Singapore’s Simplified Insolvency Programme 2.0: A Permanent Safety Net for Struggling SMEs

Singapore’s Simplified Insolvency Programme 2.0: A Permanent Safety Net for Struggling SMEs

Singapore’s Simplified Insolvency Programme 2.0: A Permanent Safety Net for Struggling SMEs

Introduction In the life cycle of every business, there may come a point where the balance sheet tells an uncomfortable truth – debts have outpaced assets, creditors are restless, and the runway to recovery is shrinking. For micro and small enterprises in Singapore, this moment has historically carried an additional cruelty: the very mechanisms designed … Read more

Raising a Seed Round in Singapore: The Legal Documents You’ll Need

Raising a Seed Round in Singapore: The Legal Documents You’ll Need

Singapore has cemented its position as Southeast Asia’s premier startup ecosystem. With government-backed schemes like Startup SG Equity, world-class infrastructure, and a predictable regulatory environment, the city-state attracts founders and institutional capital alike. Yet for first-time founders, raising a seed round, typically S$500,000 to S$2 million from angels, accelerators, or early-stage VCs remains daunting. The … Read more

Letters of Intent v MOU v Contracts: Which one do you actually need?

Letters of Intent v MOU v Contracts: Which one do you actually need?

Every deal begins with a conversation. Then comes a document. And somewhere between the handshake and the signed contract, many Singapore businesses find themselves in a grey zone—holding a Letter of Intent, a Memorandum of Understanding, or a formal contract wondering how much legal weight it actually carries. The short answer? More than you think, … Read more

Legal Questions to Ask Before Signing a Term Sheet in Singapore

Legal Questions to Ask Before Signing a Term Sheet in Singapore

Founders often treat a term sheet as a formality, a handshake in document form that signals investor enthusiasm and gets the real paperwork rolling. That instinct can be costly. While term sheets are generally non-binding on the core commercial terms, they set the template for every agreement that follows. The economic split, governance structure, and … Read more

How to Protect Yourself When a Client Doesn’t Pay: Legal Options for Singapore SMEs

How to Protect Yourself When a Client Doesn’t Pay: Legal Options for Singapore SMEs

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore, cash flow is the lifeblood of the business. A single non-paying client can create a domino effect, jeopardising your ability to pay suppliers, staff, and overheads. While late payments are an unfortunate reality of doing business, knowing how to respond swiftly and strategically can mean the difference … Read more

Fixed Term v Permanent Contracts: What Singapore Employers Should Consider

Fixed Term v Permanent Contracts: What Singapore Employers Should Consider

When building a workforce, one of the most fundamental decisions a Singapore employer must make is whether to hire staff on a fixed-term or permanent basis. Both arrangements carry distinct legal implications, practical advantages, and potential pitfalls. Understanding the differences is not just good business practice, it is essential for legal compliance and talent strategy. … Read more

Facilitating the Safe Adoption of AI – New Initiatives Unveiled at Committee of Supply 2026

Facilitating the Safe Adoption of AI – New Initiatives Unveiled at Committee of Supply 2026

Singapore’s unwavering commitment to technological leadership took center stage at the Committee of Supply (“COS”) 2026 debates, amid Parliament’s budget deliberations. Minister for Digital Development and Information, Josephine Teo, unveiled a suite of groundbreaking initiatives aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence (“AI”) adoption while embedding robust safeguards.  These measures, which form part of the broader National … Read more

How to Avoid Conflicts of Interest as a Nominee Director

How to Avoid Conflicts of Interest as a Nominee Director

The role of a nominee director in Singapore is one of the most challenging positions in corporate governance. Appointed to represent the interests of a specific shareholder—often a parent company, major investor, or foreign founder while owing primary fiduciary duties to the company itself, nominee directors constantly navigate potential conflicts. With Singapore strengthening its regulatory … Read more