Mediation Experience of Singapore

Within the framework of the established cooperation between the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), on January 11-19, 2020 in accordance with the project “Creation of a Mediation center and establishment of its activities” a study trip to Singapore where participated two lecturers of UWED N.Kh. Rakhmonkulova and F.A. Khasanova was organized.

During the trip, UWED lecturers met with representatives of the Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI), Singapore International Mediation Center (SIMC), Singapore Mediation Center (SMC) and Singapore International Dispute Resolution Academy (SIDRA), and also had the opportunity to familiarize themselves closely with their activities and to study their experience.

When studying the Singapore experience, the representatives of UWED concluded that Singapore is the "Center" of mediation. In order to make Singapore the “center” of mediation, the Singapore Government has been implementing a number of measures. For example, such as exemption from taxes for the centers that provide mediation services for a certain period.

The offered services from the moment of receipt of the application to the end of mediation by mediation centers, such as SMC and SIMC, in particular, the “Case Management” service, are aimed at providing convenience to the parties and the mediator. This gives mediation centers the ability to resolve a large number of disputes effectively in a short time. Mediation centers also conduct trainings on the training of mediators. Trainings are short-term and as they are aimed at the formation of effective practical skills.

Together with mediation centers in Singapore, there are structures that set standards for mediation (SIMI) and conduct research in this area (SIDRA). The results of these structures help to maintain mediation in Singapore at a high level.

The knowledge and experience gained during the trip will be widely used in the creation and establishment of the activities of the Mediation Center of UWED. Moreover, the trip facilitated to creation of relations which were established with the above organizations that will closely cooperate in the conduct of the Center.