Our Entities
HQControl, CIDEC Consultancy & ICLA
HQControl
The online platform and publishing brand for construction law education. HQControl delivers e-books, articles, and course listings — it is the digital face of Steven Chin's training and advisory services.
CIDEC Consultancy
The corporate training and consulting entity that delivers bespoke in-house training programmes, the EUREKA System, and strategic advisory services. All corporate training engagements and HRD Corp claims are processed through CIDEC Consultancy.
International Construction Law Academy (ICLA)
A professional community and knowledge-sharing platform founded by Steven Chin. ICLA hosts the WhatsApp discussion group, LinkedIn forum groups (FIDIC 1999 & 2017 Suite, Contract Claims Management, PAM 2018 & Construction Law in Malaysia), and serves as a networking hub for construction law professionals worldwide.
Background
Professional Journey
Engineering Foundation (1977 – 1987)
Graduated with a Civil Engineering degree in 1977. Spent the first 10 years in Building Construction and Heavy Civil Engineering works. High rise buildings over 18 stories, bridges, highways, and ports. Rose from Project Engineer to Senior Project Manager.
Housing Development (1987 – 1992)
Served as Senior Development Manager at the 1,300 acre Sri Damansara Township Project in Kuala Lumpur. Involved in the full spectrum of housing development. Land conversion and approval, concept development, marketing, sales support, and handover to buyers.
Construction Claims & Disputes (1990 – Present)
Made a career switch in 1990. For over 35 years, has been a contractual claims, disputes, arbitration, and planning specialist. Provides strategic contractual advice on complex situations, handling Extension of Time (EOT), cost claims, and commercial matters.
Specialises in the use of Primavera P6 for Contractual Data Analytics including delay analysis, entitlement analysis of EOT, baseline integrity analysis, and recovery of costs analysis. Well-versed in contract risk controls and claims improvement techniques.
Has acted as Claimant's Representative in Arbitrations in India and Asia Pacific.
Areas of Expertise
✓ FIDIC 1999 & 2017
✓ PAM 2018
✓ JKR 203A
✓ NEC & SIA (Singapore)
✓ Common Law
✓ Civil Law
✓ Sharia Law
✓ Saudi CTL 2023
✓ Primavera P6 Analytics
✓ Delay Analysis
✓ Claims Preparation
✓ Dispute Board Proceedings
What We Offer
Services
Training
Corporate training programs on construction law, FIDIC, PAM, and contract management.
Business Law Advisory
Strategic legal advice for construction businesses navigating complex contractual environments.
Executive Coaching
One-on-one mentorship for construction leaders on contract strategy and dispute prevention.
Project Management
Contractual data analytics, delay analysis, and claims improvement integration.
Community
Founder of the International Construction Law Group on WhatsApp and multiple LinkedIn forum groups including FIDIC 1999 & 2017 Suite of Contracts, Contract Claims Management Group, and PAM 2018 & Construction Law in Malaysia.
Data Centre Construction Law Advisory
Steven Chin provides specialised advisory on contract structures for data centre projects, risk allocation for accelerated delivery models, force majeure and supply chain disruption clauses, and FIDIC-based contract administration tailored to hyperscale facility requirements.
Expert Q&A
Why is construction law critical for data centre projects?
Data centres represent some of the most capital-intensive construction projects globally, often exceeding $1 billion per facility. These projects involve multiple stakeholders including landowners, utility providers, IT equipment suppliers, and civil contractors under tight delivery schedules. Legal disputes over delay, defective work, or payment can halt operations entirely. Understanding FIDIC's risk allocation, notice requirements, and dispute resolution mechanisms is essential for data centre developers and contractors.
What experience does Steven Chin have with FIDIC contracts?
Steven Chin has specialised in FIDIC 1999 and 2017 Red, Yellow, and Silver Books for over 35 years. He has advised on heavily amended contract forms, provided strategic advice on employer and contractor claims, and acted as Claimant's Representative in ICC arbitrations. He has also trained thousands of construction professionals on FIDIC claims procedures, notice compliance, and dispute avoidance across Asia Pacific and the Middle East.