SIArb Newsletters

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Covid-19 is a global health crisis like never before. The airports and travel industry are at a standstill. Hospitals are being overrun or at risk of being overrun. Hotels in Singapore are now being used to house returning Singaporean residents on 14 day stay home notice periods. While there is no doubt we must put health first, we must also find ways to continue.

International Arbitration has been disrupted globally. Travel restrictions and quarantine notices have made it impossible globally for witnesses to give evidence in person. Technology though gives us a means to pick up the pieces and keep going. We are being forced to quickly learn what digital platforms exist for hearings. And we are learning quickly that there are indeed innovations that make virtual hearings possible.

Physical hearings whenever possible remain an option, but we must adapt to social distancing in hearing facilities, and to instill a discipline to resist our natural urge to shake hands. Dedicated hearing facilities will have to adapt to provide seating with 1 metre gaps between individuals. We may have to reduce the number of counsel physically present and consider providing transcription or video links for other team members to follow proceedings remotely.

One opportunity amidst the present chaos is that we may learn to be more efficient with technology and time management. SIArb will be reviewing the possibility of delivering CPD events and courses through digital platforms. Some of the lessons we learn through this period of adaptation may be worth continuing with even after things “return to normal”. In the words of Dave Hollis, “In the rush to return to normal, use this time to consider which parts of normal are worth rushing back to."

Let us all comply with the measures the government has rolled out to keep us safe. Doing so will not only benefit us but also the tireless healthcare workers who need us to be vigilant so that they can do their difficult jobs without hospitals being overrun. Some of you may have already seen the video by Dr Michelle Au of Emory St. Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta, an anesthesiologist, who plays the critical role of intubating Covid-19 patients who can't breathe. She aptly said that it is us in the community that are in truth the "frontline" in this battle. The healthcare workers are the last line of defence, so let us do what we must to protect them whether it be by washing our hands, social distancing or complying strictly with stay home notices or quarantine orders.

Singapore has learnt from the experiences of SARS and we have been blessed with sterling and proactive government leadership. The sacrifices made in building up our national reserves since 1965 have proven wise as DPM Heng Swee Keat unveiled an unprecedented S$48.4 billion resilience package on 26 March 2020.

I look forward to meeting you in person again soon. Most importantly, take care of yourselves, your loved ones and your neighbours. We must remain resilient and get through this together.