Strengthening Global Mediation Capacity: SIMC’s Specialist Mediators’ Workshop 2025
Wee Meng presenting real case mediation scenarios to a smaller group.
From 26–27 June 2025, the Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC) hosted its highly anticipated Specialist Mediators’ Workshop in Singapore. Designed for experienced legal and business professionals interested in cross-border mediation, the program provided an intensive, hands-on learning experience rooted in structured mediation and interest-based dispute resolution. The workshop was led by Professor Joel Lee, Chairman of the Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI), and supported by George Lim SC, Chairman of SIMC, and Chuan Wee Meng, CEO of SIMC.
Participants are broken off into smaller groups of 2 to 4, and a trainer will be there to guide them through the role plays.
Participants came from a broad spectrum of practice areas, including partners at law firms, general counsel of multinational corporations, and seasoned arbitrators—contributing a rich diversity of perspectives and deep practical insight. There was strong international representation, with participants from Singapore, the Philippines, the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and China.
The feedback from participants spoke volumes about the quality and rigour of the workshop:
- “Having attended other accreditation courses by other institutions, I think SIMC is leaps and bounds ahead of the rest.”
- “The Specialist Mediators Workshop was exceptionally well curated, a masterclass in experiential learning from the best mediators themselves... A truly enriching experience.”
- “It was highly educational, relevant, pitched at the right level for the audience, and intense.”
- “There was never a dull moment. As one of the very few non-legal participants, it was eye-opening and exciting.”
- “The course is well worth it for any senior disputes practitioner or arbitrator wishing to serve as a mediator – intense, effective and enjoyable.”
- “From thoughtful preparation to post-workshop networking, every element was excellently delivered. The structured content provided clarity and fresh insights into mediation practice.”
This workshop reflects SIMC’s growing commitment to supporting mediation excellence beyond Singapore. As demand for mediation as a preferred mode of dispute resolution continues to rise globally, SIMC has expanded its training and engagement footprint across the region and beyond. We are also encouraged by the increasing international uptake of the Singapore Convention on Mediation, which reinforces the growing trust in mediation as a reliable and enforceable process for resolving cross-border commercial disputes.
Participants are split into focus groups with trainers assigned to them.
We are grateful to our dedicated coaches who provided invaluable mentorship during the role plays: Jonathan Choo, Anparasan K, Gregory Vijayendran SC, Ng Chai Ngee, Oommen Mathew, Antony Lee, and Siddharth Jha.
We were delighted to welcome 24 carefully selected professionals who completed the intensive program and have now joined SIMC’s Specialist Mediator Panel (Singapore):
- Ajay Dua – IBM
- Alexander Yeo – Allen & Gledhill
- Andrew Lee – Hill Dickinson LLP
- Andrew Ong Ser Choong – Kone
- Blossom Hing SC – Drew & Napier
- Bridge Zhao – Smiths Group
- Daryll Ng – Stephenson Harwood
- David Kim – Victorian Bar
- Earl Rivera-Dolera – TKI Singapore LLP
- Edmund Tan – Monsoon Investments
- Fahmi Shahab – The Indonesian Mediation Centre
- Junie Foo – Singapore Kindness Movement
- Kamal Sidhu – Chevron
- Kelvin Kek – Allen & Gledhill
- Lee Ming San – One North Capital Pte. Ltd
- Lian Yok Tan – Squire Patton Boggs Singapore LLP
- Lucy Reed – Arbitration Chambers
- Michelle Yong – Stephenson Harwood
- Ng Kim Beng – Rajah & Tann Singapore
- Steven Lo – Drew & Napier
- Suegene Ang – WongPartnership LLP
- Suresh Nair – Mayer Brown
- Tay Yong Seng – Allen & Gledhill
- William Zhang – Samsung C&T
We warmly welcome the newest members of SIMC’s Specialist Mediator Panel and look forward to working together to advance the practice and culture of mediation globally.
