Innovation key to ADR relevance—Singapore minister

Singapore aims to keep its ADR ecosystem relevant, trusted and useful to businesses.

Singapore is banking on its strong legal system, consistent innovation, and fostering more relationships with other nations to ensure that its alternative dispute resolution ecosystem remains relevant, trusted and useful to businesses.

Speaking at the Alternative Dispute Resolution Conference 2025, Murali Pillai SC, Singapore’s Minister of State for Law, said that Singapore is navigating a complex and dynamic global environment, and they do so in three ways: upholding the rule of law, innovation and creating partnerships.

He noted that Singapore’s ADR reputation is underpinned by a strong legal system, known globally for its good governance, low corruption, and consistent rule of law. “Parties from around the world have chosen Singapore as the dispute resolution forum, even when the dispute has no direct connection with Singapore,” he said. The Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) has seen cases from 110 jurisdictions.

Pillai also pointed to Singapore’s support for international legal instruments such as the New York Convention and the Singapore Convention on Mediation, which promote cross-border enforceability.

To stay globally competitive, Singapore is focused on innovation. The development of institutions like SIMC and SICC, gives businesses more flexible options for dispute resolution. New technologies are being used to modernise the process, with Maxwell Chambers adopting drones and virtual reality to enhance evidence presentation. SIMC’s Mediation AI Assistant also helps manage case data more efficiently, saving time and costs.

Legal cost management has also improved through reforms such as the introduction of third-party funding in 2017 and conditional fee agreements in 2022.

International collaboration remains key to Singapore’s approach. The country has signed MOUs with China, India, Japan and will soon formalise one with Saudi Arabia. Local institutions also work with global bodies to share best practices and promote cross-border cooperation.

Pillai concluded by stressing the importance of community and cooperation. “Every jurisdiction has its strengths, and we will all be stronger if we learn from one another,” he said.

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