Events

CIArb – IPOS IP & Tech Dispute Resolution Conference

by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Singapore) and the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS)

Claim SILE CPD 6.5 points 

Join us for an insightful conference on cutting-edge topics in IP & Technology Dispute Resolution. The conference will be held during Singapore Convention Week 2024. Following the keynote addresses to be given by Justice Aedit Abdullah and Lord Justice Colin Birss, our distinguished panelists will explore key issues, including:

1. The advent of IP Arbitration – why and how IP Arbitration has gained a foothold in the domestic and the international landscape, and a look at past and upcoming trends.
2. The benefits of IP Mediation in preserving and enhancing parties’ relationships while providing speedy settlements compared to other forms of dispute resolution.
3. Understanding the challenges at the intersection of antitrust, IP, and contract law in FRAND (Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory) licensing and Standard Essential Patents (SEPs).
4. Issues around technology generally impacting AI and IP.
5. The issues regarding the valuation of IP in the context of disputes.

Register NOW!

Click [HERE] for conference details!

Acta Non Verba: Justice and Cultural Sensibility in Global Dispute Resolution

by ICC Dispute Resolution Services, ICC Singapore Arbitration Group, and Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Singapore)

ABC of Sports Arbitration – from anti-doping to CAS

by The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Singapore)

Navigating Enforcement Risks in Investor-State Arbitration

by The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Singapore) & The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators London Branch 

Ciarb Singapore Branch recently held a seminar featuring Mr Gourab Banerji SA, offering insights into pivotal developments in Indian arbitration in 2023.

Mr Banerji SA spoke about the Supreme Court decision where a seven-judge constitutional bench overruled the findings of an earlier five-judge bench on the validity of unstamped arbitration agreements and the implications of the Group of Companies Doctrine. Additionally, institutional advancements such as the establishment of the India International Arbitration Centre and the formation of an expert committee for arbitration law amendments were discussed.

The event was attended by over 550 participants both physically and virtually. The event concluded with a networking drinks reception, graciously hosted by TSMP Law.

For photos of the event, please click [here]
For recording of the event, please click [here]

In their second collab, Ciarb Singapore Branch and ILA Singapore branch co-hosted a sold out event on selecting the decision-makers in international law.

With some 900 attendees tuning in online and in-person, the eminent panel of Rodman Bundy, Derek Loh and Penny Martin, with Charis Tan as moderator, brought insights on the processes and practice of States, counsel and parties.

With thanks to Three Crowns for hosting us elegantly!

Looking forward to more collabs to come, ILA Singapore branch.

For photos of the event, please click [here]
For recording of the event, please click [here] 

The Ciarb Singapore Branch recently organised an event on the topic, “An Expert Witness’s Perspective”, which witnessed the active participation of over 50 attendees, both in-person and virtually.
 
Our distinguished speaker Derek Nelson, together with Chaitanya Arora, the commentator, and Chuan Thye Tan, the moderator, provided invaluable insights into the world of expert witnesses in courts and tribunals. They delved into the critical role experts play and addressed the often-voiced criticism of their work. Derek’s thought-provoking presentation raised questions about the responsibilities of instructing lawyers in ensuring the integrity of expert testimony.
 
We extend our gratitude to Derek Nelson, Chaitanya Arora, and Chuan Thye Tan for their contributions, making this event a success. We appreciate the active participation of our attendees and look forward to future engaging events.

For photos of the event, please click [here]
For recording of the event, please click [here]

The Ciarb Singapore Branch, together with Singapore International Dispute Resolution Academy (SIDRA) and Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC), recently organised a panel discussion on the topic “Facilitative and Evaluative Models of Mediation: Is the Distinction Still Meaningful, or Simply Arcane Semantics? Is it Time to Bring Evaluative Mediation out of the Shadows?” that drew the participation of over 900 participants, both in-person and virtually.
 
We were delighted to have John Bassie, President of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), and Sapna Jhangiani KC, Chair of Ciarb Singapore Branch start us off with an opening address.
 
Our stellar panel of experts: Eunice Chua (moderator), Nadja A., Wee Meng Chuan, Andrew Miller KC and Ting-kwok (TK) Iu, MH, all shared their in-depth experience and candid views on the traditional “facilitative” and “evaluative” divide in mediation, with fantastic participation from both our in-person and virtual audience.
 
The following issues were also addressed during the session:
– What are the differences between these models of mediation?
– Is one model of mediation more effective than another?
– Can the models learn from one another?
– Should we still bother with this distinction today?
 
We would like to thank Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI) for their support and we hope that the event was both enjoyable and enlightening for all participants, and we look forward to welcoming you to our next event.

For photos of the event, please click [here]
For recording of the event, please click [here]

The CIArb (Singapore) Branch recently co-organised a joint webinar with CIArb London Branch on the topic “The UK’s intention to ratify and sign the Singapore Convention on Mediation – an inevitable reality but what difference does it make?” that drew the participation of over 600 participants virtually. Our distinguished speakers, Robert Rhodes KC, Michel Kallipetis KC, Eunice Chua and Shobana Iyer, as the session moderator, provided an brief overview of the Singapore Convention; what it means for States that have ratified it; and, critically, what the significance is of the UK’s commitment to sign and ratify the Convention. The audience actively engaged in the discussion, resulting in a vibrant and insightful exchange of ideas and opinions.

We hope that the event was both enjoyable and enlightening for all participants, and we look forward to welcoming you to our next event.

For photos of the event, please click [here]
For recording of the event, please click [here]

The CIArb Singapore Branch recently organized a panel discussion on the topic “Technical Arbitrators – Do we need them?” that drew the participation of over 350 participants, both in-person and virtually. The event featured an impressive panel of legal and technical experts, including Yvonne Foo, Ellen Ruhotas, Johnny Tan, JP BBM PBM, Michael Tonkin and Maximilian D. Benz as the session Moderator, who provided an engaging and thought-provoking discussion on the world of technical arbitrators. The audience actively engaged in the discussion, resulting in a vibrant and insightful exchange of ideas and opinions.
 
We hope that the event was both enjoyable and enlightening for all participants, and we look forward to welcoming you to our next event.

For photos of the event, please click [here]

The CIArb (Singapore) Branch co-organized with ICC International Court of Arbitration (ICC Court) an intimate and thought-provoking forum titled Fireside Chat with ADR Trailblazers – The ICC Court and the CIArb Presidents. The forum featured Claudia Salomon and John Bassie covering their thoughts on the institutions they helm, as well as the state of ADR and how ADR stakeholders can use all the tools in the ADR practitioner’s toolbox for dispute resolution that is suitable to cater to different parties’ objectives. Sapna Jhangiani KC, Chair of CIArb Singapore, and Tan Chuan Thye SC, Vice Chair of CIArb Singapore, who were the session Moderators, also shared their wealth of knowledge and candid opinions on the subject matter. The audience actively engaged in the discussion, resulting in a vibrant and insightful exchange of ideas and opinions.

