More About Nicolas Tang

Singapore (2002)  |   England and Wales (2006)  |   New York (2009)  |   Hong Kong (2009)

Nicolas is a Panel Arbitrator at the Thailand Arbitration Centre (THAC) and a Reserve Panel Arbitrator at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC). In the mediation arena, he is an Accredited Mediator at the Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI), the Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC) and a Mediation Advocate at the International Mediation Institute (IMI) in Netherlands.

Nicolas received his pupillage training from Davinder Singh SC in 2001. He commenced practice in 2002 in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution team of Drew & Napier and has since practiced at international law firms Allen & Overy (Singapore office), Sidley Austin (Hong Kong office) and Baker McKenzie (Singapore and Indonesia offices).

His main areas of practice are civil litigation, arbitration, mediation, employment law, criminal law, defamation, mergers and acquisitions and corporate and compliance.

He also has experience as in-house counsel in supply chain management, employee disputes, subcontractor issues and compliance work arises from serving at US MNC Flex where he was responsible for contractual, compliance and litigation matters at all Singapore, Indonesian and Malaysian sites.

Throughout his career, he has advised on multi-jurisdictional disputes and corporate transactions involving clients and adverse parties from Australia, Bahrain, Bali, Bangladesh, Beijing, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Dubai, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Guangzhou, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Jakarta, Japan, Kuwait, Las Vegas, Lebanon, London, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Silicon Valley, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Surabaya, Taiwan ROC, Thailand, Tokyo, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, USA and Vietnam.

Experience

Civil and Commercial Litigation

Nicolas has represented corporations, individuals, founders, start-ups, SMEs, listed companies, financial institutions and MNCs in civil and commercial litigation matters. Representative matters include:

Singapore Clients

  • recovery of losses and investments in private equity funds, Singapore companies and cryptocurrencies
  • minority shareholders for minority oppression claims under s216 Companies Act against the other shareholders
  • shareholders disputes and breaches of directors’ duties
  • a financial advisory firm against an investment/asset manager for breach of confidence, conspiracy by unlawful means, and interference with contractual relations
  • defamation cases and lawsuits (libel and/or social media defamation)
  • joint venture and investment disputes in relation to Singapore companies
  • Swedish lock manufacturer ASSA Abloy’s Singapore office on commercial disputes
  • Singapore food distributors (seafood, fruit, retail) against various counterparties
  • F&B, property and product scams
  • franchise disputes within the fitness, F&B and education industries
  • investment disputes in property, hotels and leisure industries
  • landlord and tenant disputes (commercial and residential leases)
  • construction and renovation disputes
  • MCST disputes against the developers of luxury condominiums in the Keppel Bay area
  • debt collection matters
  • employment disputes, termination and severance negotiations with Singapore companies, financial insitutions and MNCs

International Clients

  • U.S. law firms and U.S. multinational companies with Singapore law legal matters
  • British companies with disputes or corporate transactions in Singapore
  • Canadian medical device company in a High Court dispute with a Singapore company
  • Founders of cryptocurrency tokens based in the Silicon Valley and Puerto Rico
  • Middle Eastern individuals in a US$280m claim against a Singapore listed company for breaches of contract, fraud and conspiracy
  • a South African company in a dispute with a Norwegian-listed company in relation to payments for services and taxes
  • high net worth PRC individual against a Singapore fund manager for investment losses
  • a U.S. furniture company in a multi-million dollar dispute with a U.S. listed company for breach of copyright
  • an Indonesian agriculture fertiliser company in relation to a shareholders’ dispute commenced in the High Court of Singapore
  • Israeli fruit exporter against a Singapore fruit distributor

Domestic and International Arbitration

Nicolas has been involved in the following domestic and international arbitration cases:

