Deminor Wiki - Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC)

Structure and Composition

SIAC is managed by an experienced team and supported by an internationally recognized Court of Arbitration:

1. SIAC Secretariat: The day-to-day operations, case management, and administrative functions are handled by the SIAC Secretariat, which comprises professionals trained in international arbitration.
2. SIAC Court of Arbitration: Composed of distinguished arbitrators and practitioners from various legal backgrounds, the SIAC Court oversees case management decisions, including the appointment of arbitrators and challenges to arbitrator independence.
3. Board of Directors: SIAC’s strategic direction is guided by a board composed of senior legal practitioners and international business experts, ensuring adherence to high standards of governance and operational efficiency.

SIAC’s organizational structure enables it to provide specialized and effective dispute resolution services that align with international best practices.

Jurisdiction and Scope of Arbitration

SIAC administers arbitrations under its own SIAC Rules and can also handle cases under UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules or other customized procedural frameworks as agreed by the parties. SIAC’s scope includes:

• Commercial Arbitration: SIAC handles a wide range of commercial disputes, including those related to joint ventures, intellectual property, trade, finance, and mergers and acquisitions.
• Investment Arbitration: SIAC has increasingly administered cases involving investor-state disputes, where a state or state-owned entity is involved in the arbitration.
• Expedited Arbitration and Emergency Arbitration: SIAC offers streamlined procedures, such as expedited arbitration for urgent cases and emergency arbitration for immediate interim relief, allowing parties to resolve disputes swiftly.

SIAC’s international focus means that its awards are enforceable globally under the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards. This treaty allows SIAC awards to be recognized and enforced in over 160 countries, giving it a distinct advantage in transnational dispute resolution.

Key Features of SIAC Arbitration

SIAC’s arbitration process incorporates innovative features designed to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and fairness:

1. Arbitrator Selection: SIAC maintains a global panel of qualified arbitrators with expertise across various sectors and legal systems, allowing parties to select or challenge arbitrators based on their experience and neutrality.
2. Flexible Rules: SIAC’s rules, updated regularly, reflect international best practices and incorporate flexible procedures that adapt to the needs of both civil law and common law practitioners.
3. Cost-Effective Procedures: SIAC is known for its competitive fee structure, with fees calculated transparently based on the complexity and value of the dispute, making it a cost-effective choice for arbitration.
4. Case Management Conferences: Regular case management conferences streamline the process and ensure that parties adhere to timelines, keeping proceedings efficient and preventing delays.

Additionally, SIAC provides confidentiality for its cases, a feature valued by parties handling sensitive commercial or financial information. It also offers translation and multi-language support, making it accessible to participants from diverse backgrounds.

Recognition and Precedents

SIAC has emerged as one of the top arbitration institutions globally, frequently ranking alongside the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA). Its position in Singapore, a neutral and strategically located arbitration hub, has contributed to its popularity, especially for disputes involving parties from Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific. SIAC’s approach to combining efficiency with flexibility has influenced arbitration practices worldwide, setting standards for institutions in both emerging and established arbitration markets.

SIAC has administered a number of high-profile cases involving multinational corporations, cross-border trade, and state entities. Some notable cases include complex multi-jurisdictional commercial disputes and significant investment treaty cases, particularly involving Southeast Asian, Indian, and Chinese companies. These cases have furthered SIAC’s reputation for handling large, complex cases and have contributed to the development of precedents in international arbitration law.

Advantages of SIAC and it's Role in Arbitration

Businesses and governments favour SIAC for several reasons:

• Neutrality and Impartiality: SIAC’s independence from government influence ensures that cases are handled impartially.
• Global Accessibility and Language Flexibility: SIAC’s inclusive approach accommodates a variety of languages and legal systems, making it accessible to a wide range of international users.
• Efficient and Transparent Processes: With its focus on quick, cost-effective dispute resolution, SIAC is especially attractive for businesses seeking certainty and efficiency.

SIAC plays an active role in the global arbitration community, engaging with other arbitration institutions, hosting training programs, and participating in conferences and seminars to promote arbitration as a reliable form of dispute resolution. By continually updating its rules and enhancing services, SIAC remains at the forefront of arbitration developments, contributing to the international arbitration framework and establishing Singapore as a premier arbitration venue.