EVOLVING DISPUTE RESOLUTION IN SINGAPORE
CD: How would you describe the evolution of Singapore as a prominent dispute resolution hub, both for Asia and globally?
Ban: Singapore’s journey to becoming a top dispute resolution hub has taken decades, requiring great effort on the part of the government, the business community and the legal services sector, working in close cooperation. Arbitration-friendly laws had to be progressively introduced and the judiciary’s experience and boldness in handling arbitration matters also took time to grow. The use of mediation in a variety of cases has been increasingly emphasised over the years and gradually embedded itself into public dispute resolution processes. Strong institutions across the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) spectrum have developed and grown, along with ADR practitioners being trained and nurtured with the right skills to handle complex matters. In addition, the active participation of Singapore in the development of international frameworks over the years has yielded positive results, such as the Singapore Convention on Mediation, which had more than 50 signatory countries upon its launch, including major jurisdictions like China and the US. Such international work has enhanced Singapore’s reputation as a progressive and supportive jurisdiction for international ADR.
Oct-Dec 2023 issue
Maxwell Chambers