  • Singapore company in contractual dispute against UK company in relation to a Taiwanese project
  • Singapore individual in a SIAC arbitration against one of Singapore’s casino in defence of claims for breach of employment obligations
  • Singapore company and Singapore individuals in three concurrent SIAC arbitrations against a Singapore company in defence of claims for misrepresentation, breach of contract and breach of employment obligations, including resisting consolidation of the said three arbitrations
  • foreign telecommunications company in a SIAC arbitration against a Singapore company for claims of breach of a joint venture agreement and minority oppression in relation to the construction of telecommunications infrastructure in a Southeast Asian country
  • Singapore individual in SIAC arbitration proceedings against a US fitness franchise chain
  • Hong Kong clothing company in SIAC arbitration proceedings against a US branded apparel company and a Bermuda supply chain manager
  • Italian company in relation to HKIAC proceedings in Hong Kong

International Mediation

  • acted as mediation advocate for claimants and respondents in more than 40 cases
  • acted as co-mediator in an ICC mediation between an European MNC and an Indonesian HNWI
  • served as mediation judge, coach and assessor for various international mediation competitions and mediation courses

Employment Law

Nicolas has advised and represented both employers and employees in the following types of cases:

  • employees on termination, severance, unfair dismissal or disciplinary investigations
  • advice on non-competition clauses and restrictive covenants
  • employers against employees who had breached confidentiality obligations, set up competing businesses, stolen customers and data, or defamed their employers
  • drafting of employment contracts, employment stock option schemes (ESOS), confidentiality agreements and employee handbooks
  • bribery, corruption and breaches of the Prevention of Corruption Act of Singapore, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) or United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Sanctions
  • workplace discrimination / bullying / harassment

Criminal Law

Nicolas has advised and represented clients for the following Singapore criminal matters:

  • offences in relation to Government Grants and Government Tenders
  • cheating Offences
  • offences relating to the Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act (CMCA)
  • offences relating to the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serios Crimes Act (CDSA)
  • investigations by the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD)
  • investigations by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB)
  • investigations by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
  • investigations by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
  • offences involving the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)
  • offences involving the Central Provident Fund (CPF)
  • offences involving the Land Transport Authority (LTA)
  • offences involving the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA)
  • Japanese businessmen in the largest private sector corruption case in Singapore
  • alleged mastermind Toh Hock Thiam in the biggest casino chip conspiracy in Singapore involving the Marina Bay Sands casino

Reported Cases

  • Takaaki Masui v Public Prosecutor [2020] SGHC 265
  • Public Prosecutor v Qiao Mu [2020] SGDC 59
  • Public Prosecutor v Yuen Ye Ming [2018] SGDC 229
  • Public Prosecutor v Mohd Halmi bin Hamid and others [2005] 4 SLR 200

Mergers and Acquisitions

Singapore M&A transactions

  • Macquarie Bank Australia on its acquisition of a Singapore company
  • the sellers of a Singapore logistics company to a South Korean logistics group listed on the Korea Stock Exchange
  • the sellers of a Singapore construction company to Florida based buyers
  • a New York hedge fund on the purchase of interests in a Singapore company – Bloomberg: How a Jazz Pianist Took a Top Post at Wall Street Hedge Fund
  • the purchaser of a paintball facility in Singapore
  • the German sellers of a luxury yacht Singapore company to an Asian buyer

International M&A transactions

  • a listed telecommunications company on its US$1 billion bid for a global telecommunications provider
  • AT&T on the acquisition of IBM’s global network communication services in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore
  • 1MDB on its investment in an oil services and production company headquartered in Saudi Arabia
  • Macquarie on the sale of a group of Indonesian energy companies to a Middle Eastern government enterprise
  • Neptune Orient Lines on its potential acquisition of an international logistics group
  • an Indonesian energy company on the sale of its 51% interest in an energy company to an international energy company, valued at £112m
  • NTS Group B.V. on its acquisition of companies in Singapore and China
  • a Japanese securities company on its acquisition of a car leasing business in Indonesia
  • a NYSE listed Chinese company on its acquisition of a Chinese energy company
  • a South Korean conglomerate on its potential acquisition of Bossini International

