Events & Speeches

Welcome Address delivered by Justice Chao Hick Tin at the Launch of the Asian Journal on Mediation

Friday, 18 November 2005 at the Supreme Court Building, Viewing Gallery

The Honourable Chief Justice, Senior Minister of State, Distinguished Guests, Ladies & Gentlemen, Good Evening.

Thank you very much for taking the time and trouble to attend this launch of the Asian Journal on Mediation.

We believe that Asia is a very important growth area for mediation. Asia has already more than 50% of the world's population. Together with the growth and development in Asia, both economic and social, this will mean that mediation will have a critical role in the management and resolution of commercial, social, environmental, community, and other differences; the potential for mediation in Asia is indeed great. Granted that mediation may not be the panacea for all the differences or disputes that may arise, it is certainly an excellent means of managing most of them. Much should therefore be done to introduce, promote and develop mediation. With this as the raison d'etre, we have published the Asian Journal on Mediation - the aim of which is to advance the practice and development of mediation and mediation techniques in Asia.

Mediation has been an integral part of dispute resolution in Singapore and the rest of Asia for probably centuries. This traditional form of conflict resolution finds itself in the diverse cultures across Asia. We have heard of the village headman and a clan leader discharging such a function. Over time, the practice of mediation has been replaced by a more legal approach, leading to litigation and arbitration. As the mediation movement established itself in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia, Asia also experienced a renaissance in the practice of mediation. In the beginning, many jurisdictions and organizations looked to western models of mediation to develop their skills and expertise. In recent years, however, there has been a shift away from using western models and instead there is an increased effort at incorporating Asian values and traditions into the practice of mediation in an Asian context.

This Journal aims to be a forum for practitioners of mediation in Asia to share their ideas, practices and techniques. Through the exchange of experiences and ideas, and the exploration of the different contexts in which mediation takes place, it is hoped that mediation practitioners in Asia will be provided with the opportunity to further develop and improve their skills. This should enhance the effectiveness of mediation.

We have decided to begin with a modest issue of the Asian Journal on Mediation. The inaugural issue has 2 articles and deals with 2 case-briefs. Looking ahead, we hope to have more articles in each issue. In this regard, we would welcome comments and articles from you, our supporters and friends.

Apart from the Journal, SMC has been busy doing what it can to promote mediation.

Since its launch in 1997, SMC has earned a modest reputation for being a provider of mediation services. To date, a total of 1,163 cases have been mediated at SMC. Of these cases, 75% have resulted in settlements. The estimated total quantum of disputes handled by SMC is in excess of S$1.19 billion.

Training is another important tool for the promotion of mediation. SMC offers training programmes in mediation and conflict resolution to both the public and private sectors, as well as to interested individuals.

To promote mediation to the leaders of tomorrow, SMC conducts courses in tertiary institutions such as the Singapore Management University, the National University of Singapore, and most recently, the Nanyang Technological University. SMC has also embarked on an Associate Mediator Scheme where individuals who are interested in mediation can continue to hone their skills. Our promotional efforts are not restricted to Singapore. Within our resources we have spread the word outside Singapore. We have done work within ASEAN and even further afield, including places such as Hong Kong and even Europe.

SMC has worked hard but really, SMC would not have been able to achieve all these without the strong support from you.

Before I conclude, I would like to say a special word of thanks to the people behind the publication of the Journal. In particular I should mention the editor, Ms Lim Lei Theng and associate editor, Assoc. Professor Joel Lee, for their hard work and dedication.

Once again, I thank you for giving your support to the Journal and SMC.

Thank you for believing in and supporting the promise that mediation holds – a better world where differences are resolved amicably.

Thank you.