Michael Pryles

Chairman of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre

Singapore International Arbitration Centre

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The Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), which was established in July 1991, is now recognised as one of the leading arbitral centres in the world. It has undergone a significant transformation during the course of 2009 to give it a broader international focus, to increase the transparency in its operations and to be more responsive to the needs of parties and their legal counsel.

During the course of the year a new board of directors was appointed and a council of advisers established. These comprised leading arbitral practitioners from Europe, North America and throughout Asia. An extensive revision of the SIAC Rules is being undertaken and the SIAC Practice Notes have been revised. In addition, SIAC moved its location to its new premises within Maxwell Chambers. This purpose built arbitration facility, perhaps unmatched anywhere else in the world, comprises some 14 hearing rooms, an arbitrator’s lounge, gymnasium, concierge service and four restaurants. It has already become a focus for arbitration in Singapore and the Asian region. In addition to housing SIAC, the following organisations have offices at Maxwell Chambers: WIPO, ICDR, Singapore Institute of Arbitrators and ICC.

The most pleasing development during the year has been a significant increase in the number of new cases. In 2007, SIAC received 86 new cases. The number increased to 99 in 2008 and in the first 10 months of 2009, 112 new cases have been received. The total number of cases administered by SIAC now exceeds 200.

SIAC, together with Maxwell Chambers, will co-host a major arbitration conference entitled ‘The Singapore Arbitration Forum’ on 21 and 22 January 2010 in connection with the official opening of Maxwell Chambers.