:
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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.
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a telecommunications company in relation to the procurement of a satellite from a leading European supplier valued in excess of €200 million.
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the Employer and his representative, including for energy and infrastructure projects, 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.
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a multinational conglomerate and major player in the energy transition, on tender and project documentation for the construction of an AI-heavy data centre.
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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.
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one of the largest global providers of data center and colocation solutions in the world, on complex and expert-related issues arising out of a fire, including advising on expert root cause analysis, rights and obligations, dealing with affected stakeholders and regulators, and various other aspects relating to crisis and risk management.
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owners, contractors and consultants, in mitigating cost, time, technical and legal disputes during the construction phase of various multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects in Singapore and in the region, including hospitals, urban infrastructure, hotels, commercial, industrial and mixed projects.
The experience highlighted above reflects matters undertaken by our lawyers at Drew & Napier as well as at previous firms before joining our firm.
Why Drew & Napier
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Risk Anticipation at Structuring Stage
Our integrated corporate and disputes teams collaborate from inception, enabling early identification of contractual, execution, regulatory and financing risks.
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Cross-Disciplinary Depth
Projects demand coordination across finance, corporate, construction, regulatory and contentious teams. Our multi-practice model ensures seamless execution.
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Credible Dispute Capability
Major projects often lead to disputes. Clients value counsel who can both structure transactions and defend them robustly if challenged.
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Government & Regulatory Insight
Many infrastructure mandates involve statutory bodies and state-linked entities. We have experience advising across such engagements.
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Regional Execution
We are frequently engaged on cross-border matters throughout Asia and by international firms requiring Singapore and regional expertise in ASEAN.
Drew & Napier’s PE&I practice delivers institutional strength, cross-disciplinary coordination and proven execution across both transactional and contentious mandates in the energy and infrastructure space.
What We Have Achieved
The Legal 500 Asia Pacific
Projects & Energy 2026 – Tier 2; Tier 1 for 2 consecutive years (2024 - 2025); Tier 2 for 12 consecutive years
Recommended Lawyers:
Jimmy Yim, SC
Christopher Chong
Chua Tju Liang
Mahesh Rai
Pauline Chong
Samuel Soo
“One of the strongest teams in the region.”
“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 dip, such as construction, corporate, insolvency & restructuring, security of payment matters and dispute resolution.”
“Christopher Chong and his team are our go-to lawyers for wind project disputes in Asia.”
“Jimmy Yim, SC and Mahesh Rai are top-class, and think outside the box for solutions.”
“Ton van den Bosch has excellent industry knowledge – clear, commercial advice.”
“Ton van den Bosch is business savvy and accommodating towards clients”
Banking & Finance 2026 – Leading firm for 15 consecutive years
Recommended Lawyers:
Renu Menon
Pauline Chong
“In our dealing with the team, we are able to see the team's creativity and innovative solutions that makes the practice unique and differentiated from other practices.”
“Drew & Napier’s Banking and Finance strength lies in their profound expertise demonstrated through their dealing of the transaction. They possess a deep understanding of the industry landscape, allowing them to provide insightful solutions and legal advice. Compared to other firms, this practice comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a ranger of perspectives that enhance problem-solving.”
Corporate/M&A 2026 - Tier 3 firm for 9 consecutive years
Leading Individual:
Corporate/M&A 2026
Tan Teng Sen (5 consecutive years)
Next generation partners:
Seraphina Ho
Tan Jin Wei
Recommended Lawyers:
Steven Lo, PBM
Jon Nair
Priscilla Wang
Benjamin Gaw
“The M&A team is experienced in the deal process and understands the industry well. They have a good team to support the entire deal process, and understand the needs of the clients well. They provide practical solutions which balance the legal and commercial considerations and communicate well with the other teams and advisors in the deal process.”
“Tan Teng Sen is brimming with energy and very eager to establish new business relationships, and taking a long term view.”
“Jon Nair is an outstanding M&A lawyer. He is able to understand the commercial realities of the deal and find solutions to move the deal along. He is also able to explain clearly each issue in an easily understood manner.”
“Steven Lo and Tan Teng Sen are experienced in what they do and are able to distill and communicate the issues effectively.”
