The Singapore Institute of Arbitrators Young Practitioners Network (YPN) was proud to hold its flagship event, the SIArb Annual Debate, on 17 July.

Before a packed audience, the panel, moderated by YPN volunteer, Aloysius Chang debated the motion: “This House Believes That Parties should Settle Disputes through Scissors-Paper-Stone Instead of Arbitration”. The proposition, comprised of Vivienne Li and Joshua Hiew, argued that modern arbitration was sometimes inefficient and prone to being substantively incorrect due to imperfect decision-making. Memorably, the proposition highlighted that clients would rarely be consoled by the knowledge that they had lost for sound legal reasons, and would rather win arbitrarily. The opposition, comprised of Snigdha Bhatta and Nathaniel Lai, highlighted that recent innovations in arbitration procedure had been created to address any inefficiencies and imprecise decision-making. Amusing comparisons between the vital (even if sometimes unpleasant) nature of arbitration as a decision-making tool and root canal surgeries were also drawn.

The panel of esteemed judges, comprising of KC Lye, Alastair Henderson, and Ong Pei Ching then had the opportunity to fire off questions to the debaters. Following a brief but tense deliberation (which we are told did not involve any games of scissors-paper-stone), the judges announced that the proposition had prevailed – perhaps putting their livelihoods at risk by arguing that the arbitration process was futile paid off!

We are deeply grateful to our speakers, judges and guests, as well as our sponsor, Allen & Gledhill LLP for making the SIArb Annual Debate a success!

The SIArb Annual Debate was organised by the YPN Co-Chairs, Toh Jia Yi and Arias Lim, with the help of YPN Volunteers, Aloysius Chang, Valerie Neo and Julian Lim.

See you at next year’s debate!