Alternative Dispute Resolution Hubs Must Evolve to Stay Relevant

This will ensure businesses have certainty amid a volatile world, says Murali Pillai

- Zaihan Mohamed Yusof

Hubs for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) must evolve to deliver certainty and the rule of law for businesses amid the volatile global landscape.

In a speech on May 22 to about 200 delegates at the Alternative Dispute Resolution Conference, Minister of State for Law and Transport Murali Pillai said Singapore aims to navigate the complex and dynamic global environment in three ways — upholding the rule of law, innovation and creating partnerships.

On the rule of law, Mr Murali said Singapore is a strong proponent of multilateralism, noting that the Republic had signed and ratified a number of key international conventions, including the New York Convention, the Hague Choice of Court Convention and the Singapore Convention on Mediation.

He said these instruments enhance the enforceability of arbitral awards, court judgments and mediated settlement agreements across borders.

Mr Murali highlighted the most recent addition — the Singapore Convention on Mediation, which currently has 18 parties and 57 signatories, including many countries from Asean and Asia.

"We hope that more countries will sign and ratify the convention, allowing mediation to become a truly effective and trusted means for resolving cross-border disputes — complementing arbitration as a key pillar of international dispute resolution," he said.

Speaking at the conference, held at the Pan Pacific Singapore and jointly organised by the Law Society of Singapore and LawAsia (The Law Association for Asia and the Pacific), Mr Murali said that Singapore must consistently innovate, improve and create better ways to meet global needs.