SIMC Returns to Tokyo for Its Specialist Mediators’ Workshop
Trainers engaging the class: 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) concluded its 4th Specialist Mediators’ Workshop (SMW) in Japan, and its 3rd edition held in Tokyo, a follow up from the last one we held in 2023. The programme brought together a diverse group of law firm partners, general counsel, and dispute resolution practitioners from Japan, Singapore, India, Canada, Vietnam, and the Netherlands. This cross-border mix created a rich environment for dialogue, with participants exchanging perspectives on mediation practices across jurisdictions and industries.
Vice Chairman of SIMC, Lok Vi Ming SC delivering the open remarks at the beginning of the 2 day workshop.
In the Hands of Experienced Trainers
The workshop was 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. They were supported by Siddharth Jha, Counsel at SIMC, and Yuko Nitta, SIMC’s Japan Representative. Drawing on their extensive experience, the trainers guided participants through practical and nuanced aspects of mediation, encouraging open discussion and the sharing of real-world insights. SIMC also had the privilege of welcoming Lok Vi Ming SC, Vice Chairman of SIMC, who delivered opening remarks and engaged with participants during the programme.
As part of the workshop, participants would break off into smaller groups to role-play what they have learned.
Inside the Workshop
Designed as a highly interactive programme, the workshop was conducted over two intensive days, combining facilitated discussions with role-play exercises. Participants explored topics such as negotiation styles, decision-making approaches, and mediation dynamics across different cultural and legal contexts. The sessions placed strong emphasis on practical application, allowing participants to test strategies, reflect on outcomes, and learn from one another’s experiences. The discussions also highlighted the evolving mediation landscape in Japan and its growing role in cross-border commercial disputes, reinforcing the value of mediation as a complementary tool within broader dispute resolution frameworks.
Trainer Wee Meng going through the materials with a smaller focus group.
The trainers are there throughout the workshop to assist the participants with any queries they may have as they go through their group sessions.
Our participants also provided some feedback for the session that is now available for viewing on SIMC's YouTube Channel:
- Tomoki Yanagisawa, Partner at TMI Associates
- More videos coming soon!
Congratulations to our newest batch of Specialist Mediators in Japan!
Introducing our newest batch of Specialist Mediators!
- Anne-Marie Doernenburg, Nishimura & Asahi
- Benjamin Kwok Chong Ren, Nishimura & Asahi
- Gary Leonard Low, Drew & Napier (Singapore)
- Haruka Matsumoto, Tokyo International Law Office
- Jonathan Ruff, Cleber N.V. (Netherlands)
- Joshua I. Sera, Sera Law Professional Corporation (Canada)
- Kaoru Vaheisvaran, City Yuwa
- Kennosuke Muro , Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu
- Mahesh Rai, Drew & Napier (Singapore)
- Michael Andreas Mueller, Mueller Foreign Law Office
- Mina Arai-Ito, Zenmonodo
- Ryo Matsutani, One Asia Lawyers
- Saudamini Sharma, Supreme Court of India (India)
- Shinichiro Sakamoto, One Asia Lawyers
- Tetsuo Kurita, One Asia Lawyers
- Tomoki Yanagisawa, TMI Associates
- Veronica Teo, Focus Law (Singapore)
- Yohei Shigihara, One Asia Lawyers
- Yoshiaki Muto, Baker & Mckenzie
