MAY • ISSUE 1/2021 JUDICIARY TIMES

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Opening of the Legal Year Family Justice Courts State Courts Hold 2021: Administering Justice in Workplan Seminar 2021: IFCE Workshops for the Face of Adversities A New Tomorrow ASEAN Judiciaries CONTENTS HIGHLIGHTS

HIGHLIGHTS

Opening of the Legal Year 2021: 02 Opening of the Legal Year 2021: Administering Justice in the Face of Adversities Administering Justice in the On 11 January, the Opening of the Legal Year was streamed that the Courts, Prosecution and Bar play their part to Face of Adversities live from the State Courts' Havelock Hall to about 1,000 administer justice. Family Justice Courts Workplan 03 participants on Zoom. Chief Justice , The Chief Justice made observations on the post- Seminar 2021: A New Tomorrow Attorney-General and President of the Law pandemic legal landscape, which included how processes State Courts Hold IFCE Workshops 04 Society, Gregory Vijayendran, delivered their customary could be optimised through the use of technology and for ASEAN Judiciaries speeches at the annual event via video conference for multi-disciplinary collaborations with stakeholders. the first time. On the advancement of the Rule of Law, the Chief Justice EVENTS AND INITIATIVES In his response, the Chief Justice outlined the Courts' outlined the work carried out in both the domestic and key developments and work done in the past year. international spaces. A One-stop Service Centre for Seamless 05 He covered aspects of the criminal justice system and Experience In closing, the Chief Justice encouraged the legal community highlighted that securing fairness in the system is crucial to continue to embrace the spirit of trust and collaboration Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon delivering his response at Third Meeting of the Standing International 06 to the attainment of justice and order in society. He added whilst preparing for the opportunities that were ahead. the Opening of the Legal Year 2021 Forum of Commercial Courts The 2021 Standing International 07 Forum of Commercial Courts Judicial A FAIR CRIMINAL INITIATIVES TO ADVANCE Observation Programme JUSTICE SYSTEM The Courts, the Prosecution and the Bar play their part to administer THE RULE OF LAW International Commercial Court 08 justice. Each institutional player has specific and complementary responsibilities to uphold the integrity of the system. At the individual level, Domestic Sphere Symposium 2021 they approach their calling to administer justice with devotion and a sincere openness to identifying and remedying any shortcomings. Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon 09 Civil Justice Appellate Division has come into operation, allowing Appointed as Member of the ICC Governing the Judiciary to utilise appellate judicial resources Body for Dispute Resolution Services more optimally. Forthcoming implementation of new Rules of Court. Justice Appointed as Expert 09 Insolvency, Restructuring and Dissolution Act 2018 Member of ICEC offers more affordable and efficient methods of restructuring and liquidation. Singapore and Rwanda Sign MOU on 10 A robust judicial Singapore Judicial College has been Increasing opportunities for Establishment of cross-court Judicial Cooperation and Money Judgments structure with a developing a Judicial Competency High Court Judges to knowledge management Family Justice Advisory Research Council established to bring system of corrective Framework to enhance training in mentor judicial officers in office to facilitate sharing of FJC and ISCA Sign MOU on Setting Up 11 together international thought leaders to share procedures such as the necessary competencies of the State Courts and Family knowledge and best practices perspectives on Therapeutic Justice. Panel of Financial Experts appeals. Judges and judicial officers. Justice Courts (FJC). across the Judiciary. FJC and Institute of Singapore Chartered Engaging the Media 11 Accountants to establish a Panel of Financial Experts. Family Judges’ Learning Week 12 THE POST-PANDEMIC Online portal to allow Litigants-in-Person Opportunity to Re-imagine our Processes and Harness to file for divorce by consent and connect with Celebrating Lunar New Year with 13 LEGAL LANDSCAPE the Power of Technology lawyer-mediators. LAWNET the Singapore Cheshire Home Forthcoming enhancements to LawNet. FJC is working with Ministry of Social and Family Re-examination of court processes and enhancing access to information Development to strengthen the maintenance The Courts leverage technology enforcement regime. to optimise our processes by the public (e.g. single Judiciary Website, e-service for simplified track NOTABLE VISITS 14 through multi-disciplinary divorce applications). Revised Family Justice Rules to be implemented by collaboration with stakeholders. Multi-disciplinary Skillsets and Upskilling of the mid-2022. Profession , with the support of Ministry of Law and International Sphere TRANSFORMATION AND 15 Singapore Institute of Legal Education, to launch SkillsFuture credit-eligible programme LIFTED-LinkedIn Learning Pathways. Singapore International INNOVATION IN THE JUDICIARY Commercial Court Law schools and continuing education frameworks equip the profession New standard-setting to harness the transformational potential of technology. procedural rules in final stages of development. Shift Towards Dispute Avoidance or Containment LITIGATION Scan the QR Code for WHAT'S NEW? 16 Mechanisms International Relations the full response by Promoting alternative dispute resolution processes for peacebuilding the Chief Justice and proportionality in dispute resolution. Continued contribution to international conversations and go.gov.sg/ Success of SGUnited Mediation Initiative. BEHIND THE SCENES 19 engagements. cj-oly2021-speech

