In our blogpost dated 3 Feb 2022, we had hoped that COVID-19 would be defeated by the tiger. And so it was. We are delighted to welcome the rabbit, a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity.
 
The construction industry is slowly but surely getting back on its feet. The total construction demand for 2023 is predicted to range from $27 billion to $32 billion. 60% of which is expected to come from public sector projects. [See: BCA press release dated 12 Jan 2023 at this link]

On the adjudication front, the number of adjudication applications lodged in 2022 was around 240, which is about 100 less than the 340 applications in 2021. We expect the numbers to rise again in 2023 in tandem with the rise in construction demand.
 
Wishing everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous year of the Rabbit.
 
Tan Joo Seng
5 March 2023

​Happy Lunar New Year!  
 
2020 to 2021 were uncharacteristically difficult, uncertain, and stressful times – no thanks to a microscopic, miniscule organism - SARS-Cov-2.

The zodiac sign tiger is a symbol of strength, exorcising evils, and braveness. Let’s hope that the tiger knocks out SARS-Cov-2 and we can all return to normality.
 
On the adjudication front, the number of adjudication applications lodged in 2021 was around 340 while the number of adjudication review applications was around 20. The total numbers are markedly lower than pre-covid numbers which hovered above the 500 mark. This perhaps a sign of the effectiveness of COTMA.
 
Wishing everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous year of the Tiger.
 
Tan Joo Seng
3 Feb 2022

Part 10A of COTMA was passed by parliament on 11 May 2021 and commenced operation on 6 August 2021.
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It provides a statutory framework for a party in a construction contract who has incurred an increase in foreign manpower salary cost due to the Covid-19 pandemic to apply for an adjustment of the contract sum.
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Parties who intend to apply for relief under Part 10A should take note of these important dates: