Other Disputes
Nature of dispute
You are a healthcare institution and you face complaints from patients. Perhaps it is regarding dissatisfaction over patient care, quality of service provided or incorrect billings.
How we can help
Mediation
Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third-party, the mediator, facilitates the disputants’ negotiation process for a private and amicable settlement.
Healthcare Schemes
Public and private healthcare institutions can settle such disputes by applying for mediation under the Healthcare Mediation Scheme (for disputes above $10,000) or Small Case Healthcare Mediation Scheme (for disputes below $10,000). Both schemes are supported by MOH Holdings Pte Ltd (MOHH).
Fees
Parties pay the administrative and mediation fees below.
| HEALTHCARE MEDIATION SCHEME | ||
| Public healthcare institutions or voluntary welfare organisations | Private healthcare institutions
|
|
| Administrative fees (non-refundable) | $162 per party | $270 per party |
| Mediation fees | $324 per party per hour or part thereof after the second hour | $594 per hour or part thereof after the first hour |
| * The figures above are in Singapore dollars and inclusive of GST. | ||
| SMALL CASE HEALTHCARE MEDIATION SCHEME | |
| Administrative fees (non-refundable) | $70.20 per party |
| Mediation fees | First 3 hours of mediation are free. If the mediation exceeds 3 hours, each party is to pay $70.20 per hour or part thereof |
| * The figures above are in Singapore dollars and inclusive of GST. | |
For the terms and conditions as well as other information on the Healthcare Mediation Scheme or Small Case Healthcare Mediation Scheme, please contact MOHH at +65 9116 9364 or mediate@mohh.com.sg. Alternatively, please click here to visit their website.
Mediation Procedure
For cases that are not eligible under the MOHH mediation schemes, parties can mediate under SMC’s Mediation Procedure.
Fees
Parties pay the mediation fees below for the Mediation Procedure.
| MEDIATION PROCEDURE FEE (For disputes up to $60,000) |
||
| A non-refundable filing fee of $27.00 is to be borne by each party, applicable to all mediations administered by the Singapore Mediation Centre. |
||
| Sum in dispute | Mediation fees | Hourly rate |
| Up to $20,000 | $216.00 | $54.00 |
| Above $20,000 and up to $40,000 | $302.40 | $75.60 |
| Above $40,000 and up to $60,000 | $388.80 | $97.20 |
| * The figures above are in Singapore dollars and inclusive of GST.
** Each party will be charged a mediation fee for up to 4 hours of mediation. When the mediation extends beyond the 4 hours, each party will be charged at the applicable hourly rate as indicated above for each additional hour (or part thereof). |
||
| MEDIATION PROCEDURE FEE (For disputes above $60,000) |
|
| A non-refundable filing fee of $270.00 is to be borne by each party, applicable to all mediations administered by the Singapore Mediation Centre. | |
| Sum in dispute | Mediation fees |
| Above $60,000 and up to $100,000 | $972.00 per party per day |
| Above $100,000 and up to $250,000 | $1,296.00 per party per day |
| Above $250,000 and up to $500,000 | $2,970.00 per party per day |
| Above $500,000 and up to $1,000,000 | $3,510.00 per party per day |
| Above $1,000,000 and up to $2,500,000 | $4,590.00 per party per day |
| Above $2,500,000 and up to $5,000,000 | $5,670.00 per party per day |
| Above $5,000,000 and up to $10,000,000 | $6,966.00 per party per day |
| Above $10,000,000 and up to $20,000,000 | $8,370.00 per party per day |
| Above $20,000,000 and up to $50,000,000 | $9,990.00 per party per day |
| Above $50,000,000 | $12,150.00 per party per day |
| * The figures above are in Singapore dollars and inclusive of GST. | |
Please note that if parties choose their own mediator(s), the selected mediator(s) may charge his/her commercial rates and the above mediation fee will not be applicable.
For more information, please refer to the mediation procedures and fees on the Documents & Forms page:
Neutral evaluation
Alternatively, SMC also offers neutral evaluation where an unbiased third party hears your case either through written briefs and/or oral presentations.