1 JUDICIARY TIMES • MAY 2021 2 HIGHLIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS

Family Justice Courts Workplan Seminar 2021: State Courts Hold IFCE Workshops A New Tomorrow for ASEAN Judiciaries formation and development of the International d. The percentage of divorce Consortium for Court Excellence (ICCE), of which cases that went through the State Courts are one of the founding members, mediation and reached a full the origins and evolution of the IFCE and its holistic or partial settlement increased approach to evaluate court performance and over the years to 90% in 2020. continuous improvement methodology.

On how parties could get to ‘A New The IFCE is a guide for the journey to court Tomorrow’, Justice Ong suggested On 4 February, the Family Justice excellence and reinforces those values and that this could be achieved Courts (FJC) held its seventh aspirations internationally recognised as critical to through: facilitating successful Justice Debbie Ong, Presiding Judge annual Workplan Seminar. The of the FJC an effective and publicly respected court. It was transitions to post-breakdown life; theme this year was “A New first developed in 2008 and has since undergone facilitating parties to discharge Ms Jennifer Marie, Deputy Presiding Judge of the State Tomorrow”, following the themes two revisions. Each edition builds on the foundation their parental responsibility; and Courts (top left), Judges and senior court administrators from "Today is a New Day” in 2020, and the State Courts delivered presentations covering the IFCE of the previous editions, with enhancements based facilitating problem-solving and “Every Outcome, A Way Forward” on feedback obtained and updates to maintain its managing future issues or conflicts. in 2019. Over 50 participants comprising judges and court relevance in the present operating environment. The She shared that these aspects tied administrators from the 10 ASEAN judiciaries latest third edition was launched last year. in nicely with FJC’s three strategic The Workplan was graced by the attended the inaugural International Framework for thrusts: Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon as Court Excellence (IFCE) Train-the-Trainer Workshop The IFCE Train-the-Trainer Workshop aimed to help the Guest-of-Honour and attended on 8 and 9 April. build up a core team in ASEAN member states with a. Furthering TJ in a Multi- by staff and invited guests from IFCE expertise. In addition to the useful pointers Disciplinary Environment; the Judiciary by video conference. Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon The one-and-a-half-day workshop, which was on the implementation of the IFCE, it allowed for organised by the State Courts, covered theoretical the exchange of ideas with members of the ICCE b. Facilitating Court Processes, In her address, Presiding Judge and practical aspects of the IFCE, including the Executive Committee. Settlement, and Enforcement; of the FJC, Justice Debbie Ong, it means to have ‘hardware’ and outlined the various projects and and ‘heartware’ and for His Honour’s initiatives to be undertaken by the constant encouragement towards Workshop with the c. Fortifying Judges’ and Lawyers’ FJC in the coming year, following fulfilling FJC’s mission. Administrative Court of Thailand the announcement of FJC's Capacity and Capability. A one-day workshop held on 23 March served as a renewed vision on Therapeutic Following Justice Ong's Workplan platform for the State Courts and the Administrative Justice (TJ) in 2020. She further Justice Ong highlighted the FJC address, FJC staff participated in Court of Thailand to cover the latest developments shared FJC's statistical highlights initiatives rolled out in response a dialogue with the Chief Justice of the IFCE and its application to court operations. for 2016 to 2020. Her broad to the COVID-19 pandemic, which and Justice Ong, where FJC staff District Judge Wong Li Tein from the State Courts observations on FJC's caseload included: simplifying and adapting took this rare opportunity to shared the updates in the third edition of the for 2020 were: our processes to meet the needs of court users; educating them engage the Chief Justice on his IFCE and how it had guided the State Courts in views pertaining to technological overcoming the challenges brought about by the a. The caseload for 2020 fell due on the use of virtual tools and adoption, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Judge Siriwan Chullapo of to the COVID-19 pandemic; providing ‘Zoom rooms’; and having a ‘Zoom by default’ mode COVID-19 pandemic on Judiciary the Supreme Administrative Court, and President of a Chamber of the Central Administrative Court, b. The proportion of divorce for suitable court events and operations and the development Ekkanut Jinasen, presented the implementation of cases filed on the simplified proceedings. of family law, amongst others. the IFCE in three courts, covering the improvements track rose slightly to reach 60% Two videos, one that showcased achieved with a list of projects that had been in 2020, up from 58% in 2019; Finally, Justice Ong paid tribute the resilience of staff in adapting to the commitment, patience, to the hybrid model of working undertaken to strengthen various areas under the framework. c. The average number of days resilience and ‘can-do’ spirit from home and at the courts, and required to conclude a divorce displayed by all FJC staff. She also another of their reflections on "A case decreased from 97 days expressed gratitude to the Chief New Tomorrow" — what it meant in 2018 to 82 days in 2019; and Justice for showing the way in what to them — were screened. District Judge Wong Li Tein (top) presenting at the Workshop

