Court Thursday if not adjourned.30 Mar 2026 09:57
Corks must be popping in law offices over all this ! Was an update to the case on Saturday Morning at 1018 Singapore, nothing changed on the docket but something might have been filed lol https://www.judiciary.gov.sg/hearing-list/hearing-list-details/ds-1-660874
Here is my humble opinion how court goes, months of procedure ahead lol !
Legal Opinion (Singapore Law)
What Zheng & Choo can realistically do:
1. Security for Costs (at 2 April CMC)
Very strong application. They can ask the court to order Semnet (and/or GST as funder) to provide security for costs. Given GST’s tiny market cap (~£5–6m), heavy cash burn, and the crypto suspension, the court is likely to grant at least partial security (possibly S$200k+). This puts immediate financial pressure on the claimant.
2. Section 6 Stay Application (Arbitration Act)
Zheng and Choo (as parties to the SPA) can apply for a stay of the court proceedings under Section 6 of the International Arbitration Act (or Arbitration Act, depending on the clause).
* The stay would apply to the claims against them that arise out of the SPA (non-compete, breach of warranties, etc.).
* The court will generally grant the stay unless there are very strong reasons not to.
* However, because Semnet (not GST) issued the writ, the defendants will need to argue that Semnet is bound by the arbitration clause in the SPA (as successor or assignee). This is usually straightforward but can be contested.
3. Daphane’s Position
Daphane is not a party to the SPA, so she cannot be sent to arbitration. She can:
* Defend the court proceedings normally.
* File counterclaims against Semnet (and possibly GST if they are joined) in the High Court.
* This keeps part of the dispute firmly in court, creating parallel proceedings (arbitration vs court).
*
Likely Overall Outcome of This Strategy
* The claims against Zheng & Choo are likely to be stayed and referred back to arbitration.
* The claims and any counterclaims against Daphane will continue in the Singapore High Court.
* This creates a split proceeding — which is messy, expensive, and time-consuming for Semnet/GST.
*
Timeline estimate (starting from 2 April 2026 CMC):
* Security for costs decision: 1–3 months
* Section 6 stay hearing: 2–4 months after CMC
* Parallel arbitration + court proceedings: Likely to run for 12–24 months (or longer) before any final resolution.
This strategy significantly delays the case and increases costs for GST/Semnet, while giving Zheng & Choo massive leverage.
Sign In
Follow the stocks
