Synopsis
Mediation is more important today than ever before. However, can we truly know where this transformative practice should head if we do not understand how, it has reached its present state?
The SUSS School of Law is proud to present a seminar led by Professor Joel Lee, delving deeply into the evolution of mediation within Singapore. This session will trace the key milestones that culminated in the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation, also known as the Singapore Convention on Mediation (‘SCM’), and examine its transformative impact since 2019. By revisiting these developments, participants will gain a grounded appreciation of why mediation has secured such a prominent role in the legal field, both locally and globally.
Professor Lee will highlight how mediation, once considered a mere alternative to conventional legal processes, has grown into a critical component of effective dispute resolution. He will chronicle various stages of its adoption in Singapore, revealing how evolving legal frameworks and institutional support have shaped its journey. Moving beyond historical perspectives, the seminar also sheds light on notable advancements that have arisen since the SCM came into force. While the Convention itself was a landmark achievement, it laid the foundation for further reforms and initiatives that refine and strengthen mediation worldwide.
A key aim of this seminar is to equip practitioners, mediators, and other stakeholders with actionable insights on navigating the shifting currents of dispute resolution. As mediation continues to gain acceptance, professionals must adapt to new approaches, technologies, and client expectations. Professor Lee will explore how emerging trends, from digital mediation platforms to hybrid processes, are reshaping the field, emphasizing why ethical considerations remain paramount. Specifically, he will address how lawyers can responsibly integrate mediation skills into their practice without compromising professional obligations or standards. He will also highlight the importance of robust training, mentorship, and a reflective mindset in ensuring that mediation is undertaken effectively and ethically.
Following Professor Lee’s presentation, Mr Melvin Loh will moderate a discussion that foregrounds pressing questions regarding mediation’s evolving role. These questions will centre on how lawyers, mediators, and other professionals can harness the expanding potential of mediation to meet client needs, resolve conflicts more efficiently, and minimize adversarial interactions that could otherwise fracture relationships. The discourse will also look ahead, considering how innovations, regulatory changes, and deeper global collaboration are likely to influence mediation.
This seminar conducts a comprehensive overview of mediation’s origins, progress, and anticipated developments, offering valuable knowledge for both seasoned practitioners and newcomers. By illustrating how mediation can reshape legal practice and expand access to justice, the event underscores its significance in modern dispute resolution. We invite all who seek to deepen their understanding of mediation’s trajectory—and to prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead—to attend this engaging event at the SUSS School of Law. Through informed discussion and expert insight, participants can foster a robust, forward-thinking approach to mediation, ensuring it continues to thrive and evolve in a rapidly changing legal landscape.
Seminar Information
1.5 Public CPD Points
Practice Area: Alternative Dispute Resolution
Training Level: General
Course Fee: $98.10
Registration Deadline: 17 June 2025
Programme
Speakers
Professor Joel Lee
Joel Lee is a Professor at the Faculty of Law, the National University of Singapore. Joel co-pioneered the teaching of Negotiation and Mediation in the Singapore Universities and has played a significant role in furthering the development of mediation in Singapore, not just in education but in practice. A graduate of Victoria University of Wellington and Harvard Law Schools, Joel is a principal mediator with the Singapore Mediation Centre and a Master Trainer with Peacemakers.
Joel was a member of the International Mediation Institute's Independent Standards Commission and Intercultural Taskforce and was also a key member of the Ministry of Law’s Working Group on International Commercial Mediation. Joel is presently the founding Chair of the Board of the Singapore International Mediation Institute. He is also a Certified Trainer of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).
Joel has taught overseas at the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), University of Law, Economics and Science of Aix-Marseille (Aix-en-Provence France) and
Anglia Law School (UK) and is the co-editor and co- author of the book "An Asian Perspective on Mediation" and the “Singapore Mediation Handbook”, and the General Editor for the Asian Journal on Mediation. In 2011, Joel was awarded the Outstanding Educator Award which is the National University of Singapore's highest teaching award. Joel was also awarded the Singapore’s Public Service Medal in 2023 for his work in promoting mediation.
Mr Melvin Loh
Melvin serves as a Senior Lecturer at the School of Law, Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), where he leads students in the study of conflict resolution, mediation, and criminal law. In 2023, his commitment to nurturing future legal professionals was acknowledged by SUSS through the Excellence in Teaching Award and the Staff Service Award, highlighting his dedication to both academic excellence and meaningful mentorship.
Alongside teaching, Melvin actively engages in community-focused legal and mediation work, bridging theory with tangible social impact. Recognised by the Singapore Courts, he received the Outstanding Court Volunteer Award (Advocate & Solicitor Category) in 2023 and the Long Service Court Volunteer Award (10 Years) in 2024. That same year, the Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC) honoured him with the “SMC Faculty Award–Assessor/Coach”. In 2025, the International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution presented him the Outstanding Professional Short Article Award. That same year, Pro Bono SG (PBSG) named him Top Volunteer and recognised him as a Bronze Supporter, honouring his heartfelt dedication to accessible justice.
Melvin is a Certified Mediator with the Singapore International Mediation Institute, an empanelled Associate Mediator and trainer at SMC, and a mediator with the State Courts of Singapore, The Family Justice Courts and the Community Mediation Centre. Over time, he has compassionately guided parties through a broad spectrum of disputes, both in and out of court, driven by the belief that mediation can bring genuine healing and reconciliation to individuals and communities. His passion for enhancing mediation practices has led him to speak and train internationally, sparking cross-border conversations about more effective and empathetic dispute resolution methods.
In 2024, Melvin’s commitment to mediation excellence led to his appointment on the Sage Mediation International Senior Mediator Panel, followed by his role as Faculty Leader at the Sage Mediation Institute for Leadership Education. Concurrently, he serves as Counsel at Peter Low Chambers LLC, offering pro bono support through the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS), Community Legal Clinics (CLC) under PBSG, and the Legal Assistance Scheme for Capital Offences (LASCO). He previously served as Vice Chairperson of the CLC and continues supporting mediation initiatives under the Law Society of Singapore’s Mediation Committee.
Through each of these roles, Melvin remains deeply committed to fostering a legal landscape defined by empathy, collaboration, and meaningful justice for the community.
SILE Attendance Policy
Participants who wish to obtain CPD Points are reminded that they must comply strictly with the Attendance Policy set out in the CPD Guidelines. For this activity, you must sign in on arrival and sign out at the conclusion in the manner required by the organiser, and not be absent from the entire activity for more than fifteen minutes. Participants who do not comply with the Attendance Policy will not be able to obtain CPD Points for attending the activity. Please refer to http://www.sileCPDcentre.sg for more information.
.png?sfvrsn=3ff28c3b_3)
