Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI)

The Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI) celebrated a decade of upholding professional standards of mediators and mediation service and training providers at its 10th Anniversary Celebration event on 8 November 2024. We were honoured to have as our Guest-of-Honour, Mr Murali Pillai SC, Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Transport, who graced the occasion and officially launched the 9th volume of Contemporary Issues in Mediation (CIIM), a student-led thought-leadership publication. In his speech (https://lnkd.in/gfMvgCYm), Mr Murali Pillai SC noted that SIMI had "played an important role in Singapore’s mediation landscape" and commended SIMI on the publication of CIIM which "adds to the body of literature on mediation, and helps to advance Singapore’s thought leadership in this area." Prof Joel Lee, SIMI Board Chairman, highlighted SIMI's ongoing work in standards and the recent initiative to refresh the accreditation renewal process for mediators to emphasise the importance of continuing professional development. He also shared three aspirations for SIMI and the industry. 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆: there was a clear, observable trend of the increasing importance of mediation advocacy accompanying the growth of mediation. Mediation advocacy training, both at the level of the law schools and post-graduate studies, was critical. In response to this trend, SIMI must establish a standards framework for the training of and credentialing of mediation advocates. 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: in the early days, mediation was seen as a set of process competencies, with some even suggesting that it was desirable for mediators not to have content expertise. Now, there was a trend towards specialisation, with a preference for mediators who had expertise in areas like healthcare, intellectual property, maritime disputes, etc. SIMI needed to work with partners to create and accredit training in specialist areas and to nuance its credentialing scheme so that mediators can reflect their specializations. This will assist users in more accurately identifying the right mediators for their disputes and enhance the marketability and value of accredited mediators. 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Prof Joel hoped that the mediation industry could find ways to collaborate and grow mediation as a whole. Working together could only benefit everyone. The Anniversary event was attended by over 140 SIMI Partners, Accredited Mediators, the SIMI Board (Josephine Hadikusumo, Nadja A., Charlene Chang, Irena Vanenkova), representatives from national judicial institutions, the legal profession, CIIM contributors and its publisher, World Scientific Publishing Company, both in-person and online. It was a joyous occasion as new and old friends got together to foster and renew bonds of friendship over a meal, laughter and good conversation. #mediation #standards

SIMI wishes all our Partners, accredited Mediators and friends a very Happy Deepavali!

How will developments in the built environment industry affect the mediation landscape and the role of the mediator? Kok Eng Lee, SIMI Certified Mediator, shares his views in this article. #mediation #standards

The "clients" were fictitious but the emotions were real. During the role-play, feelings ran high and there were moments when the parties threatened to leave the room. It was the skill of the mediation advocates, and the mediator, which restored balance and kept all parties at the table. The scenario was the world of the Arrakids, a fictitious tribe who were the only people who were able to cultivate the highly-valued "Tumerffron", a spice with unparalleled gastronomical flavour and magical medicinal properties. The Arrakids had entered an agreement with the Jasrit Group to expand the production of Tumerffron beyond their borders. In 2023, a substitute, Gaius Tumerffron, hit the market. The Arrakid tribe commenced arbitration. By mutual consent, both parties subsequently agreed to mediation. The above scenario, developed by Lei Theng Lim, set the basis for "A Masterclass in Mediation Advocacy" organised jointly by SIMI, Singapore Institute of Arbitrators (SIArb) and Society of Mediation Professionals (Singapore) on 29 August 2024, in conjunction with Singapore Convention Week 2024. Masterclass trainers, Tat Lim and Shanti Abraham, took the participants through the skills and techniques required for the process of onboarding a client, the preparation for mediation and the mediation session. They also touched on the key responsibilities of the mediation advocate, developing a mediation strategy, qualities of an effective mediation advocate, did a deep dive into impasse and how to overcome it, and the concept of the lawyer as a value creator or a value claimer. Our grateful thanks to the mediation demo team - Michael Cover as the mediator, Ting-kwok (TK) Iu, MH as "Leto" from the Arrakid tribe, Francis Goh, FSIArb, FCIArb as Leto's counsel, Robert Heath KC as "Benny Jasrit" and Chern Yang See 徐振洋 as Benny's counsel. We are also grateful to Withersworldwide as the venue sponsor and Secretariat as the F&B sponsor. The masterclass was attended by an international audience comprising delegates who were in Singapore for the Singapore Convention Week 2024, as well as SIMI-accredited mediators and members from SIArb and SMP. We were also joined by an online audience of SIMI-accredited mediators who were based overseas. #mediation #standards #SCW2024

