Chairman's Message

As we approach the mid-year mark, I thought it useful to take stock of the SCL Singapore's ("SCL(S)") achievements and activities in the past 6 months.

The year started with the SCL(S)'s regular update of construction cases in the preceding year. Mr. Edwin Lee and Mr. Raymond Chan gave an excellent summary of the key legal developments affecting the construction industry in 2012 to almost 150 attendees. This was followed by a talk on the Effective Use of Experts in Construction Disputes by Mr Andrew Rigney QC and Mr Crispin Winser in February and a more technical talk by Dr. Sean Brady who spoke on Structural Failure and the Role of Forensic Engineering in Legal Disputes in April. In March, the SCL(S) and RICS organised a site visit to the Iskandar Development Region (IDR) in Johor, where 42 participants were given a tour of the massive development being undertaken across the causeway.

Apart from the SCL(S)'s active professional development calendar, the SCL(S) does not forget the social aspect of its activities. On 15 May, the SCL hosted its first networking cocktail to a resounding success with over 50 guests enjoying drinks and the company of fellow professionals in the construction industry. Not forgetting its corporate social responsibilities, the SCL(S) works closely and supports the activities of various charitable organisations including the Light House Club and Habitat for Humanity, with several council members joining in at fund- raising and other charitable events organised by these organisations.

In addition to this quick update on the events organised by the SCL(S), it is often forgotten that a lot of hard work goes into the organisation of these events. I would therefore take this opportunity to thank each and every council member for the time and effort they put into the activities of the SCL(S). Each and every one of them has a demanding schedule in their own work lives, but nonetheless, has gladly volunteered to serve in the SCL(S). It is with this in mind that I ask the members to extend their utmost support and cooperation to the council as it pushes ahead to make the SCL(S) and its activities more beneficial for all. It is also necessary for me thank the SCL(S) secretariat led by Gabriel, Cheryl, Sandy and Seraphine from Intellitrain who help the council manage the load of running the SCL(S).

Before I end off, I would ask that members save the dates for 2 upcoming events. The first being the annual AGM and dinner on 20 August and the annual SCL(S) Annual Conference which will be held in September this year. Details will follow in due course.

It remains for me to thank all members again for their support and we look forward to seeing more of you at our events during the rest of the year.

Paul Sandosham
Vice-Chairman