For recording of the event, please click [here]

On 11 May 2023, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Singapore organized an event titled “Guerrilla Warfare in International Arbitration: The Current State of Play.” The event was held both in-person and virtually and brought together a panel of experts to discuss and revisit the concept of guerrilla tactics in international arbitration.

The keynote speaker for the event was Dr Michael Hwang SC, who coined the term “guerrilla tactics” in international arbitration in his seminal article in 2005. Almost two decades later, Dr Hwang shared his current thoughts on the subject and engaged in a discussion with the panel of experts including Dr Navin G. Ahuja, Alastair Henderson, and Sarah Grimmer as the moderator.

The event started with the opening remarks by CIArb (Singapore) Chair, Ms. Sapna Jhangiani KC. She introduced the topic of guerrilla tactics and highlighted its significance in international arbitration. Dr Michael Hwang SC then took the stage and provided an overview of his seminal article from 2005 and revisited the definition of guerrilla tactics. He also discussed his observations on how the concept has evolved over the years.

Following Dr Hwang’s keynote address, the panel discussion began, moderated by Sarah Grimmer. The panelists covered several topics related to guerrilla tactics, including their impact on the arbitral process, coping with and disciplining guerrillas, and the methods to prevent their deployment.

The discussion was engaging, and the panelists shared their experiences and insights on the subject. The event was attended by 86 participants, including legal practitioners and arbitrators, and it provided an excellent platform for participants to learn and engage in a meaningful discussion on an important subject in international arbitration.

We express our heartfelt appreciation to Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, the sponsor of our event, whose exceptional support was crucial in achieving the resounding success of the event.

For photos of the event, please click [here]

Exciting news! The CIArb Singapore Branch held a fantastic panel discussion on the topic “Are witness statements worth the paper they’re written on?” with a turnout of over 140 participants, both in-person and virtually. The panel was composed of notable experts, including Toby Landau KC, Anneliese Day KC, Sapna Jhangiani KC, and Timothy Cooke as the Moderator, who offered candid opinions and shared their wealth of knowledge on the subject. The audience actively engaged in the discussion, leading to a vibrant and insightful exchange of ideas and opinions. We hope everyone enjoyed and gained valuable insights from this event and look forward to welcoming you to our upcoming event on May 11.

We would also like to thank our event sponsors, FTI Consulting and Reed Smith LLP who contributed immensely to the success of the event.

For photos of the event, please click [here]

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Singapore Branch held the hybrid seminar “Emerging Trends and Innovations in Dispute Resolution”, jointly organised by the CIArb (Singapore Branch) and American Arbitration Association – International Centre for Dispute Resolution Asia Case Management Centre.

Our panel of experts Michael Peer (Control Risks), Jennifer Lim (Sidley Austin LLP), and Michael Lee (AAA-ICDR) provided valuable insights and expertise on the latest trends and innovative approaches in dispute resolution.

For photos of the event, please click [here]
For recording of the event, please click [here]

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Singapore Branch held the in-person seminar “The Mediation of Investor-State Disputes – What Does the Future Hold?”, jointly organised by the CIArb (Singapore Branch), the NUS Centre for International Law and International Law Association Singapore.

The event kickstarted with a hearty welcome speech by our Partner Matthew Koh, followed by a lively conversation between Regional Head of our Dispute Resolution Group Francis Xavier SC and Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler, Partner at Lévy Kaufmann-Kohler. The presentation sparked thought-provoking discussions with practitioners from various areas of legal practice exchanging experiences and ideas around the topic.

For photos of the event, please click [here]

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Singapore Branch held the in-person seminar “Hot-tubbing of Expert Witnesses: Can the baby be saved from the bathwater?”, jointly organized by Hogan Lovells, Fountain Court and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Singapore Branch), with the opening remarks delivered by Sapna Jhangiani KC.

Featuring the highly-esteemed Stephen Moriarty KC, Amanda Lees and Delphine Ho, and moderated by Kent Phillips, the panel discussion served as a fantastic catalyst for lively (and at times humorous) debate and thought-provoking questions from the over 40 clients and industry peers who attended the event.

It was truly satisfying to see everyone so engaged, and the atmosphere maintained its high through to the post-seminar networking reception where there were opportunity to connect with both old friends and new. 

Huge thanks to everyone in attendance, and to our event partners who contributed immensely to the success of the event.

For photos of the event, please click [here]

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Singapore Branch held a panel discussion with over 200 registered to attend in-person and virtually. Our stellar panel of experts: Christopher Boog (moderator), Ban Jiun Ean, Cheng Tai-Heng, Mariel Dimsey, and Lucy Greenwood, explored a variety of practical steps that can be taken, from committing to the principles of the Green Pledge through firm action; to giving up hardcopy files in favour of electronic bundles; to setting off carbon emissions, with an in-depth look at the technical tools available to support the transition.

For photos of the event, please click [here]

CIArb Singapore Branch hosted a full-day training course designed to help men and women see the role played by biases and explore ways to address and overcome bias in order to make a difference to Diversity. The course is conducted by experienced trainers namely, Louise Barrington and Mary Thomson from ArbitralWomen.

The participants engaged in a day of mini-lectures, participatory exercises and guided workshops in order to: examine the value that diversity brings to international dispute resolution; see and understand bias-personally and in the workplace; explore what can be done to respond to bias and progress toward diversity and inclusiveness; and come away with practical tips and ways to promote diversity. The goal is for each person to leave the workshop with a personal diversity plan – a goal that is achievable in that person’s circumstances by a series of actions leading to behavioural change.

CIArb Singapore Branch hosted its annual Members’ Night at the Tower Club featuring the exclusive Singapore launch of “So, Now You Are an Arbitrator – The Arbitrator’s Toolkit“ by internationally renowned arbitrators Neil Kaplan CBE KC SBS and Chiann Bao, both of whom are CIArb Fellows and Chartered Arbitrators.

We are extremely privileged that our Branch Patron, The Honourable Justice Quentin Loh, Judge of the Appellate Division and President of the Singapore International Commercial Court, joined us on this lovely evening.

The CIArb Singapore Members’ Night is our way of showing appreciation to our members, as well as giving them an opportunity to meet and network with each other in relaxed, convivial surroundings.

