JUDICIARY TIMES - P2 - State Courts
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MAY • ISSUE 1/2021
JUDICIARY
TIMES
P2 P3 P4
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
pening of the Legal Year 2021:
O 02 Opening of the Legal Year 2021: Administering Justice in the Face of Adversities
Administering Justice in the
Face of Adversities On 11 January, the Opening of the Legal Year was streamed that the Courts, Prosecution and Bar play their part to
live from the State Courts' Havelock Hall to about 1,000 administer justice.
amily Justice Courts Workplan
F 03 participants on Zoom. Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon,
Seminar 2021: A New Tomorrow Attorney-General Lucien Wong and President of the Law
The Chief Justice made observations on the post-
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
Experience He covered aspects of the criminal justice system and 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
he 2021 Standing International
T 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
Singapore 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
more optimally.
Body for Dispute Resolution Services
Forthcoming implementation of new Rules of Court.
J ustice Steven Chong Appointed as Expert 09
Insolvency, Restructuring and Dissolution Act 2018
Member of ICEC offers more affordable and efficient methods of
Singapore and Rwanda Sign MOU on 10 restructuring and liquidation.
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 together international thought leaders to share
FJC and ISCA Sign MOU on Setting Up 11 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 lawyer-mediators.
the Power of Technology
the Singapore Cheshire Home
LAWNET
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. mid-2022.
Multi-disciplinary Skillsets and Upskilling of the
Profession
Singapore Academy of Law, 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
WHAT'S NEW? 16 LITIGAT
ION
Mechanisms
Scan the QR Code for
Promoting alternative dispute resolution processes for peacebuilding International Relations the full response by
and proportionality in dispute resolution. Continued contribution to the Chief Justice
international conversations and go.gov.sg/
Success of SGUnited Mediation Initiative. engagements.
BEHIND THE SCENES 19 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 excellence and reinforces those values and
On 4 February, the Family Justice
that this could be achieved aspirations internationally recognised as critical to
Courts (FJC) held its seventh Justice Debbie Ong, Presiding Judge
through: facilitating successful an effective and publicly respected court. It was
annual Workplan Seminar. The of the FJC
transitions to post-breakdown life; first developed in 2008 and has since undergone
theme this year was “A New Ms Jennifer Marie, Deputy Presiding Judge of the State
facilitating parties to discharge two revisions. Each edition builds on the foundation
Tomorrow”, following the themes Courts (top left), Judges and senior court administrators from
their parental responsibility; and of the previous editions, with enhancements based
"Today is a New Day” in 2020, and the State Courts delivered presentations covering the IFCE
facilitating problem-solving and on feedback obtained and updates to maintain its
“Every Outcome, A Way Forward”
managing future issues or conflicts. Over 50 participants comprising judges and court relevance in the present operating environment. The
in 2019.
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 attended the inaugural International Framework for
The Workplan was graced by the
thrusts: Court Excellence (IFCE) Train-the-Trainer Workshop The IFCE Train-the-Trainer Workshop aimed to help
Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon as
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- IFCE expertise. In addition to the useful pointers
by staff and invited guests from
Disciplinary Environment; Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon The one-and-a-half-day workshop, which was on the implementation of the IFCE, it allowed for
the Judiciary by video conference.
organised by the State Courts, covered theoretical the exchange of ideas with members of the ICCE
b. Facilitating Court Processes, and practical aspects of the IFCE, including the Executive Committee.
In her address, Presiding Judge
Settlement, and Enforcement; it means to have ‘hardware’ and
of the FJC, Justice Debbie Ong,
outlined the various projects and and ‘heartware’ and for His Honour’s
initiatives to be undertaken by the constant encouragement towards Workshop with the
FJC in the coming year, following c. Fortifying Judges’ and Lawyers’ fulfilling FJC’s mission.
Capacity and Capability. Administrative Court of Thailand
the announcement of FJC's
A one-day workshop held on 23 March served as a
renewed vision on Therapeutic Following Justice Ong's Workplan
Justice Ong highlighted the FJC platform for the State Courts and the Administrative
Justice (TJ) in 2020. She further address, FJC staff participated in
initiatives rolled out in response Court of Thailand to cover the latest developments
shared FJC's statistical highlights a dialogue with the Chief Justice
to the COVID-19 pandemic, which of the IFCE and its application to court operations.
