Emergency arbitrators: enforcement of awards

In CVG v CVH [2022] SGHC 249 Chua Lee Ming J in the Singapore High Court discussed the enforceability of the award of an emergency arbitrator both as a matter of principle and also on the specific facts of the case. The court ruled that such an award could be enforced under the New York Convention as implemented in Singapore. However, the decision also makes it clear that caution is required in the making of emergency awards, as there is a clear danger that the summary nature of the proceedings can raise both jurisdictional and natural justice issues.(2022) 23 ALM 5 5

The defendant had since 1997 been the claimant's franchisee in Singapore under four agreements renewed periodically. Similar arrangements existed for Malaysia, Taiwan and the Philippines, through entities established by the defendant in those jurisdictions. The agreements provided for arbitration in Pennsylvania.