DKT v DKU

Case Significance

DKT v DKU [2024] SGHC 300 was decided by Kristy Tan JC in the General Division of the High Court on 26 November 2024, following hearings on 30 October and 25 November 2024. In HC/OA 844/2024, the applicant DKT sought to set aside an arbitral award made in favour of the respondent DKU under s 48(1)(a)(vii) of the Arbitration Act 2001 (2020 Rev Ed), on the basis that the arbitral tribunal breached the rules of natural justice in making the award. DKU was the claimant and DKT the respondent in the underlying arbitration.

The dispute arose from DKT's business in property and facilities management. DKU had engaged DKT under a "2012 Term Contract" and a "2014 Term Contract" to provide maintenance services, minor works and repairs within and near DKU's buildings, including inspections and repair of cracks found on walls or ceilings. After considering the parties' evidence and submissions, Kristy Tan JC dismissed the setting-aside application. The applicant was represented by Chancery Law Corporation, with counsel including Tan Tian Luh, and the respondent by Providence Law Asia LLC, with counsel including Abraham Vergis.