Kang Yanyi

PARTNER

Yanyi’s practice focuses on dispute resolution, including civil and criminal litigation, mediation and international arbitration. She has extensive experience in commercial disputes, investigations, and matters relating to environment, health and safety, employment, and professional liability.

She advises and represents clients in cross-border disputes across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing and distribution, real estate development, construction and engineering, telecommunications, banking and finance, and energy.

Yanyi was seconded to Allen & Gledhill (Myanmar) from 2017 to 2019, with a focus on advising on commercial disputes, instructing local advocates in Myanmar court proceedings and acting as counsel in international arbitrations. 

She is a firm believer of working towards amicable and commercial resolutions. Yanyi regularly advises clients on strategy and risk management before the commencement of proceedings and exploring alternative dispute resolution. She is an Accredited Mediator with the Singapore Mediation Centre, a Singapore International Mediation Institute Accredited Mediator Level 1, and an Associate Mediator on the Law Society Mediation Scheme Panel of Mediators.

Yanyi is a Trainer for the Practice Training Advocacy Course and a member of the Admissions Committee of the Law Society of Singapore. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a Director of the Singapore branch. On 1 July 2024, Yanyi was appointed as a Singapore Delegate to the International Chamber of Commerce Commission on Arbitration and ADR for a three-year term.

Yanyi graduated from King’s College London with an LL.B. (Hons) degree in 2011 and was called to the Singapore Bar in 2013. 

Yanyi is fluent in English and Mandarin.

Work Highlights

International Arbitration & Litigation

  • Representing a Chinese state-owned subsidiary in a Singapore International Arbitration Centre (“SIAC”) arbitration involving a geothermal energy project.
  • Representing a listed Chinese pharmaceutical company in an ICC arbitration against a listed South Korean chemical company in relation to a distribution agreement in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”).
  • Representing a Chinese real estate group in a Chinese-language SIAC arbitration involving the sale and leaseback of a substantial facility in the PRC.
  • Representing an Asian company in an ICC arbitration seated in Zurich involving an aviation technology transfer and purchase agreement with a European manufacturer.
  • Representing a Myanmar developer in an SIAC arbitration with a South Korean architecture firm in relation to a mixed-use commercial development in Myanmar.
  • Successfully represented a Luxembourg investment company in an SIAC arbitration against a Myanmar real estate developer and its guarantors in a claim arising from a convertible bond agreement. The SIAC arbitral award was recognised and enforced in Myanmar and Yanyi is currently advising on the execution proceedings.
  • Represented a leading Asian satellite operator in an SIAC arbitration against a Myanmar media entertainment group, involving issues on the Myanmar Telecommunications Law, and obtained a settlement with recovery of outstanding payments.
  • Successfully represented a South Korean developer and construction company against a Myanmar contractor in an ICC arbitration in relation to the construction of a mixed-use commercial development in Myanmar.
  • Acted for a Hong Kong telecommunications service provider in Singapore High Court proceedings in a claim arising from a fiber optic project in Myanmar. The matter was amicably settled.
  • Advised a PRC state-owned telecommunications construction company in its claim against a Myanmar telecommunications company, including advising on the pre-action strategy and negotiations.
  • Advised one of the largest Myanmar banks in a loan default claim exceeding US$300 million.

Employment and investigations

  • Advised and conducted investigations for different multinationals into whistle-blowing complaints of conflict of interests, competition, corruption, bullying and harassment.
  • Advised a global hotel chain on the retrenchment of staff during COVID-19.
  • Advised Grab Holdings Inc. on employment-related issues in its acquisition of the Myanmar operations and assets of Uber Technologies Inc.
  • Advised a global creative production agency on manpower issues including visa and work pass requirements, and coordinating with regional counsel to identify the most cost-efficient and appropriate employment structure.
  • Advised a petrochemical company on claims against an ex-employee for harassment, defamation and breach of confidentiality obligations.
  • Advised and conducted investigations for a global supplier of food and beverage ingredients against an ex-employee for breach of restrictive covenants and confidentiality obligations. The matter involved actual and potential civil and criminal actions in Singapore, Germany, Thailand and Indonesia.

Environment, Health & Safety

  • Advised and represented a leading construction company in investigations into a fatal workplace accident involving multiple parties, and subsequent Ministry of Manpower prosecution. Successfully secured an amendment of the charge from one under the Workplace Safety & Health Act to the subsidiary regulation, resulting in a significant reduction in the maximum possible fine (from S$500,000 to S$10,000).
  • Advised and represented a global supplier and a petroleum refinery in separate fatal workplace accidents at Jurong Island. Both involved complex and extensive investigations, representation at Coroner’s Inquiries and Ministry of Manpower prosecution, advice on Work Injury Compensation Act claims, advice on disciplinary proceedings against employees, and workplace safety and health compliance training of workforce.
  • Advised and represented a global petrochemical manufacturer in relation to infringements of the Environmental Protection and Management Act and related regulations arising from emissions and spillage.
  • Advised and represented a global water treatment and waste management company in relation to Ministry of Manpower investigations into employees’ exposure to hazardous substances and compliance with the Workplace Safety and Health Regulations.
  • Advised and conducted a chemical regulations audit for a global developer and manufacturer of materials.

Professional Liability

  • Advised and represented a doctor and a clinic in High Court proceedings covering a doctor’s duty of care in respect of advice, performance of a procedure, timely diagnosis of a post-operative complication and issues of causation, contributory negligence and vicarious liability. The claim quantum exceeded S$3.5 million and included exemplary, punitive and aggravated damages. The matter was amicably settled.
  • Advised and represented two doctors in High Court proceedings involving complex quantification of a claim exceeding S$13 million, which required multiple expert opinions and where the reasonableness and appropriateness of high-end medical treatment was hotly contested. The matter was amicably settled.
  • Successfully obtained a withdrawal of disciplinary charges against a doctor for allegedly failing to undertake adequate clinical assessment to appropriately manage and to adequately monitor the patient.
  • Acted for the Law Society of Singapore in prosecution of breach of confidentiality charges against an advocate and solicitor.

Criminal

  • Successfully secured a discharge amounting to acquittal for a pro bono client in respect of charges under the Immigration Act.
  • Successfully secured a discharge amounting to acquittal for a businessman in respect of one corruption charge, and the recovery of monies confiscated under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992.

Publications