The book is available for purchase by members on the evening at a special discount (courtesy of publishers Wolters Kluwer).

CIArb Singapore Branch hosted an in-person hub of Mediation Symposium at WongPartnership LLP with limited live web cast and a video on demand for virtual attendees, with Michael Peer (Partner, Control Risks) being the emcee for the event.

The first session was a Fireside Chat focusing on the future of mediation both in Singapore and internationally. The session was joined by leading international mediators, namely Professor Joel Lee (Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore) and Geoff Sharp (Commercial Mediator, Maxwell Mediators), which was moderated by Eunice Chua (CEO of Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre) and Sapna Jhangiani KC (CIArb Singapore Branch Chair)

The event then followed up with a panel discussion focusing on the contributions and discussion on what workability and sustainability mean at all levels and what practitioners can learn from each other. The experienced panellists were namely Josephine Choo (WongPartnership), Francis Goh (Harry Elias Partnership), Antony Lee (HSBC), and Ye-Min Wu (Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue), which was moderated by Aloysius Goh (Sage Mediation).

Jointly organised by Singapore International Arbitration Centre and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), the SIAC-CIArb Debate was held on Thursday, 15 September 2022 at Maxwell Chambers.
 
Since 2016, this event has been a yearly event where debaters lock horns on some of the thorniest issues in arbitration. This year, the debaters took on the motion of “This House believes that parties should not be allowed to appoint their own experts and tribunal appointed experts are the way to go” and pressed their case before the audience both on-site and online.
 
The night was capped off with food and drinks from ‘The House’. We would like to thank all debaters, sponsors, and attendees of the SIAC-CIArb Debate 2022 and we look forward to your support for the upcoming debate in 2023!

For photos of the event, please click [here]
For recordings of the event, please click [here]

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Singapore Branch held a panel discussion with over 700 registered to attend in-person and virtually. Our stellar panel of experts: Kevin Kwek (moderator), Wee Meng Chuan, Ruth Stackpool-Moore, Benjamin Hughes, Hazel Tang, and Kevin Nash, all shared their in-depth experience and candid views on the topic “Arbitration and Mediation: Never the Twain shall meet?”, with fantastic participation from both our in-person and virtual audience.

For photos of the event, please click [here]

The Young Members Group (YMG) held an instalment of its YMG Supper Club series for CIArb members under 45. It provided an opportunity for young members to speak and interact with leading arbitration figures in an intimate setting over dinner and wine with a special guest, Judith Gill QC.

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Singapore and the ICC International Court of Arbitration (ICC Court) held the virtual event titled Fireside Chat with ADR Trailblazers – The ICC Court and the CIArb Presidents. The Fireside Chat provided the audience with an intimate and thought-provoking forum to listen to and engaged with Claudia Salomon and Jane Gunn on their thoughts on the institutions they helm, as well as the state of ADR and how ADR stakeholders can use all the tools in the ADR practitioner’s toolbox for dispute resolution that is suitable to cater to different parties’ objectives.

The Fireside Chat were moderated by Paul Sandosham, Immediate Past Chair of CIArb Singapore, and Sapna Jhangiani QC, Chair of CIArb Singapore.

For photos of the event, please click [here]

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Singapore Branch held a seminar on Res Judicata, Issue Estoppel and the Public Policy Exemption supported by Singapore International Dispute Resolution Academy (SIDRA) on Monday 23 May 2022 at the SMU Yong Pung How School of Law. After welcome remarks from Branch Chair Sapna Jhangiani QC, guests enjoyed an engaging panel discussion on res judicata and issue estoppel with experts Mark Dempsey SC, KC Lye and Stuart Isaacs QC, each reflecting on the approach in their jurisdiction, with Rachel Tan from the Singapore International Dispute Resolution Academy serving as moderator. We would like to thank all our guests who participated in the event and we look forward to seeing you at our next event.

For photos of the event, please click [here]

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Singapore Branch was proud to hold its inaugural thought leadership event on Thursday 28 April 2022 at the Conrad Centennial Hotel. The highlight of the event was a keynote address by the Honourable Minister Indranee Rajah SC, who shared Singapore’s perspective on climate change and sustainability. The address was followed by an engaging panel discussion with leaders and experts in the renewables space, Nitin Apte from Vena Energy, Luca Tonello from SMBC, Shamila Neelakandan and Kevin Slater from HKA, moderated by our branch Chair, Paul Sandosham. We would like to thank all our guests, those attending in person as well as virtually, and we look forward to seeing you at our next event.
 
To read Minister Indranee Rajah SC’s speech, please click [here]

To watch Singapore Green Plan 2030: City of Green Possibilities that was broadcast during the event, please click [here]

For photos of the event, please click [here]

Agenda
Join two leading arbitrators, Christopher Moger QC and Steven Lim for part two of a discussion around some of the more difficult questions that arbitrators have to face including:

Conduct of the proceedings
• To what extent should arbitrators raise possible questions of conflicts of law – for example whether there is, or might be, a difference between the law of the seat and the proper law of the contract in relation to the rules of evidence or the power to grant a remedy or the principles affecting the grant of a remedy – if the parties do not refer to them? If so, when and how?
• To what extent, if at all, is it appropriate for the Tribunal to propose preliminary issues, or bifurcated proceedings when the parties have not raised the suggestion?
• To what extent is it open to a Tribunal to override the parties’ agreed procedures on the grounds of efficiency, cost effectiveness, or fairness to a weaker party?

Conduct of the hearing
• Is hot-tubbing (aka witness conferencing) for expert witnesses a good idea always, sometimes, or never? Why? If it is a good idea how should it be conducted? What does it require of the arbitrator and of the parties? Should it ever be applied to witnesses of fact? If so, in what circumstances?
• To what extent should the arbitrator intervene to focus the arguments/cross examination of counsel at the hearing onto points that appear important to the Tribunal?
• What is the arbitrator’s proper response when neither party relies on an obviously important provision in the contract which appears to the arbitrator potentially to affect the outcome of the dispute?
• Would the answer be different if the point occurred to a party appointed arbitrator and was obviously [a] helpful or [b] unhelpful to his/her appointing party?
• What if it occurred to the arbitrator [a] at the outset of the arbitration or [b] only at the hearing and it related to the jurisdiction of the arbitrator?
• What are the respective pros and cons of oral and written closings or a mixture of both?

The Award
• As cases get more complex, what practical steps can be taken to ensure that the Tribunal does not overlook essential issues in the Award or decide on points not addressed by the parties?