Real Estate 2026 – Top Tier for 26 consecutive years
Leading individual:
Lau Sok Hiang for 3 consecutive years (Recommended lawyer for 4 consecutive years 2020 - 2023)
Recommended Lawyers:
Ho Soo Lih for 7 consecutive years
April Mak for 5 consecutive years
Jewel Hong
“Very responsive and flexible with fees, practical advice.”
“The team is able to provide quality services.”
“They are detailed and precise in their advice.”
“Partner Lau Sok Hiang is an expert on regulations related to real estate and can give practical and detailed advice which clients value.”
“Ho Soo Lih and his team are experienced and caring. They are willing to go extra mile to help their clients.”
Construction 2026 – Tier 2 for 3 consecutive years; Tier 3 for 2 consecutive years in 2022 - 2023; Tier 4 in 2021
Next generation partner:
Kelvin Teo for 3 consecutive years
Recommended Lawyers:
Jimmy Yim, SC
Cavinder Bull, SC
Christopher Chong for 6 consecutive years
Mahesh Rai
Chen Zhihui
Loh Tian Kai
“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.”
“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.”
Chambers Asia Pacific and Chambers Global
Projects & Energy 2016 - Tier 2
“They will be there for you right up until the very end, and their response time is tip-top.”
“Their strategic thinking and expertise are really unparalleled.”
"They really listen and develop effective solutions."
Chua Tju Liang - Up and Coming Individual
Banking & Finance 2026 - Leading firm for 21 consecutive years
Pauline Chong – Band 4 lawyer for 5 consecutive years
“The team is able to provide comprehensive advice concerning risk, alternatives and best practices.”
“Drew & Napier has an excellent team that has strong knowledge and is very dependable on tight closing deadlines.”
“The team produces excellent work and is able to explain to those less knowledgeable. Their knowledge is excellent and there is always someone to help, from very high level to more specific matters.”
Corporate/M&A 2026 - Band 3 for 6 consecutive years
Gary Pryke - Senior Statespeople for 9 consecutive years
Steven Lo, PBM - Band 4 for 8 consecutive years
Tan Teng Sen - Band 5 for 3 consecutive years
Jon Nair - Band 5
“The firm demonstrates strong commercial acumen for closing a deal and an in-depth understanding of the dynamics and considerations of all the commercial parties involved.”
“They have intelligence, up-to-date business commercial savvy, sensitivity and responsiveness in addressing needs and requirements.”
Clients appreciate that the firm is “commercially aware given the wide range of corporate and other work they get, especially multi-jurisdictional work.”
Real Estate 2026 – Band 2 for 3 consecutive years (Band 3 for 3 consecutive years in 2021 - 2023)
Lau Sok Hiang - Band 3 for 3 consecutive years
“Drew & Napier has a strong understanding of commercial sensitivities, with a focus on closing the deal rather than winning a legal argument.”
“Drew & Napier is a very knowledgeable and renowned legal corporation with abundant resources and expertise.”
“They are easy to communicate with, offer excellent client relations and have in-depth knowledge about the law and the industry.”
“Drew & Napier has a strong and well-resourced team with multiple contact points. They are always timely and responsive with their work.”
Construction 2026 – Band 2 for 4 consecutive years
Christopher Chong – Band 2 in 2026 (for 5 consecutive years); Band 3 in 2020 and 2021; Leading Lawyer in 2019; Construction 2020 – Noted Practitioner (2 consecutive years)
Mahesh Rai – Band 3 in 2026 for 3 consecutive years
Kelvin Teo – Band 4 in 2026; Band 3 in 2025; Up and Coming in 2024 (3 consecutive years)
“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.”
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.”
IFLR1000
Project Development 2025 – Tier 3 for 5 years
Jimmy Yim, SC – Highly regarded
“Mahesh is a top disputes lawyer specializing in high-stakes international arbitration and litigation for construction, energy, and infrastructure projects. He is praised for his strategic skill in handling technically complex, multi-million-dollar disputes. Clients value his practical, commercial approach and his ability to simplify intricate issues.”
“The firm has a strong track record in projects work especially in energy.”
Energy and Infrastructure, M&A 2025
Chua Tju Liang – Highly regarded
"All good. Known him and worked with him for more than 15 years."
