Singapore Launches Model Clause for Arbitration-Related Litigation

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On 12 January 2023, the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC) launched a model clause for arbitration-related matters under the International Arbitration Act, confirming that parties may select the SICC as their choice of court.

The clause, which the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) will adopt as part of its model arbitration clause,[1] reads:

“In respect of any court proceedings in Singapore commenced under the International Arbitration Act 1994 in relation to the arbitration, the parties agree (a) to commence such proceedings before the Singapore International Commercial Court (“the SICC”); and (b) in any event, that such proceedings shall be heard and adjudicated by the SICC.”

The model clause was promulgated by a Working Group which included Paul Tan, Partner in Gibson Dunn’s Singapore office. The Working Group is chaired by Justice Philip Jeyaretnam SC, the current President of the SICC.

The launch event was held at the Singapore Supreme Court, and was attended by Singapore’s Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong SC, Justice Philip Jeyaretnam SC, SAIC’s Chief Executive Officer Gloria Lim, and around 100 other leading figures in the Singapore arbitration community. It was also livestreamed to an international audience.

Source: Gibson Dunn