Date: Thursday, 23 February 2022
Time: 5.00pm to 6.30pm (Registration starts at 4.45pm)
Venue: In Person in CBD Location To Be Advised upon Registration

For more details and registration, please click [here]

Agenda
– Why LinkedIn is the place for Executives
– Being Visible, Connected and Influential on the platform
– Profile tips and tricks

Date: Thursday, 17 February 2022
Time: 12.00pm to 1.00pm
Venue: [Virtual]

The session was recorded and can be viewed [here].

About The Event
Getting that first appointment is a big challenge for any arbitrator, let alone a young arbitrator. Getting the second appointment? That is an even bigger challenge. CIArb Young Members Group is pleased to present the second installment of our young arbitrator networking forum series where you will find out how to survive the long winter. Come join us for an in-person townhall event with Chiann Bao (Arbitrator, Arbitration Chambers), Kevin Nash (Registrar, SIAC), Foo Yuet Min (Director, Drew & Napier), Kate Apostolova (Senior Associate, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer) & Alessa Pang (Partner, Rajah & Tann) and other experienced arbitrators who will share their valuable tips and insights about starting out as an arbitrator and building a sustainable career as a young arbitrator.

Drinks will be served at the event.

Date: Monday, 29 November 2021
Time: 5.30pm to 7.00pm (Registration starts at 5.00pm)
Venue: Found8 @ Tanjong Pagar
79 Anson Rd, #23-01, Singapore 079906

For more details and registration, please click [here]

About The Event
On 11 November, CIArb Singapore Branch held its “Spotlight on Arbitration Advocacy” event at Raffles Hotel, coinciding with the launch of the Branch’s publication: “A View from the other Side: Advocacy Tips from Leading Arbitrators of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators”. The publication is a compendium of bite-sized tips on advocacy in international arbitration from esteemed arbitrators around the world belonging to the Institute. Our guest-of-honour at the event was The Honourable Justice Quentin Loh, the Patron of the Singapore Branch, who had kindly contributed the foreword for the publication.

We are delighted that 90 guests were able to join us at the event, including friends and representatives from professional bodies and institutions including the ICC, SCL, SCMA, SIArb and SIAC.

The event was welcomed by ‘MC’ Roger Milburn of LCM, who politely introduced the schedule for the night and reminded guests of the safety procedures – a very important topic for one of the first in-person events hosted by the Branch in Singapore in almost two years.

Roger’s introduction was followed by welcome speeches from Paul Sandosham, Chair of the Singapore CIArb Branch and Sapna Jhangiani QC, Vice Chair of the Branch. Both provided thanks to the 50 contributors of the book, the editorial staff and the CIArb organising committee for the event. The audience were then treated to a showreel video comprising clips from several of the book’s contributors based all around the world. The guests also took the opportunity to honour the late Vinayak Pradhan who had contributed to the publication. Vinayak was a friend and colleague to many in the arbitration community and served as global president of CIArb in 2013.

Justice Quentin Loh provided some remarks on the book, and presided over the cake cutting ceremony, which was followed by a wonderful three-course dinner accompanied by champagne and fine wine.

The final segment of the evening was a panel discussion with four giants of the arbitration world: The Honourable Justice Philip Jeyaretnam (who had contributed to the book when a Senior Counsel in private practice); Dr Michael Hwang SC, Chan Leng Sun SC and Chiann Bao, moderated by Branch Vice Chair, Sapna Jhangiani QC. The panelists discussed tips contained in the book – including their own – and provided their views on dos and don’ts for arbitration advocacy. The event was a highlight of the arbitration calendar in Singapore.

For photos of the event, please click [here]

You may find a copy of the book [here]

For video of the CIArb Arbitration Advocacy book, please click [here]

About The Event
After a hiatus in 2020, our flagship event, the Annual SIAC-CIArb debate was held virtually on Tuesday 13 July 2021. Nigel Blackaby QC with our fellow director Mahesh Rai (proposition) up were against Tai Heng Chen and Elaine Wong (opposition), debating the motion “This House believes that Arbitral Institutions must impose a limit on the number of Repeat Appointments from the Same Party.” More than 200 participants attended the event virtually. CIArb Singapore was well represented at the debate. In addition to Mahesh Rai, our vice-chair Sapna Jhangiani QC was a judge (together with Dana McGrath and Christopher Lau SC) and the debate was moderated by our chair, Paul Sandosham. We are delighted that Mahesh was chosen by the attendees as the best debater, with the proposition winning the debate based on the votes of the attendees.

For photos of the event, please click [here]

About The Event
A Webinar Co-organised by Singapore, Malaysia, East Asia, Thailand and Sri Lanka Branches

How do we ensure that the behavioural changes forced by Covid-19 result in greener, more sustainable arbitration in the future?

Join us as we talk to Lucy Greenwood and Kiran Sanghera from the Campaign for Greener Arbitrations in this webinar. Some of the topics we will cover in a fireside chat led by Crystal Wong Wai Chin include:

• The carbon footprint of an international arbitration;
• The impetus behind the Green Pledge and Campaign for Greener Arbitrations;
• How arbitral parties can integrate sustainability management into their arbitral practice;
• How arbitral institutions and law firms can incorporate the Green Pledge in practice;
• What practical steps arbitration parties, arbitration practitioners and arbitrators operating in Asia can take to make their next arbitration greener.

Date: Thursday, 8 July 2021
Time: 5.00pm (GMT +8)

For event details, please click [here]
To register, please click [here]

Post-Event Report
In the morning of 7 May in Singapore and the evening of 6 May on the East Coast, YSIAC and CIArb YMG jointly held a webinar discussing the diverse perceptions about arbitration practice in Singapore and in the US.

The webinar drew 59 attendees—including arbitrators, in-house counsel and legal practitioners—from 15 different countries.

Ms Adriana Uson, CIArb YMG and YSIAC committee member and the SIAC’s Head of Americas, moderated. The panel comprised Associate Professor Darius Chan (of Singapore Management University, Fountain Court Chambers and Breakpoint LLC) and Ms Samantha Tan (Senior Associate, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, and CIArb YMG committee member) both based in Singapore, Mr Justin Rassi (Associate, Debevoise & Plimpton, and YSIAC committee member) based in New York, and Ms Kirsten Teo (Special Legal Consultant, De Almeida Pereira DC, MCIArb, and Global Lead Ambassador, Arbitrator Intelligence) based in Washington DC.