3 JUDICIARY TIMES • MAY 2021 4 EVENTS & INITIATIVES EVENTS & INITIATIVES

A One-stop Service Centre for Seamless Experience Third Meeting of the Standing International Forum of Commercial Courts

(Top Row) Mr Justice Robin Knowles, Lord John Thomas of Cwmgiedd, Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, Chief Justice (Emeritus) Bart Katureebe, Rt Hon. Lord Ian Burnett of Maldon

(Middle Row) Hon. Chief Justice Andrew Cheung, Hon. Chief Justice Tom Bathurst, Hon. Chief Justice James Allsop AO, Hon. Loretta A. Preska, Hon. Justice Nallini Pathmanathan

(Bottom Row) Hon. Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Justice Madiyar Balken, Chief Registrar Amna Al Owais, Deputy Chief Judge Shen Hongyu, Hon Justice L. Nageswara Rao On 30 March, Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon had a first look at the prototype of the One-stop Service The Supreme Court of Singapore exchanging in-depth views and dispute resolution amongst others. Centre (Centre), located within the Supreme Court hosted the third meeting of engaging constructively on topics Minister for Culture, Community building, which aims to provide a quick and seamless the Standing International that included third-party litigation and Youth and Second Minister for experience to court users. Forum of Commercial Courts funding, arbitration and the courts, Law, Mr SC, spoke on (SIFoCC) from 11 to 12 March. enforcement of commercial commercial (third party) litigation Stepping into the shoes of a Litigant-in-Person (LiP) For the first time, the meeting, judgments for money, international funding, the impact of commercial filing for bankruptcy, Chief Justice was brought which involved participants best practice in case management, litigation funding, the role of through the processes before he was presented from over 35 jurisdictions, was and the use of technology such as commercial litigation funders within with the services to be provided in the Centre. The conducted virtually. artificial intelligence. a justice system, and international walkthrough not only showcased the experience consistency in the regulation of from a court user’s perspective, it also highlighted Chief Justices, Judges, senior Minister in the Prime Minister’s third-party funding. Chief Justice staffs’ concerns and constraints in meeting court judicial representatives, renowned Office and Second Minister Sundaresh Menon said: "It has users’ needs. speakers and distinguished for Finance and National been a privilege to host the third delegates from 31 countries Development, Ms Indranee meeting of the SIFoCC, and I am The project, which started in June 2020, saw the including Australia, Brazil, Rajah SC, delivered the opening delighted that we were able to do team and consultants actively engaging court users China, France, Germany, India, remarks where she spoke about so virtually this year despite the — lawyers and LiPs — to understand their pain points Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Qatar, the impact of COVID-19 in relation many challenges brought about and to better streamline the user journey for them. Singapore, South Korea, The to dispute resolution. She noted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Supreme Court staff were also engaged to give their Gambia, Uganda, the United that technology had enabled Over the years, the SIFoCC has perspective in dealing with court users. The Supreme Kingdom and the United States the connection of courts and established itself as an invaluable Court hopes the success of the Centre will enforce attended the meeting. The judiciaries and the opportunities forum at which commercial judges in everyone the need to be user centric and to be meeting saw SIFoCC members to re-shape the face of commercial and court administrators can come empowered to do so. continue on page 7

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continued from page 6 Singapore International Commercial Court together to exchange views and said: "The meeting provides a With the growth in the volume of Symposium 2021 share best practices. I am confident forum for the discussion of cross global trade and investment in that the continuing collaboration, jurisdiction understanding in the recent years, it is imperative that cooperation and contact that commercial courts as well as judiciaries around the world keep the SIFoCC fosters amongst its technical development and it is an pace with these rapid changes members will enable commercial important step in the collaborative and collaborate to develop courts to better address the effort of Commercial Courts across international commercial law opportunities and challenges the world. The third meeting of and best practices to support the that will surely arise amidst the SIFoCC will provide a unique growth in international trade and rapidly changing landscape of opportunity for judges to share businesses. The Supreme Court of Singapore remains committed international commercial dispute experiences, post pandemic, to enhancing international resolution." on this scale. We are extremely commercial dispute resolution. grateful to the teams in London Lord John Thomas, Chair of and Singapore for the work that the SIFoCC Steering Group has made the event possible.”

The Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC) and infrastructure disputes, the enforceability of Symposium 2021 was held as a live webinar on 10 court judgments and the role of commercial courts in March. The theme was “Trends & Developments in cross-border insolvency disputes. The delegates also The 2021 Standing International Forum of International Commercial Litigation”. had opportunities for networking in a virtual lounge. Commercial Courts Judicial Observation Programme Following the opening address that was delivered by As a landmark event, the Symposium brought Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, a distinguished line- together key players in the international commercial Priyantha Fernando from Sri Lanka up of speakers from Singapore and overseas, including dispute resolution landscape and exemplified the and Senior Principal Magistrate Chief Justices, Judges and legal luminaries in the field SICC’s status as a leading court for the resolution of Elizabeth Tanui from Kenya of international commercial litigation, shared their views international commercial disputes and Singapore’s (member countries of SIFoCC). and perspectives. status as a leading forum for legal services. The participating Judges were Around 300 participants attended the Symposium each attached to a High Court The Symposium comprised in-depth panel discussions including local and foreign delegates from the Judge appointed as their Judge on the forthcoming new procedural rules of the SICC, United Kingdom, Australia, Malaysia, South Korea, Mentor, namely, Justice Ang Cheng the emerging trends and opportunities for commercial China, Germany, Jamaica, India, the United Arab Hock, Justice Kannan Ramesh and courts and other dispute resolution options in a post- Emirates, the United States of America, and Uganda Justice Audrey Lim respectively pandemic world, including in the area of commercial among others. and had daily dialogues with them. The participating Judges also observed court hearings as well as met up with senior management and registrars who shared with them the Court's structure, court practices and processes. At the Participating Judges at the SIFoCC Judicial Observation Programme with Justice programme, Justice See Kee Vincent Hoong (bottom left) and Assistant Registrar Jacqueline Lee (top left) Oon also shared with them the Court’s case management and In conjunction with the third Judicial Observation Programme docketing systems while Justice meeting of the SIFoCC, the from 4 to 5 March and from 8 Vincent Hoong shared on “How Supreme Court of Singapore to 9 March for Justice Anne Singapore Courts responded to hosted the virtual 2021 SIFoCC Mugenyi from Uganda, Justice the COVID-19 pandemic”.

7 JUDICIARY TIMES • MAY 2021 8 EVENTS & INITIATIVES EVENTS & INITIATIVES

Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon Appointed as Singapore and Rwanda Sign MOU on Judicial Member of the ICC Governing Body for Dispute Cooperation and Money Judgments Resolution Services

for Dispute Resolution Services for and Alternative Dispute Resolution a term of two years on 22 March. (ADR) who will bolster ICC’s commitment to making its leading The governing body is a formal dispute resolution services more committee of the ICC Executive accessible to users in Asia while Board and the driving force supporting objectives to digitise ensuring ICC dispute resolution services in line with user needs and COVID-19 safety protocols. services contribute to the achievement of principal business As an eminent figure in the dispute and organisational objectives. resolution field in the region, Chief Justice Menon will be Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon Chief Justice Menon’s experience Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon of Singapore and Chief Justice Dr. Faustin Ntezilyayo of Rwanda holding up the signed was appointed as a member of amongst three members to the and leadership will also spur MOU for Judicial Cooperation and MOG as to Enforcement of Money Judgments the International Chamber of Executive Board subcommittee the strategic direction of ICC’s Commerce (ICC) Governing Body responsible for ICC Arbitration Arbitration and ADR services. Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon of the Supreme Court of Singapore signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Judicial Cooperation and a Memorandum of Guidance (MOG) as to Enforcement of Money Judgments with Chief Justice Dr. Faustin Ntezilyayo of the Supreme Court of Rwanda at a virtual ceremony held on 19 April. The agreements were the first of such between the two Courts. The signing was witnessed by Judges from both Courts and High Commissioner of Rwanda to Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, His Excellency, Mr Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye.

Justice Steven Chong Appointed as Expert At the signing ceremony, the Chief Justices reaffirmed the warm friendship between the two Courts and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including the responses taken to manage the impact of the Member of ICEC COVID-19 pandemic. Justice Steven Chong was formally international commercial disputes, Following the ceremony, Chief Justice Menon hosted the High Commissioner to a meeting. They discussed appointed as an expert member and to provide a vital international areas of mutual interest including new areas for judicial cooperation between Rwanda and Singapore. of the International Commercial dimension to the expertise Expert Committee (ICEC) of the and resources available to the Supreme People’s Court of the China International Commercial People’s Republic of China (SPC) Court. ICEC members include on 8 December 2020. international experts who The ICEC is established by the SPC are accomplished jurists and possess extensive experience in to enhance international exchange Justice Steven Chong at the video and cooperation, particularly international arbitration, mediation conference of the New Zealand Senior in relation to the resolution of and commercial law. Courts Judges' Conference

Justice Steven Chong delivers presentation at the New Zealand Senior Courts Judges' Conference On 16 April, Justice Steven Chong delivered a presentation via video conference at the New Zealand Senior Courts Judges’ Conference. The theme of the Conference was “New Beginnings”. At a session on “Implications for New Zealand of Developments in Asia”chaired by Justice Sally Fitzgerald of the High Court of New Zealand, Justice Chong shared the experience of the Supreme Court of Singapore in its engagement with the SPC.

9 JUDICIARY TIMES • MAY 2021 10 EVENTS & INITIATIVES EVENTS & INITIATIVES

FJC and the ISCA sign MOU on Setting Up Panel of Family Judges’ Learning Week Financial Experts

On 30 December 2020, the that the neutral financial reports Family Justice Courts (FJC) will provide an equitable and signed a Memorandum of objective valuation of the Understanding (MOU) with the matrimonial assets under contest, Institute of Singapore Chartered thereby allowing justice to be Accountants (ISCA) to form a administered more effectively Panel of Financial Experts (POFE). and efficiently. Comprising ISCA members who are public accountants or ISCA The first tranche of cases for Financial Forensic Professional the pilot programme of the credential holders with relevant POFE project commenced Justice Debbie Ong, Presiding Judge of Family Justice Courts experience, the POFE is intended in the first quarter of 2021. to provide the FJC Judges with The second tranche of cases neutral financial valuation reports will commence in the second to assist them and the divorcing quarter of 2021. Thereafter, the parties at the ancillary matters FJC and ISCA will review the stage, in dealing with the division POFE project and decide if this Family judges' attending the learning week via Zoom of the matrimonial assets of should be implemented on a divorcing parties under section long-term basis. If successful, Recognising that family judges engage parties in problem-solving Professors Leong Wai Kum and 112 of the Women’s Charter. the FJC will work with the are specialists in using the judge- instead of adversarial posturing Chan Wing Cheong, Advisory financial experts through ISCA, led approach and in delivering in court, specialised skills such Research Council (ARC) members This project will enable the FJC to finalise the key documents Therapeutic Justice (TJ), the Family as when and how to talk to and who are experts on TJ including to appoint a financial expert from required for the preparation of Justice Courts (FJC) continued to listen to children, social science Professors Barbara Babb and Vicki the POFE to assist in particular, the neutral valuation reports, Mr Kon Yin Tong, President of Institute of Singapore devote time, effort and resources knowledge to understand parties Lens, psychiatrists such as Dr Daniel parties who are embroiled in and on the fees payable to Chartered Accountants ISCA towards equipping and training its and families better including basic Fung and Dr George Fernandez complicated and contentious the financial experts under the judicial officers. child developmental psychology; from the Institute of Mental Health, financial disputes. It is hoped POFE project. parenting and the importance psychologists including ARC FJC held its second learning week of co-parenting; mental illness member Dr Robin Deutsch as well for all its Judges on 22 to 26 and its impact on parenting; and as clinical forensic psychologist February as part of its specialised family violence and child abuse. Dr Kenji Gwee, social science training curriculum for family Judges were also taught the experts including Dr Sudha Engaging the Media judges, with a focus on the concept different types of support services Nair from PAVE and Ms Ang and delivery of TJ and the multi- located in the wider social services Bee Lian from the Ministry of As part of the Judiciary’s regular It was a useful session for both disciplinary approach to problem community and the different types Social and Family Development engagement with the media, CE and the media as they share solving. of referrals that Judges may and FJC’s Judges and Court Chief Executive (CE), Ms Juthika candidly on ways to work together Ramanathan had a meeting make. There were also topics Family Specialists. to educate the public on the role The learning week was that touched on judicial wellness, with the local media editors and of the Judiciary and its processes. journalists on 24 March at the conducted virtually and it self-care, biases and transference. The Judiciary looks forward to Supreme Court to share about the was highly interactive and collaborating with the media to Judiciary’s priorities, the upcoming covered a deep range of multi- The faculty comprised leading initiatives to enhance access to promote a better understanding disciplinary subjects. experts in different disciplines. justice, as well as the Judiciary's of Singapore’s judicial system, Trainers included Presiding recent efforts in facilitating court thereby engendering greater The topics covered included TJ Judge of the FJC, Justice Debbie reporting amidst the COVID-19 public trust and confidence in practices and techniques on how to Ong, family law experts such as pandemic. the Judiciary.

11 JUDICIARY TIMES • MAY 2021 12 EVENTS & INITIATIVES NOTABLE VISITS

Celebrating Lunar New Year with the Singapore 19 Feb Courtesy Call on Chief Justice by Thai Cheshire Home Ambassador to Singapore

Despite the challenges brought about by COVID-19, the State Courts continued to reach out to the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to community through alternative means as part of their the Republic of Singapore, His Excellency corporate social responsibility efforts. On 26 February, Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, called on Chief staff volunteers put together a virtual programme Justice Sundaresh Menon on 19 February. of performances and games to celebrate the Lunar Chief Justice Menon was joined by Justice New Year with residents of the Singapore Cheshire Steven Chong, Justice Lee Seiu Kin and Justice Home. A festive pack containing oranges and red Pang Khang Chau at the call. packets that were specially prepared by staff were also distributed to them. They had a lively discussion on a wide range of issues, including advancing judicial Through video greetings, Presiding Judge of the cooperation within the region and the impact State Courts, Justice Vincent Hoong, said that the of technological changes on the Judiciary. Lunar New Year is a time for families and friends to reunite and spend time together. He highlighted how the State Courts were delighted to celebrate the festive occasion with them. Deputy Presiding Judge of the State Courts, Ms Jennifer Marie, looked back on the meaningful activities and special events with About the Singapore Cheshire Home 05 Mar Introductory Call on Chief Justice the residents before the pandemic struck, and said A Residential Home for residents with that she looked forward to meeting them face-to- muscular dystrophy/atrophy, cerebral palsy, by High Commissioner of India face again soon. etc., who receive nursing care, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, training in daily to Singapore The State Courts celebrate the Lunar New Year with living skills as well as social and recreational a charitable organisation every year in hope to bring activities. cheer to its beneficiaries during the festive period. High Commissioner of the Republic of India to the Republic of Singapore, His Excellency Periasamy Kumaran, called on Chief Justice It is a tradition for the State Courts to Sundaresh Menon on 5 March. celebrate the Lunar New Year with a charitable organisation, and we are At the call, they discussed, amongst other delighted to do so with the Singapore topics, the impact of technology on the administration of justice brought about by Cheshire Home this year.” the COVID-19 pandemic. — Justice Vincent Hoong, Presiding Judge of the State Courts

13 JUDICIARY TIMES • MAY 2021 14 TRANSFORMATION AND INNOVATION IN THE JUDICIARY WHAT'S NEW

Launch of the SG Courts Mobile App New Singapore Courts Website (Beta)

In December 2020, the SG Courts The App is being developed work paradigm. The vision is that On 25 January, a new Singapore Courts website was introduced. The Scan the QR Mobile App was launched into in stages, and additional court users should be able to beta website covers criminal law and selected civil law matters, with Code to view the public beta. eLitigation subscribers, functionalities will soon be access information and carry out other information to be added progressively. added. Users will be able to take transactions anywhere, any time. website and give judicial officers, and Judges are feedback able to use the App to view their queue tickets for court hearings The official launch of the Singapore Courts website is expected via the App. In future, the App can Users are invited to download case files, court calendars and in the third quarter of this year. It will provide users with seamless integrate virtual and asynchronous the App from Google Play or the access to information on the Judiciary and court processes, upcoming hearing lists while on hearing capabilities. App Store and are welcomed to integrating content from the websites of the Supreme Court, the go. Users will need to log in provide feedback on the App to State Courts and Family Justice Courts. Users would be able to the App using their Corppass The launch of the App enables help to improve the App's user to easily navigate the site through its intuitive interface and credentials. court users to transition to a mobile experience. user-friendly features.

Until then, the existing websites of the respective Courts will remain go.gov.sg/ sgcourtsbeta the main gateway for information about the Courts. CRPPASS RSTRATN AND NARDN Your eLitigation Administrator will provide N N you with your Corppass Shows your hearings credentials and enable by venue mobile access.

2 DWNLAD TH APP Scan the QR code to download the App CALNDAR Displays your assigned hearings Apple App Store by Month, Week, or Day go.gov.sg/sgcourts mobile-via-appstore

oogle Play Store go.gov.sg/sgcourts CASS mobile-via-google playstore Gives access to your case files in the eLitigation frontend. You can search by case number or case name SN N Click on the Corppass Click on the case number to icon and sign in with your view the case file in detail Corppass credentials. Tip: Turn on Document Cache. Tip: Click on "More" at the bottom HARNS This will speed up viewing of cached of the Home screen to enable documents. Cached documents Fingerprint / Touch ID / Face ID login Shows your assigned have a green icon displayed. hearings for the day

15 JUDICIARY TIMES • MAY 2021 16 WHAT'S NEW WHAT'S NEW

New Appellate Division in Supreme Court Pilot of Remote Civil Trials of Singapore

The Supreme Court, which consists were made against the backdrop caseload that will be allocated of the Court of Appeal and the High of an increased appellate caseload between the existing Court Court, had restructured its High in both volume and complexity in of Appeal and the Appellate Court into two Divisions, i.e. the recent years. The establishment of Division, thereby continually General Division and the Appellate the AD will enable the Supreme maintaining the high standards Division (“AD”) with effect from 2 Court to better deploy judicial of access to justice and quality January. These structural reforms resources and manage the appeals of justice.

COURT OF APPEAL Will hear: The Court of Appeal will remain as the SUPREME COURT (i) All criminal appeals apex court in Singapore and will have the power to transfer civil appeals between the (ii) Prescribed categories of Court of Appeal and the Appellate Division civil appeals* either on its own motion or on party’s (iii) Appeals that are to be made application. Judges of Appeal will now be known as Justices of the Court of Appeal. APPELLATE to the Court of Appeal under NEW written law DIVISION OF THE HIGH COURT Following a successful pilot During the pilot last year, a in cases where plaintiffs are Leave of Court in November 2020, the Civil motor accident claim was overseas and would otherwise An appeal against a decision of the Appellate Division Trial Courts of the State Courts brought before the Court and not be able to pursue their Civi may only be brought with the leave of the Court of Ge l ap ner pe Appeal. The Court of Appeal may grant leave only if the conducted entirely by video claims. al a have started hearing trials Di ls appeal raises a point of law of public importance. th vis ar conference with counsel, the e A io is that are conducted entirely p n in A new class of Judges pe w g parties and an interpreter all Other processes, such as l i f C la ll r - Judges of the Appellate Division by video conference. Other ou t b o r e e m appearing remotely. The parties asynchronous court hearings t D o d a The Appellate Division will ordinarily sit in a panel hearings involving examination iv i f s d of three Judges, unless otherwise prescribed.^ GENERAL A is t gave positive feedback on the and the dispensation of e p io r ib c of witnesses, including assessment p n i e u s use of video conferencing for the attendance at specified hearings, i a a t o n e of damages, can also be conducted DIVISION l n . d d conduct of the trial, which was have been piloted by the o t b h f by video conference if all parties e OF THE HIGH COURT e t t broadcast in open court. State Courts to streamline the w h It will include: e consent. However, the Court e

e management of different types Singapore Family n retains full discretion to require International Division The use of video conference of cases and allow hearings to Commercial of the Will hear: one or more parties to attend technology has been particularly be conducted safely amidst the Court High Court (i) All other civil appeals not physically in court. useful during the pandemic, COVID-19 pandemic. An appeal against a decision of the specifically allocated to the General Division in a civil case should be (i) Will have all the jurisdiction and powers Court of Appeal under the made to the Court of Appeal, if the Sixth Schedule Sixth Schedule to the amended of the existing High Court Supreme Court of Judicature (ii) Any civil appeals that are to be Practice Direction 52A (PD 52A) Scan the QR Code Act, or any other written (ii) Will hear all cases that fall within the original and made to the Appellate Division to read PD 52A law, so provides.* appellate jurisdiction of the existing High Court under written law The advent of COVID-19 has led to a marked increase in requests for foreign witnesses to give evidence in civil proceedings by way Maintaining high standards of access to justice Dispensation of oral arguments for specified appeals of video link. PD 52A, which was introduced in July 2020, streamlines the process of applying for foreign witnesses to give evidence in civil proceedings (i) To better deploy judicial resources and manage the (i) The Court of Appeal and the Appellate Division appeals caseload which will be allocated will have powers to decide prescribed categories of via video link. Such an application should be made by way of an inter partes between the existing Court of Appeal and the appeals without hearing oral arguments if every summons with a supporting affidavit. The party making the application new Appellate Division party to the appeal consents, thus facilitating the timely disposal of appeals (ii) To ensure that our judicial system remains should satisfy the court that the relevant legislation in the foreign country robust and flexible and our court processes (ii) There would also be cost savings if counsel need not or territory from which the witness is giving evidence has been complied remain efficient attend an oral hearing for arguments KEY BENEFITS with. This is because certain jurisdictions limit the ability of persons physically

*These categories will be listed in the Sixth Schedule to the amended Supreme Court of Judicature Act. located within their borders from giving evidence in foreign legal proceedings. go.gov.sg/pd52a ^Unless otherwise prescribed in the Seventh Schedule to the amended Supreme Court of Judicature Act.

17 JUDICIARY TIMES • MAY 2021 18 BEHIND THE SCENES

now. As such, it is extremely Share a memorable work What are some valuable skills Behind the Scenes with Officers in the challenging to have the same level experience. or lessons that you have learnt? of productive collaboration that we Infrastructure Department had before the pandemic struck. Kate: I once had to design a mug Adrian: Communicating effectively to encourage staff, which also has enabled me to collaborate Kate: The initial challenge for me and work more effectively. I have In this issue, we learn more about managing the physical courthouse environment and infrastructure. includes FJC staff, to reuse their was managing my time amidst mugs instead of using disposable also gained invaluable experiences We interview Kate Lim (Kate) who has supported the Supreme Court in infrastructure management since the sudden changes in work ones in an effort to encourage and knowledge through the State 2009, Adrian Lai (Adrian), who joined State Courts in 2008 with previous experience in the engineering Courts Towers project, including processes. Thankfully, the various officers to go green. The design field and Jenny Sim Jenny( ), who joined Family Justice Courts (FJC) in 2017. Read on to find out more having a better understanding of the departments in the Supreme Court process took months to complete about the work they do. working processes related to electrical work swiftly together. involving conceptualising, carrying systems, solar power systems, as well out the procurement process and Are there any misconceptions as fire alarm testing procedures for finalising the design. Seeing my about the work you do? high-rise buildings. fellow colleagues using the mugs Kate: Many have the impression I had designed was a rewarding Jenny: Over the years of working that the Infrastructure Department experience as it made me know as a building project manager, I’ve includes a team of movers. As such, that the hard work I had put in learnt to approach matters arising we do receive requests to move was all worth it. from projects with an open mind. large furniture or equipment from This skill helps me to understand one place to another for temporary Jenny: The tender for the varied views and concerns from set-ups. These requests are difficult Octagon Project’s Addition each party and at the same time, to accede to as we do not have a and Alteration Works was manage conflicts and achieve Kate Lim Adrian Lai Jenny Sim dedicated team of movers in our awarded during the pandemic progress for the projects on hand. Assistant Director, Senior Assistant Director, Assistant Director, department. last year. We collaborated with Infrastructure & Court Infrastructure Infrastructure & Court Kate: I have learnt through my years Services Directorate, & Security Directorate, Services Directorate, the Office of Public Affairs and Jenny: People do think that we of experience that change is the Supreme Court State Courts Family Justice Courts Strategic Planning and Research are a large team. However, we are only constant. Yesterday's solution Department and brainstormed actually a small team working with may no longer be applicable today, What are your responsibilities? me to be on the ground during used immediately to replace any multiple vendors. For example, an alternative “groundbreaking” and different situations call for in the current Octagon Project, ceremony by producing an in- Kate: I formulate tenancy servicing and maintenance damaged items. As we would have different approaches. we work with a pool of 20 teams house video, inspired by TikTok. agreements and review rental work, which could be scheduled to follow the correct procurement comprising consultants, specialists The entire process of putting What motivates you? polices as part of my duties. I am after office hours or during the approach for the replacement, and contractors. Together, we work together the various video clips also working on environmental weekends. certain requests may take longer Kate: The beautiful building towards meeting the needs of FJC. which were separately taken by the sustainability projects such as the to accommodate than expected. infrastructure that I so proudly principals (which includes senior "Bring Your Own Mug" movement Jenny: My portfolio comprises The COVID-19 pandemic has also manage and my fellow colleagues Adrian: Some may perceive us to management from the Supreme that encourages officers to go the development, management brought about more expectations who give me the added push I be just the intermediary between Court, FJC, consultants and green and the optimization of and implementation of the — for courthouse facilities to be need at work. the organisation and contractor. contractors) was a light-hearted the air-conditioning system for infrastructure projects in the FJC. maintained in accordance with safe The fact is that we work very closely and enjoyable experience. Supreme Court to save energy I work closely with colleagues, management measures. Jenny: The challenges I face when external project consultants, with our stakeholders on various managing construction projects, used within the building. types of projects. For example, I contractors, and designers every Jenny: COVID-19 brought Adrian: The first scheduled and the self-fulfillment I get from had the opportunity to work with electrical shutdown of the State overcoming these challenges. Adrian: My main responsibility day. I am currently working on the about unprecedented project the project managers, consultants Courts Towers for our annual would be ensuring that the FJC Octagon Project, the future management changes. As safe and contractors of the State servicing was one of the most Adrian: The thought of coming to courthouse facilities are maintained home of the FJC. management measures were put in Courts Towers on several energy memorable and rewarding the office every day to create and and functioning optimally. This place, consultations with external conservation and environmentally What are some of the challenges experiences for me. The entire maintain a functional workplace includes studying the life cycle parties had to be conducted sustainable initiatives, including that you have faced? operation, which took more than and a conducive work environment for equipment replacement and virtually. This impacted the project those in relation to motion sensors, 24 hours to complete, required for my fellow colleagues keeps repair, planning for maintenance Adrian: Managing the expectations deadlines. As compared to physical NeWater systems and solar panels, months of preparation and the me going. Compliments from work to be carried out, as well as for certain requests. For example, meetings where spontaneous which have garnered State Courts teamwork of about 100 contractors appreciative colleagues following coordinating and managing in- some may have the impression that illustrations, clarifications or the BCA Green Mark Platinum to ensure that everything went the completion of projects house contractors and external our department stores furniture brainstorming of ideas can take Award and Green Mark Gold plus safely and smoothly without any motivates me to continue striving vendors. The job also requires and equipment, which can be place quickly, more time is needed Healthier Workplace Award. electrical mishap. for excellence.

19 JUDICIARY TIMES • MAY 2021 20 Jointly brought to you by:

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