Private Equity

  • a New York private equity fund on its investment in an Indonesian hotel group
  • Morgan Stanley on its pre-IPO investment in a Chinese healthcare company
  • a Japanese TSE-listed company on its investment in an ASX-listed mining company
  • a Hong Kong private equity fund on its investment in a Singapore property company
  • a PRC energy company on the sale of shares and warrants to a Silicon Valley private equity fund
  • Indian companies on the issuance of foreign currency convertible bonds to private equity funds
  • a Singapore venture capital fund on its Series A investments in Silicon Valley software developers

Banking and Finance

  • Goldman Sachs Capital Partners LP on its US$275m mezzanine credit agreement relating to the leveraged buy-out of an Indonesian energy company
  • Agile Property Holdings on a HK$1.6b syndicated facility with Standard Chartered Bank
  • Shimao Property Holdings on its US$440m and HK$156m term loan facilities with Standard Chartered Bank
  • Evergrande Real Estate Group on its financing arrangements
  • Horizon Finance Technology Corporation on a credit and security agreement with a Hong Kong entity
  • Citigroup on the refinancing of a US$300m facility with major luxury travel retailer DFS
  • Indosat on a US$40m export credit facility with ABN AMRO
  • Spotless on its US$160m guaranteed senior note offering

Reported Judgments

Nicolas has been involved in the following Singapore law reported cases:

  • Raveendran Rakesh v Jason Mike Nathan and another [2021] SGDC 73
  • Yip Fook Chong (alias Yip Ronald) and another v Loy Wei Ezekiel and another [2020] SGHC 84
  • International Financial Services (S) Pte Ltd and another v Old Mutual International Isle of Man Ltd Singapore Branch and another [2018] SGHC 127
  • Koh Say Chong v Two Oceans Film Company Pte Ltd [2016] SGHC 171
  • Goh Chok Tong v Chee Soon Juan (No 2) [2005] 1 SLR 573; [2005] SGHC 3 Lee Kuan Yew v Chee Soon Juan (No 2) [2005] 1 SLR 552; [2005] SGHC 2
  • Goh Chok Tong v Chee Soon Juan [2003] SGHC 79
  • Lee Kuan Yew v Chee Soon Juan [2003] SGHC 78
  • Teh Guek Ngor Engelin v Chia Ee Lin Evelyn [2005] 3 SLR 22; [2005] SGCA 19
  • Chia Ee Lin Evelyn v Teh Guek Ngor Engelin [2004] SGHC 193
  • Shepherd Andrew v BIL International Ltd [2003] SGHC 145

While at Drew & Napier, Nicolas acted for Singapore Power, in the 89-day Committee of Inquiry arising from the collapse of the tunnel for the MRT Circle Line along Nicoll Highway. He also advised national rail operator Singapore MRT on potential disputes and compliance matters.