SMC works with a distinguished panel of neutral evaluators comprising former Supreme Court judges, judicial commissioners and senior counsel with extensive experience and knowledge in deciding legal issues.
This adjudicatory process, where the neutral evaluator considers the merits of your case, such as technical evaluations or points of law, allows contending parties to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of their case.
Parties can choose whether to have a binding opinion or not and opt for a documents-only evaluation or an evaluation with hearing(s). Where parties choose to have a binding opinion, neutral evaluation allows parties to have a speedy and cost-effective ruling, avoiding hefty litigation or arbitration bills. The process is entirely private and confidential.
Fees
Parties will have to pay SMC’s administrative fee, which is dependent on the sum of the dispute set out below.
| SMC’S ADMINISTRATIVE FEE | |
| Sum in dispute | Mediation fees |
| Up to $500,000 | $756.00 |
| $500,001 to $1,000,000 | $1,080.00 |
| $1,000,001 to $5,000,000 | $1,620.00 |
| Above $5,000,000 | $2,160.00 |
| * The figures above are in Singapore dollars and inclusive of GST. | |
In addition, they will have to pay the neutral evaluator whose rate may range from $500 –$1,200 per hour depending on their experience. The cost of the neutral evaluation will depend on the total number of hours spent by the neutral evaluator, which in turn is dependent on the nature and complexity of the dispute.
Other optional expenses include charges for venue and refreshments.
For more information, please refer to the neutral evaluation rules and fees on the Documents & Forms page:
Nature of dispute
As a private education institution (PEI), you may be in a dispute with a student over issues relating to enrolment, course fees, the quality of courses and/or teachers, disciplinary issues or course administration.
How we can help
SMC offers a Mediation-Arbitration Scheme in conjunction with the Committee for Private Education (CPE) and the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators that provides PEIs with mediation and arbitration services for all disputes arising from contracts between themselves and their students.
The mediation process for the Scheme is governed by the CPE Mediation-Arbitration Scheme rules and subject to the Private Education Act (Cap 247A) and the Private Education (Dispute Resolution Schemes) Regulations 2016.
For student-initiated mediations that are referred by CPE, PEIs are bound by the Act to attend the mediation. However, if PEIs initiate the mediation through CPE, the student may opt not to attend.
Fees
Two tiers of mediation fees apply depending on the claim amounts.
CPE MEDIATION-ARBITRATION SCHEME |
||
| Fees paid by student | Fees paid by private education institutions | |
| Claims less than or equal to $30,000 | $155.52 | $622.08 |
| Claims above $30,000 up to $100,000 | $496.80 | $1,987.20 |
| * The figures above are in Singapore dollars and inclusive of GST. | ||
For claims exceeding $100,000 please refer to the Mediation Procedure below.
For more information, please refer to the CPE Mediation-Arbitration Scheme mediation rules and fees below:
- Committee for Private Education Mediation-Arbitration Scheme mediation rules
- Committee for Private Education Mediation-Arbitration Scheme fees
Mediation Procedure
For private education disputes where the claim amount exceeds $100,000, you can apply for the Mediation Procedure.
SMC will help parties to appoint a mediator and arrange a mediation venue.
Fees
Parties pay the mediation fees below for the Mediation Procedure.
| MEDIATION PROCEDURE FEE (For disputes above $60,000) |
|
| A non-refundable filing fee of $270.00 is to be borne by each party, applicable to all mediations administered by the Singapore Mediation Centre. | |
| Sum in dispute | Mediation fees |
| Above $60,000 and up to $100,000 | $972.00 per party per day |
| Above $100,000 and up to $250,000 | $1,296.00 per party per day |
| Above $250,000 and up to $500,000 | $2,970.00 per party per day |
| Above $500,000 and up to $1,000,000 | $3,510.00 per party per day |
| Above $1,000,000 and up to $2,500,000 | $4,590.00 per party per day |
| Above $2,500,000 and up to $5,000,000 | $5,670.00 per party per day |
| Above $5,000,000 and up to $10,000,000 | $6,966.00 per party per day |
| Above $10,000,000 and up to $20,000,000 | $8,370.00 per party per day |
| Above $20,000,000 and up to $50,000,000 | $9,990.00 per party per day |
| Above $50,000,000 | $12,150.00 per party per day |
| * The figures above are in Singapore dollars and inclusive of GST. | |
Please note that if parties choose their own mediator(s), the selected mediator(s) may charge his/her commercial rates and the above mediation fee will not be applicable.
For more information, please refer to the Mediation Procedure rules and fees on the Documents & Forms page:
Nature of dispute
In today’s world, intellectual property has become increasingly valuable. Disputes arising from intellectual property have therefore taken on more significance than physical property.
An example of an intellectual property dispute could involve someone copying your organisation’s work and selling it without prior approval. Or maybe a disgruntled employee has stolen trade secrets and sold them to a competitor. Perhaps you find yourself in hot water for manufacturing a patented product without first getting a licence. Or maybe a competitor has rebranded and come up with a new name and logo so similar to yours, it causes confusion for clients.
How we can help
Mediation
Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third-party, the mediator, facilitates the disputants’ negotiation process for a private and amicable settlement.
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) offers the Revised Enhanced Mediation Promotion Scheme (REMPS) to provide subsidies for the mediation of disputes arising from intellectual property claims. SMC is one of the mediation service providers under the Scheme.
Under REMPS, parties will be subsidised up to $10,000, or up to $14,000 if their dispute includes issues on foreign IP rights. Approval of the subsidies is at the sole discretion of IPOS. The Scheme is available until 31 March 2025 or until the fund of $180,000, which has been set aside in this Scheme, is drawn down.
Fees
Parties pay the mediation fees below for the IPOS Revised Enhanced Mediation Promotion Scheme.
|
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF SINGAPORE (NON-MONETARILY QUANTIFIABLE) |
||
| Sum in dispute | Mediation fee | Filing fee |
| Non-quantifiable | $2,970.00 per party per day | $270.00 per party |
|
* The figures above are in Singapore dollars and inclusive of GST. |
||
|
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF SINGAPORE (MONETARILY QUANTIFIABLE) |
||
| Sum in dispute | Mediation fee | Filing fee |
| Above $60,000 to $100,000 | $972.00 per party per day | $270.00 per party |
| Above $100,000 up to $250,000 | $1,296.00 per party per day | $270.00 per party |
| Above $250,000 up to $500,000 | $2,970.00 per party per day | $270.00 per party |
| Above $500,000 up to $1,000,000 | $3,510.00 per party per day | $270.00 per party |
| Above $1,000,000 up to $2,500,000 | $4,266.00 per party per day | $270.00 per party |
| Above $2,500,000 up to $5,000,000 | $4,644.00 per party per day | $270.00 per party |
| Above $5,000,000 | $5,130.00 per party per day | $270.00 per party |
|
* The figures above are in Singapore dollars and inclusive of GST. |
||
For more information on the fees, please refer to the IPOS Revised Enhanced Mediation Promotion Scheme fees on the Documents & Forms page:
For more information on the IPOS Revised Enhanced Mediation Promotion Scheme, please click here.
Mediation Procedure
For cases that are not eligible under the IPOS Revised Enhanced Mediation Promotion Scheme, parties can mediate under SMC’s Mediation Procedure.
| MEDIATION PROCEDURE FEE (For disputes up to $60,000) |
||
| A non-refundable filing fee of $27.00 is to be borne by each party, applicable to all mediations administered by the Singapore Mediation Centre. |
||
| Sum in dispute | Mediation fees | Hourly rate |
| Up to $20,000 | $216.00 | $54.00 |
| Above $20,000 and up to $40,000 | $302.40 | $75.60 |
| Above $40,000 and up to $60,000 | $388.80 | $97.20 |
| * The figures above are in Singapore dollars and inclusive of GST.