Banking & Finance 2025 – Leading firm for 14 consecutive years
Pauline Chong – Highly Regarded Lawyer
Renu Menon – Highly Regarded Lawyer
Lau Sok Hiang – Highly Regarded Lawyer
May Ng – Notable Practitioner
Eleanor Pang – Rising Star
“Drew & Napier has provided excellent legal advice. They have been always on call to assist and very proactive in their approach to matters.”
“We have been using Drew & Napier as our main legal counsel for more than 10 years now and have always found the firm to be thoroughly professional and the staff members assigned to us knowledgeable both in the legal aspects as well as able to advise on the commercial impact and ramifications.”
Pauline Chong provides “excellent legal and commercial advice on banking matters which is current and practical for business purposes”.
Renu Menon is “friendly and easy to work with,” she has “thorough knowledge and provides quick solutions.”
Corporate/M&A 2025 - Tier 2 firm for 21 consecutive years
Gary Pryke – Expert Consultant
Steven Lo, PBM – Highly Regarded Lawyer
Jon Nair – Highly Regarded Lawyer
Tan Teng Sen – Highly Regarded Lawyer Chua Tju Liang – Highly Regarded Lawyer
Priscilla Wang – Rising Star Partner
"D&N has been a very knowledgeable, professional and progressive law firm - so much so that we retain D&N not only for our corporate, legal and investment work but also highly recommend D&N to our network of businesses.”
“We have been using Drew & Napier as our main legal counsel for more than 10 years now and have always found the firm to be thoroughly professional and the staff members assigned to us knowledgeable both in the legal aspects as well as able to advise on the commercial impact and ramifications.”
“Even though they have a lot of work from many other clients, they do not hesitate to respond to our queries and sometimes ‘time-wasting questions’…. It is with the M&A team at Drew and Napier that my company has the confidence in moving forward to make deals or form ventures and undertake M&A activities knowing full well that we have the most competent and able lawyers behind us all the way.”
asialaw Profiles
Infrastructure 2025 – Highly Recommended practice for 3 consecutive years; Recommended practice in 2019 to 2022
Energy 2025 – Recommended practice for 3 consecutive years; Notable practice in 2021 and 2022
Banking and Financial Services 2025 – Highly Recommended practice for 7 consecutive years
Banking & Finance 2025 – Recommended for 6 consecutive years
Corporate and M&A 2025 – Tier 2; Highly Recommended practice
Real Estate 2025 - Highly recommended for 8 consecutive years
Distinguished Practitioners for Real Estate:
Ho Soo Lih
Lau Sok Hiang
Construction 2025 – Highly Recommended firm for 3 consecutive years; Recommended firm in 2019 to 2022 Construction & Real Estate 2013 to 2018 – Highly Recommended firm (6 consecutive years)
asialaw Leading Lawyers
Energy & Natural Resources 2018
Corporate and M&A 2025
Gary Pryke – Senior Statesman
Steven Lo, PBM – Distinguished Practitioner
Tan Teng Sen – Distinguished Practitioner
Jon Nair – Distinguished Practitioner
Construction 2025
Christopher Chong – Distinguished Practitioner (5 consecutive years)
Kelvin Teo – Distinguished Practitioner
Lexology Index (previously Who’s Who Legal)
Thought Leaders Guide: Construction 2025
Christopher Chong – Thought Leader for 5 consecutive years
Kelvin Teo – Thought Leader for 3 consecutive years
Global Guide: Construction 2025
Christopher Chong – Leading Lawyer for 8 consecutive years
Mahesh Rai – Leading Lawyer for 2 consecutive years
Kelvin Teo – Leading Lawyer for 3 consecutive years
National Guide: Southeast Asia Construction 2025
Christopher Chong – Recommended Lawyer for 5 consecutive years
Kelvin Teo – Recommended Lawyer for 4 consecutive years
Chua Tju Liang
National Guide: Southeast Asia - Energy – Recommended Lawyer for 3 consecutive years
Best Lawyers International: Singapore
Construction Law 2026
Christopher Chong – Endorsed individual for 6 consecutive years
Jimmy Yim, SC – Endorsed individual for 12 consecutive years
Cavinder Bull, SC – Endorsed individual for 3 consecutive years
Kelvin Teo – Endorsed individual for 2 consecutive years
Adam Maniam – Endorsed individual for 2 consecutive years
Asian Legal Business S.E. Asia Law Awards 2026
Southeast Asia Construction Law Firm of the Year 2026 for 3 consecutive years