Hi-Amp Engineering v Technicdelta: Labour Supply Contract Dispute for MRT Stations

Hi-Amp Engineering Pte Ltd sued Technicdelta Electrical Engineering Pte Ltd in the High Court of Singapore, alleging breach of contract related to a labour supply agreement for electrical installation works at the Boon Keng and Potong Pasir MRT stations. Hi-Amp claimed outstanding payments for progress claims, extended labour, and additional works. Technicdelta counterclaimed for overpayment and damages. The court, presided over by MPH Rubin J, ruled in favor of Hi-Amp, awarding $155,235.47 for progress claims and $206,672.65 for variation works, dismissing Technicdelta's counterclaim.

1. Case Overview

1.1 Court

High Court

1.2 Outcome

Judgment for Plaintiff

1.3 Case Type

Civil

1.4 Judgment Type

Grounds of Decision

1.5 Jurisdiction

Singapore

1.6 Description

Hi-Amp Engineering sued Technicdelta Electrical for breach of contract regarding electrical installation work at MRT stations. The court ruled in favor of Hi-Amp, awarding damages.

1.7 Decision Date

2. Parties and Outcomes

Party NameRoleTypeOutcomeOutcome TypeCounsels
Hi-Amp Engineering Pte LtdPlaintiffCorporationJudgment for PlaintiffWon
Technicdelta Electrical Engineering Pte LtdDefendantCorporationCounterclaim DismissedLost

3. Judges

Judge NameTitleDelivered Judgment
MPH RubinJudgeYes

4. Counsels

Counsel NameOrganization
Raymond LyeTay Lye and Ngaw Partnership
Jacintha VoonTay Lye and Ngaw Partnership
Lim Shack KeongPeter Moe and Partners

4. Facts

  1. Hi-Amp Engineering was contracted by Technicdelta to provide labour for electrical installation at Boon Keng and Potong Pasir MRT stations.
  2. The Hi-Amp contract was for a fixed sum of $762,984.00.
  3. Hi-Amp claimed that Technicdelta failed to make payments for progress, extended labour, and additional works.
  4. Technicdelta counterclaimed, alleging overpayment and breach of contract by Hi-Amp.
  5. The original completion date was December 2001, but the project extended into 2002.
  6. Hi-Amp alleged that delays were due to lack of materials and instructions from Technicdelta and the main contractor.

5. Formal Citations

  1. Hi-Amp Engineering Pte Ltd v Technicdelta Electrical Engineering Pte Ltd, Suit 972/2002/M, [2003] SGHC 316

6. Timeline

DateEvent
AMEC awarded a sub-contract to Technicdelta for electrical installation services.
Technicdelta awarded a labour supply sub-contract to Hi-Amp Engineering.
Hi-Amp Engineering commenced work on the project.
Original contract period ended.
Hi-Amp Engineering received a copy of the AMEC contract.
Boon Keng station achieved Temporary Occupation Permit.
Hi-Amp Engineering stopped work on the project.
Writ issued.
Judgment reserved.

7. Legal Issues

  1. Breach of Contract
    • Outcome: The court found the defendant breached the contract by failing to make due payments for work completed and variations.
    • Category: Substantive
    • Sub-Issues:
      • Failure to make progress payments
      • Disputes over variation works
      • Extension of time claims
  2. Incorporation of Main Contract Terms into Subcontract
    • Outcome: The court held that the terms of the main contract were not fully incorporated into the sub-contract due to lack of evidence that the plaintiff had sight of the main contract.
    • Category: Substantive
    • Related Cases:
      • [1999] 3 SLR 667

8. Remedies Sought

  1. Monetary Damages

9. Cause of Actions

  • Breach of Contract
  • Quantum Meruit

10. Practice Areas

  • Commercial Litigation
  • Construction Disputes

11. Industries

  • Construction
  • Transportation

12. Cited Cases

Case NameCourtAffirmedCitationJurisdictionSignificance
Jurong Engineering Ltd v Paccan Building Technology Pte LtdCourt of AppealYes[1999] 3 SLR 667SingaporeCited regarding the incorporation of general conditions of a main contract into a sub-contract.

13. Applicable Rules

Rule Name
No applicable rules

14. Applicable Statutes

Statute NameJurisdiction
No applicable statutes

15. Key Terms and Keywords

15.1 Key Terms

  • Labour Supply Contract
  • Progress Claims
  • Variation Works
  • Extension of Time
  • Free Issue Materials
  • Back-to-Back Contract
  • MRT Stations

15.2 Keywords

  • contract
  • construction
  • electrical
  • MRT
  • Singapore
  • litigation

17. Areas of Law

Area NameRelevance Score
Contract Law80
Breach of Contract75
Construction Contracts65
Construction Law60
Commercial Disputes50
Civil Procedure30
Electrical Engineering25

16. Subjects

  • Contract Dispute
  • Construction Contract
  • Sub-Contracting