The panellists discussed the differences they have observed in the levels of familiarity and comfort with the use of arbitration in Singapore and in the US. They shared ideas on how to make clients more comfortable with arbitration, and how alternative modes of dispute resolution, like mediation, could be used effectively. They also discussed how certain common law practices differ in the US and in Singapore, such as discovery, the use of depositions, and third party funding. The panellists also got personal. They shared about their lives and experiences in their respective arbitration fields and what about arbitration they are most passionate about (including, for one panellist, the bridge it provides to her (first) love of aviation!).

The session was recorded and can be viewed [here]. Photos of the event can be viewed [here].

About The Event
Join us for a rare, thought-provoking fireside chat with the new presidents of the ICC Court of Arbitration, Claudia T Salomon, and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Ann Ryan Robertson. They will share their plans for their respective institutions, how they intend to collaborate, and what their presidencies mean for the global arbitration community. We also probe them on hot topics confronting the arbitration community, including issues of ethics, conflicts, efficiency and diversity.

Date & Time: Thursday, 4 March, 8PM (EST) / Friday, 5 March, 9AM (SGT)
Venue: Virtual Webinar

For registration and other details, please click [here]

About The Event
Join us for the first of our Perspectives Webinar series in which we address cutting edge issues in international ADR with experts in the field. In this first webinar, moderated by Shaun Lee, Gerald Leong will conduct a question and answer session with Kathleen Paisley, co-chair of ICCA-IBA Taskforce on Data Protection in International Arbitration and a member of the ICCA-NYC Bar-CPR Working Group on Cybersecurity in Arbitration and leading arbitrator and mediator. Gerald and Kathleen will discuss the data protection and cybersecurity issues raised in international dispute resolution. They will discuss how these issues are addressed in the ICCA-IBA Roadmap on Data Protection and the Cybersecurity Protocol and how these tools can be used in international disputes.

For registration and other details, please click [here]

About The Event
The Virtual hearings have long been a feature of international arbitrations. The current lockdown in major economies worldwide has  accentuated the need for virtual hearings, even on the domestic dispute resolution front. During the pandemic, the Chartered Institute of  arbitrators responded promptly with its Guidance Note on Virtual Dispute Resolution Proceedings. The panel of speakers will introduce the CIArb’s Guidance Note and discuss key considerations in a virtual arbitration hearing. 

The Young Members’ Group (YMG) of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) held its final Supper Club of the year on 4 Dec 2019. The event was held at Kimme restaurant on Amoy St and graced by the inimitable Toby Landau QC and 22 guests. With Toby allowing guests to ask any question – but not promising to answer all of them – everyone engaged in free-flowing and engaging conversation throughout the evening. We would like to thank Toby Landau QC and all our guests for attending and we hope to see more of you at our next event next year.

For photos of the event, please [click here] 

One of the highlights of the Singapore branch calendar, the annual CIArb Member’s Evening was held at the picturesque Empress Place on Thursday 28 November. It was a perfect opportunity for members to meet with old and new friends (including many from overseas), celebrate the events of the past year and welcome our new members and fellows. The winners of the Singapore branch’s competition were announced with prizes for the winners being given out by Paul Sandosham, the branch chairman:

Winner: Gerald Leong
First Runner-up: Jared Tan Jun Hong
Second Runner-up: Ong Sin Yee

The Singapore branch expresses its congratulations to the prize winners. The Singapore branch also expresses its heartfelt thanks to Shaun Lee from Bird & Bird, Andrew G Moran QC from The Arbitration Chambers, Timothy Cooke from Stephenson Harwood and Katheleen Paisaley from Ambos for judging the competition.

For photos of the event, please [click here] 

Date: 20 November 2019
Location: Maxwell Chambers, Sinagpore

CIArb Singapore is pleased to be a Supporting Organisation in the upcoming YSIAC Conference 2019.

For registration and other details, please click [here]

Over 120 attendees were treated to an engaging debate at the Annual CIArb-SIAC Debate on the motion “This House Believes that the Days of the ‘’Arbitration Heavyweights’’ are Numbered’. Professor Bernard Hanotiau and Ms Swee Yen Koh spoke in support of the motion, while Mr Jaikanth Shankar and Professor Lucy Reed opposed the motion. The debate was moderated by Mr Paul Sandosham (Chairman of CIArb Singapore), and judged by Professor Jean Ho, Ms Amanda Lees (Board Member CIArb Singapore) and Mr Andrew Pullen. One of the key points of contention was the precise definition of an “Arbitration Heavyweight”, with the proposition and opposition advancing polar opposite definitions. The opposition gained favour with the audience with their argument that there is a new generation of “heavyweights”, that is individuals receiving their first few appointments and delivering robust, enforceable awards in an efficient manner.

At the end of the debate, the Judges decided unanimously in favour of the opposition. This matched the results of the audience online voting, with 60% voting in favour of the opposition.

Thanks go to Fountain Court and FTI for sponsoring the event, as well as to Clifford Chance for hosting the event at their offices.

For photos of the event, please [click here]

Date: 18 November 2019
Location: The Westin Brisbane

About The Event
The Australian Centre of International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA) and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Australia (CIArb Australia) are pleased to invite you to their 2019 International Arbitration Conference: Building Bridges: Resolving Disputes through International Arbitration.  As international arbitration remains the preferred means for commercial and state entities to resolve disputes in the global economy, building bridges, and not walls, is key to maintaining good relationships to ensure growth, competitiveness and new opportunities. Hosted at This one-day conference is Australia’s premier international arbitration event and will launch the 2019 Australian Arbitration Week.  Supported by global institutes, government, industry associations, sponsors and media partners, it will bring together eminent speakers including The Hon Justice Patrick Keane AC, High Court of Australia, who will deliver the keynote address, and expert practitioners from five continents and 15 jurisdictions who will impart their knowledge and experiences in examining emerging trends in various key sectors. A Cocktail Networking Reception will follow proceedings featuring guest speaker, The Hon Yvette D’Ath, Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Queensland Government. 

For registration and other details including discount accommodation at The Westin Brisbane, please click [here]

The CIArb (Singapore Branch) Competition for 2019 pertains to concerns of personal data protection and cybersecurity in international arbitration and their implications on process as well as the rights and obligations of the participants, including the arbitral tribunal.

What procedural directions should the tribunal make on personal data protection and cybersecurity given the scenario attached?

Competitors must submit:

1. a draft document (procedural order, protocol or any other document competitors consider appropriate) on personal data protection and cybersecurity for discussion with your co-arbitrators; and
2. an explanatory note that sets out the reasoning for your procedural order (or other document) and addressing the issues identified in the competition pack.

Full details of the competition can be found in the competition pack which can be downloaded by clicking on the link below. Please contact competition@ciarb.org.sg if you have any difficulties accessing the document.

