International Pte Ltd [2024] SGCA 10 is a landmark case by the Singapore Court of Appeal that sets the test for how Singapore courts should in future approach the question of directors duties when a company is facing financial difficulties. It makes clear that the financial state of the company is an important consideration which a director should bear in mind, as it is the indicia of a shift in the economic interests in the company from the shareholders to the creditors.

Key takeaways

In Heince Tombak Simanjuntak & Ors v Paulus Tannos & Ors (2019), the Singapore High Court granted recognition of Indonesian bankruptcy orders made against the four respondents, each of whom is an Indonesian citizen. This allows the applicants to administer the respondents’ property in Singapore. The case provides banks with the assurance that bankruptcy orders obtained in Indonesia may be enforced in Singapore.

On September 9, 2016, Hanjin Shipping Co. won a ruling protecting its assets in the U.S. against creditors, while the shipping line proceeds with its reorganization in South Korea. Hanjin filed for relief under Chapter 15 of the Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey (U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge John K. Sherwood in Newark, N.J.).