In Maxx Engineering v PQ Builders Pte Ltd [2023] SGHC 71, the General Division of the High Court of Singapore (“High Court”) dealt with the issue of whether a party can be compelled, through the remedy of specific performance, to refer a dispute to mediation in accordance with their contractual obligations.
Mr Yeong Zee Kin appointed as new SAL Chief Executive. Mr Yeong is an internationally recognised expert in AI ethics and data privacy issues. Through his work with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), he has helped position Singapore as a thought leader in Responsible AI by developing forward-thinking governance to support industry adoption of AI. He has also developed PDPC’s global reputation as a thought leader in data-driven technology policies and as an engaged regulator that supports innovation. His experience as a Technology, Media and Telecommunications lawyer spans both the private and public sectors. He has spoken and published in areas relating to technology regulation, data protection, electronic discovery and evidence, and intellectual property, as well as legal issues relating to Blockchain and AI deployment.
He commenced his career as a Deputy Public Prosecutor and State Counsel with the Attorney-General’s Chambers and was formerly a partner in Rajah & Tann LLP’s iTec (intellectual property, technology, entertainment, and communications) practice group. Prior to taking up his current appointment at IMDA, he was Senior State Counsel and Director of Technology Law in the Civil Division of AGC and was also legal advisor to the Smart Nation Programme Office and the Cyber Security Agency. Before that, he was Senior Assistant Registrar and CIO of the Supreme Court, during which time he worked tirelessly to keep Singapore at the forefront of court technology.
Mr Yeong is not unfamiliar with SAL. Between 2003 and 2005, he was seconded from AGC to SAL where he headed the LawNet Secretariat and managed the research portal’s operations. He was appointed to the SAL Senate in 2017 and has served on various SAL committees, including the TechLaw.Fest Steering Committee, the LawNet Management Committee and the IT Security Steering Committee. Mr Yeong was awarded The Public Service Medal (COVID-19) in 2022 and The Public Service Medal in 2017 in recognition of his contributions to SAL. SMC welcomes back Mr Yeong to the SAL family!
Justice Belinda Ang Saw Ean has been appointed as a Justice of the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court for the period 1 Nov 2022 to 23 Apr 2024. Justice Ang is the Chairperson of SMC’s Board of Directors.
Singapore, 13 September 2022 – The Singapore Mediation Centre (“SMC”) announced today the appointment of Mr Pradeep Paul as its new Chief Executive (“CE”). Mr Paul who succeeds Mr Ban Jiun Ean will join SMC on 15 September 2022.
A veteran media and communications professional, Mr Paul was a senior member of MOH Holdings Pte Ltd management where he led branding and education campaigns to disseminate the Ministry of Health’s policy work to the public.
Mr Paul had worked closely with SMC when he headed the Healthcare Mediation Unit set up by the Ministry of Health in 2014 for medico-legal disputes in the healthcare sector. Under his guidance, more than 1,700 healthcare leaders and professionals attended workshops and training on mediation preparation and conflict de-escalation.
The Honourable Justice Belinda Ang, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of SMC said, “Pradeep’s strengths in stakeholder management, team leadership and business development will be assets as SMC continues to enlarge its footprint in the dispute resolution landscape.”
An active advocate for the use of mediation where parties can continue to preserve relationships even when they come to a dispute, Mr Paul said, “In my years with the Healthcare Mediation Unit, we notched up a high rate of amicable resolutions of medico-legal disputes. I now look forward to extending that to the wider community.”
In his speech at the opening ceremony for ‘Strategic Conflict Management for Professionals: Managing Conflicts and Resolving Disputes through Mediation with Accreditation’ programme, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi, said mediation has evolved to a more formalised process adopted by the courts and other bodies to settle disputes. The training programme was organised by the Brunei Darussalam Arbitration Centre (BDAC) in collaboration with Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC).
The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme – jointly developed and administered by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and the Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC) – will cover disputes over billing and unsolicited charges for all telecom and media services, such as mobile services, fibre connection services and subscription TV services.
Singapore’s Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng told Parliament on Thursday, 3 March, mentioned that the Energy Market Authority (EMA) is reviewing the existing regulatory and licensing framework for electricity retailers, to strengthen it better to protect consumers. Consumers seeking recourse and keen to file appeals could approach the Consumers Association of Singapore, Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC) or Small Claims Tribunal for advice and assistance.
AN ONLINE dispute resolution service is expected to be launched by the Singapore Mediation Centre towards the end of this quarter, which can reduce the cost of resolving lower value cases.
The Singapore Convention marks a significant development by providing for the direct, speedy and reliable enforcement of settlement agreements resulting from mediation. This enhances the value of mediation in the international commercial dispute resolution toolbox for US companies.
A first in Singapore’s history, Singapore Courts website has been developed to provide a consolidated gateway to information on the Judiciary of Singapore. The Supreme Court, the State Courts and the Family Justice Courts have came together in their efforts to enhance access to justice. The website https://www.judiciary.gov.sg is accessible from 19 November 2021.