Click here to download the competition pack for the CIArb (Singapore Branch) Competition 2019.

About The Event
The Indian Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996, which consolidated the Indian law on arbitration, was based on the UNCITRAL Model Law, there were significant lacunae in the 1996 Act, which were sought to be addressed by the Indian courts in an ad hoc manner. Consequently, there was a legislative rethink which led to a wide-ranging amendment by way of the Amendment Act 2015. A more controversial Amendment Act of 2019 has been passed and partially notified. The speaker will address the evolution of the Indian arbitral landscape, particularly in light of the 2015 and 2019 Amendments, with special focus on its implications for foreign lawyers and International Commercial Arbitration. 

The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session moderated by Sapna Jhangiani, Partner at Clyde & Co Clasis Singapore.

For more information and to register, please [click here]

A Chartered Institute Of Arbitrators (Singapore) event on was held on 24 October 2019 at the Singapore offices of Pinsent Masons LLP. The theme was “Injunctive and Emergency Relief in and for International Arbitration Proceedings”. The abstract of the event was as follows:

“Whereas the jurisdiction to grant anti-suit injunctions is an ancient one with roots in equity and the English Court of Chancery, the jurisdiction to grant urgent relief is of quite recent, statutory origins. Both procedural innovations were the handiwork of commercially minded lawyers, and, amid the current era of globalisation in the context of furthering international arbitral solutions, those remedies have gone global. Commercially minded courts, supporting the arbitral tribunals in the discharge of their entrusted missions, and the tribunals themselves, are devising, recognising or refining some very interesting further innovations.”

The seminar was attended by 56 attendees. Three distinguished members of the profession from Twenty Essex spoke at the event; Mr. Philip Riches, Mr. Paul Lowenstein QC and Sir Mark Havelock-Allan QC. Each gentleman presented insightful perspectives on the current principles and practices of injunctive and emergency relief, and some of the emergent strategies.

The event began with Mr. Nicholas Brown, a Singapore-based partner of Pinsent Masons LLP, giving opening remarks on the work of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, the importance of injunctive and emergency relief in and for international arbitral proceedings. He then introduced the panel members.

The first speaker, Mr. Riches, spoke on the topic of “Who to Ask for Urgent Relief. Practical ways through the barriers to injunctive relief: invoking the emergency relief jurisdiction; considerations in complex arbitrations”. Mr. Riches began by observing that there has recently been an arms race between the various institutions as to providing emergency relief and various other options for parties. He questioned whether it was a good thing that these institutions are issuing new rules and amendments with increasing frequency, with the aim of attracting business and outdoing each other. As a starting point, Mr. Riches noted that the main purpose of applying for emergency relief is to make the arbitration effective or to gain tactical advantage. On the point of tactical advantage, he noted that there is often a significant tax advantage to applying for emergency or urgent relief at an early stage. There are also examples where matters in the main arbitration quickly resolve themselves after an application for an emergency arbitration is made.

Mr. Riches then discussed the pitfalls of obtaining emergency relief and navigated through practical ways to address them. Mr. Riches identified urgency as the greatest pitfall. Emergency arbitrators in particular are more cautious when granting that urgent relief. How does one persuade the emergency arbitrator that the situation is so urgent that it cannot wait for the constitution of the tribunal? One practical way to get over this hurdle would be to write to the opposing party ahead of the application and request for A, B and C. The opposing party’s refusal is reason to think that it will do A, B or C and this would give reason for emergency arbitrators to grant the application.

The second speaker, Mr. Paul Lowenstein QC, spoke on the topic of “What to Ask for in Court. Using the English court to secure assets for the enforcement of international arbitral awards”. First, Mr. Lowenstein gave an overview of the long-arm freezing injunction jurisdiction in England to lock-down assets and force disclosure in aid of enforcement of court judgments. For the enforcement of English judgments, the English Court regularly issues post-judgment Worldwide Freezing Injunctions (WFO) in appropriate cases to allow the judgment creditor to trace and freeze assets amenable to enforcement. He noted that the test is less onerous than for pre-judgment WFOs and the exceptions available to the judgment debtor are more restricted. Such WFOs regularly include asset disclosure orders, which are often considered the most powerful element. To assist with the enforcement of court judgments of certain foreign states (for example the European Union, Lugano and Hague states), the English Court has a statutory jurisdiction to grant interim relief under section 25 of the Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act. This includes freezing injunctions and disclosure orders.

Second, Mr. Lowenstein addressed the question of what injunctive orders the English court would make to assist with the enforcement of arbitral awards. He discussed the scenarios of where the arbitration is proceeding in England and where the arbitration is proceeding (or took place) in another state. Section 44 Arbitration Act is instructive in the former scenario and the case of Rosseel N.V. v Oriental Commercial Shipping (U.K.) Ltd [1990] 1 WLR 1387 is instructive in the later scenario. Mr. Lowenstein observed that there was a continuing reluctance of the English court to make injunctive orders to assist with the enforcement of non-English arbitral awards. Nonetheless, courts have shown greater readiness to assist in international fraud cases – this is shown in the case of Arcelormittal USA LLC v Essar Steel Ltd [2019] EWHC 724.

The third speaker, Sir Mark Havelock-Allan QC, spoke on the topic of “Practical considerations arising on applications for emergency relief – The Arbitrator’s perspective.” As an experienced arbitrator, he shared on situations which qualify as emergencies, how an arbitrator decides whether to grant relief, considerations behind granting an Interim Award or an Order and how to ensure the ruling to have sufficient teeth. Mr. Havelock-Allan reminded the audience that the mere fact that the institution has accepted the application for a private emergency arbitrator and has appointed one does not mean that the emergency arbitrator does not have to address this question for himself/herself. The applicant must show that it has exhausted all remedies available to it. The emergency arbitrator is simply making an assessment entirely based on provisional findings at an early stage on whether provisional relief pending the award should be granted. Mr. Havelock-Allan noted that in Singapore, the definition of an arbitral tribunal under the Arbitration Act has been amended so that it expressly embraces emergency arbitrators. He felt this was a useful step and saw no reason why emergency arbitrators should fall outside the definition, as is the case in some jurisdictions.

Finally, Mr. Chen Han Toh, a Singapore-based partner of Pinsent Masons LLP, moderated the question and answer section of the programme. One of the questions was on whether there should be some preservation of the use of the Court in granting relief as parties preferred relying on the emergency arbitration procedure, for fear that the Court would not grant the party the relief needed. This concern was echoed by the panellists. The panellists also shared that there should be specialised training for emergency arbitrators to equip them to cope adequately or sufficiently with the demands of an emergency arbitration.

