THE SINGAPORE ADVANTAGE - Maxwell Chambers

Businesses today increasingly operate in an international context. When disputes arise, many prefer less adversarial alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes to litigation.

Arbitration and/or Mediation can bring about win-win outcomes that are enforceable in multiple jurisdictions. In Asia especially, with the maturing of markets and the growing sophistication of businesses, awareness and use of ADR has been rapidly rising.

Singapore, with its reputation for impartiality and integrity, world-class ADR institutions and outstanding dispute resolution professionals, is recognized as a preferred venue for ADR in Asia. According to the 2021 Queen Mary University of London and White & Case International Arbitration Survey, Singapore was tied for first place as the top seat of arbitration in the world, and the most preferred seat of arbitration in the Asia-Pacific region.

Singapore is also a signatory to the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation. Now known as the Singapore Convention on Mediation, the Convention will facilitate international trade and commerce by rendering mediation an additional dispute resolution option, alongside litigation and arbitration in settling cross-border disputes.

Housing top international ADR institutions under one roof and providing best-of-class hearing facilities and support services, Maxwell Chambers promises a one-stop, full shop experience for all our clients.

INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIVITY

Singapore is located at the heart of Asia-Pacific, with excellent connectivity to serve the fast-growing markets of the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

TRUSTED REFERENCE

Singapore has established itself as one of the leading centres for international arbitration and mediation, with its arbitration and mediation-friendly legal system and modern infrastructure.

Singapore is also ranked as Asia-Pacific’s most preferred arbitration hub and ties for 1st place as the top seat of arbitration in the world (Queen Mary University of London 2021 International Arbitration Survey).

Well-regarded internationally for its impartiality and neutrality, Singapore is ranked the most transparent and least corrupt country, based on the Corruptions Perceptions Index 2020 by Transparency International. The Political & Economic Risk Consultancy has consistently ranked Singapore as the least corrupt country out of the 16 countries surveyed in Asia.

STRONG LEGAL INFRASTRUCTURE

The quality of Singapore’s legal system, based on the British Common Law System, is highly regarded.

Singapore’s legislation on international commercial arbitration is based on the UNCITRAL Model Law. As a party to the 1958 New York Convention, Singapore’s arbitral awards are enforceable in approximately 150 countries. Singapore is also served by a strong base of skilled and experienced practitioners in international arbitration work. Many top international law firms have offices here.

In 2019, Singapore, together with 46 other countries, signed the Singapore Convention on Mediation, reaffirming the close and long-standing legal relations with the other parties. The Convention entered into force on 12 September 2020, and businesses around the world now have greater certainly in resolving cross-border disputes through mediation.

OPEN ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION REGIME

Foreign arbitrators and mediators have complete freedom to practice arbitration or mediation work in Singapore. They are also exempted from taxes for income derived from work done here.

STABLE CLIMATE & EXTENSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE

Singapore is one of the most competitive countries in Asia (World Economic Forum, Global Competitiveness Report 2019; WIPO Global Innovation Index 2022) and has among the lowest crime rates worldwide. (IMD Switzerland, World Competitiveness Yearbook 2020).