Yvonne Foo

Yvonne is a Partner and Co-Head of Harry Elias Partnership LLP’s specialist Construction and Engineering practice group. Her practice consists exclusively of construction-related matters relating to projects located in Asia and the Middle East.

With extensive experience in advising international, regional and local clients on construction-related disputes, Yvonne routinely assists her clients regarding a wide range of issues such as variations, extensions of time and associated costs claims, liquidated damages, acceleration, defective works, terminations and force majeure.

Yvonne acts for her clients as counsel in arbitrations conducted under the rules of various arbitral institutions such as the SIAC, ICC, HKIAC, DIAC, ADCCAC, as well as ad hoc arbitrations. She also sits as arbitrator on construction disputes, and has been appointed by the Singapore International Arbitration Centre including as sole arbitrator on an expedited arbitration and other construction arbitrations.

Yvonne is also accredited by the Singapore Mediation Centre as an adjudicator, and an associate mediator.

• Acted for a large international main contractor in an SIAC arbitration commenced by its piling subcontractor for a transport infrastructure project in Singapore. Disputed issues include geotechnical and piling technical issues, back charges for excessive materials wastage, termination due to the subcontractor's abandonment of the remaining works, liquidated damages, alleged variations etc.
• Acted for a large Asian main contractor in SIAC arbitration proceedings seated in Singapore brought by its subcontractor for the construction of 2 railway improvement projects in Asia. Disputed issues include variations, acceleration costs, prolongation costs, liquidated damages etc.
• Acted for a large international main contractor in an SIAC arbitration commenced against the employer arising out of the construction of a hospitality project in Thailand. Disputed issues were in relation to certified by unpaid works done, remaining works done but not properly certified, variations, extensions of time claims, prolongation costs etc.
• Advised a drainage, civil and structural, and earthworks subcontractor in its claims against the main contractor, and acted in adjudication proceedings as well as contemplated arbitration proceedings in relation to the construction of a water desalination plant in Asia. Disputed issued include over 70 variations, extension of time claims, prolongation costs, liquidated damages etc.
• Advised a multinational entertainment company in relation to the preparation and drafting of the entire suite of construction-related contracts required for the development of a live event venue in Asia. This project is a "first-of-its-kind" lifestyle experience, which is set to become an iconic experiential food, arts, culture and history attraction.