for 2016 to 2020. Her broad and Justice Ong, where FJC staff
included: simplifying and adapting District Judge Wong Li Tein from the State Courts
observations on FJC's caseload took this rare opportunity to
our processes to meet the needs shared the updates in the third edition of the
for 2020 were: engage the Chief Justice on his
of court users; educating them IFCE and how it had guided the State Courts in
on the use of virtual tools and views pertaining to technological overcoming the challenges brought about by the
a. The caseload for 2020 fell due
providing ‘Zoom rooms’; and adoption, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Judge Siriwan Chullapo of
to the COVID-19 pandemic;
having a ‘Zoom by default’ mode COVID-19 pandemic on Judiciary the Supreme Administrative Court, and President
for suitable court events and operations and the development of a Chamber of the Central Administrative Court,
b. The proportion of divorce
proceedings. of family law, amongst others. Ekkanut Jinasen, presented the implementation of
cases filed on the simplified
Two videos, one that showcased the IFCE in three courts, covering the improvements
track rose slightly to reach 60%
Finally, Justice Ong paid tribute the resilience of staff in adapting achieved with a list of projects that had been
in 2020, up from 58% in 2019;
to the commitment, patience, to the hybrid model of working undertaken to strengthen various areas under
resilience and ‘can-do’ spirit from home and at the courts, and the framework.
c. The average number of days
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 Inter national 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 Edwin Tong 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
5 JUDICIARY TIMES • MAY 2021 6
EVENTS & INITIATIVES EVENTS & INITIATIVES
continued from page 6
Singapore International Commercial Court
together to exchange views and
share best practices. I am confident
said: "The meeting provides a
forum for the discussion of cross
With the growth in the volume of Symposium 2021
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
international commercial dispute of Singapore remains committed
experiences, post pandemic,
to enhancing inter national
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
Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, a distinguished line-
As a landmark event, the Symposium brought
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 Sundaresh Menon Chief Justice Menon will be 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
Member of ICEC exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including the responses taken to manage the impact of the
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
to enhance international exchange possess extensive experience in
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
Justice Debbie Ong, Presiding
credential holders with relevant POFE project commenced
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 as when and how to talk to and who are experts on TJ including
Therapeutic Justice (TJ), the Family
to appoint a financial expert from required for the preparation of
Mr Kon Yin Tong, President 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,
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
Engaging the Media training curriculum for family
judges, with a focus on the concept
Judges were also taught the
different types of support services
experts including Dr Sudha
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 was highly interactive and
Supreme Court to share about the
collaborating with the media to covered a deep range of multi- The faculty comprised leading
Judiciary’s priorities, the upcoming
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
that she looked forward to meeting them face-to-
A Residential Home for residents with
muscular dystrophy/atrophy, cerebral palsy, by High Commissioner of India
face again soon.
The State Courts celebrate the Lunar New Year with
etc., who receive nursing care, physiotherapy
and occupational therapy, training in daily to Singapore
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
topics, the impact of technology on the
delighted to do so with the Singapore
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
Mobile App was launched into in stages, and additional court users should be able to Scan the QR
beta website covers criminal law and selected civil law matters, with
functionalities will soon be access information and carry out Code to view the
public beta. eLitigation subscribers, 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 in the third quarter of this year. It will provide users with seamless
case files, court calendars and
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.
go.gov.sg/
Until then, the existing websites of the respective Courts will remain
sgcourtsbeta
the main gateway for information about the Courts.
1 CORPPASS
REGISTRATION AND
ONBOARDING
Your eLitigation
Administrator will provide VENUE INFO
you with your Corppass Shows your hearings
credentials and enable by venue
mobile access.
2 DOWNLOAD THE APP
Scan the QR code to
download the App CALENDAR
Displays your assigned hearings
Apple App Store by Month, Week, or Day
go.gov.sg/sgcourts
mobile-via-appstore
Google Play Store
go.gov.sg/sgcourts
mobile-via-google
MY CASES
playstore Gives access to your case files
in the eLitigation frontend.
You can search by case number
or case name
3 SIGN IN
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 MY HEARINGS 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
Will hear:
OF APPEAL
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 NEW
to the Court of Appeal under
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
Civ
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
may only be brought with the leave of the Court of
Gen il app conducted entirely by video claims.
era
l D eal
Appeal. The Court of Appeal may grant leave only if the have started hearing trials
the ivis s ar appeal raises a point of law of public importance.
that are conducted entirely conference with counsel, the
Ap ion isin
p w A new class of Judges
by video conference. Other parties and an interpreter all Other processes, such as
Co ella il - Judges of the Appellate Division
g e d sion l.
