Developing the Next Level of Mediation Practice in Singapore
(From left to right): Session in progress with lead trainers Joel Lee, Professor of Negotiation and Mediation at the Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore, and Chuan Wee Meng, CEO of SIMC.
The Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC) successfully concluded its Specialist Mediators’ Workshop (SMW) in Singapore on 23–24 April 2026. Led by Joel Lee, Professor of Negotiation and Mediation at the Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore, and Chuan Wee Meng, CEO of SIMC, with support from Siddharth Jha and Yap Pei Yin, Counsel at SIMC, the programme drew on the faculty's extensive practical experience to equip participants with essential skills and insights in commercial mediation.
Vice Chairman of SIMC, Lok Vi Ming SC participated in this batch's SMW as one of the coaches.
Advancing Mediation in Singapore and Beyond
The workshop brought together 24 participants, comprising an outstanding cohort of legal practitioners and in-house counsel. Their enthusiastic participation made for highly interactive and engaging sessions over the two days, and participants left with a deeper appreciation of mediation as an integral dispute resolution mechanism. This mix of participants reflects SIMC's aim of engaging experienced, senior professionals in the dispute resolution and legal landscape to advance the mediation movement in Singapore and the region.
Singapore has established itself as a leading international alternative dispute resolution (ADR) hub, with mediation playing a crucial role as an expeditious, cost-effective and amicable method of resolving commercial disputes. In today’s interconnected global economy, businesses and transactions increasingly span multiple jurisdictions, commercial environments and cultures. Disputes are correspondingly more complex. Mediation enables parties to explore creative interest-based solutions to legal problems and resolve disputes expeditiously while maintaining commercial relationships – an important consideration in a time of uncertainty and disruption. This underscores an attendant need for a strong pool of skilled mediators capable of handling complex, cross-border disputes with professionalism, integrity and a human touch.
Participants will break off into smaller groups to role-play what was taught, but the coaches are always available for when they need additional help along the way.
SIMC's Commitment to Capacity Building
Capacity-building initiatives such as the SIMC's Specialist Mediators' Workshop play a critical role in developing the next generation of mediators and ensuring that there is a diverse pool of competent mediation practitioners to serve business needs. By equipping lawyers and legal counsel with advanced mediation skills and a deeper understanding of the mediation process, such programmes contribute to the development of the mediation movement in Singapore and beyond.
We are excited about further capacity-building opportunities ahead and remain committed to supporting the growth and integration of mediation in Singapore and across the region.
Trainer Wee Meng going through the materials with a smaller focus group.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to Lok Vi Ming, SC, for opening the workshop and to Gregory Vijayendran SC, SIMC's Board Member, Jonathan Choo, Managing Director at Vantage Chambers, Kevin Kwek, Joint Managing Partner at Kennedys Legal Solutions, Mak Wei Munn, Partner at Allen & Gledhill, Ng Chai Ngee, General Manager at Kuok Investments and William Ong, Co-Head of the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Department at Allen & Gledhill for joining us as coaches and for their invaluable support in making this workshop a success.
The coaches remained actively involved during the workshop, assisting participants and offering guidance during the smaller group sessions.
Congratulations to our newest batch of Specialist Mediators from Singapore!
Introducing our newest batch of Specialist Mediators!
- Abhinav Bhushan – Drew & Napier
- Bindu Janardhanan – Squire Patton Boggs Singapore LLP
- Boey Swee Siang – Gateway law Corporation
- Dennis TAN – JBT Marel Corporation
- Eric Bai – Cipholio Ventures
- Grace Tan – WhiteFern LLC
- Ivan Chia – ACCURA
- Katie Chung – Baker Botts (Singapore) L.L.P.
- Kelly Yap – Ming Law Asia
- Kendall Tan – Rajah and Tann Singapore
- Khelvin Xu – Covenant Chambers LLC
- Lee Bik Wei – Allen & Gledhill
- Leong Lu Yuan – Clyde & Co Clasis
- Li Fangyi – Pacific International Lines Pte Ltd
- Marilyn Ho – Harry Elias
- Melissa Thng – Dentons Rodyk & Davidson
- Ng Zhichao – Caterpillar
- Nicholas Poon – Breakpoint LLC
- Peter Low – Peter Low Chambers LLC
- Prakash Pillai – Clyde & Co Clasis Singapore/ Clasis LLC
- Sunita Sonya Parhar – S.S. Parhar Law Corporation)
- Suzanna Akbar – Mitsubshi Electric APAC and MEA
- Wai Yue Loh – Incisive Law LLC
- Whye Mun Cheong – Kyndryl APAC & MEA