In summary, the seminar guests heard from three distinguished individuals in the field of their distinctive perspectives on the current principles and practices of injunctive and emergency relief, and some of the emergent strategies. With the thorough sharing and thoughtful questions posed, the event enabled participants to obtain a better understanding of injunctive and emergency relief. In addition, the event provided all participants with a platform and venue for sharing and networking.

Date: 17 September 2019, Tuesday
Location: The Pelican (1 Fullerton Road, #01-01, Singapore 049213)
Time: 6.30pm

About The Event
The Young Members Group is pleased to announce the next instalment in its series of YMG supper club events for CIArb members under 45. We will be joined at this exclusive supper by an honorary guest Nick Rowles-Davies from LCM. Places are limited and you are recommended to reply early to avoid disappointment.

For more information and to register, please [click here]

About The Event
Getting that first appointment is the biggest challenge for any arbitrator. CIArb Young Members Group is pleased to present a young arbitrators networking forum where you can find out how to survive the long winter.

Come join us for a town hall event with Judith Gill QC (Arbitrator Member, 20 Essex Street), Paul Sandosham (Partner, Clifford Chance), Kevin Nash (Deputy Registrar & Centre Director, SIAC), Hazel Tang (Counsel, ICC Court of Arbitration, Singapore) and Mahesh Rai (Director, Drew & Napier), who will speak about building a career as an arbitrator and the appointment of arbitrators by institutions. This will be followed by a networking session with senior arbitrators where food and drinks will be served.

For more information and to register, please [click here]

About The Event
Join two leading arbitrators, Christopher Moger QC and Steven Lim as they lead a discussion around some of the more difficult questions that arbitrators and arbitration practitioners have to face including:

Composition of the tribunal

• What can a candidate for appointment as an arbitrator discuss with a party regarding his/her potential appointment in advance?
• Should party-appointed arbitrators consult the parties about the choice of chair and how should they do so?
• When is it desirable to appoint a Tribunal Secretary?

Conduct of the proceedings

• Is it desirable to leave some or all matters of procedural or evidential directions in the hands of the chair?
• Does the Tribunal have a role in identifying a List of Issues?
• To what extent, if at all, is it appropriate for the Tribunal to propose preliminary issues, or bifurcated proceedings when the parties have not raised the suggestion?

Conduct of the hearing

• To what extent should the arbitrator intervene to focus the arguments/cross examination of counsel at the hearing onto points that appear important to the Tribunal?
• How to handle various issues in relation to an absent party?
• What is the arbitrator’s proper response when neither party relies on an obviously important provision in the contract which appears to the arbitrator potentially to affect the outcome of the dispute?

For more information, please [click here]

About The Event
Our CIArb Young Members Group (YMG) is pleased to present “Breakfast Chats on the Singapore Convention on Mediation”.

The United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation has been named the “Singapore Convention on Mediation”, making it the first UN treaty to be named after Singapore. This recent development cements Singapore’s place on the world map as a hub for international dispute resolution and demonstrates the country’s commitment to fostering international trade, commerce and investment.

How the Singapore Convention will change the dispute resolution landscape in Singapore is now the next question. An important contributing factor will perhaps be how quickly the legal and business communities adopt and incorporate mediation proceedings in accordance with the Singapore Convention as part of the accepted dispute resolution norms and practices.

Hear the views of our distinguished panellists mediators, institutions, and corporate counsel as they discuss their experience, views, challenges and predictions on the post-Singapore Convention future of mediation in two simultaneous breakout sessions over breakfast.

For more information on post-event, please [click here]

About The Event

Paul Sandosham (Chairman of Singapore branch) and Chou Sean Yu (Chairman Professional Development Committee) conducted a workshop on International Arbitration Agreements in Ho Chi Minh City on 23 July 2019 at the invitation of VIAC.

For photos of the event, please [click here]

About The Event
Our CIArb Young Members Group (YMG) is pleased to present again, our hugely popular roundtable event with a panel of various members of the international arbitration community, to discuss “How to Develop a Career in International Arbitration”. Participants are invited to send in questions in advance of the roundtable event as well as join in the networking evening tea reception. We will be happy to answer any questions on how to join CIArb.

Who Should Attend
Open to all – law undergraduate / graduate students, legal trainees and junior practitioners would find it most useful.

For more information, please [click here]

About The Event

Paul Sandosham was invited to speak at the AIAC Asia ADR week conference in Kuala Lumpur from 27-29 June 2019. During the conference, Paul took the opportunity to meet with the chairs of the other CIArb branches in the region.

For a photo of the event, please [click here]

About The Event

The CIArb Singapore branch held its 6th annual CIArb golf day on Saturday, 1 June 2019, at the Marina Bay Golf Course, in conjunction with the 6th Asean Law Association(S)-CIArb-Singapore Corporate Counsel Association Triangular Golf Game. Some 10 CIArb members and guests took part in this annual competition which had 24 golfers taking part, including Justice Lee Seiu Kin and Justice Chua Lee Ming, representing their respective associations to compete for the ALA(S)-CIArb-SCCA Triangular Challenge Cup.

We are delighted to announce that the CIArb (which won the Inaugural Challenge Cup in 2014) managed to wrest the trophy back from the ALA (winners over the past 4 years) this year! The victory was by the slimmest of margins and very hard fought on a wonderful balmy morning against the impressive skyline of the Marina Bay. The event was thoroughly enjoyed by all participants from the associations and celebrated over post-golf lunch and drinks, and a prize presentation ceremony.

Congratulations to the winners of our own CIArb Golf Day: Kevin Nash (first prize winner), Yong Eng Wah (second prize), Alban Kang (third prize), Chou Sean Yu (nearest the pin) and Alban Kang (longest drive). We would also like to thank our sponsors for their generous donation of the prizes, which included 2 nights’ staycation and breakfast packages at the Hotel Fort Canning (donated by Hotel Fort Canning), an Omakase and Wine-pairing dinner for two at Morsels @ Dempsey (donated by Morsels, WGS Best Restaurant of the Year 2017), luxury gift sets by Burberry, Ferragamo and Elizabeth Arden (donated by Luxasia Asia’s Beauty Omni Leader), and goodie bag items donated by WE Cinemas, Luxasia and others. Unfortunately, as there were no lady CIArb members taking part this year, we (generously) donated the prize reserved for the CIArb Ladies’ winner to the ALA’s lady winner! We look forward to next year’s event, when we hope to see everyone and our friends from the other associations again, and to retaining the Challenge Cup! Please remember to book your places early for next year’s competition and as a reminder, the event is open to all members of the CIArb, not only from the Singapore Branch but also from other branches around the world.