ur t appearing remotely. The parties asynchronous court hearings
fro is
hearings involving examination
l b vi
GENERAL t The Appellate Division will ordinarily sit in a panel
e
m trib nd th
gave positive feedback on the and the dispensation of
Di pp
of three Judges, unless otherwise prescribed.^
a d ute
of
of witnesses, including assessment
DIVISION use of video conferencing for the attendance at specified hearings,
A
eci d bet
of damages, can also be conducted
sio
conduct of the trial, which was
ea
have been piloted by the
a
OF THE HIGH COURT by video conference if all parties
n o ween
broadcast in open court. State Courts to streamline the
f the
consent. However, the Court
e
It will include: management of different types
Singapore Family retains full discretion to require The use of video conference of cases and allow hearings to
International Division
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
KEY BENEFITS
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
new Appellate Division
appeals without hearing oral arguments if every
party to the appeal consents, thus facilitating the
summons with a supporting affidavit. The party making the application
(ii) To ensure that our judicial system remains
timely disposal of appeals 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
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 18BEHIND THE SCENES
Behind the Scenes with Officers in the now. As such, it is extremely
challenging to have the same level
Share a memorable work
experience.
What are some valuable skills
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 includes FJC staff, to reuse their and work more effectively. I have
In this issue, we learn more about managing the physical courthouse environment and infrastructure. also gained invaluable experiences
was managing my time amidst mugs instead of using disposable
We interview Kate Lim (Kate) who has supported the Supreme Court in infrastructure management since and knowledge through the State
the sudden changes in work ones in an effort to encourage
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. work swiftly together. working processes related to electrical
involving conceptualising, carrying
systems, solar power systems, as well
out the procurement process and as fire alarm testing procedures for
Are there any misconceptions
finalising the design. Seeing my high-rise buildings.
about the work you do?
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 each party and at the same time,
Octagon Project’s Addition
to accede to as we do not have a manage conflicts and achieve
and Alteration Works was
Kate Lim Adrian Lai Jenny Sim dedicated team of movers in our progress for the projects on hand.
Assistant Director, Senior Assistant Director, Assistant Director, awarded during the pandemic
department.
Infrastructure & Court Infrastructure Infrastructure & Court last year. We collaborated with
Kate: I have learnt through my years
Services Directorate, & Security Directorate, Services Directorate, Jenny: People do think that we the Office of Public Affairs and
Supreme Court State Courts Family Justice Courts of experience that change is the
are a large team. However, we are Strategic Planning and Research
only constant. Yesterday's solution
actually a small team working with Department and brainstormed
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
servicing and maintenance damaged items. As we would have in the current Octagon Project, ceremony by producing an in- different approaches.
Kate: I for mulate tenancy house video, inspired by TikTok.
work, which could be scheduled to follow the correct procurement we work with a pool of 20 teams
agreements and review rental The entire process of putting
after office hours or during the approach for the replacement, comprising consultants, specialists What motivates you?
polices as part of my duties. I am
weekends. certain requests may take longer and contractors. Together, we work together the various video clips
also working on environmental Kate: The beautiful building
to accommodate than expected. towards meeting the needs of FJC. which were separately taken by the
sustainability projects such as the infrastructure that I so proudly
Jenny: My portfolio comprises The COVID-19 pandemic has also principals (which includes senior
"Bring Your Own Mug" movement manage and my fellow colleagues
the development, management brought about more expectations Adrian: Some may perceive us to management from the Supreme
that encourages officers to go who give me the added push I
and implementation of the — for courthouse facilities to be be just the intermediary between Court, FJC, consultants and
green and the optimization of need at work.
infrastructure projects in the FJC. the organisation and contractor. contractors) was a light-hearted
the air-conditioning system for maintained in accordance with safe
I work closely with colleagues, The fact is that we work very closely and enjoyable experience. Jenny: The challenges I face when
Supreme Court to save energy management measures.
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 J e n n y : COVID-19 brought Adrian: The first scheduled and the self-fulfillment I get from
day. I am currently working on the had the opportunity to work with electrical shutdown of the State overcoming these challenges.
Adrian: My main responsibility about unprecedented project the project managers, consultants
FJC Octagon Project, the future Courts Towers for our annual
would be ensuring that the management changes. As safe and contractors of the State
home of the FJC. servicing was one of the most Adrian: The thought of coming to
courthouse facilities are maintained 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 experiences for me. The entire
What are some of the challenges maintain a functional workplace
includes studying the life cycle parties had to be conducted sustainable initiatives, including operation, which took more than
that you have faced? 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 20Jointly brought to you by:
1 Supreme Court Lane 1 Havelock Square 3 Havelock Square
Singapore 178879 Singapore 059724 Singapore 059725
E: Supcourt_QSM@supcourt.gov.sg E: contact@statecourts.gov.sg E: FJCourts_QSM@FJCourts.gov.sg
www.SupremeCourt.gov.sg www.StateCourts.gov.sg www.FamilyJusticeCourts.gov.sgYou can also read
