SMC and Bhutan ADR Center Ink MOU to Strengthen Mediation Cooperation

28 Nov 2025

The Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC) is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Bhutan Alternative Dispute Resolution Center (BADRC). This landmark partnership aims to enhance the mediation landscape in the Kingdom of Bhutan by leveraging the combined expertise of both institutions.

The agreement was signed by Kevin Kwek, Chief Executive of SMC, and Tenzin Leewan, Chief Administrator of BADRC. This collaboration focuses on two primary pillars:

• Capacity Building: Strengthening the infrastructure and delivery of mediation services within Bhutan.

• Professional Development: Training and certifying a new generation of skilled mediation practitioners.

The collaboration is guided by Bhutan’s national philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), which emphasises values such as respect, compassion and wellbeing. This shared focus reflects the human-centred approach that underpins mediation and dispute resolution.

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Singapore Mediation Lecture & Appreciation Lunch 2025

30 Aug 2025

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.

4th National Conference on Construction Adjudication: 20 years of Adjudication in Singapore

30 May 2025

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.