The Singapore Mediation Lecture (SML), proudly presented by the Singapore Mediation Centre and Aequitas Law LLP, in collaboration with the Singapore Management University, was held this year to promote greater understanding and use of mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes in managing and resolving disputes.

This year’s Lecture was delivered by Dr. Orsolya Székely, Head of the Dispute Resolution Service at the World Bank, who shared insights on the World Bank Group’s accountability mechanisms and its mediation-based conflict resolution processes.

The Lecture was followed by an Appreciation Lunch for SMC’s mediators, adjudicators, and dispute resolution advocates, providing an opportunity for attendees to connect with like-minded professionals and expand their networks within the dispute resolution community.

The Singapore Mediation Centre, as the Authorised Nominating Body under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2004 (“SOP Act”), and the Building and Construction Authority were pleased to jointly organise the 4th National Conference on Construction Adjudication.

Fittingly held on the 20th Anniversary of the SOP Act coming into force on 1 April 2025, the Conference traversed a broad canvas of diverse topics of interest to stakeholders across the construction industry, including developers, contractors, suppliers, consultants, and construction lawyers.

The programme began with a retrospective on key milestones in statutory adjudication, reviewing landmark decisions that have shaped the construction payment landscape. This was followed by a comparative analysis of the SOP Act and regional legislation, alongside stakeholder insights and expert discussions on the practical implications of adjudication. The event concluded with bold predictions on the future of adjudication and a lively debate on a deliberately provocative topic.

 

The Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC) and the Brunei Darussalam Arbitration Centre (BDAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the Singapore Mediation Lecture and Appreciation Lunch 2024, further strengthening their partnership which began in 2022. Since then, SMC has trained and accredited 53 BDAC participants, with a third cohort undergoing training in September 2024.

This MOU marks a significant milestone in deepening collaboration between the two institutions, with a focus on advancing mediation practices, education, and professional development across the region. The partnership will include joint training, exchange programmes, and knowledge transfer, underscoring the shared commitment of both organisations to excellence in alternative dispute resolution.