Memberships

Programs Attended

  • Participant, Swiss Arbitration Association Arbitration Practice Seminar (2023)
  • Participant, HKIAC Advanced Arbitrator Training Programme (2023)
  • Participant, Hong Kong Arbitration Week (2022)
  • Speaker, ADR and Psychology Seminar, Faculty of Law, Chulalongkorn University (2022)
  • Participant, Asian Forum for International Arbitration (2022)
  • Participant, Fundamentals of Negotiation by Prof Joel Lee (2022)
  • Facilitator for Law Graduates for Civil Litigation Practice Module, Singapore Institute of Legal Education, Singapore (2016 - 2021)
  • Judge, International Mediation Singapore Competition (IMSG 2021)
  • Assessor, Sage International Mediator Accreditation Workshop (2021)
  • Coach and Assessor, Sage International Mediation Advocacy Course (2021)
  • Participant, Singapore Law Society Litigation Conference (2021)
  • Judge, International Mediation Singapore Competition (IMSG 2020)
  • Participant, Hong Kong Arbitration Week (2020)
  • Participant, Sage Mediation Aranda Series: International Mediation Leaders Programme (2020)
  • Coach, Sage Mediation International Commercial Mediation Workshop (2020)
  • Participant, SIAC Academy (2019)
  • Coach, Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC) Specialist Mediator Workshop for PRC Law Firm Partners, Beijing (2019)
  • Speaker, 2nd International Arbitration Conference, Thailand Arbitration Center (THAC) (2019)
  • Speaker, “Arbitration x Technology”, Wolters Kluwer 7th Annual Indonesian & SE Asia International Arbitration & Regulatory Summit, Jakarta (2019)
  • Chief Instructor, Farallon Law Corporation Training Program (2019)
  • Participant, Sage Mediation Aranda Series: International Mediation Leaders Programme (2019)
  • Participant, 7th Asia Pacific ADR Conference, Seoul (2018)
  • Participant, Singapore Academy of Law – INSEAD Law Firm Leadership Programme (2018)
  • SMC Strategic Conflict Management for Professionals (2018)
  • Participant, Singapore Law Society Litigation Conference (2017)
  • Participant, Singapore International Arbitration Academy (2017)
  • Committee Member, Law Awareness Committee, Law Society of Singapore (2016)
  • Participant, Singapore Law Society Litigation Conference (2016)
  • Participant, Singapore Law Society Trial Litigation Course (2015)
  • CIL Singapore International Arbitration Academy (2017)
  • Participant, Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS) Training Program (2015 - 2017)

What Our Clients Say

“I am an attorney based in New York specializing in International Law and Commercial Law. Recently, I had retained the services of Nicolas Tang of Farallon Law in a United States court action involving a party residing in Singapore. Mr. Tang and his firm flawlessly handled the proceedings. His team was extremely efficient in the action and knowledgeable in seeing the matter through to a successful outcome. Our U.S. client is forever indebted to them, as I am, for their professionalism, kindness, and, of course, result. My colleagues and I will only retain Mr. Tang’s firm should the need for local Singapore counsel arise again in the future.”

Allen M. Lowy Attorney at Law

“We definitely recommend Mr Nicolas Tang for his professionalism, approachability and immense dedication to his work and his clients.

Mr Nicolas has guided us well through complicated legal principles and deliberates carefully every move’s outcome possibilities and probabilities before any is taken. He sees the big picture and strategises the path forward and involves us in the thought process throughout.

Mr Nicolas also gives full consideration of our thoughts and feelings which were greatly appreciated during this onerous process.

Talk to him and you too will not regret!”

Richard Koh

“We would like to thank you and your team for helping us on this matter.

I think we are very happy with the outcome.”

Mr Tan

“I am an attorney based in New York specializing in International Law and Commercial Law. Recently, I had retained the services of Nicolas Tang of Farallon Law in a United States court action involving a party residing in Singapore. Mr. Tang and his firm flawlessly handled the proceedings. His team was extremely efficient in the action and knowledgeable in seeing the matter through to a successful outcome. Our U.S. client is forever indebted to them, as I am, for their professionalism, kindness, and, of course, result. My colleagues and I will only retain Mr. Tang’s firm should the need for local Singapore counsel arise again in the future.”

Allen M. Lowy Attorney at Law

“We definitely recommend Mr Nicolas Tang for his professionalism, approachability and immense dedication to his work and his clients.

Mr Nicolas has guided us well through complicated legal principles and deliberates carefully every move’s outcome possibilities and probabilities before any is taken. He sees the big picture and strategises the path forward and involves us in the thought process throughout.

Mr Nicolas also gives full consideration of our thoughts and feelings which were greatly appreciated during this onerous process.

Talk to him and you too will not regret!”

Richard Koh

“We would like to thank you and your team for helping us on this matter.

I think we are very happy with the outcome.”

Mr Tan

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