For photos of the event, please [click here]

About The Event

The CIArb Young Members Group (“YMG”) was delighted to organise the inaugural YMG Pub Quiz held at Privé, Clarke Quay. The YMG Pub Quiz was jointly presented with LCM and ICC Young Arbitrators Forum.

The Quiz was attended by around 40 participants who are all part of arbitration community in Singapore, including young arbitrators, counsel, corporate counsel, and experts. Eight teams of four to six participants competed to be crowned as the first ever winner of the YMG Pub Quiz. The Quiz Masters and sub-committee members of the CIArb YMG, Roger Milburn, Angela Yap and Chia Shi Jin led the teams in four rounds of challenging pub quiz style questions. The participants racked their brains to answer questions such as “how many stations are currently in operation on the Singapore MRT” and “name one of Beyonce and Jay-Z’s children”. Four competitive rounds and a tie-breaker question later, the open team named “Tom and Jeremy” emerged as the champion of the YMG Pub Quiz and took home the grand prize of Privé vouchers worth $350.

Beer, wine and bar snacks were served throughout the night. Overall the young and senior members of the arbitration community had a good time mingling and getting to know one another.

For photos of the event, please [click here]

About The Event
“The Future of International Dispute Resolution: Innovation and Insights from the Asia-Pacific Region”, a one day conference, was held on 23 April 2019.

Asia is at the crossroads of common and civil law jurisdictions with multiple legal systems and cultures. The interaction and intersection between different legal norms leads to a dynamic dispute resolution landscape. The conference will feature thought leaders and in depth provocative panel discussions that will celebrate the ways in which the Asia-Pacific region is creating innovative solutions to resolving disputes and the region’s power to influence the global development of international dispute resolution.

The conference examined Asia’s role in shaping the future of international alternative dispute resolution, from the development of the arbitral institutions and arbitrators needed for the future, to procedural innovations such as witness conferencing, and the use of the Prague Rules in civil and common law jurisdictions. The conference explored the use of alternative dispute resolution such as dispute boards in construction and infrastructure projects, including China’s One-Belt One Road initiative, and mediation in international disputes. The conference also launched the Chartered Institute of Arbitrator’s Guidelines on Witness Conferencing in International Arbitration.

Two special sessions will bookend the conference. The conference started with a breakfast session featuring the thoughts of in-house counsel on how dispute resolution needs to develop. The conference closed with a spotlight for younger voices in the region to present their ideas on the future of dispute resolution in the Asia-Pacific.

Hosted by the Singapore CIArb branch in conjunction with the Australia, East Asia, Malaysia and Thailand CIArb branches, this conference brought together CIArb members and other international arbitration practitioners from across the Asia-Pacific Region.

For photos of the event, please [click here]

About The Event

Mediation, international arbitration and adjudication are all relatively recent entrants in the history of dispute resolution for construction and engineering contracts. Their evolution (and that of other dispute resolution methods) to become an everyday part of construction and engineering practice is a consequence of a world obsessed with speed and efficiency.

This talk addressed the factors behind this evolution, the current cycles of change within dispute resolution methods in construction and engineering contracts and a view of the future of dispute resolution in the construction world.

As a dispute resolution hub in a region of rapidly growing economies, Singapore is increasingly called upon to meet the expectations of parties from the civil law tradition. With the introduction of the Prague Rules, parties and tribunals may well be encouraged to venture beyond the conventional approaches of the IBA Rules on the Taking of Evidence to explore new options for pro-active case management and cost-containment in arbitration. Professor Walker assesses the promise of the Prague Rules to diversify the arbitrator’s toolkit and meet the challenges of Asian-centred dispute resolution.

For photos of the event, please [click here]

About The Event

The recent emergence of FinTech has disrupted and sought to improve the delivery and use of traditional financial services worldwide. As businesses try to adapt to an evolving landscape of innovative modern technology integrated with financial services, the question is not if, but how extensively this will lead to complex and novel disputes. Join us at our upcoming ” Joint WIPO CIArb SFA Fintech & Arbitration Seminar 2019″ to find out more about the current issues and opportunities in FinTech, the challenges that might arise and how parties can seek to effectively resolve their disputes.

For photos of the event, please [click here]

State-owned enterprises are increasingly crucial in the global economy. There are thousands of State-owned corporations operating transnationally. For example, the Chinese central government owns more than 50 000 enterprises, valued at US$2+ trillion and employing over 9 million people. Given the number of State-owned companies operating in the investment field, it is hardly surprising that there has been a marked rise in investment disputes involving State owned enterprises, either seeking to take advantage of investor protection in respect of their commercial interests in foreign States, or through their contractual relationships and other activities impacting on foreign investors in their State of nationality.

In light of these developments, this seminar will focus on State owned enterprises as claimants in investment arbitrations, looking at recent cases where jurisdictional challenges were made on the basis of the characteristics and functions of such enterprises. It will provide an up-to-date analysis of the existing case law and provide practical guidance as to the issues that are likely to arise in these cases in the future.

For photos of the event, please [click here]

CIArb (Singapore branch) is proud to offer a series of three workshops on Distributed Ledger Technology, Smart Contracts and Cryptocurrencies. For the second workshop, we are delighted that David Weill, Chairman of Patrimoine Asia, Jonathan Agmon, Founder and Head of the Singapore office of Soroker Agmon Nordman, Ashish Chugh, local principal of Baker & McKenzie.Wong & Leow and Olivier Marquais, Attorney-at-law in the Litigation and Risk Management Practice Group of Loyens & Loeff, will discuss smart contracts in relation to contracts law and intellectual property, the boom of ICOs and the recent emergence of STOs.

For photos of the event, please [click here]

About The Event
Central to preventing catastrophic failures in the construction sector is a knowledge of their underlying causes. But because construction is a technical profession, there can be a temptation to blame these failures on purely technical causes.

But is this the case? Or do human beings play a bigger role?
This presentation examines the interaction between technical and human factors in failure causation, and concludes that while failures stem from technical issues, it is human fallibility that allows these issues to culminate in catastrophe.

The Singapore Branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (“CIArb”) invites arbitrators, private practitioners, in-house counsel, expert witnesses and other users of international arbitration to provide comments, corrections and other feedback on draft Guidelines for Witness Conferencing in International Arbitration. The Guidelines are intended to be adopted or used as guidance by parties and tribunals in proceedings where witness conferencing is being contemplated or agreed.

For more information, please [click here]