JUDGMENT

Wong Kian Kheong JC:

(Applications For Interim Injunctions Pending Disposal Of Arbitration)

A. Introduction

[1] This is a dispute regarding "Chatime" bubble-tea franchise (Chatime Franchise) between La Kaffa International Co Ltd (La Kaffa) and Loob Holding Sdn Bhd (Loob) which led to arbitration in the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (Singapore Arbitral Proceedings).

[2] Pending the disposal of Singapore Arbitral Proceedings, La Kaffa and Loob filed applications for interim injunctions under s 11(1) of Arbitration Act 2005 (AA). Both applications are heard together and raise the following issues:

(1) whether Loob, its directors (including their spouses and immediate family members) and employees should be restrained from, amongst others, carrying on business which is identical or similar to Chatime Franchise business. This question concerns an interpretation of s 27(1) of the Franchise Act 1998 (FA);

(2) whether Loob, its directors and employees should be enjoined from interfering with La Kaffa's rights and obligations as "Master Franchisee" to render operations consultancy to Chatime "Franchised Stores" (Chatime Franchisees) under art 17(IV) of the "Regio