SIMC Strengthens Cross-Border Dispute Resolution Ties in Beijing

The Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC) recently concluded a successful series of engagements in Beijing, reinforcing its commitment to advancing international dispute resolution through collaboration, innovation, and strategic dialogue. Spanning three days from June 30 to July 2, SIMC CEO Mr. Chuan Wee Meng participated in a panel discussion at the SIAC China Conference 2025, hosted the SIMC Specialist Mediator Empanelment Ceremony & Luncheon and delivered a public lecture for members of China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME). These events brought together legal experts, government officials, and business leaders from Singapore and China.

SIMC Highlights Strategic Use of Mediation at SIAC Beijing Conference

On June 30, SIMC CEO Mr. Chuan Wee Meng joined a distinguished panel titled "Faster than Faster - Boost Efficiency of Arbitration Procedures with Toolbox Offered by the New SIAC Rules" at the SIAC China Conference 2025.

The panel explored how the 2025 SIAC Rules can help arbitration users streamline proceedings, manage rising costs, and reduce procedural timelines — all without compromising fairness or enforceability. From expedited procedures to innovations like the Emergency Arbitrator mechanism and Arb-Med-Arb, panelists discussed practical ways to apply these tools in real-world cross-border disputes.

Mr. Chuan highlighted how mediation, when used strategically in conjunction with arbitration, can play a pivotal role in enhancing procedural efficiency — particularly through integrated mechanisms like Arb-Med-Arb. Drawing on SIMC’s experience in cross-border commercial mediation, he shared insights into how well-designed hybrid processes can resolve disputes more effectively while preserving business relationships.

We thank SIAC for the opportunity to contribute to this timely and forward-looking dialogue, and we look forward to continuing the conversation on shaping a more efficient and user-centric future for international dispute resolution.

Minister Edwin Tong Calls for Relationship-Centred Mediation at SIMC Beijing Empanelment Ceremony

(Left photo) Mr. Edwin Tong SC, Minister for Singapore's Ministry of Law and Second Minister for Ministry of Home Affairs was the Guest of Honour of the event.(Right photo) Mr. Chuan Wee Meng, CEO of SIMC, delivered welcome remark.

On July 1, SIMC hosted a luncheon and empanelment ceremony for the 2025 Beijing cohort of Specialist Mediators. The event, attended by about 80 guests, was graced by Mr. Edwin Tong SC, Singapore’s Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs, who delivered a keynote address highlighting three key points. 

1. Mediation goes beyond being a mere tool for resolving disputes — it reflects the Asian approach of preserving relationships and seeking win-win outcomes, a perspective increasingly embraced by the legal and business communities.
2. Singapore advocates for user choice in dispute resolution — supporting a full spectrum of options including mediation, arbitration, and litigation, while encouraging cooperation with both domestic and international institutions and professionals。
3.  strong interpersonal connections, especially between Singapore and China, are crucial — these long-standing relationships foster mutual confidence in legal and commercial systems and lay the groundwork for deeper cross-border partnerships and enduring professional networks.

"Mediation is important. If you forget everything else that I have said, just remember one line - we are here to solve the problem for the client, and not just to win the case."

Mr. Edwin Tong SC, Minister for Law   

Minister Tong and Mr. Chuan took a group photo with SIMC specialist mediators and Professor Li Ping (right) represented the cohort to deliver a speech.

The event also celebrated the empanelment of 25 SIMC Specialist Mediators who received appointment certificate from Minister Tong.  Ms. Li Ping, a researcher at the Arbitration Institute of China University of Political Science and Law delivered a heartfelt speech on behalf of the cohort sharing her reflections and takeaways from the training.

We are honoured to be joined by distinguished guests, including:

• Mr. Tan Hai Quan, Ambassador of Singapore to China

• Mr. Zheng Chao, Executive Vice President, China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME)

• Ms. Charlene Chang, Deputy Secretary (Development), Singapore Ministry of Law

• Mr. Sun Wei, Partner of Zhong Lun Law Firm and a Board Director at SIMC

• Mr. Chen Fuyong, Deputy Secretary-General, Beijing Arbitration Commission

• Ms. Lucy Reed, President, SIAC Court of Arbitration

• Ms. Gloria Limn, CEO, SIAC

• Ms. Zhang Fang, Director of Membership and Training Department of the China International Contractors Association  

• Ms. Wang Fang, Deputy Secretary-General, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Mediation Centre

• Mr. He Jing, Managing partner of Gen Law Firm and member of the expert committee at CCCME

Close to 80 participants attended the event, including previous cohorts of SIMC Specialist Mediators and partners from the Beijing and Singapore legal communities.

Past cohorts of Beijing-based Specialist Mediators and members of the legal communities from both countries were also invited, providing valuable networking opportunities to deepen mutual understanding and collaboration.

Empowering Enterprises Through ADR Insights

(Left photo) Mr. Chuan delivered a public lecture for CCCME's members; (right photo) he joined a discussion with CCCME Expert Committee members Mr. He Jing (left) and Mr. Ye Wanhe (right).

On the afternoon of July 2, Mr. Chuan was invited to be the keynote speaker at the 39th session of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME) Expert Committee’s public lecture series. His lecture, titled “Business First, Legal Safeguards: ADR Challenges in Overseas Expansion”, was delivered in a hybrid format combining an in-person lecture with a high-level panel discussion. Mr. Chuan shared emerging trends and practical insights on how mediation mechanisms can strengthen businesses’ international dispute resolution capabilities.

The event, attended by Mr. Zheng Chao, Executive Vice President of CCCME and Chair of its Expert Committee, was livestreamed globally to CCCME members and attended in-person by over 40 participants, including senior executives from member companies and affiliated organizations.

Engagements during the event and group photo with CCCEM team

During the lecture, Mr. Chuan systematically outlined the latest developments in ADR, drawing on extensive practical experience and real-life case studies. He explained the definition, advantages, and core value of mediation in a clear and engaging manner. Updates on the Singapore Convention on Mediation and its future outlook were also shared, offering participants a forward-looking perspective.

Following the lecture, Mr. Chuan engaged in a dynamic discussion with CCCME Expert Committee members Mr. He Jing and Mr. Ye Wanhe on key topics, including the types of disputes most suitable for mediation and common challenges enterprises face when expanding overseas. The session deepened participants’ understanding of mediation and reinforced SIMC’s commitment to empowering Chinese enterprises in their global journey.

Mr. Chuan met with Mr. Zheng Cao prior to the public lecture, where they reached several understandings to deepen future collaboration.

Through these engagements and the mutual understandings reached, SIMC and CCCME will continue to explore opportunities for further collaboration.

Looking Ahead

SIMC’s three-day engagement in Beijing — spanning a thought-provoking panel on arbitration efficiency, the empanelment of a new cohort of Specialist Mediators, and a strategic dialogue with Chinese enterprises on mediation in cross-border business — underscores its growing role as a bridge between jurisdictions and a catalyst for innovation in international dispute resolution. These engagements reflect SIMC’s enduring commitment to strengthening legal and commercial ties between Singapore and China, while championing practical, user-driven solutions like Arb-Med-Arb and the Singapore Convention on Mediation. As SIMC continues to expand its partnerships and knowledge-sharing platforms across the region, we look forward to building on this momentum to support businesses and legal communities in navigating disputes with confidence, collaboration, and clarity.