SIMI is saddened by the passing of Mr Michael Leathes. As a key member of the Working Group which recommended the setting up of the Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC) and the Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI), Michael helped to analyze and advance the case for boosting international commercial mediation in Singapore, and shared his experiences as founder of the International Mediation Institute (IMI) on mediator credentialing and how a professional standards body could sit within the mediation ecosystem in Singapore. All these efforts were instrumental in establishing SIMI. "Michael was a visionary, a great man and a good friend. I will miss him. Michael was a giant in mediation, and he was my Co-Founding Chair in the Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI). I have fond memories of us discussing the setting up of IMI over a beer (or two) in Singapore, and his legacy speaks for itself. While I am sad at his passing, it is a comfort to know that he remained positive and lucid until the end, and was with his family and embraced by love. I have informed those on my board who knew Michael and they are similarly saddened and extend their condolences.” - Prof Joel Lee, Chairman, SIMI. SIMI invites our accredited mediators and representatives of our Partners to visit the condolence message board (https://lnkd.in/di27JEei) hosted by IMI to pen their thoughts about the late Mr Michael Leathes and his pioneering work. #mediation #standards

What skills and competencies do you need to be an effective mediation advocate? Observe the ‘do’s and ‘don't’s of mediation advocacy in this masterclass featuring commentary and audience engagement amidst an international commercial mediation demonstration. 𝗔 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆 Thursday, 29 August 2024 3 - 7 pm (SGT) Withers KhattarWong, 18 Cross Street #14‐01, Singapore 048423 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀! 𝙎𝙚𝙜𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 1: 𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙-𝙪𝙥 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣  Advocating mediation to a reluctant client and preparing the client for mediation. 𝙎𝙚𝙜𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 2: 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 Preparation of documents, strategy for opening statement, and strategy for making an offer. 𝙎𝙚𝙜𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 3: 𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙚  Identifying sources of conflict, managing emotions, and use of private sessions. This event is jointly organised by SIMI, Singapore Institute of Arbitrators (SIArb) and the Society of Mediation Professionals (Singapore), in conjunction with Singapore Convention Week 2024, held from 26 - 30 August 2024. For more information on the event, visit https://lnkd.in/gky-KqCk For registration, visit the SCW2024 registration portal at https://lnkd.in/gFhwyCnf Registration closes on 20 August 2024. 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝘀: Member of SIArb/SMP & SIMI Accredited Mediator - $120 SIMI Partner Rep - $170 Others - $220 SILE CPD Points: 3

Wishing all SIMI-accredited Mediators and Partners a very Happy National Day!

𝗔 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆 Thursday, 29 August 2024 3 - 7 pm (SGT) Withers KhattarWong, 18 Cross Street #14‐01, Singapore 048423 Observe the ‘do’s and ‘don't’s of mediation advocacy in this masterclass, featuring commentary and audience engagement amidst an international commercial mediation demonstration. Through role-plays on the different segments of a mediation session, our masterclass trainers, Shanti Abraham and Lim Tat, both seasoned and experienced mediation advocates and mediators, will share on the skills and competencies every effective mediation advocate needs in their toolkit. This event is jointly organised by SIMI, Singapore Institute of Arbitrators and the Society of Mediation Professionals (Singapore), in conjunction with Singapore Convention Week 2024, held from 26 - 30 August 2024. For more information on the event, visit https://lnkd.in/gky-KqCk For registration, visit the SCW2024 registration portal at https://lnkd.in/gFhwyCnf 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝘀: Member of SIArb/SMP & SIMI Accredited Mediator - $120 SIMI Partner Rep - $170 Others - $220 SILE CPD Points: 3 #mediation #SCWeek2024

"𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙥𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙢𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨." - 𝙇𝙞𝙢 𝙏𝙖𝙩, 𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙨 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙧 Join us for "𝗔 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆" on 29 August 2024, jointly organised by SIMI, Singapore Institute of Arbitrators (SIArb) and Society of Mediation Professionals (SMP). Through role-plays on the different segments of a mediation session, our masterclass trainers, Shanti Abraham and Lim Tat, both seasoned and experienced mediation advocates and mediators, will share on the skills and competencies every effective mediation advocate needs in their toolkit. Thursday, 29 August 2024 3 - 7 pm (SGT) Withers KhattarWong, 18 Cross Street #14‐01, Singapore 048423 This event is organised in conjunction with Singapore Convention Week 2024, held from 26 - 30 August 2024. Registration is via the SCW2024 registration portal at https://lnkd.in/gFhwyCnf. 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝘀: Member of SIArb/SMP & SIMI Accredited Mediator - $120 SIMI Partner Rep - $170 Others - $220 #mediation #SCWeek2024 #mediationadvocacy #standards

𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐄𝐗𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝟏𝟒 𝐉𝐔𝐋𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒! The deadline for the Contemporary Issues in Mediation (CIIM) Research Essay Competition 2024 has been 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝟏𝟒 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒! Submit your entries and stand a chance to win cash prizes. Winning entries will also be published in CIIM Volume 10. The competition is global and open to any registered tertiary student in full-time or part-time studies in any discipline (including those pursuing masters or doctorate degree studies). Participation is free. See full rules, terms and conditions at https://lnkd.in/gTCT2vTk. For enquiries, contact us at ciim@simi.org.sg. #mediation #standards #research