Day 1

Great session as moderated by Sheila Ahuja KC with esteemed panel of Justice Jeyaretnam and former Judge Geoffrey Ma of Hong Kong walking through the rise of the Global South in arbitration, the role of the judiciary in urgent relief and setting aside of awards. Both panelists emphasised the role of fairness and justice in arbitration – both procedural and substantive. Accountability of arbitrators to justice, both parties or to the supervisory courts was also highlighted.

Wise words from the Panel that young lawyers (in age and at heart) should be optimistic about the opportunities in dispute resolution in the broader Global South.

Day 2

Day 2 of the Convention was inspiring! From the heartfelt speech of the Chairman of the SIAC to Minister of Law’s address which unveiled two amazing initiatives – the SIAC Insolvency Protocol and the soon to be launched institute of ethics to the sessions after lunch that focussed on geopolitics and rule of law, the excitement in the air was palpable.

The confluence of insolvency and arbitration is an area that I am truly passionate and interested in – having argued the seminal cases in Court regarding the intersection of the two areas. I could not be more pleased to hear of SIAC’s thought leadership in the area of ethics in arbitration. Accountability and justice / fairness are paramount in arbitration and an ethical framework for counsel is crucial in ensuring that these ideals are met so that arbitration continues to thrive as a means for commercial disputes to be resolved.

Looking around the room – the crowd was also truly international with every continent represented. As I sat there, I felt truly proud to be a lawyer practicing in international arbitration in the golden age of arbitration. More importantly I sat in awe of the achievements Singapore has made not only economically but in world of arbitration, as a world class seat and as a trend-setter in mediation. We are so blessed to be where the world comes to arbitrate and mediate and we must continue to strive to maintain that trust and legitimacy of our little red dot in the world of dispute resolution.

Day 3

Day 3 of Convention Week – learning more about opportunities in the India-SG corridor and DR potential. India’s growth has been phenomenal and listening to the 10T target over the next few years – one things for certain more FDI is going into India and with that investment comes disputes and opportunities for effective resolution and dispute avoidance. Star-studded panel and was super inspired (fan-girl moment) to meet two trailblazer female Senior Adovcates who practise at the Indian Supreme Court!

Also Attended a session hosted by Rajah & Tann and deftly moderated by the SG of ICSID on ISDS work in the region.

Three clear trends

1.  Treaty claims are more common – both against states and by investors. Mediation if broached early enough can be effective to bring a swift end to ISDS disputes – many of which have deep social and policy impact beyond the monetary value of the awards.
2. Capacity building is crucial to ensure a fairer and more just dispute resolution process for investors and states alike.
3. Knowledge is the only way to level any gaps between the traditional players and the emerging economies including those in the global South.

PS – side note – I also got the good news today that I was placed on the Honour Roll of the NUS ASEAN law and policy forum I attended in early August for “insightful and thoughtful contributions to the course during the various sessions.”

Day 4

Day 4 – the last substantive day of Convention Week was spent on one of my favourite areas of law: climate change. Conference organised by CIL on “systemic integration of climate change in international law”.

Key insights

• The importance of advisory opinions issued by ICJ and other national courts.
• The role of non-state actors and advocacy was also another key takeaway for me. While the litigation may currently be happening in the US, Australia and the UK, it is a matter of time before these disputes hit our shores. In the interim, capacity building and knowledge acquisition is crucial so that we are prepared for the waves of climate change litigation when they hit.

Closed the evening off with my SINDA exco meeting (have recently been appointed to SINDA’s exco in July). Inspired to see the good work SINDA and other community organisations do in the areas of education, family, upskilling and re-skilling and especially in the realm of helping those incarcerated adjust to and cope with life outside when they are released. It is the greatest blessing to be able to use one’s God given talents and skills in the service of others. Am so fortunate to get the opportunity to contribute to these wonderful causes and also Vice Chair the Let Her Shine Project – which is a women empowerment initiative for Indian girls and young women from 7-35. Watch this space!