** Each party will be charged a mediation fee for up to 4 hours of mediation. When the mediation extends beyond the 4 hours, each party will be charged at the applicable hourly rate as indicated above for each additional hour (or part thereof). |
||
| MEDIATION PROCEDURE FEE (For disputes above $60,000) |
|
| A non-refundable filing fee of $270.00 is to be borne by each party, applicable to all mediations administered by the Singapore Mediation Centre. | |
| Sum in dispute | Mediation fees |
| Above $60,000 and up to $100,000 | $972.00 per party per day |
| Above $100,000 and up to $250,000 | $1,296.00 per party per day |
| Above $250,000 and up to $500,000 | $2,970.00 per party per day |
| Above $500,000 and up to $1,000,000 | $3,510.00 per party per day |
| Above $1,000,000 and up to $2,500,000 | $4,590.00 per party per day |
| Above $2,500,000 and up to $5,000,000 | $5,670.00 per party per day |
| Above $5,000,000 and up to $10,000,000 | $6,966.00 per party per day |
| Above $10,000,000 and up to $20,000,000 | $8,370.00 per party per day |
| Above $20,000,000 and up to $50,000,000 | $9,990.00 per party per day |
| Above $50,000,000 | $12,150.00 per party per day |
| * The figures above are in Singapore dollars and inclusive of GST. | |
Please note that if parties choose their own mediator(s), the selected mediator(s) may charge his/her commercial rates and the above mediation fee will not be applicable.
For more information, please refer to the mediation procedure and fees on the Documents & Forms page:
Neutral evaluation
Alternatively, SMC also offers neutral evaluation where an unbiased third party hears your case either through written briefs and/or oral presentations.
SMC works with a distinguished panel of neutral evaluators comprising former Supreme Court judges, judicial commissioners and senior counsel with extensive experience and knowledge in deciding legal issues.
This adjudicatory process, where the neutral evaluator considers the merits of your case, such as technical evaluations or points of law, allows contending parties to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of their case.
Parties can choose whether to have a binding opinion or not and opt for a documents-only evaluation or an evaluation with hearing(s). Where parties choose to have a binding opinion, neutral evaluation allows parties to have a speedy and cost-effective ruling, avoiding hefty litigation or arbitration bills. The process is entirely private and confidential.
Fees
Parties will have to pay SMC’s administrative fee, which is dependent on the sum of the dispute set out below.
| SMC’S ADMINISTRATIVE FEE | |
| Sum in dispute | Mediation fees |
| Up to $500,000 | $756.00 |
| $500,001 to $1,000,000 | $1,080.00 |
| $1,000,001 to $5,000,000 | $1,620.00 |
| Above $5,000,000 | $2,160.00 |
| * The figures above are in Singapore dollars and inclusive of GST. | |
In addition, they will have to pay the neutral evaluator whose rate may range from $500 – $1,200 per hour depending on his/her experience. The cost of the neutral evaluation will depend on the total number of hours spent by the neutral evaluator, which in turn is dependent on the nature and complexity of the dispute.
Other optional expenses include charges for venue and refreshments.
For more information, please refer to the neutral evaluation rules and fees on the Documents & Forms page:
Nature of dispute
Disputes arising from commercial leases can involve alleged breaches of lease agreements, possible termination of leases and rental increases. Often times, clauses may be difficult to understand, leading to disagreements or misunderstandings.
How we can help
On 26 June 2020, key representatives from Singapore’s landlord and tenant communities, together with industry experts, formed the Fair Tenancy Pro Tem Committee in a bid to strengthen collaboration and increase the vibrancy and competitiveness of Singapore’s retail, food & beverage (F&B) and lifestyle sectors. The result is an industry-led Code of Conduct for Leasing of Retail Premises in Singapore (“Code”) based on the principles of transparency, reciprocity and sustainability.
On 3 May 2021, the Fair Tenancy Industry Committee (FTIC) was set up to be the custodian of the Code and ensure that it provides guidance to landlords and tenants of qualifying retail premises so that fair and balanced lease negotiations can be achieved. It is represented by both landlords and tenants, as well neutral parties to offer a holistic approach when addressing matters related to retail lease agreements.
