My SAL 2011/12 Engaging the Legal Community - Singapore Academy of Law
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My SAL
Engaging the Legal Community
Singapore Academy of Law
Annual Report
2011 12 /
ANNUAL
REPORT
2011/12
1
OUR MISSION & VALUES ABOUT US
Building up the intellectual capital,
capability and infrastructure of members
of the Singapore Academy of Law and
promoting ESPRIT DE CORPS among the
members of the Singapore Academy of Law.
Our members The Singapore Academy of Law
(the “Academy”) has close to 10,000 members
comprising all persons who are called as
advocates and solicitors of the Supreme Court
or who are appointed as Legal Service Officers.
The membership of the Academy comprises the
Bench, the Bar, and large numbers of corporate
Contents counsel and faculty members of the local law schools.
About Us 01
Our work The work of the Academy is focused
Interview with the President, SAL 02
on three key areas: supporting the growth and
Our Leaders 08
The Executive Committee 10
development of the Legal Industry; building up
Your Say 14 the intellectual capital of the legal profession
Facts, Figures & Highlights 16 by enhancing Legal Knowledge; and improving
Legal Knowledge 18 the efficiency of legal practice through Legal
Legal Industry 26 Technology. The work of the Academy is driven by
Corporate Services 34 these three core mandates. This in turn is directed
Key Executives 36
towards raising the standard and quality of legal
Financial Review 38
practice and building a strong and dynamic legal
community in Singapore.
MICA (P) 180/09/2012
ISBN: 1793 - 5679
SINGAPORE ANNUAL
ACADEMY REPORT
OF LAW 2011/12
3
INTERVIEW WITH THE PRESIDENT, on land rights which was the foundation has been written on the subject. That is why
of economic growth in the past. academics who specialise in a particular
SINGAPORE ACADEMY OF LAW subject know more about that area of the
A non-legal book worth reading is David law than judges. The same reasoning applies
Denby’s personal reflections on two to counsel in a particular case, especially
humanities courses (literature humanities counsel who specialise in that area of the
and contemporary civilisation), based law. His practical experience makes his
on the Western Canon, he re-studied knowledge even more useful to his clients.
in Columbia University entitled Great
onourable
The HChief Justice Books: My Adventures with Homer, As for understanding the law, you need
the Sek Keong Rousseau, Woolf, and Other Indestructible more than knowledge and experience.
Chan
Writers of the Western World. You need to know something about the vast
body of knowledge of human endeavour,
Q: What book would you recommend a especially politics, economics, history,
young lawyer to have on his bookshelf? social science, and maybe literature. I leave
Mediation and I thought that we could usefully make use out hard science and medicine which the
Q: You were visionary in mooting mediation of mediation, and its many advantages, as A: It is better for young lawyers to receive lawyer has to learn and understand if related
in 1996 when it was a fairly unknown a good way to resolve all kinds of disputes. instruction rather than to read books on issues arise in the cases he is handling.
concept outside the Subordinate Courts When I found out that the Subordinate instruction. Nothing sticks more in the mind
in Singapore. What was the impetus Courts were already experimenting with than scintillating oral instruction on how to Continuing legal education
from either your personal experiences or mediation in family law cases, I decided to practise law. Young lawyers should read law Q: How can SAL provide continuing legal
work in public service or private practice float the idea of mediation for commercial books for entertainment. Learning the Law education that is engaging and relevant
that led you to introduce mediation? disputes, and made the suggestion in my by Glanville Williams is a favourite of many especially to the more experienced lawyers?
Opening of the Legal Year speech lawyers. How many young lawyers know what
A: There was no vision. In 1992, I was a (as AG then) that SAL should set up a “a wooden falsehood” is? A more recent book A: SAL has helped to establish the
member of a judicial delegation to China centre to do it. The idea was evolutionary. by Alan Dershowitz called Letters to a Young Singapore Institute of Legal Education.
where our Chinese hosts enacted a Lawyer is also worth the attention of young SAL has also enhanced its own legal
mediation scenario which involved a female Publishing and books court lawyers. Locally, I can think of no better education plans to provide a richer
complainant who was a worker in a Chinese Q: What is your favourite book? book than A Civil Practice: Good Counsel for programme of seminars and conferences
medicine firm. Her complaint was that her Why? Can you give examples of Learned Friends, a vade mecum that is so full for all lawyers. If you want to learn, you
boss had failed to respect her as a person and a legal and non-legal title? of wit and humour that it can only animate a will learn. Providing courses, seminars,
discriminated against her. The mediation young lawyer to pursue his court craft with joy. workshops will make it easier for those
ended with the boss apologising to the A: I read too many books on too many who want to improve themselves to do so.
complainant. We were told that this was subjects to have a favourite book. Re a book Q: Many know you as a practitioner and But, there is a limit to mandatory learning.
how the majority of employment and with a legal title, my favourite book on land Chief Justice with a deep knowledge of I believe in the adage “You can lead a horse
other disputes were resolved in China law is Introduction to the Law of Property the law. What is your advice to someone to water, but …”. Basically, except for those
as the China then did not have enough by Frederick Henry Lawson. He explains who wishes to acquire this same degree of who have an interest in the law for its own
courts and a proper legal system. the concepts of land law in clear and knowledge and understanding of the law? sake, most lawyers can and do succeed in
simple language. His exposition made their profession on a “need to know” basis.
Later, I read an article on the success of me appreciate the genius of English land A: To acquire knowledge of a particular area There is no need to know what the law is,
mediation in family law disputes in the US, law and its role in wealth creation based of the law, you need to read everything that unless it is relevant to the case in hand.
SINGAPORE ANNUAL
ACADEMY REPORT
OF LAW 2011/12
5
LawNet A: To continue to provide a forum for all which has created a greater sense of Law Society in its work in tangible ways.
Q: You were involved in LawNet from its the stakeholders in our legal institutions community within the legal community. They do not compete with each other to
early days. Do you think that it has fulfilled to meet and discuss, and to come up with It is a popular site and is “watched” by many duplicate services to the legal community.
its potential and what would be your advice new ideas to improve our legal system and at home and abroad. It has reached the Any initial suspicion or unhappiness on the
for LawNet and the use of technology ensure that it meets the needs of our people, critical level of “spontaneous combustion” part of the Law Society on the role of SAL in
for legal work in the next ten years? our economy and social stability and law as events are posted therein without improving our legal system or law practice
and order. In the last two decades, SAL has any prompting from the webmaster. was wholly unwarranted. There were
A: LawNet has certainly fulfilled its been able to do many things to improve the some members of the Bar who did not want
potential in making available, quickly and standing of the legal profession. A good Others who contributed are the Vice- or could not see beyond the source of its
cheaply, all the Singapore and English example of this is Singapore Law Watch. Presidents of SAL and the chairmen of all the origination. I believe that the majority of
case law that a Singapore lawyer needs SAL will no doubt continue to formulate SAL Committees, and our Chief Executive, lawyers appreciate the role of SAL.
to know for his general practice. It has and implement foundational and advanced Ms Serene Wee. Every organisation, with I should also acknowledge the invaluable
also made the provision of legal services programmes to improve its services to functions as important as those of SAL, role of our two law schools in raising the
fast, convenient, and therefore very its members and the legal community. must relook every few years the continuing standard of related law services provided
efficient. Quantitative improvements can relevance of its policies, practices and by SAL to the legal profession. Without
still be expected with improvements in Relevance of SAL in future years programmes, to ensure that it is not them, our Singapore Academy of Law
technology. What SAL needs to acquire Q: Under your leadership, SAL underwent falling behind in achieving its mission. Journal (“SAcLJ”) would not have survived.
(or develop) is an accurate and reliable a major restructuring in 2007 to focus on It is now a respected law journal.
voice recognition system that can reduce three major areas of work – legal industry, SAL and the Law Society
oral statements into print instantly. legal knowledge and legal technology. Q: There had been past criticism that Role of young lawyers in SAL
Why was this necessary and will SAL SAL is not necessary given that there is Q: How would you like to see young
Law reform need further changes/refinements to already the Law Society? What are your lawyers play a role in SAL?
Q: What role can SAL play in the area of ensure that it continues to be relevant? views on this and what are the dual and
Law reform? complementary roles that these two A: I would like to see young lawyers play a
A: Full credit for the major restructuring organisations can play to meet the needs more active role in SAL. But, in the nature of
A: SAL has played an important role in must go to Justice V K Rajah. I was only of the legal profession in Singapore? things, young lawyers have less experience
law reform, particularly in what we call the Chairman of the committee that and knowledge of human and legal affairs
“lawyers’ law”. Even on laws involving public approved his report. He has been the A: The functions of SAL speak for themselves. than senior lawyers, and therefore are more
policy issues, SAL can provide valuable source and inspiration of most of the new They are very extensive. Our current outreach likely to defer to the views of their more
input to the Government in areas where policies and programmes implemented is far and wide, and our SAL Annual Lecture experienced colleagues. The solution may be
its members have particular experience by SAL during my tenure as Chairman. and Distinguished Speakers Lecture series for the chairpersons of the SAL committees
and expertise, eg, international arbitration, The Promotion of Singapore Law Project, are well regarded. The Law Society is doing to encourage them, urge them to speak up.
commercial, financial and maritime laws. one of his pet projects, has met with a good job, given its very many constraints,
But, the utility of the role of SAL in law considerable success. We read in the but it would have found it difficult to start Plans after November
reform depends very much on how much press and also hear anecdotally that and sustain a facility like LawNet, Academy Q: What are your plans after November?
importance the Minister for Law places on it. Singapore law is increasingly gaining Publishing or the Singapore Institute of
acceptance in the region as an alternative Legal Education, to name a few of SAL’s A: I have not made any plans as yet.
Future of the legal profession to English/New York law. This would important contributions to the legal sector
Q: You have been involved in SAL work have been unthinkable a decade ago. in Singapore. SAL has always considered the
in the past 24 years. What is the best Law Society as a valuable partner in these
role that SAL can play in the future of Another success that SAL should be proud endeavours, and continues to support the
the legal profession in Singapore? of is its website – Singapore Law Watch –
SINGAPORE ANNUAL
ACADEMY REPORT
OF LAW 2011/12
7
Chan Sek Keong
Chief Justice of Singapore AND
President of Singapore Academy of Law
11 April 2006 to 5 November 2012
SINGAPORE ANNUAL
ACADEMY REPORT
OF LAW 2011/12
9
OUR LEADERS
The Academy is governed by the Senate which is headed by the Honourable the Standing from left to right (Row 1): Justice Chan Seng Onn
Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong as President. On 30 July 2012, the Senate elected as Justice Andrew Ang Justice Quentin Loh
Vice-Presidents of the Academy: The Honourable Attorney-General Steven Chong, SC; Justice Woo Bih Li Professor Yeo Tiong Min, SC (honoris causa)
the Honourable Judge of Appeal Justice Chao Hick Tin; the Honourable Judge of Appeal Justice Choo Han Teck Mr Lucien Wong
Justice Andrew Phang Boon Leong; the Honourable Judge of Appeal Justice V K Rajah; Justice Judith Prakash Mr Leo Cheng Suan
the Honourable Judge of Appeal Justice Sundaresh Menon; President of the Law Society
Justice Philip Pillai Mr Lok Vi Ming, SC
of Singapore, Mr Wong Meng Meng, SC; and Dean of the Faculty of Law of the National
Justice Tan Lee Meng Ms Indranee Rajah, SC
University of Singapore, Professor Simon Chesterman. The Senate also comprises the
Justice Lee Seiu Kin
High Court Judges, the Solicitor-General, academia and the practising profession.
Justice Tay Yong Kwang Not in picture
Justice Belinda Ang Saw Ean Justice Lai Siu Chiu
Seated from left to right: Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong Judge of Appeal Justice Sundaresh Menon
Mr Wong Meng Meng, SC PRESIDENT Standing from left to right (Row 2): Judicial Commissioner
VICE-PRESIDENT Judge of Appeal Justice Chao Hick Tin Professor Ng-Loy Wee Loon Vinodh Coomaraswamy
Judge of Appeal Justice VICE-PRESIDENT Mr Lee Eng Beng, SC
Andrew Phang Boon Leong Judge of Appeal Justice V K Rajah Mr Philip Jeyaretnam, SC
VICE-PRESIDENT VICE-PRESIDENT Mr Alvin Yeo Khirn Hai, SC
Attorney-General Steven Chong, SC Professor Simon Chesterman Mr Giam Chin Toon, SC
VICE-PRESIDENT VICE-PRESIDENT Solicitor-General Mrs Koh Juat Jong
SINGAPORE ANNUAL
ACADEMY REPORT
OF LAW 2011/12
11
THE Executive CommiTtee 3. Judge of Appeal Justice
Chao Hick Tin
1 August 2012. He served as the
Attorney-General from 1 October 2010
Vice-President to 24 June 2012. He joined the Singapore
Justice Chao Hick Tin is the Vice-President Legal Service as Judicial Commissioner
of the Court of Appeal. Justice Chao in 2006. After his stint at the Bench,
returned to the Supreme Court Bench in he returned to Rajah & Tann becoming
April 2008, having served as the Attorney- the Managing Partner of that firm in
General from 2006 to 2008. He was a August 2009, a position he held until his
03
Judge of Appeal from 1999 to 2006. appointment as the Attorney-General.
01 02
4. Judge of Appeal Justice 7. Mr Wong Meng Meng, SC
Andrew Phang Boon Leong Vice-President
Vice-President Mr Wong Meng Meng, SC is the President
Chairman, Council of Law Reporting of The Law Society of Singapore and
Justice Andrew Phang, was appointed a a Member of the Advisory Board of
05
Judge of the Supreme Court in December the Faculty of Law, National University
06
04
2005, and appointed Judge of Appeal of Singapore. He was also among the
in February 2006. He was professor pioneer batch of 12 Senior Counsel
of law and chaired the department of appointed in 1997.
law in the business school of Singapore
Management University before he was 8. Professor
appointed Judicial Commissioner in Simon Chesterman
January 2005. Vice-President
07 08 09
Professor Simon Chesterman is Dean of the
5. Judge of Appeal Justice National University of Singapore Faculty
V K Rajah of Law. He joined NUS Law in 2007, at the
Vice-President same time that he established the New
1. Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong 2. Attorney-General Justice V K Rajah was appointed a Judge York University School of Law Singapore
President of the Singapore Steven Chong, SC of Appeal of the Supreme Court on 11 April Programme and became its first Director
Academy of Law Vice-President 2007. Prior to his elevation to the Bench and Global Professor.
The President became Chief Justice Attorney-General Steven Chong, SC was in 2004, he was the Managing Partner
on 11 April 2006, having served as (a) appointed as the Attorney-General on of Rajah & Tann. He was also among the 9. Justice Lai Siu Chiu
Judicial Commissioner from July 1986 25 June 2012. He joined the Supreme first batch of lawyers in Singapore to be Chairperson, Membership and Social
to June 1988; (b) Judge of the Supreme Court Bench as a Judicial Commissioner appointed Senior Counsel in 1997. Committee
Court from July 1988 to April 1992; and in 2009 and was made a Judge the Justice Lai Siu Chiu was appointed a
(c) Attorney-General from May 1992 to following year. Prior to his appointment 6. JUDGE OF APPEAL JUSTICE Judge of the Supreme Court on
April 2006. He also holds concurrent to the Bench, he was the Managing SUNDARESH MENON 2 May 1994 and has served as a Judicial
appointments as the President of Partner of Rajah & Tann LLP. (CJ DESIGNATE) Commissioner for three years from 1991
the Legal Service Commission and Vice-President to 1994. She was the first woman to be
Chairman of the Presidential Council for Justice Sundaresh Menon assumed his appointed to the Supreme Court Bench.
Minority Rights. new position as Judge of Appeal on
SINGAPORE ANNUAL
ACADEMY REPORT
OF LAW 2011/12
13
14. Justice Lee Seiu Kin 17. Justice Quentin Loh
Chairman, Electronic Litigation Systems Chairman, Professional Affairs
Committee Committee and Promotion of Singapore
Justice Lee Seiu Kin was appointed a Law Committee
Judge of the Supreme Court in April Justice Quentin Loh was the Deputy
2006. Between October 2002 and April Managing Partner of Rajah & Tann LLP,
10 11 12 13 2006, he was Second Solicitor-General one of Singapore’s leading law firms.
of the Attorney-General’s Chambers. He was appointed Senior Counsel in 1999
He also served as a Judicial Commissioner and appointed as Judicial Commissioner
between 1997 and 2002. on 1 September 2009. He was appointed
as Judge on 1 June 2010. He is a member
15. Justice Chan Seng Onn of the Advisory Board to the School of
Chairman, LawNet Management Law, SMU and Chairman of the Audit
14 15 16 17 Committee Committee of SAL.
Justice Chan Seng Onn was appointed
a Judge on 2 July 2007. He began his 18. Solicitor-General
career in the Singapore Legal Service in Mrs Koh Juat Jong
1987 as a State Counsel in the Attorney- Chairperson, Legal Education and
General’s Chambers and served as Senior Studies Committee
State Counsel in 1994. He was appointed Mrs Koh Juat Jong was appointed Solicitor-
18 Judicial Commissioner on 15 October General on 11 April 2008. From 11 April 2010
19
1997, and Solicitor-General on 1 June 2001. to 30 September 2010, she was also the
He also serves as President, Industrial Acting Attorney-General. She also served
10. Justice Judith Prakash University of Singapore in 1987 and Deputy Arbitration Court since October 2007. as Registrar of the Supreme Court from
Chairperson, Publications Committee Vice-Chancellor at the University in 1992. 2003 to 2008. Before that, she was the
Justice Judith Prakash was appointed a 16. Justice Philip Pillai Principal District Judge, Family and Juvenile
Judge in April 1995, having served as a 12. Justice Belinda Ang Chairman, Law Reform Committee Justice Division in Subordinate Courts.
Judicial Commissioner from April 1992. Chairperson, Singapore Mediation Justice Philip Pillai was appointed as
She was called to the Bar in 1975 and was Centre Board of Directors Judicial Commissioner on 1 October 19. Mr Giam Chin Toon, SC
in private practice, primarily in the areas of Justice Belinda Ang was first appointed 2009, and appointed as Judge on 1 June Chairman, Board of Commissioners for
shipping and commercial law, for 18 years. Judicial Commissioner in February 2002, 2010. Prior to his elevation to the Bench, Oaths and Notaries Public
She is a member of the Advisory Board to and Judge in January 2003. Prior to her he was the Managing Partner/Senior Mr Giam Chin Toon, SC is currently a
the School of Law, SMU. appointment, she was in private practice. Partner of Shook Lin & Bok LLP from 1992 Director in the Board of the Singapore
She was appointed a Senior Counsel in 1998. to September 2009. He was also Joint Mediation Centre, and a legal assessor
11. Justice Tan Lee Meng Managing Partner of Allen & Overy Shook with the Singapore Medical Council.
Chairman, Annual Lecture Organising 13. Justice Andrew Ang Lin & Bok JLV from 2000 to 2009. He was among the first group of lawyers
Committee Chairman, Legal Heritage Committee to be appointed as Senior Counsel in 1997.
Justice Tan Lee Meng was appointed a Justice Andrew Ang was appointed as He was a former President of the Law
Judge of the Supreme Court in August Judicial Commissioner on 15 May 2004, Society of Singapore. He also serves as
1997. Before his elevation to the Bench, and appointed as Judge in the following Singapore’s non-resident Ambassador
he was Dean of the Faculty of Law, National year. He was a Senior Partner at Lee & Lee to the Republic of Peru and High
prior to his appointment to the Bench. Commissioner to Ghana.
SINGAPORE ANNUAL
ACADEMY REPORT
OF LAW 2011/12
15
Your Say
Overall , how satisfied are you with Please select 3 areas Academy Publishing
SAL’s products and services? should release titles on
The Academy carried out a survey in with SAL’s products and services. Another
March 2012 to gather feedback from 36.4% were neutral. Only a small margin Specialist Law Reports
members on four areas of its work: LawNet, of 6.6% of respondents indicated a level of
dissatisfaction. Practitioner-Oriented
Academy Publishing, Legal Education and
Journals
Membership Services.
8.7%
Monographs on
More than 500 SAL members representing Specialised Areas
law practitioners from large, medium, small
Court Precedents
firms, in house counsel and those in the legal
service participated in an online survey as
48.3% 36.4% Commercial Precedents
well as one-on -one telephone interviews.
Black-Letter Law Books
57% of the respondents were either somewhat
6.6%
Annotated Legislation
satisfied (48.3%) or very satisfied (8.7%)
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
YOUR WISH LIST
1. Content to be published in print by Academy Publishing and online via Lawnet: Commercial Precedents.
2. Areas of improvement for LawNet: Breadth, depth and timeliness in content.
3. Yes to eBooks. Prefer to have this available on PC rather than tablet devices.
4. SAL conferences or seminars: more emphasis on black-letter law subjects Which conference subject matter would
5. Membership activities: Have more entertainment-related events like movies and musicals. you be interested in?
What type of membership events
are you likely to attend? Black-Letter Law
Lifestyle Skills for Legal Professionals
Networking Emerging Areas of Law
Charity-related Events 26%
Interest-related
Workshops 51%
Arts and Cultural 23%
Entertainment
Dining
Sports/Outdoor-related
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
SINGAPORE ANNUAL
ACADEMY REPORT
OF LAW 2011/12
17
Facts, FigureS
and Highlights Events
attended by
Disputes
SLW subscribers managed
7,444 people
by SMC
Legal materials & New senior Authentication
cases uploaded on New counsel certificates
LawNet publications appointments issued
EVENTS • 2 Law Reform Committee Reports. HIGHLIGHTS APPOINTMENTS
• 138 events on continuing education, • 6 new Academy Publishing titles. • LawNet held an International Conference on Commissioners for Oaths:
including 15 social activities were organised. • 6 volumes of Singapore Syariah Appeals E-litigation. An iPad App on LawNet was also • 567 (1 Oct 2011 – 30 Sept 2012).
Reports (1980 – 2010). launched at the conference. • 1,137 (1 Apr 2012 – 31 Mar 2013).
HIGHLIGHTS • 1 Asian Journal on Mediation • The eLitigation System is targeted to be
• Mandatory Continuing Professional • 1 Inter Se. launched in phases starting with the Notaries Public:
Development (“CPD”) was introduced for • 1 issue of Singapore Construction Supreme Court, followed by the Subordinate • 169 (1 Oct 2011 – 30 Sept 2012).
lawyers with post-qualification experience Adjudication Review. Courts. • 372 (1 Apr 2012 – 31 Mar 2013).
of five years and less. A total of 313.35 • The selection process for an e-Discovery
CPD hours were awarded to the regulated HIGHLIGHTS service provider to offer cloud-based NEW SENIOR COUNSEL
lawyers. • A new book focusing on arbitration awards platform and services to law firms is APPOINTMENTS
• The Academy, together with the Attorney- based on Singapore Law was launched at underway. • First Senior Counsel (honoris causa)
General’s Chambers, the Association of Maxwell Chambers. • Page views of SLW hit an average of 379,255 appointed.
Criminal Lawyers of Singapore and The Law • The Criminal Procedure Code of Singapore per month. • 2 new Senior Counsel appointed.
Society of Singapore organised the inaugural – Annotations and Commentary was jointly
Criminal Law Conference. launched by The Honourable the Chief ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE AUTHENTICATION SERVICES
• Over 280 participants attended The Rule Justice Chan Sek Keong and The Honourable RESOLUTION • 42,814 authentication certificates issued
of Law Conference featuring 18 prominent Attorney-General Sundaresh Menon, SC at the • 186 mediations case-managed by Singapore (inclusive of 4,830 submitted under the
speakers and panellists. Supreme Court Viewing Gallery. Mediation Centre (“SMC”) (1 Apr 2011 – Express Authentication Service).
• The 18th Singapore Academy of Law • Minister for Muslim Affairs, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim 30 Jun 2012).
Annual Lecture was delivered by The Right launched the 6-volume Singapore Syariah • 145 cases adjudicated under the Building and STAKEHOLDING AND
Honourable Tun Zaki Tun Azmi, former Appeals Reports (1980 – 2010). Construction Industry Security of Payment CONVEYANCING MONEY
• The Law Reform Committee Report on Act (1 Apr 2011 – 30 Jun 2012).
SERVICES
Chief Justice of the Federal Court
• As at 30 Jun 2012: $512.4 million held.
of Malaysia. Limitation Periods in Private International
• 1 Jul 2011 to 30 Jun 2012: 11,451 cases paid in
Law resulted in the enactment of the new HIGHLIGHTS
10,573 cases paid out.
PUBLICATIONS Foreign Limitation Periods Act 2012. • SMC obtained pledges from 26 organisations
• 24 fortnightly parts of Singapore Law after the launch of the Singapore Mediation
Reports (“SLR”). LEGAL DATABASES Charter.
• 3 issues of Singapore Academy of Law • 5,722 legal materials and cases were • Two new mediation schemes were
Journal (“SAcLJ”). uploaded on LawNet. introduced: Premier Mediation Scheme and
• 1 issue of Singapore Academy of Law Annual • More than 8,500 people have signed up to the Neutral Evaluation Service.
Review of Singapore Cases. receive daily news updates from Singapore All figures reported are for the period 1 Jul 2011 to
30 Jun 2012, unless otherwise stated.
Law Watch (“SLW”).SINGAPORE ANNUAL
ACADEMY REPORT
OF LAW 2011/12 Legal Knowledge
19
Legal Knowledge A series of four lectures and panel sessions Singapore Academy of
were conducted to equip and update the Law Annual Lecture 2011
criminal bar on developments in Criminal The Annual Lecture Organising Committee
Procedure and Practices. An average of is chaired by the Honourable Justice
150 participants attended each session. Tan Lee Meng.
The third run of the Junior College Law The Right Honourable Tun Zaki Tun Azmi,
Programme (“JCLP”) was conducted former Chief Justice of the Federal Court
from 28 November to 9 December 2011. of Malaysia delivered the 18th Singapore
Mr Mark Agrast and Pro About 400 students from 23 pre-university Academy of Law Annual Lecture on “The
fessor
Brian Z. Tamanaha at
the institutions completed the JCLP 2011. Common Law of Malaysia in the 21st Century”.
speakers’ dinner
The lecture was held on 28 September 2011
Mr Philip Collins, Chairman, Office of Fair at the Supreme Court Auditorium, and was
Rethinking Paradigms: Exploring Trading, UK, gave the keynote address at attended by about 500 people.
the Boundaries of the Rule of Law
discussion the Competition Law Conference, jointly
organised with Competition Commission of
Singapore and supported by the Singapore
Continuing Legal Business Federation. This conference was
Education and Studies held over two days in July 2012.
The Committee on Legal Education and Key highlights
Studies is chaired by the Honourable Mandatory Continuing Professional
Solicitor-General Mrs Koh Juat Jong. Development (“CPD”) was introduced in The Ru le of Law
Conference featur
18 prom inent sp ed
1 April 2012 for lawyers with post- ea kers and pa ne
includ in g world llists,
In the period under review, the Committee qualification experience of five years and renow ned academ
Professor Joseph ics,
organised 18 continuing legal and public less. In the months of April and May 2012, Wei ler and Profes uding
Bria n Ta manaha. sor guests incl
education events attended by a total of a total of 313.5 CPD hours were awarded The event was About 500 dges and judicial
ju
2,876 participants, a 20% increase from the to the regulated lawyers at legal education jointl y orga nised Malaysian ed the 18th
w ith the law rs a tt en d
office
previous year. events organised by the Academy. schools of the Nat n u a l L ec ture 2011
iona l Un iversity An
of Si ngapore and
the Si ngapore
The inaugural Criminal Law Conference was Management Un
Con ference iversity.
“The CCS-SA L
er in terms of held on 13 - 14 October 2011. 35 speakers,
th is year is bigg
d diversity of panellists and chairpersons presented
participants an s
gapore Busines on key developments in criminal law as
topics. With Sin
rtner, we
Federation as pa well as facilitated panel discussions at
ject a business
were able to in d the Conference. The Minister for Foreign
ould recommen
component. I w Affairs & Minister for Law, Mr K Shanmugam
is a
that we make th delivered the keynote address. The event
bien n ial event.” was jointly organised with the Attorney- le
sistant Chief The Right Honourab
Mr Toh Han Li, As mi rec eiv in g
ga l & Enforcement General’s Chambers, the Association of Tun Zaki Tu n Az
Executive, Le n fro m the
ion Commission a token of ap pre cia tio
Division, Competit Criminal Lawyers of Singapore and The Law Justice
Honourable the Chief
of Singapore Ch an Se k Keong
Society of Singapore.SINGAPORE ANNUAL
ACADEMY REPORT
OF LAW Legal Knowledge 2011/12 Legal Knowledge
21
Law Reporting The twelfth volume of the Singapore
The Council of Law Reporting is chaired by Academy of Law Annual Review of Singapore
the Honourable Judge of Appeal Justice Cases was published in June 2012.
Andrew Phang Boon Leong. 36 contributors authored the 23 chapters.
Summary of work from 1 July 2011 Law Books and
– 30 June 2012 Monographs
24 fortnightly parts of the Singapore Law The Commissioning Panel is chaired by
Reports (“SLR”) were produced. A total of the Honourable Judge of Appeal Justice
207 Supreme Court decisions were reported Andrew Phang Boon Leong. The Honourable the Chief
comprising 135 High Court decisions and 72 Justice Chan Sek Keong and
the Honourable Attorney-
Court of Appeal decisions. As at 30 June New titles published during the period General Sundaresh Menon, SC
2012, there were 203 subscribers (with 233 review: with authors of The Criminal
Procedure Code of Singapore
subscriptions) to the SLR. a. The Law of Torts in Singapore – Published
on 31 August 2011.
Three more sets of Singapore Law Reports e. A Treatise on Singapore Constitutional Law Law Reform
(Reissue) (“SLR(R)”) were sold making a total b. SAL Conference 2011: Developments in – Published on 30 March 2012. The book The Law Reform Committee (“LRC”)
of 88 sets sold. The breakeven for printing Singapore Law between 2006 and 2012 – was launched at the National University of is chaired by the Honourable Justice
costs of the SLR(R) has been reached. Trends and Perspectives – Published on Singapore, Faculty of Law, on 23 May 2012. Philip Pillai.
23 September 2011.
Legal Journals f. The Law of Contract in Singapore – Two reports were published on the
The Publications Committee is chaired by c. Singapore Law on Arbitral Awards - Published on 22 June 2012. following matters:
the Honourable Justice Judith Prakash. published on 30 November 2011. The book a. Opinion Evidence; and
is launched at Maxwell Chambers on The current list of commissioned titles
New publications during period under review 31 January 2012. (excluding published titles) numbers 28. b. Reforming Legal and Professional
Two issues of Singapore Academy of Law Upcoming titles for 2012 include volumes on Privilege.
Journal published in September 2011 and d. The Criminal Procedure Code of Singapore Intellectual Property Law, Civil Procedure
March 2012. A special issue of the Singapore – Annotations and Commentary – and Industrial Design Law. Matters considered by the Committee
Academy of Law Journal on Company Law Co-published with the Attorney-General’s included:
featuring 10 contributors was published in Chambers on 15 March 2012. The book was New area of work a. Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance
December 2011 with Professor John H Farrar launched at the Supreme Court Viewing Academy Publishing ventured into contract Orders;
as guest editor. Gallery on 28 March 2012. publishing with the publication of a backset
of the Singapore Syariah Appeals Reports b. Reforming the Inheritance (Family
(1980 – 2010) for Syariah Courts/Majlis Ugama Provision) Act;
Islam Singapura. The 6-volume set (including
one volume of tables and index) encapsulating c. Building and Construction law;
selected appeal decisions of the Syariah
Appeal Board was published in March 2012 d. Choice of Court Agreements; and
, and launched by Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister
Leng Sun
, Mr Chan ok to
The author of the bo for Muslim Affairs in May 2012. e. Financial Products – As to Suitability
ting a copy -General
SC, presen ney
rable Attor Against Fitness For Purpose
The Honou on , SC
Men
SundareshSINGAPORE ANNUAL
ACADEMY REPORT
OF LAW Legal Knowledge 2011/12 Legal Knowledge
23
Seminars Legal Heritage f. The Reception of English Law; and
To raise the visibility of law reform projects and to align with the Academy’s broad strategic The Legal Heritage Committee is chaired by g. The Development of Criminal Law and
objective of increasing the skills, knowledge and practice standards of the legal fraternity, the Honourable Justice Andrew Ang. Criminal Justice.
the Committee, together with the Committee on Legal Education and Studies, organised two
seminars during the period under review. Oral history Each of these sections feature write-ups,
In the period under review, a total of 47 hours photographs, images of key legal documents
a. “Recent Developments in the Law of Evidence” held on 10 April 2012. The seminar which of oral history was recorded bringing the and references as well as links to other
sought to examine and explain the new amendments to the Evidence Act was attended by total number of recorded hours to 182 since relevant websites. For ease of access by
324 participants. the project began in 2005. Another seven researchers, these sections will reside as
oral history interviews were completed and Wikipedia pages but hosted under a separate
b. “Amendments to the International Arbitration Act” held on 28 May 2012. A panel – seven are in progress. The total number of domain www.singaporelegalhistory.org.
comprising Mr Chan Leng Sun, SC, Ms Valerie Thean, Mr Abraham Vergis and completed interviews as at 30 June 2012 is 29. There is also a link from the SAL website
Mr Ben Giaretta – who represented a cross-section of the arbitration community, to these pages. To date, four sections:
including those who have been closely involved with the amendments, explained Legal Heritage Database Constitutional History, the Legal Profession,
and discussed the latest amendments to the International Arbitration Act. The work of building a database on legal Legal Education and Development of the
heritage materials has commenced. Court System have been completed and
Protocols established The project team has identified seven major uploaded. The target is to complete the other
In the period under review, the LRC established three protocols as standing processes. sections which will be featured on the three sections by the end of 2013.
database. These are:
The first protocol is to elicit proposals from lawyers who, in the course of their work, A publication featuring oral history interviews
regularly come across minor deficiencies or errors in the statutes and regulations. a. Constitutional History of Singapore; with legal personalities collected by the
b. Development of the Singapore Court Academy and the National Archives Oral
The second protocol is to conduct an annual review of law reform/law revision initiatives System; History Centre will be published by end 2013.
in the major relevant common law jurisdictions. c. Legal Education in Singapore; It will be in an e-book format and the sale of
d. The Legal Profession in Singapore; the hard copy including a CD-Rom will be
The third protocol would be to act as a clearing house for law reform/revision by the legal e. A History of the Singapore Legal Service; available through a print-on-demand service.
profession, judiciary and academia. Apart from these protocols, the LRC would consider and
approve ad hoc law review projects as it may receive from time to time.
w w w.sin g
aporelega
lhistory.o
rgSINGAPORE ANNUAL
ACADEMY REPORT
OF LAW Legal Knowledge 2011/12 Legal Knowledge
25
LawNet Subscriptions fees for Legal Workbench were E-Litigation
The LawNet Management Committee reviewed in consultation with the Law Society. The Electronic Litigation Systems Committee is chaired by the
is chaired by the Honourable Justice Special care was taken to ensure that the Honourable Justice Lee Seiu Kin.
Chan Seng Onn. increase for small law firms was kept at an
average of 10% while medium-sized law firms The integrated Electronic System (branded as the eLitigation System) will be launched
Key highlights at an average of 23%. The increase for large in phases starting with the Supreme Court in October 2012, followed by the Subordinate
The inaugural Electronic Litigation firms was capped at 40%. The subscriptions Courts Civil Justice Division in 2013.
(“E-Litigation”) Conference, organised by the for standard rate users was increased by 35%
Singapore Academy of Law and supported by across all scales while ad-hoc usage via credit The e-Discovery practice directions were reviewed in November 2011 and updated
the Supreme Court of Singapore was held card payment was increased by 45%. in March 2012.
on 11 – 12 August 2011 at Marina Mandarin The same charging mechanism of charging
Singapore. Close to 400 delegates from 33 a lower rate for every subsequent hour(s) In the period under review, plans were finalised for a cloud-based e-Discovery platform
jurisdictions; with more than 60 members of purchased will be retained. The new fees have to be offered to the legal profession in Singapore. The Call for Collaboration (“CFC”)
foreign judiciaries attended the conference. since been approved by the President, was released in June 2012 to select a vendor to partner the Academy in offering
It was decided that a similar conference will and was implemented from 1 August 2012. an e-Discovery cloud-based platform and services to law firms. To encourage law
be held once every three years so that there firms to sign up for e-Discovery services, the Secretariat worked with the InfoComm
could be periodic updates on this rapidly The LawNet Secretariat finalised Development Authority of Singapore (“IDA”) to provide a funding package that would
evolving field. The next conference would specifications for LawNet3. This new system allow firms to claim up to 70% of their e-Discovery subscription, training and
be held in 2014. would rationalise the disparate sources of consultancy expenses in the first two years of the initiative.
content in LawNet and streamline processes
The LawNet iPad application was launched to support the flow of information between
at the E-Litigation Conference. Feedback LawNet, its content providers and users.
from both lawyers and the Judiciary has been LawNet3 is targeted to be implemented by
E Y BE NEFITS
positive. About 35% of LawNet subscribers the fourth quarter of 2013. K
service
have downloaded the app. to use web -based
Eas y access
and customisable
Subscriber base Secure
ass.
Growth in subscriptions to Legal Workbench was via SingP
s an consistent with that of the previous financial year.
F iling can be completed
“LawNet … play Flex ible. submission
helping
There was an increase of 3% for firms on preferential
saved for
essential role in rate (including corporate counsel) and 6% for online or time.
y work. …
me deliver in m corporations under the standard rate. As at 30 May at a later and
to seeing 2012, the subscriber base stands at 4,408. y details
I look forward . P art y have to
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it grow its serv case numbers the
years ahead.” once for
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Management (Pra . Court documents .
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replaced in
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2 - da management S MS and
Proactive e -mail ,
files through alerts
reminderSINGAPORE ANNUAL
ACADEMY REPORT
OF LAW 2011/12 Legal Industry
27
Legal INDUSTRY
Promotion of Singapore Law
The Promotion of Singapore Law Committee (“PSL”) is chaired by the Honourable Justice
Quentin Loh and organised under three desks chaired by Mr Lok Vi Ming, SC (China Desk),
Mr Cavinder Bull, SC (India Desk) and Dr Wong Kien Keong (Indonesia Desk).
Marketing activities
A number of marketing activities were carried out to promote the use of Singapore law as
Law studen
a neutral governing law in cross-border transactions and Singapore as a neutral venue for ts
University from Santa Clara
interact wit
alternative dispute resolution (“ADR”). These include: h local law
yers
a. Two seminars and a networking dinner in Jakarta from 20 – 22 July 2012. About 225
people attended these activities, organised in partnership with the Indonesian Chamber
of Commerce and Industry (“KADIN”). d. A tour to Supreme Court and a seminar on such as Sunwu Co & Partners and New
7 December 2011 for 50 Chinese officials Talent Law Firm. A seminar on offshore
b. A workshop with Nanyang Technological University (“NTU”) Mayor’s Class on 20 studying in the NTU Mayors’ Class. This dispute resolution using international
September 2011. The Committee was invited by NTU to brief 32 Chinese officials from is the Committee’s second collaboration arbitration was also held in Shanghai on
Guangzhou city on the Singapore legal system, laws and dispute resolution. with NTU. 1 June 2012. This seminar was targeted at
Chinese in-house counsel and about 80 of
c. A roadshow to Zhejiang and Ningbo from 25 – 29 September 2011 led by three members e. A series of small group feedback sessions them attended the session.
of the PSL China desk. They visited 10 Chinese law firms and legal-related institutions and with Temasek-linked companies (“TLCs”)
conducted a seminar each in Hangzhou and Ningbo. About 160 Chinese on 16 November 2011, 12 and 26 January g. A presentation and networking reception
lawyers and officials attended the two seminars. 2012 and a dialogue session between for 20 postgraduate law students from
TLC and law firms on 14 May 2012. These Santa Clara University on 5 June 2012.
sessions were useful in reminding the TLCs The networking reception offered a good
to use Singapore law as the governing platform for the postgraduate students
law and Singapore as an ADR venue for to interact with other PSL members and
their cross-border contracts. The dialogue lawyers from local law firms.
session provided law firms with a clearer
picture of the requirements of TLCs wishing h. The Committee invited 10 legal luminaries
“With more Ch to engage external legal assistance. from foreign jurisdictions to Singapore
inese and foreig
compan ies ag re n
eing to have from 10 – 13 June 2012 under its Singapore
their arbitratio
ns ad min istere f. A joint roadshow and seminar in Suzhou, Law Visitors Programme. The objectives
by [the] Singapo d
re International Wuxi and Shanghai from 30 May – 1 June of the programme are to give the guests
Arbitration Cen
tre (“SI AC”),
NTU May
or’s Singapore has 2012 with Rodyk & Davidson LLP. The a more in-depth understanding of the
Arbitration Class panel discussio emerged as one
and Media n on the most prefer of committee members met up with Singapore legal sector and to provide a
tion in Sin red venues in A
gapore for dispute reso sia members from the Suzhou and Wuxi Bar platform for the exchange of ideas between
lution.”
Mr Wan g Qian g,
General Counsel, Associations, Wujiang Foreign Enterprises members of the legal profession and/or
National Machine China
ry Indu stry Corp Association and some Chinese law firms, Judiciary and the guests.
(SINOM ACH) orationSINGAPORE ANNUAL
ACADEMY REPORT
OF LAW Legal INDUSTRY 2011/12 Legal INDUSTRY
29
The Honourable Justice Belinda Ang
presenting a token of appreciation to
Panel discussion at the 1st National the conference’s Guest of Honour, The
Conference on Construction Honourable Justice Lee Seiu Kin
Adjudication – Tactics & Strategies
Revamped SLW and SingaporeLaw websites b. The Neutral Evaluation Service was Training workshops
Singapore Law Watch (“SLW”) launched a revamped website with improved readability, earlier launched on 2 May 2012. In the lead up to From 1 April 2010 to 30 June 2012, SMC
news delivery and enhancements such as summaries of headline news and sharing capability the launch, the Neutral Evaluation Rules conducted 42 workshops in Singapore and
via Facebook and Twitter. SLW can now be read via iPhone and Android apps. Commentaries were drafted and a distinguished Panel was overseas including Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei
also include contributions that cover the latest legal happenings on the international stage that constituted. and Sri Lanka.
may have an impact on Singapore law and business. The average number of email subscribers
and page views per month increased by 34.03% and 15.41% respectively compared to last year. The 2009 volume of the Singapore Its retained earnings as at 31 March 2012 was
Construction Adjudication Review (“SCAdjR”) S$1,554,739.
A revamped SingaporeLaw website featuring enhanced content will be launched by end 2012, was published on 20 August 2011 by Sweet
together with mobile applications for both iPhone and Android. & Maxwell. The 2010 and 2011 volumes of Professional Affairs
SCAdjR will be published by Academy The Professional Affairs Committee
Publishing in the second half of 2012. (“PAC”) was chaired by the Honourable
Mediation & Other a further 10 organisations have signed on to Justice Steven Chong up to 24 June 2012.
Alternative Dispute the Singapore Mediation Charter.
Resolution Services Number of cases handled The following activities of the various chapters
The Chairperson of the Board of Directors The 1st National Conference on Construction 1 April 2011 – 1 April 2012 – and sub-committees of the PAC during the
Work done 31 March 2012 30 June 2012
of the Singapore Mediation Centre Adjudication - Tactics & Strategies was held period under review are highlighted:
Mediation 144 42
(“SMC”) is the Honourable Justice on 20 October 2011 and attended by more matters
Belinda Ang Saw Ean. than 180 industry professionals. Adjudication a. Corporate Counsel Chapter: A small
cases # 112 33
working committee, which also includes
Key highlights Two new schemes were implemented: members of the Bar, was formed to study a
SMC launched the Singapore Mediation a. Together with the Subordinate Courts regulatory framework for in-house counsel.
# SMC administers adjudication cases under the Building
Charter on 9 September 2011, obtaining of Singapore, SMC developed a Premier and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act.
pledges from 26 organisations to consider Mediation Scheme, aimed at encouraging b. Foreign Lawyers Chapter (“FLC”) focused
mediation as the first step in their dispute disputants involved in higher-value civil on developing plans to involve foreign
resolution needs. As of 30 June 2012, suits commenced in the Subordinate lawyers in pro bono work in Singapore.
Courts to mediate their cases using SMC.SINGAPORE ANNUAL
ACADEMY REPORT
OF LAW Legal INDUSTRY 2011/12 Legal INDUSTRY
31
FLC is studying the possibility of having e. Young Members’ Chapter (“YMC”) Implementation of Strategic Direction
foreign lawyers support the Pro Bono organised the following events: The A Strategic Directions Committee (“SDC”) chaired by President, SAL was set up on 30 May 2011,
Clinic of the Law Society of Singapore in its Revenue Business Cycle – Processes, Risks to, inter alia, decide on the main strategic directions for the plans and activities of the Academy.
administration or knowledge management. & Controls, a joint seminar organised with The SDC will also co-ordinate and synergise the efforts of the SAL Senate Committees.
the Institute of Certified Public Accountants
c. Professional Practice and Development of Singapore (“ICPAS”) on 5 July 2011. A Strategic Planning Brainstorming Exercise (“SPBE”) headed by the Honourable Judge of
Chapter (“PDPC”) focused on the following Appeal Justice V K Rajah was carried out on 13 July 2011. Prior to this brainstorming exercise,
activities: YMC assisted with the organisation of the a survey was carried out from 16 June 2011 to 5 July 2011 to gather views on the pressing issues
Mass Call on 27 August 2011. 257 petitioners facing the legal fraternity. The SPBE resulted in a Rapporteurs’ Report which identified three
i. Following up from its earlier initiative were admitted as advocates and solicitors strategic objectives for the Academy:
to work with the Law Society on having of the Supreme Court.
more law firms to be Prime Law certified, a. Establishing a member-centric organisation;
the Prime Law publication was circulated The Christopher Bathurst Essay b. Raising standards of legal practice; and
to all Law Society members by October Competition 2011. Participants were asked c. Growing Singapore’s legal industry – Developing and branding “Singapore Legal Inc”.
2011. to submit an essay of not more than
1,300 words on the topic “In International The recommendations of the SDC were endorsed by the SAL Senate and the Heads of the
ii. The second PAC Roundtable Forum on Commercial Arbitrations, What System Legal Industry and Legal Knowledge clusters met with the chairpersons of the various SAL
Quantum and Transparency of Legal of Law should the Arbitral Panel Apply to Committees to finalise their work-plans based on these recommendations.
Costs was held on 26 January 2012. Resolve Disputes and Why?” The winning
More than 50 participants attended. essay was submitted by Mr Tng Sheng
Rong, Deputy Public Prosecutor, State Appointment of Senior Counsel
iii. A civil litigation checklist was prepared Prosecution Division, Attorney-General’s The Senior Counsel Selection Committee is chaired by the Honourable
and circulated via the Academy’s Chambers who won an all-expense-paid the Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong.
website. The checklist was also given fortnight internship at Fountain Court
to the Singapore Institute of Legal Chambers in London. The Senior Counsel appointed for 2012 are Professor Yeo Tiong Min (honoris causa),
Education, Temasek Polytechnic and Mr Kannan Ramesh and Mr Aedit Bin Abdullah, bringing the total number of persons who
the National University of Singapore A tea reception was hosted by the have been conferred this distinguished title under section 30(1) of the Legal Profession Act
(“NUS”) and Singapore Management Honourable Justice Steven Chong for 13 (Cap. 161) to 63.
University (“SMU”) law faculties for them young lawyers (with post-qualification
to consider using it as a training tool. experience of 7 years or less) on 31
October 2011.
d. Professional Values Chapter (“PVC”)
collaborated with the Academy’s The Developments and Realities of Legal
Membership & Social Committee Practice in Singapore, a dialogue session
to organise a dialogue with law for NUS and SMU law undergraduates
undergraduates from NUS and SMU on 2 was held on 3 February 2012. The session
September 2011. The panel consisting of chaired by the Honourable Justice Steven
legal professionals from private practice Chong saw a high level of interaction
Senior Counsel:
and the Legal Service shared their between the students and the panellists Professor Yeo Tiong Min
(honoris causa), Mr Kannan Ramesh
experiences relating to professional values, from private practice and the Legal Service.
and Mr Aedit Bin Abdullah
practice and ethical issues.SINGAPORE ANNUAL
ACADEMY REPORT
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33
SAL Innovations and Authentication Services Membership and Social ice cream making session and an ice cream
Ideas Scheme Activities buffet. The children also received gifts and
The number of authentication certificates The Membership and Social Committee is NTUC vouchers. Members of the Academy
The SAL Innovations and Ideas Scheme issued in FY2011/2012 totalled 42,814. Of the chaired by the Honourable Justice Lai Siu Chiu. and members from the ExotiCars Club
(“SALIIS”) was established in March 2012. 42,814 certificates, 4,830 were submitted donated $24,134.06 which was chanelled to
The objectives of the scheme are to under the Express Authentication Service. The Committee organised 15 events for the Yellow Ribbon Fund to fund programmes
encourage members of the legal community This is an increase of 10% over the number members in the period under review. for children of ex-offenders and inmates.
to develop and implement new schemes/ 38,822 of authentication certificates issued in
ideas that can benefit the legal industry and/ FY2010/2011. The SAL Charity Project ‘Ice Cream + Charity = SAL MEMBERSHIP
or wider community and to set aside funding A Sweet Combination’ was held on
to develop these ideas. SAL OVERSEAS 3 December 2011, in support of The Yellow SAL’s total membership as at 30 June 2012
ATTACHMENTS AND PRIZES Ribbon Fund/The Salvation Army Prison stood at 9,565, representing a 10% increase
A Committee for Innovation and Ideas (“CII”) Support Services - ‘Kids in Play’ Programme. over the previous year’s figure of 8,703. Out of
was formed to oversee and manage the In 2012, SAL Overseas Attachments were the 9,565 members, 2,364 have been granted
scheme. CII is chaired by the Honourable granted to Ms Ho May Kim, Ms Vimaljit Kaur, 48 beneficiaries, aged nine to twelve years a waiver of membership fees pursuant to Rule
Judge of Appeal Justice V K Rajah. Ms Tan Weiyi and Mr Jordan Tan. The three- old, were taken in a fleet of Ferraris, Porsches 4 of the SAL Rules.
month attachments were with Essex Court and Lamborghinis from the ExotiCars Club
SALIIS funding is open to application from Chambers and/or Fountain Court Chambers. to Udders Ice Cream at Siglap for a hands-on
all SAL Ordinary, Associate and Associate-
Student members. Two proposals were The winners of the SAL Prizes for 2011/2012 were:
received in the period under review. a. Mr Xu Jiaxiong, Daryl, top final-year student
The CII met and interviewed the applicants at the Faculty of Law, National University of
in July 2012. Singapore;
Appointment of b. Mr Dai Zhongyu, the top student in a
Commissioners for Law Elective for the degree of Master
Oaths and Notaries of Business Administration, Nanyang
Public Technological University; and
The Board of Commissioners for Oaths and
Notaries Public (“the Board”) is chaired by c. Mr Ng Guen Wen, Colin, the top
Mr Giam Chin Toon, SC. student in the Diploma in Law &
Management, Temasek Polytechnic.
In the year under review, 567 commissioners
for oaths and 169 notaries public were “Very glad to vo
appointed for the period 1 October 2011 to 30 lu nteer and hel
out in th is mea p
n ingful event,
September 2012, and 1,137 commissioners for cheer up the ch to
ildren’s lives !!
oaths and 372 notaries public for the period Sometimes, we
th in k of the
1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013. misfortu ne of ot
hers and our
ow n life pales
in comparison.” The Honourabl
Mr John P. H. N e Justice Lai Siu
g, Consultant, to the children Chiu handing
from The Salva out gifts
AsiaL egal LL Services - ‘Kid tion Army Pris
C s in Play’ Prog on Support of sports cars
ramme The children were chauffeured in a fleet
to Udders Ice Crea m
from ExotiCars ClubYou can also read
