Pure Group v Siong Ann Engineering: Dispute over Ramp Works Contract and Payment Milestones
Pure Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd appealed a district court decision regarding a contract dispute with Siong Ann Engineering Pte Ltd over the design, supply, and installation of a temporary ramp. The High Court, presided over by Choo Han Teck J, dismissed the appeal, affirming the lower court's decision that Siong Ann Engineering was entitled to payment for fulfilling the first two milestones of the contract. The court found that Pure Group had confirmed the order and that Arup's approval was not a condition precedent for the second milestone.
1. Case Overview
1.1 Court
General Division of the High Court of the Republic of Singapore1.2 Outcome
Appeal Dismissed
1.3 Case Type
Civil
1.4 Judgment Type
Judgment
1.5 Jurisdiction
Singapore
1.6 Description
Appeal regarding a contract dispute over ramp works. The court dismissed the appeal, affirming the lower court's decision in favor of Siong Ann Engineering.
1.7 Decision Date
2. Parties and Outcomes
| Party Name | Role | Type | Outcome | Outcome Type | Counsels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd | Appellant | Corporation | Appeal Dismissed | Lost | Chia Swee Chye Kelvin |
| Siong Ann Engineering Pte Ltd | Respondent | Corporation | Appeal Dismissed | Won | Tan Jin Yong |
3. Judges
| Judge Name | Title | Delivered Judgment |
|---|---|---|
| Choo Han Teck | Judge of the High Court | Yes |
4. Counsels
| Counsel Name | Organization |
|---|---|
| Chia Swee Chye Kelvin | Lumen Law Corporation |
| Tan Jin Yong | Lee & Lee |
4. Facts
- Pure Group was in charge of a project converting a theatre into a restaurant and nightclub.
- Siong Ann Engineering was a sub-contractor for the project.
- The dispute concerns the design, supply, and installation of a temporary ramp.
- Siong Ann Engineering prepared construction materials and delivered them to the work site.
- Mr. Coney abruptly told Mr. Wong to stop work.
- The adjudicator determined that Pure Group has to pay Siong Ann Engineering $123,897.77 for work done.
- Pure Group engaged a lower-cost sub-contractor to complete the Ramp Works.
5. Formal Citations
- Pure Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd v Siong Ann Engineering Pte Ltd, District Court Appeal No 13 of 2023, [2023] SGHC 279
6. Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Siong Ann Engineering submitted quotation | |
| Pure Group accepted quotation | |
| Mr. Coney instructed Mr. Wong to proceed with Ramp Works | |
| Mr. Wong asked Mr. Coney if it was possible to receive Pure Group's purchase order | |
| Pure Group emailed Siong Ann Engineering to stop further work | |
| Siong Ann Engineering requested to resume Ramp Works | |
| Siong Ann Engineering requested to resume Ramp Works | |
| Adjudication Application No. SOP/AA435 of 2018 filed for payment | |
| Siong Ann Engineering Pte Ltd v Pure Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd [2022] SGHC 73 | |
| Judgment reserved | |
| Judgment issued |
7. Legal Issues
- Breach of Contract
- Outcome: The court found that the respondent did not breach the contract.
- Category: Substantive
- Sub-Issues:
- Failure to achieve milestones
- Failure to deliver usable materials
- Failure to complete installation
- Order Confirmation
- Outcome: The court found that the first milestone of order confirmation was met upon the appellant’s acceptance of the 5 February quotation.
- Category: Substantive
- Milestone Completion
- Outcome: The court found that the lack of Arup’s approval is not a condition for the respondent’s completion of the second milestone.
- Category: Substantive
8. Remedies Sought
- Recovery of payment
9. Cause of Actions
- Breach of Contract
10. Practice Areas
- Commercial Litigation
- Construction Disputes
11. Industries
- Construction
12. Cited Cases
| Case Name | Court | Affirmed | Citation | Jurisdiction | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siong Ann Engineering Pte Ltd v Pure Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd | High Court | Yes | [2022] SGHC 73 | Singapore | The case was remitted to the district court for the determination of two issues of fact. |
13. Applicable Rules
| Rule Name |
|---|
| No applicable rules |
14. Applicable Statutes
| Statute Name | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|
| No applicable statutes | |
15. Key Terms and Keywords
15.1 Key Terms
- Ramp Works
- Order Confirmation
- Milestone
- Purchase Order
- Arup Approval
- Fabrication
- Installation
15.2 Keywords
- Contract
- Breach
- Ramp
- Construction
- Payment
- Milestone
16. Subjects
- Contract Dispute
- Construction Law
17. Areas of Law
- Contract Law
- Construction Law