In this Spotlight, Jess Chen, a Managing Director in Ankura’s Construction Disputes & Advisory Practice in Hong Kong, speaks about her experience, areas of expertise and the future trends she foresees within the field.
Jess brings over a decade of experience in delay analysis, planning and programming, construction dispute resolution, project controls, and civil engineering. She has extensive international experience working on projects across the Asia Pacific and the Middle East in a diverse range of construction environments and industry sectors and is fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English.
What is your area of expertise?
My expertise lies in delay analysis, forensic planning, and construction dispute resolution. With over 15 years of experience, I have worked on time-related disputes across projects in the Asia Pacific, Middle East, Europe, and South America. My experience encompasses a wide range of key industry sectors, including healthcare, commercial buildings, rail, civil engineering, shipbuilding, power and energy, as well as onshore and offshore oil & gas infrastructures.
How have your past experiences helped shape you?
Before embarking on my consulting career overseas, I gained valuable experience as a civil engineer and site planner on some of Australia's largest multidisciplinary infrastructure projects. This experience provided me with a solid foundation and a deep understanding of the issues and challenges that arise in construction projects. By integrating my on-site experience with my expertise in dispute resolution, I have developed a strong ability to manage complex tasks and deliver effective solutions tailored to meet my client's needs.
Who are your clients and how do you support them?
I have gained extensive experience in expert witness work through my involvement in numerous complex international arbitrations related to significant infrastructure and construction projects. In addition to offering expert support, I have worked with large contractors on high-stakes construction projects worldwide. My responsibilities typically include preparing claims for extensions of time, conducting critical path analyses, and providing delay analysis support, which aids clients in effectively navigating disputes and negotiations. My most recent experience involves assisting an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor specialised in delivering oil floating production storage and offloading (FPSOs) around the world.
What future trends do you foresee in your field, and how are you preparing for them? Anything you are feeling excited about in particular?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral part of the field of construction disputes and international arbitration due to its potential to improve efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making processes. I am indeed excited about such developments in our field. As practitioners, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest AI developments and tools, as well as to understand the relevant guidelines and rules applicable to our work. By embracing these trends and preparing accordingly, we can enhance our effectiveness in managing construction disputes and international arbitration within an increasingly digital landscape.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
I am passionate about practicing yoga, particularly hot yoga. Even during frequent overseas travels, I make it a point to attend yoga classes in different cities. I enjoy inviting colleagues and clients to join me, though their reactions are often mixed! I have set a personal record of attending over 80 classes in one month, which might just qualify as a healthy obsession!
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© Copyright 2025. The views expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not necessarily the views of Ankura Consulting Group, LLC., its management, its subsidiaries, its affiliates, or its other professionals. Ankura is not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice.
