Strategic Conflict Management: Why Companies Should Embrace Mediation
Event Introduction:
In recent years, there have been many initiatives to encourage the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and in particular, mediation, as the first step in resolving commercial disputes.
The Mediation Act of 2017 (“Act”), which came into force on 1 November 2017, encapsulates provisions such as a stay of court proceedings to apply for mediation, protection of confidentiality of mediation communications and the enforceability of mediated settlement agreements. The Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC) is named a designated mediation service provider for the purposes of enforcement of a mediated settlement under section 12 of the Act.
The Rules of Court 2021 imposes an express duty for parties to any proceedings to consider ADR before and throughout the proceedings. Parties are also expected to make an offer of amicable resolution prior to initiating any legal action unless they have reasonable grounds not to do so. Moreover, paragraph 53 of the Supreme Court Practice Directions 2021 provides that it is the professional duty of lawyers to inform their clients of ADR options to facilitate the expedient and cost-effective resolution of their disputes; it also provides for cost sanctions for unreasonable refusal to engage in ADR.
The objective of this dialogue session is to introduce our guests to mediation, the differences between mediation and other dispute resolution processes such as litigation and arbitration, and its benefits and to discuss how mediation can play a useful role in resolving commercial disputes by providing cost-effective and timely solutions.
Programme:
Time |
Event |
|
| 4.30pm – 5.00pm | Registration | |
| 5.00pm – 5.05pm |
Introduction |
|
| 5.05pm – 6.00pm |
Strategic Conflict Management: Why Companies Should Embrace Mediation |
|
| 6.15pm – 6.30pm |
Question & Answer |
|
| 6.30pm – 7.00pm | Networking |
Speaker’s Profile
Mr Yeong Zee Kin, Executive Director (Singapore Mediation Centre)
Mr Yeong Zee Kin is the Chief Executive of the SAL. Before joining SAL in April 2023, he held the position of Assistant Chief Executive (Data Innovation and Protection Group) at the Infocomm Media Development Authority and served as the Deputy Commissioner of the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC).
Mr Yeong is highly regarded as an expert in AI ethics and data privacy, and his work has positioned Singapore as a thought leader in Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI). He has played a crucial role in developing progressive governance to support the adoption of AI in various industries. Additionally, he has contributed to PDPC’s global reputation as a leader in data-driven technology policies, fostering innovation while ensuring data protection.
With a Master of Law in Computer and Communications Law from the Queen Mary University of London and an undergraduate law degree from the National University of Singapore, Mr Yeong’s expertise spans technology, media, and telecommunications law. He has spoken and published extensively on topics such as technology regulation, data protection, intellectual property, electronic discovery, and the legal aspects of Blockchain and AI deployment.
Mr Yeong began his career as a Deputy Public Prosecutor and State Counsel at the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) and was previously a partner at Rajah & Tann LLP’s iTec practice group, specialising in intellectual property, technology, entertainment, and communications. He held the position of Senior State Counsel and Director of Technology Law at the Civil Division of AGC, where he also served as a legal advisor to the Smart Nation Programme Office and the Cyber Security Agency. Additionally, he was Senior Assistant Registrar and Chief Information Officer at the Supreme Court, actively working to keep Singapore at the forefront of court technology.