The FTIC has partnered with SMC to ensure that there will be timely resolution of dispute over matters covered under the Code at a reasonable cost. In the event of any disputes after the lease agreement is signed, either party may escalate the matter to SMC. After the matter has been escalated, both parties must approach SMC to resolve the dispute or disagreement. This includes matters such as failure to file joint declaration of deviations within 14 days of signing of lease agreement, non-filing of joint declaration of deviations, non-compliance to the Code of Conduct or any other tenancy disputes. The average waiting time is up to two weeks for SMC to facilitate the discussion between the landlord and tenant.
FTIC seeks to:
- Equip the industry with the knowledge of the Code that serves as a mandatory guide to fair retail tenancy negotiation.
- Ensure that the Code is kept up to date with the latest market practices, guided by the principles of transparency, fairness, reciprocity and sustainability, and
- Monitor the performance of the Code and submit recommendations to the Government to enhance the regulatory framework.
Source: https://ftic.org.sg/
Fees
The Mediation Fee payable to SMC for cases lodged under the Supplementary Rules for Disputes under the Code of Conduct for Leasing of Retail Premises in Singapore is as follows.
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Mediation Fees |
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| Each party shall be required to pay a non-refundable Filing Fee of $162.00 (inclusive of GST) *Each party will be charged a Mediation Fee for up to 4 hours of mediation. Where the mediation extends beyond 4 hours, each party will be charged at the applicable hourly rate. |
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| Monthly Rental | Mediation fee payable per party (inclusive of GST) for 4 hours* | |
| Up to $5,000 | $108.00 | |
| Above $5,000 up to $30,000 | $216.00 | |
| Above $30,000 up to $60,000 *This category applies to new Gross Turnover Rent (GTO) without historical monthly rental rate | $324.00* | |
| Each party shall be required to pay a non-refundable Filing Fee of $270.00 (inclusive of GST) *Fees apply for full day mediation from 9.30am to 6pm |
||
| Above $60,000 | Part 3 of the Fee Schedule of the prevailing Mediation Procedure Rules shall apply. | |
For more information, please refer to the Fair Tenancy Industry Committee rules and fees on the Documents & Forms page:
Nature of dispute
Estate agencies facing contractual or other issues with clients may look to the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) for assistance. Disputes may relate to alleged breaches of the Estate Agents Act, Code of Ethics and/or professional client care.
How we can help
SMC is a prescribed dispute resolution centre for the CEA Mediation Sub-scheme.
Through this Sub-scheme, CEA provides mediation for disputes between estate agencies or their agents and their clients as follows:
- For disputes which arise from estate agency agreements signed by a licensed estate agent and their client on or after 1 January 2011;
- In the form prescribed under the Estate Agents (Estate Agency Work) Regulations 2010 for the sale, purchase or lease of residential property in Singapore whether on:
a) a non-exclusive basis; or
b) an exclusive basis.
The mediation process is governed by the CEA mediation rules, the Estate Agents Act (Cap 95A) and the Estate Agents (Dispute Resolution Schemes) Regulations 2011.
All parties are to give their consent before the mediation can take place. If a client initiates the mediation, the estate agent/agency endorses its consent as per the CEA mediation rules. If the estate agent/agency initiates the mediation, it is the responsibility of the estate agent/agency to obtain the client’s signature on the form which signifies the client’s agreement for mediation.
Fees
The mediation fee below is pegged to the quantum of the claim. It starts from $324.00 (inclusive of GST) per party.
|
COUNCIL FOR ESTATE AGENCIES MEDIATION SUB-SCHEME |
||
| Quantum of Claim | Fee for Client | Fee for licensed estate agent |
| Up to $30,000 | $324.00 | $324.00 |
| Above $30,000 and up to $100,000 | $1,242.00 | $1,242.00 |
| Above $100,000 | SMC’s prevailing fees schedule under the SMC’s Procedure Rules shall apply. | |
| * The figures above are in Singapore dollars and inclusive of GST. | ||
For more information, please refer to the Council for Estate Agencies mediation rules and fees on the Documents & Forms page:
Nature of dispute
Most types of civil disputes can be mediated. Apart from matters that are criminal in nature or that have a public policy interest, there are no restrictions to the type of conflicts that can be mediated at SMC nor any upper limit on the quantum in dispute.
