“The benefits of mediation are four-fold. First, mediation accords parties greater control over the outcome and resolution of the matter, which contrasts with long-drawn Court trials, where the outcome of a case rests in the Judge’s hands. Second, the contents of parties' disputes are kept confidential, unlike litigation where parties' dirty linen and affairs are often aired in Court. Third, legal costs are reduced, as parties no longer have to pay for their lawyers' fees and Court fees once a settlement has been reached. Lastly and most importantly, parties' relationships are preserved and this is essential where parties wish to continue business relations with each other. … the Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC) [has] mediated over 4,000 matters to-date. The settlement rate is approximately 70%, with more than 90% of the settled disputes resolved within a day. To-date, the SMC has received positive feedback. Many individuals have saved time and costs and would likewise recommend the SMC to others involved in disputes.”

"Now we have the Fiji Mediation Centre established with its own premises. This was a development arising from our contacts with SMC and its wonderful team. SMC continues to visit twice a year and carries out training for lawyers, new judges, the public service and civil society. These workshops are very popular and over-subscribed. We have much greater awareness, and it can be said Mediation has arrived in Fiji as an alternative process for settling disputes. There is much more to do. We would not be at this point without SMC and its wonderful team. Special thanks to Seng Onn, Josephine, and George Lim for their advice, encouragement, loyalty and personal commitment to Fiji in this fine endeavour."

"I have been involved with SMC ever since its inception and have admired its development into a powerful instrument for amicable dispute resolution over the years. Its success reminds us that pressing a dispute to adjudication by litigation or arbitration is not always the best policy, and other methods of dispute settlement may be cheaper, faster and ultimately more satisfactory."

“My experience with mediation has been a positive one. It really facilitates a level of communication between parties that is often not possible in litigation. The staff at the Singapore Mediation Centre really listen carefully to the needs of the parties and try to be accommodating. I have recommended the SMC to my clients and would be happy to do so again in future.”

“The SMC is a highly professional outfit which has the single-minded aim of delivering a process which has integrity and is scrupulously fair. It has more than achieved its goal.”

“Thank you for the most interactive and results-oriented training I have ever attended. SMC is a top-notch training provider for those seeking hands on experience in mediation. Participants gain practical mediation skills and feel prepared to mediate in their cases.”

“A note of thanks to our external counsel and the mediators for facilitating the mediation that led to a successful amicable settlement. Your skilled and thoughtful handling of both parties made all the difference. It was an outcome that is a win-win solution to an acrimonious situation."

"As lawyers, our paramount interest in a matter is always that of our clients. Mediation at SMC with their very patient and effective mediators is something that I would commend to parties who are minded to resolve a dispute without going through the rigours and stress of protracted litigation."

"I would highly recommend mediation as a great way to resolve conflicts. The mediation process is entirely in the hands of the parties involved. It can be as cost effective and as efficient as the parties would like it to be. Singapore Mediation Centre helps by providing highly competent mediators."

"SMC undoubtedly plays a pivotal role in fostering mediation as an expedient and efficacious means of settling disputes. In this respect, SMC has fulfilled its role admirably.  I am confident SMC will build on its recognition and make mediation the preferred choice of dispute resolution."

"Our clients have benefitted from the expertise and quality of the mediators from SMC in resolving construction-related disputes. The mediators work closely with the parties to try and effect creative methods of achieving a “win-win” outcome. This in turn helps the parties to save a lot of time and money."

"The commercial dispute that my firm was involved in was referred to the Singapore Mediation Centre for mediation as a form of alternative dispute resolution. This I understand is something that is strongly encouraged by the courts in recent years. I was hesitant at the outset, unsure if a mediated settlement was possible, especially in disputes where parties were deeply entrenched in their respective commercial positions. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. The mediation was expertly handled with clear directions and targets set by the experienced and professional mediators. I found the mediation format to be less contentious, driven by parties instead of lawyers, and crafted to empower parties to directly address their key concerns in the dispute, hear from each other, and seek a solution where both parties are prepared to accept. From a commercial perspective, I see mediation as a cost-effective and efficient mechanism for businesses to resolve commercial disputes without being embroiled in litigation."