In recent years, Singapore has solidified its position in the region and globally as a leading location for international arbitration. Its dominance may be attributed to several factors, including the innovative stewardship of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC); an efficient and impartial judiciary respectful of the principles of arbitration; a vibrant arbitration bar comprising both Singapore and foreign counsel; Singapore’s profile as the region’s financial centre; and last but not least, world-class infrastructure and socio-political stability.

Predicated on this foundation, Singapore’s arbitration scene has gone from strength to strength, a trend that has continued in 2014. Symptomatic of the sophistication of the bar and judiciary, Singapore arbitral jurisprudence, while largely adhering to the norms of international arbitration practice, has also developed in ways unique to Singapore.

Although this chapter deals primarily with arbitration, brief mention is also made of the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC) and the Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC).