Redefining Possibilities - Singapore Academy of Law
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Redefining
Possibilities.
singapore academy of law annual report
08
09Our Mission & Values Building up the intellectual capital, capability and infrastructure of members of the Singapore Academy of Law. Promotion of ESPRIT DE CORPS among the members of the Singapore Academy of Law. Contents 02 About Singapore Academy of Law 04 The President’s Review 06 The Senate 08 The Executive Committee 10 Facts, Figures & Highlights 14 Redefining Expertise: Legal Knowledge 20 Redefining Opportunities: Legal Industry 28 Redefining Efficiency: Legal Technology 32 The Year In Review: Corporate Services 34 Key Executives 38 Financial Review Singapore Academy of Law Annual Report 2008/09 MICA (P) 181/11/2009, ISSN 1793 - 5679
about singapore academy of law The Singapore Academy of Law (the of the Law Society of Singapore, Mr Michael “Academy”) has close to 8,000 members Hwang, SC and the Dean of the Faculty of comprising all persons who are called as Law of the National University of Singapore, advocates and solicitors of the Supreme Court Professor Tan Cheng Han, SC. The Senate or who are appointed as Legal Service Officers. also comprises the High Court Judges, the The membership of the Academy comprises Solicitor-General, academia and the practising of the Bench, the Bar, and large numbers of profession. corporate counsel and faculty members of the .... The work of the Academy is focused on local law schools. three key areas: supporting the growth and .... The Academy is governed by the Senate development of the Legal Industry; building up which is headed by the Honourable the Chief the intellectual capital of the legal profession by Justice Chan Sek Keong as President. The Vice- enhancing Legal Knowledge; and improving Presidents of the Academy are the Honourable the efficiency of legal practice through Legal Attorney-General Professor Walter Woon; the Technology. The work of the Academy is driven Honourable Judge of Appeal Justice Chao Hick by these three core mandates. This in turn Tin; the Honourable Judge of Appeal Justice is directed towards raising the standard and Andrew Phang Boon Leong; the Honourable quality of legal practice and building a strong Judge of Appeal Justice V K Rajah; President and dynamic legal community in Singapore.
the
President’s
4 Review 5
This year 2008/09 was the number of subscribers for its rare opportunity to walk through A landmark project that will up-to-date legal research database long term funding arrangements
second year which the Academy daily email updates continued to the old dungeons and corridors of come to fruition this year is from key common law jurisdictions. that had been put in place.
functioned under a new structure increase at a satisfactory level. the old Supreme Court and view Three key databases were added
the Singapore Law Reports
to focus on three strategic areas of rare legal documents, stamps, to Legal Workbench last year. The unique strength of the
work – LEGAL KNOWLEDGE, The Singapore Mediation Centre artefacts and photos that traced (Reissue) (“SLR(R)”). These include Indian Supreme Academy lies in its ability to draw
LEGAL TECHNOLOGY successfully hosted the inaugural Singapore’s legal history. The SLR(R) comprising Court Cases and Australian and on the assistance of members of the
and LEGAL INDUSTRY. Asian Mediation Association 78 volumes of reported New Zealand cases. In addition, Bench, the Bar, the Legal Service
Conference with the former A landmark project that will come Practitioners’ Toolkit was enhanced and the law schools in Singapore.
cases and six volumes of the
The new structure allows each President of Finland and 2008 to fruition this year is the Singapore with the inclusion of the taxation of Without them, we could not have
cluster to focus on individual Nobel Peace Prize winner, Law Reports (Reissue) (“SLR(R)”). Consolidated Index from 1965 costs database. More than 80% of done many of the things that have
initiatives without losing President Martti Ahtisaari, as the The SLR(R) comprising 78 – 2009 will be launched at the Singapore practitioners now hold made the Academy a success.
sight of the broad strategic keynote speaker. The conference volumes of reported cases and six opening of legal year 2010. IDs to access Legal Workbench.
objectives of our work. was attended by more than 300 volumes of the Consolidated Index I would like to express my sincere
participants from 19 countries from 1965 – 2009 will be launched To increase the number of thanks to members and staff of
This Annual Report details the around the world, who gave it at the opening of legal year 2010. subscribers, LawNet has the Academy, whose hard work
work and accomplishments of the very favourable feedback. launched Legal Workbench and dedication to the interest
Academy in the preceding year Next year, the Academy will assume in Malaysia last year for the of the Academy have made
in carrying out its statutory Our activity levels also remained the responsibility of providing benefit of Malaysian lawyers. possible the achievements set
duties and functions. Let me high in the Legal Knowledge practical and continuing legal This was made possible with the out in this Annual Report.
highlight a few of them. cluster. In publishing, Academy education through an institute support of the Malaysian Bar
Publishing reached full-fledged to be called the Institute of Legal Council, and for which we thank
The Legal Industry cluster had status as a law publisher. Two Education (“ILE”). The ILE the Council. This year, we will Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong
an exciting and fruitful year in landmark publications were will oversee and co-ordinate the work towards promoting LawNet President
promoting Singapore law and launched by me last year. Both various legal education initiatives services in Australia, New Zealand Singapore Academy of Law
Alternative Dispute Resolution. Modern Advocacy: Perspectives from and programmes for the legal and the United Kingdom.
Page viewership of the Singapore Singapore written by 17 Senior profession. This is a major project
Law Watch (“SLW”) has Counsel and Sentencing Principles whose success is vital to the future Financially, last year was not
exceeded 100,000 a month. in Singapore, one Deputy Senior efficiency and vitality of legal a good year for the Academy’s
SLW is a syndicated daily news State Counsel’s monumental services in Singapore. The Academy investments and revenue from bank
service on current developments effort, were published. will need the co-operation of many deposits (and for virtually everyone
in Singapore law and the legal practitioners to make it successful. as well who were invested in the
services sector and also the broader In July last year, we organised a financial and securities markets).
national environment affecting legal heritage exhibition where In the Legal Technology cluster, our Fortunately, we were able to
the law and legal services. The more than 5,000 visitors had the aim is to build a professional and weather these losses because of the
REDEFINING POSSIBILITIES The President’s Review SI NGA POR E ACA DEMY OF L AW AR 08 /09the Senate
6 7
The Senate is headed by the Law Society of Singapore, Mr Michael seated from left to right: Solicitor-General Mrs Koh Juat Jong Mr Giam Chin Toon, SC
Honourable the Chief Justice Chan Hwang, SC and the Dean of the Faculty Professor Tan Cheng Han, SC Justice Judith Prakash Mr Goh Joon Seng
Sek Keong as President of the of Law of the National University of Justice Andrew Phang Boon Leong, JA Justice Belinda Ang Saw Ean Mr Joseph Grimberg, SC
Academy. Singapore, Professor Tan Cheng Han, SC. Attorney-General Professor Walter Woon Justice Lai Siu Chiu Justice Tay Yong Kwang
Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong Justice Choo Han Teck Mr Tan Chee Meng, SC
The Vice-Presidents of the Academy The Senate also comprises the High Justice Chao Hick Tin, JA Professor Michael Furmston Professor Yeo Tiong Min
are the Honourable Attorney- Court Judges, the Solicitor-General, Justice V K Rajah, JA Professor Hans Tjio Justice Lee Seiu Kin
General Professor Walter Woon; the academia and the practising profession. Justice Chan Seng Onn
Honourable Justice Chao Hick Tin, standing from left to right (1st row): not in picture:
JA; the Honourable Justice Andrew Mr L P Thean standing from left to right (2nd row): Mr Michael Hwang, SC
Phang Boon Leong, JA; the Honourable Mr Sundaresh Menon, SC Justice Tan Lee Meng Justice Woo Bih Li
Justice V K Rajah, JA; President of the Justice Kan Ting Chiu Justice Andrew Ang Mr Wong Meng Meng, SC
REDEFINING POSSIBILITIES The Senate SI NGA POR E ACA DEMY OF L AW AR 08 /09the Executive 1
1
Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong
President of the Singapore 5
Justice V K Rajah, JA
Vice-President 10
Justice Judith Prakash
Chairperson
Committee Academy of Law
The President became Chief Justice
Chairman
Professional Affairs Committee
International Promotion of
Law Reform Committee
Justice Judith Prakash was appointed
8 on 11 April 2006, having served as (a) Singapore Law Committee a Judge in April 1995 after serving 9
Judicial Commissioner from July 1986 three years as a Judicial Commissioner
to June 1988; (b) Judge of the Supreme Justice V K Rajah was appointed a Judge from April 1992. She was called to the
Court from July 1988 to April 1992; and of Appeal of the Supreme Court on Bar in 1975 and practised law for 18
(c) Attorney-General from May 1992 to 11 April 2007. He was also among the years before she was made a Judicial
April 2006. He also holds concurrent first batch of lawyers in Singapore to be Commissioner.
appointments as the President of appointed Senior Counsel in 1997.
the Legal Service Commission and Justice Tan Lee Meng
01 Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong Chairman of the Presidential Council Mr Michael Hwang SC 11 Chairman
02 Attorney-General Professor Walter Woon for Minority Rights. 6 Vice-President Annual Lecture Organising
03 Justice Chao Hick Tin, JA Committee
04 Justice Andrew Phang Boon Leong, JA Attorney-General Professor Mr Michael Hwang, SC was elected Staff Committee
05 Justice V K Rajah, JA Walter Woon as the President of The Law Society
06 Mr Michael Hwang, SC 2 Vice-President of Singapore in January 2008. He was Justice Tan Lee Meng was appointed a
07 Professor Tan Cheng Han, SC Chairman appointed a Judicial Commissioner in Judge of the Supreme Court in August
08 Justice Kan Ting Chiu Board of Legal Education 1991 and was also among the pioneer 1997. Before his elevation to the Bench,
09 Justice Lai Siu Chiu batch of 12 Senior Counsel appointed he was Dean of the Faculty of Law,
10 Justice Judith Prakash Professor Walter Woon was appointed in 1997. National University of Singapore in
11 Justice Tan Lee Meng the Attorney-General of Singapore in 1987 and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at
12 Justice Lee Seiu Kin April 2008. Before his appointment, he Professor Tan Cheng Han SC the University in 1992.
13 Mr Joseph Grimberg, SC served as the Solicitor-General from 7 Vice-President
2007 to 2008. He was also Singapore’s Justice Lee Seiu Kin
alternate representative on the High Professor Tan Cheng Han, SC is 12 Chairman
2 3 4 5 Level Task Force for the Drafting of the Dean of the Faculty of Law, National LawNet Management Committee
ASEAN Charter. University of Singapore. Professor Electronic Litigation Systems
Tan is also a Consultant at TSMP Law Committee
Justice Chao Hick Tin, JA Corporation. He was appointed to the
3 Vice-President rank of Senior Counsel in 2004, making Justice Lee Seiu Kin was appointed a
Chairman him one of the first academics to receive Judge of the Supreme Court in April
Publications Committee this accolade. 2006. Between October 2002 and
April 2006, he was Second Solicitor-
Justice Chao Hick Tin is the Vice- Justice Kan Ting Chiu General of the Attorney-General’s
President of the Court of Appeal. 8 Chairman Chambers. He also served as a Judicial
Justice Chao returned to the Supreme Legal Heritage Committee Commissioner between 1997 and 2002.
Court Bench in April 2008, having
6 7 8 9 served as the Attorney-General from Justice Kan Ting Chiu was appointed a Mr Joseph Grimberg, SC
2006 to 2008. He was a Judge of Appeal Judicial Commissioner in May 1991 and 13 Chairman
from 1999 to 2006. became a Judge of the Supreme Court Board of Commissioners for
in May 1994. He joined the Singapore Oaths and Notaries Public
Justice Andrew Phang Legal Service in 1970, and resigned in
Boon Leong, JA 1976 as Senior Magistrate to go into Mr Joseph Grimberg, SC has presided
4 Vice-President private practice as a general litigator. over a wide spectrum of general and
Chairman commercial cases during his two-year
Committee on Legal Education Justice Lai Siu Chiu stint as a Judicial Commissioner of
and Studies 9 Chairperson the Supreme Court. Upon leaving the
Council of Law Reporting Membership and Social Committee Judiciary, he re-joined Drew & Napier
Commissioning Panel as a Consultant in 1989 and is now the
10 11 12 13
Justice Lai Siu Chiu was appointed Senior Consultant.
Justice Andrew Phang was appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court on 2
a Judge of the Supreme Court in May 1994 and has served as a Judicial
December 2005 and appointed Judge Commissioner for three years from 1991
of Appeal in February 2006. He to 1994. She was the first woman to be
was professor of law and chaired the appointed to the Supreme Court Bench.
department of law in the business
school of Singapore Management
University before he was appointed
Judicial Commissioner in January 2005.
REDEFINING POSSIBILITIES The Executive Committee SI NGA POR E ACA DEMY OF L AW AR 08 /09Facts, Figures
& Highlights I N SUM M A RY
10 11
1
•
EVENTS
35 seminars, talks and
2
•
PUBLICATIONS
30 fortnightly parts of Singapore
4 ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE
RESOLUTION 191
•
conferences
119 training workshops by •
Law Reports (“SLR”)
3 issues of Singapore Academy of
• 273 disputes case-managed by
Singapore Mediation Centre
events attended by 11,000 people*
LawNet and Singapore Law Journal (“SAcLJ”) (“SMC”); 115 mediation cases
•
Mediation Centre
16 marketing and outreach
programmes
19 social activities and dinners
• 2 issues of Singapore Academy
of Law Annual Review of
Singapore Cases
1 Asian Journal on Mediation
and 158 cases adjudicated under
the Building and Construction
Industry Security of Payment Act 44
new publications*
• •
• 2 planning events • 2 Law Reform Committee Reports H IGH LIGH TS
• 2 issues of Inter Se • More than 300 participants from
6,015
H IGH LIGH TS • 4 new Academy Publishing titles 19 countries attended the inaugural
• A month-long legal heritage Asian Mediation Association
exhibition, Legal Legacies: H IGH LIGH TS Conference in June 2009.
The Story of Singapore Law • Two landmark books were
attracted more than 5,000 visitors.
• The 15th Singapore Academy of
launched by Chief Justice Chan
Sek Keong – Modern Advocacy:
5 APPOINTMENTS legal materials & cases uploaded on lawnet*
273
Law Annual Lecture 2008 was Perspectives from Singapore and • Commissioners for Oaths:
delivered by The Honourable K Sentencing Principles in Singapore. 1,114 (1 Apr 2008 – 31 Mar 2009)
G Balakrishnan, Chief Justice of • SLR will take on a new look when 501 (1 Oct 2008 – 30 Sept 2009)
the Supreme Court of India. Singapore Law Reports (Reissue) is 1,167 (1 Apr 2009 – 31 Mar 2010)
• The Obligations IV Conference
saw a high turnout of local and
launched in 2010.
• Notaries Public: disputes managed by smc*
overseas participants. 3 LEGAL DATABASES 361 (1 Apr 2008 – 31 Mar 2009)
4
• SAL’s Charity Event 2008: Over 133 (1 Oct 2008 – 30 Sept 2009)
1,500 storybooks were collected • 6,015 legal materials and cases 362 (1 Apr 2009 – 31 Mar 2010)
in support of the Singapore over 99 databases uploaded on
Children’s Society kidsREAD LawNet 6 AUTHENTICATION SERVICES
programme. • More than 80% of the Singapore
practising Bar use Legal • 27,871 authentication certificates
new senior counsel appointments*
27,871
Workbench for online research issued. An express service for
• Over 1,000 people have signed up same-day authentication services
to receive daily news updates from was implemented in October 2008.
Singapore Law Watch (“SLW”)
H IGH LIGH TS
7 STAKEHOLDING SERVICES
authentication certificates issued
• Three key databases made • Stakeholding transactions
63%
available through Legal Workbench: increased by 63%. $368 million
Indian Supreme Court cases in stakeholding moneys for 7,779
May 2009 followed by Australian property units were paid out for
and New Zealand cases in June. property units in the primary
• Page viewership of SLW exceeded
100,000 a month.
property market. increase in stakeholding transactions
• Legal Workbench was launched in
Malaysia on 7 May 2008.
* 1 APRIL 2008 – 31 MAY 2009 1 APRIL 2008 – 31 MARCH 2009
REDEFINING POSSIBILITIES Facts, Figures & Highlights SI NGA POR E ACA DEMY OF L AW AR 08 /09the Year in Review
redefining LEGAL
knowledge
1
expertise
14 1 Annual lecture reception at 15
the Supreme Court atrium.
contents
1 Continuing Legal Education
and Studies
2 Postgraduate Practical Law Course
3 SAL Prizes to Top Students
4 Singapore Academy of Law
Annual Lecture 2008
5 Law Reporting
6 Legal Journals
7 Law Books and Monographs
8 Law Reform
9 Legal Heritage
CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION 1
POSTGRADUATE PRACTICAL 2
SAL PRIZES TO 3
AND STUDIES LAW COURSE TOP STUDENTS
The Committee on Legal Education The Board of Legal Education (“the There were two winners for the
and Studies is chaired by the Board”) is chaired by the Honourable Singapore Academy of Law Prize
Honourable Judge of Appeal Attorney-General Professor Walter Woon. in 2008/2009. They were:-
Justice Andrew Phang Boon Leong.
In 2008, the Board provided training • Mr Tan Zhengxian Jordan, top final-
In the period under review, the places for 289 law graduates in its year student at the Faculty of Law,
committee organised 24 legal education Postgraduate Practical Law Course National University of Singapore and
..... what it means To effectively serve the larger community, events attended by 1,457 participants, (“PLC”) comprising 203 law graduates
a 35% increase from the previous from the National University of • Ms Diana Teo Sze Yin, the top student
the legal practitioner needs to constantly upgrade his expertise year. Some of the popular events Singapore, two solicitors and 84 holders in a Law Elective for the degree of
included seminars on Commercial of the Diploma in Singapore Law. Master of Business Administration,
to remain current and relevant. The Academy recognises Contract Law and Recent Nanyang Technological University.
this imperative and seeks to drive the enhancement and Developments in Civil Procedure. For PLC 2008, the Board held
special lectures, practice class and In addition, Ms Koh Wan Ling,
development of legal knowledge by reporting judgments of the The Obligations IV Conference held on demonstrations in subjects such as Stephanie, the top student in Diploma
23 – 25 July 2008 and the 9th Global negotiation, advocacy, mediation, in Law & Management, Temasek
Supreme Court of Singapore, publishing and disseminating Conference on Environmental Taxation drafting of legal agreements and Polytechnic, received the Singapore
held on 6 – 7 November 2008 saw a high correspondence, alternative dispute Academy of Law Gold Medal.
authoritative works on Singapore law, providing a suite of turn-out of participants from Singapore resolution and legal technology.
programmes on continuing legal education and studies, and overseas. Another popular seminar
was the Executive Programme on The audited accounts of the Board for SINGAPORE ACADEMY OF LAW
4
initiating law reform proposals, and preserving and promoting finance for legal professionals. Three of the financial year ended 31 March 2008 ANNUAL LECTURE 2008
these programmes were conducted - in showed a net surplus of $672,060.00.
Singapore’s legal heritage. August 2008, February and July 2009. The Honourable K G Balakrishnan,
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of
The SAL Visiting Fellows for India, delivered the 15th Singapore
..... why it matters Legal knowledge is the intellectual capital 2008/2009 were Professor Richard
Nolan from University of Cambridge
Academy of Law Annual Lecture
on “The Growth of Public Interest
of our members. The law never stagnates and is constantly who visited in September 2008, Litigation in India”. The lecture
Professor Rob Merkin from was held on 18 October 2008 at the
evolving with the times and societal needs. In this respect, the University of Southampton who Supreme Court Auditorium, and was
Academy plays a vital role in providing the profession with the came in January 2009 and Professor
Michael Blakeney from Queen Mary’s
attended by more than 500 people.
tools to keep abreast of this evolution. College who visited in May 2009.
SI NGA POR E ACA DEMY OF L AW AR 08 /092
16 17
2 CJ congratulates Kow Keng
Siong, author of Sentencing
Principles in Singapore
LAW LEGAL
REPORTING 5 JOURNALS 6
The Council of Law Reporting is chaired will be launched at the Opening of The Publications Committee is
by the Honourable Judge of Appeal Legal Year 2010. The electronic chaired by the Honourable Judge of
Justice Andrew Phang Boon Leong. edition will be made available Appeal Justice Chao Hick Tin.
on LawNet at the same time.
The Academy undertook a major A total of six legal journals were
overhaul of its in-house editorial With the launch of SLR(R), the current published in the period under review.
operations with the implementation of series of SLR will take on the same look These include three issues of the
the single-source publishing (“SSP”) as the SLR(R) to identify the entire series Singapore Academy of Law Journal
work process in April 2009. SSP was of law reports published by Academy (“SAcLJ”) published in August
implemented with the aim to streamline Publishing from 1965 to current 2008 and March 2009 and a special
the work processes between the times as one unified, continuing set. issue covering Insolvency Law
Singapore Law Reports (“SLR”) and published on 4 July 2008, featuring
LawNet e-publishing teams by reducing 10 contributors and Professor Gerard
duplication of work. With SSP, SLR McCormack as guest editor.
editorial operations are now effected
through proper publishing tools. The Singapore Academy of Law
Annual Review of Singapore Cases
For the period 1 April 2008 to 30 June (“SAL Ann Rev”) 2007, the eighth
2009, 30 fortnightly parts of the SLR volume in this series, featuring
were produced. A total of 213 Supreme the same areas of the law as in the
Court decisions were reported, of previous issue was published on 2
which 149 (70%) were High Court July 2008. SAL Ann Rev 2008 was
decisions and 64 (30%) were Court published on 12 June 2009. Two
of Appeal decisions. As at 30 June issues of Inter Se were published and
2009, there were 253 subscribers distributed to members at no charge.
to the SLR. The SLR continued
to be marketed and distributed The 2008 issue of the Asian Journal
non-exclusively by LexisNexis. on Mediation, an annual publication
of the Singapore Mediation Centre,
The editorial work for the Singapore published on 29 July 2008.
Law Reports (Reissue) (“SLR(R)”)
series was completed in July 2009. From July 2008, issues of the
SLR(R) comprising 78 volumes SAcLJ and SAL Ann Rev were sent
of reported cases from 1965 – 2009 to 10 international law libraries
and six volumes of finding aids for display on their shelves.
REDEFINING POSSIBILITIES The Year in Review––legal knowledge SI NGA POR E ACA DEMY OF L AW AR 08 /093 4
18
“ Much thought has gone
into the Academy’s legal
education programmes
3 The legal heritage exhibition
which are the result
of careful planning of
included tour of the Old
Supreme Court.
4 Members browse copies of
”
Modern Advocacy at the
book launch on 25 July 2008
topics and speakers.
LAW BOOKS AND 7
LAW 8
LEGAL 9
MONOGRAPHS REFORM HERITAGE
The Commissioning Panel is chaired by The Law Reform Committee is chaired by The Legal Heritage Committee is chaired
the Honourable Judge of Appeal Justice the Honourable Justice Judith Prakash. by the Honourable Justice Kan Ting Chiu.
Andrew Phang Boon Leong.
Ten meetings were held during Seven new oral history interviews were
In the period under review, four titles the period under review. Matters completed in the year under review
were published under the auspices of considered by the Committee included bringing the total number of completed
Academy Publishing and with co- a review of ancillary matrimonial orders interviews to 10. Another two
publishers: after foreign divorce or annulment, interviews are in progress and others
reciprocal enforcement of maintenance are scheduled to begin in the second
• Modern Advocacy: Perspectives from orders, the leave to appeal in the half of 2009. A total of 54 hours of oral
Singapore featuring the work of 17 Supreme Court of Judicature Act, history have been recorded since the
Senior Counsel, two incumbent High opinion evidence, legal profession start of the project in 2005.
Court judges, one District Judge and privilege, online gaming and Powers of
one retired Judge of Appeal; Attorney Act. The work of comparing and compiling
the various legal databases into a master
• Coroner’s Practice in Medical Cases, The Law Reform Committee published index has commenced. Substantial
a joint publication with the two papers, including a paper on the progress has also been made on two
Subordinate Courts; Rationalisation of Leave to Appeal. publications relating to legal history.
A biography on former Chief
• Sentencing Principles in Singapore The second published paper is on Loss Justice Wee Chong Jin will be ready
by Deputy Senior State Counsel Kow of Inheritance in the Civil Law Act. for publication by his next death
Keng Siong, co-published with the The proposed subsections 22(1A) and anniversary in June 2010.
Subordinate Courts; and 22(3A) in the Civil Law Amendment
Bill was passed in Parliament on 19 Work has also commenced on a
• An Asian Perspective on Mediation, January 2009. collection of the late Professor
a book by the Singapore Mediation Bartholomew’s papers on Singapore
Centre (“SMC”). legal history. The draft manuscript
for this publication is currently being
All four titles were launched by the revised.
Honourable Chief Justice Chan Sek
Keong. The initial print-runs of the soft
cover editions of Modern Advocacy and
Sentencing Principles were sold-out and
are in their first re-print.
REDEFINING POSSIBILITIES The Year in Review––legal knowledgeredefining LEGAL
industry
1
opportunities
20 21
1 Lunch hosted by Judge of Appeal
Justice V K Rajah for CEOs and
their deputies from eight large
Indian banks in Singapore.
contents
1 Promotion of Singapore Law
2 Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”)
3 Professional Affairs
4 Implementation of Strategic Direction
5 Appointment of Senior Counsel
6 Appointment of Commisioners for
Oaths and Notaries Public
7 Authentication Services
8 Membership and Social Activities
PROMOTION OF
1
SINGAPORE LAW
..... what it means The Academy takes a role in looking at how The International Promotion of • A seminar organised by the Institute • Seminar on international arbitration
Singapore Law (“IPSL”) Committee of South Asian Studies and the in Seoul, South Korea on 23
the legal industry can be made more dynamic and relevant to is chaired by the Honourable Judge Academy, supported by the Singapore September 2008 which was attended
of Appeal Justice V K Rajah. Indian Chamber of Commerce & by more than 100 participants from
the times. To increase legal traffic, we initiate programmes Industry and the Confederation of major South Korean companies; and
to encourage overseas companies and law firms to choose The translation of English articles on
the SingaporeLaw website into Chinese
Indian Industry (“CII”) on 7 May
2008. The seminar was attended • A conference in Chongqing on
Singapore as their partner for legal solutions, Singapore law and Bahasa Indonesia was completed in by about 180 participants from 20 March 2009 organised by
the period under review. The website’s the legal and local Indian business Singapore International Arbitration
as the law of choice for contracts and Singapore as the neutral most frequently visited pages were community. Professor S Jayakumar, Centre (“SIAC”) and the China
articles on Singapore commercial law then Deputy Prime Minister, and International Economic and
venue for dispute resolution. To advance the practice of law, we and court judgments. Besides readers Co-ordinating Minister for National Trade Arbitration Commission
create platforms for discussion of professional affairs, provide in Singapore, the SingaporeLaw
website also attracted visitors from
Security was the guest-of-honour and
the two key speakers were Mr Tarun
(“CIETAC”). The conference was
attended by 150 senior officials from
opportunities for nurturing camaraderie among members United States, United Kingdom, Das, Chief Mentor of the CII and China and representatives from
Malaysia, China and Indonesia. Mr K K Venugopal, Senior Advocate Chinese law firms and business
of the fraternity and run programmes to maintain high of the Supreme Court of India; corporations.
A number of marketing activities
standards of conduct, learning and professional competence. were carried out to promote the use of • Tea reception hosted by Singapore
Singapore law as a neutral governing Mediation Centre on 27 June 2008
law in cross-border transactions for 30 Indian delegates including
..... why it matters With Singapore plugged into the world and Singapore as a neutral venue for Indian lawyers, High Court judges
alternative dispute resolution (“ADR”). and the former Chief Justice of India;
grid of trade, industry and finance, the legal profession must
These include: • A networking session jointly organised
be geared to provide a one-stop legal service in Singapore. with the Singapore Corporate Counsel
The increasingly complex transactional work flowing to • A lunch hosted by the Chairman of
IPSL Committee on 15 April 2008
Association on 5 August 2008;
and through Singapore and the changing needs of the local attended by 15 CEOs and their • Tea reception for about 40 Indian
deputies from eight large Indian LLM and MBA students from the
sector call for new skills and capabilities. In this respect, banks in Singapore. This was NUS Law Faculty and S P Jain Center
followed by a presentation on ADR of Management on 10 October 2008;
the Academy plays a vital role in modernising the legal to the legal officers of various Indian
profession to match the developments in this new economy. banks on 3 September 2008;
SI NGA POR E ACA DEMY OF L AW AR 08 /094 Chief Justice Chan Sek
2 3 Keong launching An Asian 5
Perspective on Mediation,
a publication by SMC
5 Keynote speaker President
22 Martti Ahtisaari, 2008 Nobel 23
Peace Prize Winner
4
2 Singapore’s Minister for Law
and Second Minister for Home
Affairs, K Shanmugam was the
guest-of-honour at the opening
of the AMA conference
3 Opening of the 1st AMA
Conference
Alternative Dispute 2
Professional 3
Resolution (“ADR”) Affairs Professional Affairs (cont’d)
The chairman of the Board of Directors of The Delhi Mediation Centre The Professional Affairs Committee & Overy, Clifford Chance, Herbert Supreme Court, the Subordinate Bank and Chairman of The
the Singapore Mediation Centre (“SMC”) joined the Asian Mediation (“PAC”) is chaired by the Honourable Smith, Latham & Watkins, Norton Courts and the chambers of Senior Association of Banks in Singapore
is the Honourable Justice Andrew Ang. Association (“AMA”) as its latest Judge of Appeal Justice V K Rajah. Rose and White & Case), Baker & Counsel to expose law students to speaking on “Subprime Crisis -
member on 12 September 2008. Mackenzie, Wong & Leow, Sherman litigation in Singapore. Implications for Asia”.
SMC mediated 92 matters from 1 April During the period under review, the & Sterling LLP, Allen & Gledhill
2008 to 31 March 2009, a 33.33% SMC hosted the 1st AMA Conference SAL Survey 2008 was completed. LLP and Rajah & Tann LLP. These • The Professional Values Chapter
increase compared with the number of – “Mediation Diversity – Asia and A total of 216 lawyers from different 11 law firms together with the BLE (“PVC”) organised three talks on
matters mediated in the same period Beyond” from 4 – 5 June 2009 categories of membership were have agreed to establish a steering ethics namely, “Ethical Issues in
last year. An additional 15 matters were at Marina Mandarin Singapore. surveyed. The SAL Secretariat and the committee within the existing Civil Litigation”, “Ethical Issues
mediated from 1 April to 31 May 2009. Attended by over 300 participants Professional Development and Practice framework of the FLC. The steering in Criminal Practice” and “Ethical
from 19 countries, the conference Chapter of the PAC would carry out committee would meet on a regular Issues Facing Corporate Counsel”.
In the period under review, SMC also provided valuable networking various initiatives in response to the basis and make proposals that would The panellists were senior members
worked with the Supreme Court and opportunities for representatives of feedback from medium and small firms benefit both local and international of the legal profession and academics
the Family Court on a protocol for mediation organisations, users, experts, that were gathered from the survey. lawyers. These proposals would then and the talks were well-attended by
matrimonial proceedings involving net mediators and other members of the be tabled and raised to the PAC. members. The PVC together with
assets that exceed $1.5m to be mediated. dispute resolution community. The various chapters and sub- The Law Society’s Ethics Committee
committees of the PAC carried out the • The Professional Practice and would be launching a series of biennial
SMC’s appointment as the Authorised SMC ended FY 2008/2009 with a following activities during the period Development Chapter (“PDPC”) Ethics Lectures in early 2010.
Nominating Body under the Building net profit after tax of $142,134.00, under review: organised a tea dialogue session for
and Construction Industry Security bringing the retained earnings as at members of The Law Society’s Small • The Young Members’ Chapter
of Payment Act was renewed for 31 March 2009 to $1,307,698.00. • The Corporate Counsel Chapter Law Firms Committee in October (“YMC”) together with the Young
another two years from 1 April 2009. worked with the Singapore Corporate 2008. About 70 lawyers attended the Lawyers Committee of The Law
From 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009, Counsel Association (“SCCA”) in dialogue session which helped PDPC Society of Singapore hosted the
SMC administered 118 adjudication supporting the Inaugural SCCA and PAC members gain a better biannual Young Lawyers Forum
cases, a 111% increase compared Regional Conference, held on 2 – 3 understanding of the issues affecting in November 2008. The Forum
to the same period last year. April 2009. small law firm proprietors, and also consisted of two interactive dialogue
explore ways in which SAL and The sessions between senior members
The training function of SMC • The Foreign Lawyers Chapter Law Society of Singapore could from the bench and bar and the
continued to grow. In the period (“FLC”) has been working closely better serve the needs of practitioners participants.
under review, SMC conducted with 11 law firms (foreign and local in small law firms. The PDPC
its first Chinese mediation and the Board of Legal Education also initiated the SAL Litigation • An SAL Expert Series Seminar was
workshops locally and overseas. (“BLE”). The law firms include the Internship Programme which is a two held in October 2008 with Mr
six law firms awarded the Qualifying week internship programme at the David Conner, Director and Chief
Foreign Law Practice licences (Allen Attorney-General’s Chambers, the Executive Officer of OCBC
REDEFINING POSSIBILITIES The Year in Review––legal industry SI NGA POR E ACA DEMY OF L AW AR 08 /096 Four new Senior Counsel
appointed in 2009 6
24 25
Implementation of Appointment of
4 5
Strategic Direction Senior Counsel
The Steering Committee on Strategic A database of lawyers from foreign Four new Senior Counsel were
Direction is chaired by the Honourable law firms was compiled and steps were appointed by the selection committee
Judge of Appeal Justice V K Rajah. taken to notify them of SAL events so as for 2009. They were Mr Jeffrey Chan
to encourage their participation in these Wah Teck, Mr David Chong Gek Sian,
The SAL website was revamped to events. Mr Francis Xavier s/o Subramaniam
provide easier access to information Xavier Augustine and Mr Ang Cheng
on SAL services and initiatives. Hock. Since 1997, 54 persons have been
New features were added including conferred this distinguished title by the
a Members’ Notice Board for selection committee.
announcements, posting of recruitment
advertisements and feedback.
Appointment of Commissioners
6
A brochure on Singapore law and for Oaths and Notaries Public
Singapore as a dispute resolution centre
was produced. More than 1,400 copies The Board of Commissioners for Oaths
of the brochure were distributed by and Notaries Public (“the Board”) is
the SAL and law firms at promotional chaired by Mr Joseph Grimberg, SC.
events. An electronic version has also
been produced and placed on the SAL In the year under review, a total of
and SingaporeLaw website. 1,114 commissioners for oaths and 361
notaries public were appointed for the
Advice on matters of strategic import period 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009,
was rendered from legal and policy 501 commissioners for oaths and 133
angles. These included crafting position notaries public were appointed for the
statements for press releases and public period 1 October 2008 to 30 September
announcements, providing opinions on 2009, and 1,167 commissioners for
matters like investment of stakeholding oaths and 362 notaries public for the
monies and whistle-blowing policy, period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010.
and proposing a response with the
Singapore Mediation Centre to manage The Board decided that it would
financial instruments-related disputes. no longer impose a limit on the
number of advocates and solicitors in
each firm who may be appointed as
Commissioner for Oaths. Further,
REDEFINING POSSIBILITIES The Year in Review––legal industry SI NGA POR E ACA DEMY OF L AW AR 08 /097/8 Fun, food and stories were
7 the highlights of the party
“
organised for the children of
the kidsREAD programme
26
One of our main goals
is to reach out to the
8
different segments of the
legal profession as well
as professional bodies in
Singapore and establish
Appointment of Commissioners for
Oaths and Notaries Public (cont’d)
Membership and
Social Activities
8 lines of communication
the Board introduced a number of
measures to carry out its supervisory
The Membership and Social
Committee is chaired by the Honourable
was introduced to encourage members
to engage in continuing legal education
with a view towards
functions over Commissioners for Justice Lai Siu Chiu. and upgrade their legal knowledge.
Oaths and Notaries Public to ensure
that the holders of these appointments The Committee organised 16 events for
Each SAL member received 35 C$
per year upon payment of their SAL closer ties with SAL
”
perform their duties responsibly. members in the period under review. annual subscription which they can
For the Financial Year 1 April 2008 to
31 March 2009, the Commissioners
In conjunction with its annual charity
event, the Committee held its first book
donation drive in November 2008.
use to register for SAL seminars
or purchase SAL publications. in time to come.
for Oaths and Notaries Public Over 1,500 storybooks were collected As at 30 June 2009, membership
department generated a total income in support of the Singapore Children’s of the Academy stood at 8,209, a
of $1,405,625.00 from application Society kidsREAD programme. 3.36% increase from the previous
fees ($676,050.00) and authentication year. 2,225 members were granted a
services ($729,575.00). The total The membership privileges programme waiver of membership fees pursuant
income from application fees and was further expanded and for the to rule 4 of the SAL rules.
authentication services was 2.5% higher period 1 April 2008 to 31 March
than the previous financial year. 2009, 76 merchants participated in
the programme. In April 2009, SAL
and Citibank launched the “Citi
Authentication Singapore Academy of Law Visa
7
Services Platinum Card”. Besides a lifetime
fee waiver, members who sign up for
An express service at the charge the card also enjoy other Citibank
of $75.00 per document for same- rewards and privileges. In addition to
day authentication services was privileges offered to members under
implemented in October 2008. the “Citi Singapore Academy of Law
Visa Platinum Card”, 34 merchants
The total number of authentication participated in the membership
certificates issued in FY 2008/2009 privileges programme for the period
totalled 27,871, an increase of 0.94% 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010.
compared to FY 2007/2008. Out of
these, 595 were submitted under the In February 2009, the Membership
Express Authentication Service. Credit Dollar (“C$”) scheme
REDEFINING POSSIBILITIES The Year in Review––legal industryredefining LEGAL
technology
1
efficiency
28 29
1 Launch of Legal Workbench
in Malaysia
contents
1 LawNet
2 E-litigation
1 2
LAWNET E-LITIGATION
..... what it means Working together with practising lawyers, The LawNet Management Committee Singapore Law Watch (“SLW”), a The Electronic Litigation Systems
is chaired by the Honourable free online legal news update service (“ELS”) Committee is chaired by the
corporate counsel, academics and legal service officers, the Justice Lee Seiu Kin. was enhanced to provide readers Honourable Justice Lee Seiu Kin.
with a calendar of legal education
Academy assesses, develops and promotes the use of the latest The Legal Workbench was enhanced events and publications, news The tender for the Integrated ELS
technology to facilitate easy, speedy and efficient access to legal with additional materials including
decisions by the Industrial Arbitration
articles from Lianhe Zaobao,
highlights of significant High Court
(“iELS”) was awarded to CrimsonLogic
Pte Ltd on 18 September 2008.
information and processes. This includes the implementation of Court, Intellectual Property and Court of Appeal judgments and
Office of Singapore (Patents) and Law Society notices and practice The project uses the iterative method
the new integrated Electronic Litigation System and providing legal updates by the Ministry of directions. Efforts were also taken to of software development. In this
Law and several law firms. broaden the ways in which users can method, in additional to the usual
affordable access to a comprehensive database of the primary access SLW. The readership of slw meetings for the developer to gather
sources of Singapore law, deep-hyperlinked to a wider network LawNet continued to expand its
coverage of legal materials from other
currently stands at more than 100,000
page views per month. More than
users’ requirements, prototypes
of the system are also released
of English, Malaysian, Indian, Australian and New Zealand jurisdictions to meet research needs. In 1,000 people have signed up to receive to court and law firm users for
the period under review, arrangements daily emails of the SLW news service. feedback in focus group sessions.
case law through sophisticated legal research tools on its were made to enable LawNet The feedback and the additional
LawNet portal. subscribers to have complimentary
access to Indian Supreme Court
functionalities are then incorporated
into the next prototype release.
Cases (1969 to current) and databases
from the Australasian Legal For the period under review,
..... why it matters As Singapore develops as the legal services Information Institute (“AustLII”). there were 12 prototype releases
of iELS. The project is scheduled
hub in the region and our lawyers move up the value chain, it is At the invitation of the Malaysian Bar for completion in 2010.
imperative that we have a modern and efficient infrastructure Council, the Legal Workbench was
launched in Malaysia on 7 May 2008.
in place to facilitate legal research, due diligence searches and As at 1 May 2009, 89 Malaysian law
firms have subscribed to this service.
judicial processes. LawNet is in the best position to bring
together expertise and resources from different sectors of the
profession to collaborate in mining the latest technology to
improve the standard and competitive edge of legal practice.
SI NGA POR E ACA DEMY OF L AW AR 08 /0930
“ LawNet continued to expand
its coverage of legal materials
from other jurisdictions to
meet research needs.
In the period under review,
arrangements were made to
enable LawNet subscribers
to have complimentary access
to Indian Supreme Court
Cases (1969 to current)
and databases from the
Australasian Legal Information
”
Institute (“AustLII”).
REDEFINING POSSIBILITIES The Year in Review––legal technologycorporate
32
services 33
contents
1 Stakeholding Service
2 Investments
3 SAL Group Finance and Administration
Stakeholding SAL Group Finance and
1 3
Service Administration
The number of stakeholding In FY 2008/2009, total income for the by 16% from S$10.80 million in FY
transactions increased by 63% in the SAL Group (excluding investment with 2007/2008 to $9.09 million in
period under review. The total number the fund manager) decreased by 11% FY 2008/2009. Total expenditure
of payment-in transactions rose from from $11.41 million in FY 2007/2008 (excluding investment with the fund
4,806 cases in FY 2007/2008 to 8,840 to $10.17 million and expenditure manager) for the Academy increased
cases in FY 2008/2009. The total (excluding investment with the fund by 4% from $8.37 million in FY
number of payment-out transactions manager) increased by 7% from $9.13 2007/2008 to $8.73 million in FY
similarly increased from 5,364 cases million in FY 2007/2008 to $9.80 2008/2009. Hence, the surplus from
in FY 2007/2008 to 7,779 cases in million. The surplus for the SAL operations decreased by 85% from
FY 2008/2009. While the amount of group, decreased by 84% from S$2.28 $2.43 million in FY 2007/2008 to $0.36
stakeholding money handled increased million in FY 2007/2008 to S$0.37 million in FY 2008/2009.
over the last financial year, there was million in FY 2008/2009.
a significant 41% drop in income from After taking into account the
$3.6 million in FY 2007/2008 to $2.1 SAL’s investment portfolio was investment loss of $5.26 million and
million in FY 2008/2009. This was due badly affected after the melt down grant utilized, the Academy ended
to the fall in bank interest rates. of the financial market in October with a deficit of $4.87 million in FY
2008. There was an investment gain of 2008/2009 compared to a surplus (after
$2.58 million in FY 2007/2008 but an grant utilization and contribution to
investment loss of S$5.26 million in FY consolidated fund) of $4.01 million in
2
Investments 2008/2009. FY 2007/2008, a decrease of 221%.
The decrease in surplus for the SAL
For FY 2008/2009, the investment After taking into account the group and the Academy came mainly
portfolio managed by the fund manager investment loss of $5.26 million, grant from the huge investment loss and lower
incurred a loss of $5.26 million utilized and income tax, the SAL group stakeholding interest income as a result
compared to a gain of $2.58 million ended with a deficit of $4.72 million in of the significant drop in deposit rates.
in the previous financial year. The FY 2008/2009. This was a decrease of
decrease was mainly due to capital loss 215% when compared to the surplus The approved staff establishment for
after the melt down of the financial (after grant utilization, income tax and SAL and SMC as at 31 March 2009 was
market in October 2008. As at 31 contribution to consolidated fund) of 86, of which 74 positions were filled by
March 2009, the market value was $4.12 million in FY 2007/2008. full-time staff and four positions were
$27.50 million. This was a drop of $1.23 filled by part-time staff.
million compared to the book value of The Academy’ income (excluding
$28.73 million. investment with the fund manager) fell
REDEFINING POSSIBILITIES The Year in Review––corporate servicesKey
Executives
34 35
01 Serene Wee Serene Wee Clifford Wong 1 2 3 4
02 Teh Hwee Hwee 1 Chief Executive 9 Deputy Director
(secondment ended on 30 Sep 2009) Chief Executive’s Office LawNet Portal & E-Publishing
03 Loong Seng Onn
04 Low Hui Min Teh Hwee Hwee Lai Wai Leng
05 Lim Seng Siew 2 Assistant Chief Executive 10 Assistant Director
06 Balasakher Shunmugam Legal Industry Cluster Finance & Membership
07 Gay Wei Ping
08 Carol Liew Loong Seng Onn Deanna Kwok
09 Clifford Wong 3 Director 11 Managing Editor
10 Lai Wai Leng Alternative Dispute Resolution/ Academy Publishing
11 Deanna Kwok International Promotion of (Law Reporting)
(seconded to Supreme Court on 3 Aug 2009) Singapore Law 5 6 7 8
12 Andrew Yeoh Andrew Yeoh
13 Clare Wong Low Hui Min 12 Assistant Director
14 Foo Kim Leng 4 Chief Financial Officer Academy Publishing
Stakeholding, Finance (Editorial Operations)
& Investment
Clare Wong
Lim Seng Siew 13 Assistant Director
5 Director Human Resource &
LawNet Portal & E-Publishing/ Administration
LawNet Technology & E-Litigation
Foo Kim Leng
Balasakher Shunmugam 14 Assistant Director 9 10 11 12
6 Acting Director Corporate Communications
Academy Publishing & Events Management
Gay Wei Ping
7 Chief Technology Officer
SAL Technology
Carol Liew
8 Deputy Director
Commissioners for Oaths
& Notaries Public,
13 14
Professional Affairs
& Membership Affairs
REDEFINING POSSIBILITIES Key Executives SI NGA POR E ACA DEMY OF L AW AR 08 /09Financial Review
The Singapore Academy of Law and its Subsidiary
(Incorporated in Singapore)
summary financial statements summary income and expenditure statements
38 for the financial year ended 31 march 2009 for the financial year ended 31 march 2009 39
important note These summary financial statements as set out on pages 38 to 41 are derived from the T H E GROU P T H E AC A DE MY
Academy and the Group’s financial statements and auditors’ report thereon, which are available for inspection 2009 2008 2009 2008
by all members of the Academy at the premises of the Academy during the Academy’s office hours. Any $ $ $ $
member who wishes to have copies of the financial statements and auditors’ report may notify the Academy;
and the Academy shall furnish these free of charge to that member within 21 days of its receipt of the member’s Operating income/expenditure
notification.
Operating income 10,172,589 11,409,931 9,091,034 10,801,189
The summary financial statements do not contain sufficient information to allow for a full understanding of Operating expenditure (9,804,820) (9,128,737) (8,732,542) (8,366,001)
the results and state of affairs of the Academy and of the Group. For further information, the full financial Surplus from operating activities 367,769 2,281,194 358,492 2,435,188
statements and the auditors’ report on those statements should be consulted.
Investment income/expenditure/
objectives of the academy in accordance with the Singapore Academy of Law Act Other gains/(losses) from investment – net
(Cap. 294A, 1997 Revised Edition) are:
Investment income 1,959,012 1,203,619 1,959,012 1,203,619
a. to promote and maintain high standards of conduct and learning of the members of the legal profession in Other gains/(losses) from investment – net (7,037,348) 1,643,339 (7,037,348) 1,643,339
Singapore and the standing of the profession in the region and elsewhere; Investment expenditure (179,880) (266,548) (179,880) (266,548)
b. to promote the advancement and dissemination of knowledge of the laws and the legal system; (Deficit)/surplus from investing activities (5,258,216) 2,580,410 (5,258,216) 2,580,410
c. to promote legal research and scholarship and the reform and development of the law;
d. to provide continuing legal education for its members;
e. to provide for the training, education and examination, by the Academy or by any other body, of persons Total operating and investment
intending to practise the profession of law; income/expenditure
f. to consider proposals and suggestions regarding matters which are referred to the Academy by the Law
Society or the Board*; Total income 5,094,253 14,256,889 4,012,698 13,648,147
g. to refer to the Law Society or the Board* proposals and suggestions regarding matters which in the Total expenditure (9,984,700) (9,395,285) (8,912,422) (8,632,549)
opinion of the Senate require consideration by the Law Society or the Board*; (Deficit)/surplus from operating (4,890,447) 4,861,604 (4,899,724) 5,015,598
h. to promote good relations and social interaction amongst members and between members and law and investing activities
students and persons concerned in the administration of law and justice in Singapore;
i. to appoint persons as notaries public or commissioners for oaths and to authenticate their signatures;
j. to undertake activities and projects relating to the study, development and operation of laws and legal ADD :
systems and the facilities, information technology and infrastructure in support thereof; Grants utilized 178,220 313,562 33,779 33,779
k. to provide consultancy and other services relating to the study, development and operation of laws and
legal systems and the facilities, information technology and infrastructure in support thereof; and (Deficit)/surplus before income tax and
l. to exercise the functions and duties conferred on the Academy under any written law. contribution to Consolidated Fund (4,712,227) 5,175,166 (4,865,945) 5,049,377
* “Board” refers to the Board of Legal Education established under section 3 of the Legal Profession Act LESS :
(Cap.161, 2001 Revised Edition). Income tax and contribution to
consolidated fund (11,585) (1,053,429) – (1,041,490)
(Deficit)/surplus after income tax
and contribution to Consolidated Fund (4,723,812) 4,121,737 (4,865,945) 4,007,887
REDEFINING POSSIBILITIES Financial Review SI NGA POR E ACA DEMY OF L AW AR 08 /0940 summary balance sheets as at 31 march 2009 41
T H E GROU P T H E AC A DE MY Donations
2009 2008 2009 2008 Tax deductible donations of $23,966 (2008: $26,710) were received by the Academy and the Group during the
$ $ $ $ financial year. An amount of $32,072 (2008: $31,393) of the cumulative donations received has been utilised
during the financial year.
Property, plant and equipment 1,210,593 1,522,676 1,203,570 1,510,493
Available for sale financial assets # 23,445,221 28,900,645 23,445,221 28,900,645 The donations were utilised in accordance with the objectives of the Academy.
Current assets * # 271,939,613 208,568,869 269,986,427 206,755,590
Non-current asset 1,909,769 1,466,385 1,909,769 1,466,385 Summary of significant related party transactions
Current liabilities * # (265,654,591) (201,990,644) (265,184,903) (201,658,011) These were the following significant related party transactions at terms agreed between the parties concerned:
Non-current liabilities ** (216,602) (394,822) (33,778) (67,557)
32,634,003 38,073,109 31,326,306 36,907,545 (a) Income and expenditure for services
General fund 27,619,209 32,266,361 26,241,043 31,030,328 THE GROUP THE ACA DEMY
Other funds 6,249,099 6,325,759 6,319,568 6,396,228 2009 2008 2009 2008
Accumulated surplus 33,868,308 38,592,120 32,560,611 37,426,556 $ $ $ $
Fair value reserves (1,234,305) (519,011) (1,234,305) (519,011)
32,634,003 38,073,109 31,326,306 36,907,545 Secondment fees and development
expenses received from subsidiary – – 476,385 451,271
* Included in current assets and current liabilities are stakeholding funds and stakeholding moneys
amounting to $261,293,081 (2008: $197,543,786) held in accordance with the Singapore Academy of LawNet levy income received
Law (Stakeholding) Rules. from related government bodies 316,478 343,569 316,478 343,569
** Non-current liabilities comprise development grant and deferred capital grant.
# Included in the available for sale financial assets, current assets and current liabilities of the Group Food and beverage income
are funds with fund managers amounted to $27,348,175 (2008: $33,519,999). received from subsidiary – – 54,237 56,453
Funds with fund managers comprise the following financial assets/liabilities: Seminar fees, workshop income, food
and beverage and other income received
T H E GROU P T H E AC A DE MY from related government bodies 272,165 68,555 265,610 64,817
2009 2008 2009 2008
$ $ $ $ Office rental, secondment and other
Funds with fund managers: charges paid to related government
Available-for-sale financial assets 23,445,221 28,900,645 23,445,221 28,900,645 bodies and related entities 577,551 842,423 552,404 779,529
Cash and cash equivalents
(included in current assets) 3,830,167 4,427,099 3,830,167 4,427,099 The Group and Academy
Derivatives [included in current 2009 2008
(liabilities)/assets] (155,967) 6,928 (155,967) 6,928 $ $
Accrued Income
(included in current assets) 246,754 207,610 246,754 207,610 (b) Key management personnel compensation 1,897,303 2,075,177
Fund management fee payable
(included in current liabilities) (18,000) (22,283) (18,000) (22,283) Dated this 3rd August 2009
27,348,175 33,519,999 27,348,175 33,519,999
Changes in structure of the Academy Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong
There are no material changes in the structure of the Academy for the financial year ended 31 March 2009. President
Singapore Academy of Law
REDEFINING POSSIBILITIES Financial Review SI NGA POR E ACA DEMY OF L AW AR 08 /09You can also read
