Singapore Mediation Centre

Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC) is a not-for-profit organisation structured as a company limited by the guarantee of the Singapore Academy of Law.^[1] SMC is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by Justice Belinda Ang; and assisted by a Board of Advisors who provide strategic advice to enable SMC to achieve its mission.^[2]

Overview

SMC's mission is to provide strategic conflict management for all types of disputes, including commercial, contractual, or matrimonial disputes. It continues to build relations with the legal and business communities, as well as promote mediation to the general public. SMC is located within the Supreme Court's premises. Mediations at the SMC is usually held at the mediation chambers in the Supreme Court.

History

In 1996, a cross-profession committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) chaired by then Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Associate Professor Ho Peng Kee, was formed to study how mediation in Singapore could be promoted outside the courts. The Committee made two main recommendations. One of which was the creation of a commercial mediation centre under the Singapore Academy of Law. This centre, the Singapore Mediation Centre, was launched on 16 August 1997. SMC is limited by the guarantee of the Singapore Academy of Law, a body presided by the Chief Justice of Singapore and governed by a Senate, most of whose members are also judges of the Supreme Court.^[3]

About Mediation in Singapore

Mediation provides a forum in which parties can resolve their own disputes with the help of a neutral third party. The mediator acts only as a facilitator to guide and regulate the process. The outcome of the mediation is determined by the parties themselves. Mediation is an interest-based approach that is non-confrontational, and focuses on solving problems in regards to the parties' interest. SMC adopts a facilitative form of mediation, where mediators facilitate the discussion between disputing parties, and assist them to reach a mutual agreement.

Mediators

SMC has 3 panels of mediators, classed as International, Principal and Associate Mediators.^[4] They consist of professionals across all industries to cater for all types of disputes. To be appointed to the panel, mediators had to undergo professional mediation training as well as pass stringent evaluations.

References