Singapore, 16 January 2018 – Last year, the total quantum of disputed sums that came under mediation at the Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC) was a record high of over $2.7 billion.

SMC’s caseload has also been growing year by year with increased acceptance of mediation as a more affordable, flexible and accessible dispute resolution option versus pursuing legal action in court. In 2017, 538 matters were filed for mediation at SMC, an 8% increase from 2016. 465 of these matters were eventually mediated, an increase of 15% from the previous year.

Most of the matters mediated are commercial in nature, with construction and company/shareholder disputes being the most common. “Our latest statistics show an ever increasing confidence that mediation can be effective in resolving high value commercial cases. SMC has over 20 years of experience and expertise in providing mediation services and we hope to build on that experience to become a trusted partner for businesses in resolving high value, complex matters,” said Loong Seng Onn, Executive Director of SMC.

About the Singapore Mediation Centre

Established in 1997, the SMC pioneered the use of mediation as the mainstream mechanism for dispute resolution, as well as training in negotiation and conflict management. Today, SMC offers a suite of alternative dispute resolution services which brings clarity and objectivity to complex situations. These services include mediation, neutral evaluation, collaborative family practice and domain name dispute resolution. Through our panel of professional mediators with legal and industry expertise, SMC is well-placed to manage difficult negotiations and unlock standstills for businesses by providing cost-effective and timely solutions. At SMC, our vision is to help all businesses fully appreciate the value of mediation as a strategic risk-management tool that they can count on in commercial dealings.

News Reports

16 January 2018:

The Business Times - Total disputed sum mediated at SMC crosses record S$2.7b mark in 2017

Lianhe Zaobao - 新加坡调解中心去年调解个案涉款超过27亿元

Channel 8, Hello Singapore - 新加坡调解中心处理个案创新高​(20:17 to 21:02)

Channel NewsAsia, Singapore Tonight - Choosing the Mediation Route - Record High in Disputed Sums in 2017(18:48 to 19:48)

Suria, Berita - SMC Catat Rekod Tertinggi Pada 2017(17:46 to 18:37)

17 January 2018:

The Straits Times - Record year for mediation centre in 2017

The New Paper - New high in number of mediation cases