The team at Rajah & Tann Asia is noted by clients for providing a ‘high level of professionalism, legal expertise, and commitment’. Practice lead Sim Chee Siong routinely advises on complex ICC arbitrations and employer disputes, and Shemane Chan is recommended for her experience representing EPC contractors, sponsors and government entities on the full spectrum of construction issues within the energy sector. Matthew Koh’s primary area of expertise covers disputes within the energy and infrastructure sectors across the ASEAN region. Yong Hui Loh is particularly active on energy sector mandates, often advising on data centre and renewable energy-related matters, while Kimberly Tho is a key contact for governments and public sector clients seeking advice on procurement and operational issues.
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Profile
Position
Partner, Construction & Projects, Energy & Resources
Career
Shemane, a qualified lawyer in both Singapore and Malaysia, specialises in project and front-end construction work and has an MSc in Built Environment (Construction Economics and Management).
Her projects include acting for a contractor on the engineering, procurement, installation, testing and commissioning of submarine high voltage power cable for the import of renewable energy into Singapore, advising a sponsor on a 280 MWp solar project in Bangladesh, advising on the development and project financing of the first hydrogen-ready 600 MW combined cycle gas turbine power plant in Singapore, acting for a bidder on its bid to import renewable energy into Singapore and advising on the development of a battery energy storage system project in Singapore (one of the largest in South East Asia). She has also advised an airport operator on the grant of concession to operate and maintain a co-generation plant to supply electricity and chilled water to an international airport in Malaysia, advised the preferred bidder on the development of a sea water desalination plant on a DBOO basis in Jurong Island, Singapore and advised the master developer for One Bangkok on the development of certain utility infrastructure on a DBOFT basis.
Shemane is featured as a “Future Leader” in the Who’s Who Legal: Construction 2024 guide. She is also named Projects and Energy Lawyer of the Year in the Legal 500 Southeast Asia Award 2023. She has been recommended by Legal 500, Chambers Asia Pacific and International Financial Law Review 1000 since 2014 for her area of practice. In addition, Shemane is listed as one of Singapore’s top 100 lawyers by the Asia Business Law Journal and is named as one of the Women Leaders by IFLR Women Leaders 2023.
Shemane is described as “simply the best infrastructure lawyer in Singapore”. She is also known for having “strong negotiation skills, commercial awareness and a “client-focused“” approach.
Education
- LLB (Hons), University College London
- Advocate & Solicitor, Singapore
- Advocate & Solicitor, High Court of Malaya
- Barrister, United Kingdom
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘We engaged Rajah and Tann Asia to represent us in a complex matter, and we are extremely pleased with the outcome. From the very beginning, the team demonstrated a high level of professionalism, legal expertise, and commitment to our case.'
'The team is strategic, responsive, and always keeps us well-informed throughout the process.' 'Their ability to anticipate challenges and provide clear, practical advice gave us great confidence. Most importantly, their efforts led to a successful result that exceeded our expectations.' 'The team is very knowledgeable and detailed in their approach. The team demonstrated high level of collaboration and willingness to support the client.' 'We are grateful for the team's support and would not hesitate to recommend Rajah & Tann to anyone seeking strong and reliable legal representation.’ 'It has been a pleasure working with such a competent and responsive legal team. Its attention-to-detail, clear communication, and thorough understanding of the matter gave us great confidence at every stage.’ 'This team has great experience in the construction field. In addition, their effective, efficient and prompt approach to client relationship will meet the requirements of possible global clients.' 'Sim Chee Siong and Matthew Koh always find a better solution even in adversity, with very creative interpretation of relevant documents. Their strategic thinking is supported by a lot of legal case experience and is very fit to assist in the global business decision-making process.'
Key clients
- Joint venture of Singtel and Lendlease Lim Wen Heng Construction Pte Ltd LVND Investments Pte Ltd Yongnam Engineering & Construction (Private) Limited China Energy Engineering Group Shanxi Electric Power Engineering Co., Ltd. (Singapore Branch) Shanxi Electric Power Engineering Co., Ltd.
Work highlights
Advised Singtel on the S$3bn redevelopment of its Comcentre headquarters, including the drafting and finalisation of all construction, consultancy and concession contracts.
Advised Lim Wen Heng Construction Pte Ltd in a dispute exceeding S$40m arising from the sale and purchase of a construction firm specialising in ground engineering, involving complex contractual, financial and accounting issues.
Advised LVND Investments Pte Ltd in over S$20m disputes brought by 13 purchasers of commercial units in a strata mall in Singapore, involving allegations of misrepresentation concerning the design and suitability of accessory lots for air-conditioning units and advertisement panels.