SMC can help you with any disputes. We provide the services for Mediation Procedure, as well as Neutral Evaluation for those whose disputes do not fall into any categories listed on Our Services.
How we can help
Mediation
Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third-party, the mediator, facilitates the disputants’ negotiation process for a private and amicable settlement.
For such disputes, parties can mediate under SMC’s Mediation Procedure.
Fees
Parties pay the mediation fees below for the Mediation Procedure.
| MEDIATION PROCEDURE FEE (For disputes up to $60,000) |
||
| A non-refundable filing fee of $27.00 is to be borne by each party, applicable to all mediations administered by the Singapore Mediation Centre. |
||
| Sum in dispute | Mediation fees | Hourly rate |
| Up to $20,000 | $216.00 | $54.00 |
| Above $20,000 and up to $40,000 | $302.40 | $75.60 |
| Above $40,000 and up to $60,000 | $388.80 | $97.20 |
| * The figures above are in Singapore dollars and inclusive of GST.
** Each party will be charged a mediation fee for up to 4 hours of mediation. When the mediation extends beyond the 4 hours, each party will be charged at the applicable hourly rate as indicated above for each additional hour (or part thereof). |
||
| MEDIATION PROCEDURE FEE (For disputes above $60,000) |
|
| A non-refundable filing fee of $270..00 is to be borne by each party, applicable to all mediations administered by the Singapore Mediation Centre. | |
| Sum in dispute | Mediation fees |
| Above $60,000 and up to $100,000 | $972.00 per party per day |
| Above $100,000 and up to $250,000 | $1,296.00 per party per day |
| Above $250,000 and up to $500,000 | $2,970.00 per party per day |
| Above $500,000 and up to $1,000,000 | $3,510.00 per party per day |
| Above $1,000,000 and up to $2,500,000 | $4,590.00 per party per day |
| Above $2,500,000 and up to $5,000,000 | $5,670.00 per party per day |
| Above $5,000,000 and up to $10,000,000 | $6,966.00 per party per day |
| Above $10,000,000 and up to $20,000,000 | $8,370.00 per party per day |
| Above $20,000,000 and up to $50,000,000 | $9,990.00 per party per day |
| Above $50,000,000 | $12,150.00 per party per day |
| * The figures above are in Singapore dollars and inclusive of GST. | |
Please note that if parties choose their own mediator(s), the selected mediator(s) may charge his/her commercial rates and the above mediation fee will not be applicable.
For more information, please refer to the mediation procedures and fees on the Documents & Forms page:
Neutral evaluation
Alternatively, SMC also offers neutral evaluation where an unbiased third party hears your case either through written briefs and/or oral presentations.
SMC works with a distinguished panel of neutral evaluators comprising former Supreme Court judges, judicial commissioners and senior counsel with extensive experience and knowledge in deciding legal issues.
This adjudicatory process, where the neutral evaluator considers the merits of your case such as technical evaluations or points of law, allows contending parties to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of their case.
Parties can choose whether to have a binding opinion or not and opt for a documents-only evaluation or an evaluation with hearing(s). Where parties choose to have a binding opinion, neutral evaluation allows parties to have a speedy and cost-effective ruling, avoiding hefty litigation or arbitration bills. The process is entirely private and confidential.
Fees
Parties will have to pay SMC’s administrative fee, which is dependent on the sum of the dispute set out below.
| SMC’S ADMINISTRATIVE FEE | |
| Sum in dispute | Mediation fees |
| Up to $500,000 | $756.00 |
| $500,001 to $1,000,000 | $1,080.00 |
| $1,000,001 to $5,000,000 | $1,620.00 |
| Above $5,000,000 | $2,160.00 |
| * The figures above are in Singapore dollars and inclusive of GST. | |
In addition, they will have to pay the neutral evaluator whose rate may range from $500 – $1,200 per hour depending on their experience. The cost of the neutral evaluation will depend on the total number of hours spent by the neutral evaluator, which in turn is dependent on the nature and complexity of the dispute.
Other optional expenses include charges for venue and refreshments.
For more information, please refer to the neutral evaluation rules and fees on the Documents & Forms page: