Singapore International Research Articles

Diminishing Procedural Boundaries in International Arbitration

The surge of cross border trade and transactions has seen international arbitration fast emerging as the preferred mode of dispute resolution. This phenomenon is especially remarkable in the Asian region. The Singapore International Arbitration Centre (“SIAC”) aspires to contribute to this growth as one of the leading arbitral institutions. The objective of this article is to provide an insight into the key features of SIAC Rules. This article has been divided into two parts; the first part discusses how the SIAC Rules are helpful in building bridges in international arbitration between the common law and civil law systems. We have attempted to throw light on how the SIAC Rules may be tailored by the parties to bring about a harmonization in the common law and civil law practices in the conduct of the arbitration proceedings. In the second part of the article, we discuss the two most popular procedures introduced in the SIAC Rules in 2010 i.e. ‘Emergency Arbitration’ and ‘Expedited procedures’. The emergency arbitration provisions enable a party to obtain order(s)/award for urgent interim relief(s) upon commencement of arbitral proceedings but pending the constitution of the main Tribunal. The expedited Procedure provisions give parties the option of having their disputes determined in six (6) months from the date of the constitution of the tribunal.

HKL Group Ltd v. Rizq International Holdings Pte. Ltd. and HKL Group Co. Ltd. v. Rizq International Holdings Pte Ltd.

Relying on the already controversial Insigma Technology Co. Ltd. v. Alstom Technology Ltd. decision, the High Court of Singapore has recently upheld a pathological arbitration clause on the condition that the parties to the dispute obtain the agreement of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) or any other arbitral institution in Singapore 'to conduct a hybrid arbitration applying the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) rules'. The court rendered its decision in HKL Group Ltd v. Rizq International Holdings Pte. Ltd. and upheld it in HKL Group Co. Ltd. v. Rizq International Holdings Pte. Ltd. This note examines the rationale for the court's decision and whether it was justified in the circumstances. The note also examines whether the court's reasoning has wider and perhaps undesirable implications for international arbitration in the Asia-Pacific region.

Bench Mark for Total Quality Customer Service

Singapore International Airlines benchmarks other service industries such as hotels and restaurants to make its service more comfortable, convenient, and creative the bottom line is delivering exceptional service and personifying that service. Indiscriminate class wise Customer service pays rich dividends and branded as the best Airlines operator in the International sector. Equality in providing hospitality directs and guides SIA towards success. Priorities and decisions are based on the needs of the customer, not executive perks. By placing the needs of passengers first, the whole atmosphere and the flight experience changes. SIA’s heavy investment in staff development and training conducted enables staff members to stay focused and continuously upgrade their performance.

Three Centuries of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Teriterpane Records In Tebrau Strait, Malaysia; Recent Pollution Concern in a Pristine Marine Environment

In the last century, application of fossil fuel as the primary source of energy caused environmental pollution in many countries including Malaysia. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are an important class of petroleum contamination. Two sediment cores were collected from the Tebrau Strait at the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia near the border line to Singapore, where entering into the South China Sea. The samples were sliced in certain intervals, extracted with Dichloromethane in Soxhlet apparatus, cleaned and fractionated in 2-steps column chromatography, and analyzed in Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry. The results showed that PAHs input were started soon after World War II and exponentially increased from 1980 onward by 310 ng/g d. w., in comparison it was negligible and probably nature derived during 18th and 19th century. The application of compound-specific ratios and pentacyclic teriterpanes suggested the vicinity of sources that atmospherically transported to the sampling locations. They were originated from combusted oil of Southeast Asian and the Middle East, polluting urban sediment and street dusts prior to final deposition. Biomass burning appeared historically as a predominant minor background pollution of both cores. Remarkably, crankcase oil was not traced in this study while it was reported as a predominant source in Malaysia. This study suggested ocean-going ships and Singapore International Airport as the main sources of petroleum pollution in recent decades since there was insignificant rural development surrounding the studied area.

Special issue to “ICMAT 2011, Symposium N: Advanced materials for energy storage systems—from fundamentals to applications, June 26–July 1, 2011, Singapore”

For the sixth time, MRS-Singapore in association with the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering and various other national and international institutes organised the biennial International Conference on Materials for Advanced Technologies (ICMAT) from 26 June to 1 July 2011 at the SUNTEC Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre. ICMAT 2011 was inaugurated by the Singapore Minister for Trade and Industry, Lim Hng Kiang, the President of NUS Tan Chorh Chuan, and B.V.R. Chowdari, Organizing Chair of ICMAT 2011. The event was attended by more than 3,000 scholars, researchers and practitioners from 67 countries presenting over 3,600 scientific contributions. A wide range of frontier areas in materials science and technology from graphene, topological insulators and various other nanostructures; via metamaterials; experimental and computational tools for materials characterisation to materials solutions for the harvesting, storage and use of renewable energy, as well as biochemistry and biomedical applications were covered in the 40 symposia and 9 plenary talks, of which 4 were given by the Nobel laureates Albert Fert, Ada Yonath, Klaus von Klitzing and Andre Geim. Symposium N on “Advanced Materials for Energy Storage Systems” provided a high-quality interdisciplinary forum addressing recent trends of science and technology related to materials for energy storage and power sources. With the participation of 183 scientists, sharing their

International Water Leaders' Summit Identifies Key Water Pressures

This article discusses a high‐level “Water Pressures” workshop at Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) 2011, organized in partnership with Black & Veatch and SIWW as part of the Water Leaders Summit. It featured approximately 110 global leaders from more than 20 countries. Twelve internationally renowned chairpersons led delegates through conversations focused on three types of pressures the water sector is facing today: policy pressures, innovation pressures, and public pressures. Titled “Water Pressures ‐ How to Adapt and Lead in a Changing Urban Environment,” the workshop yielded nearly a dozen hours of valuable insights into best‐practice solutions that leaders from developed and developing countries have identified to address these pressures.

Oral Abstracts

Journal of Gastroenterology and HepatologyVolume 26, Issue s5 p. 1-15 Free Access Oral Abstracts First published: 14 September 2011 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1746.2011.06897.xAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Volume26, Issues5Special Issue: Asian Pacific Digestive Week, 1‐4 October 2011, SUNTEC Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre, SingaporeOctober 2011Pages 1-15 RelatedInformation

Singapore International Schools: Best practice in culturally diverse music education

This paper explores the preliminary outcomes of research into the place and role of cultural diversity in primary music classes at five International Schools in Singapore. It highlights the ways in which school philosophy, policy, curriculum and in-service training influence teacher practice. The research provides insights into the challenges teachers face when diversifying their music programmes in addition to the areas of support that allow a programme based on cultural diversity to flourish and remain successful. The results of interviews with music specialists at these schools suggest that music programmes at International Schools in Singapore provide examples of best practice in culturally diverse music education. The success of these programmes is due to several identifiable factors such as strong philosophical and curricula foundations, quality in-service training and the regular involvement of culture bearers and visiting artists.

Special issue to “ICMAT 2009, Symposium F: nanostructured materials for electrochemical energy systems: lithium batteries, supercapacitors and fuel cells, June 28-July 3, 2009, Singapore”

Encouraged by the successes of the previous four International Conference on Materials for Advanced Technologies (ICMAT) conferences in 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2007, MRS-Singapore in association with National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering and many other national and international institutes organised ICMAT 2009 from 28 June to 3 July 2009 at the SUNTEC Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre. On 28 June 2009, the conference started with traditional inaugural event followed by a plenary talk by Prof. Peter Gruenberg, a Noble Laureate in Physics. There were more than 2,000 members of the international scientific and materials research community representing over 40 countries that attended 23 Symposia covering many frontier areas in materials science and technology. The overall level of participation in this conference was of an exceptionally high standard as evidenced by the participation of various Nobel Laureates who gave plenary and public lectures, distinguished keynote and invited speakers. The Symposium F on “Nanostructured Materials for Electrochemical Energy Systems: Lithium Batteries, Supercapacitors and Fuel Cells” provided an excellent opportunity for interdisciplinary forum addressing recent trends of science and technology related to materials for electrochemical power sources. It had attracted large participation of up to 150, including 41 invited talks, 60 oral presentations and 50 poster presentations. The talks were classified under three broad categories, which are as follows: electrodes (cathodes and anodes) and electrolytes of lithium batteries, supercapacitors and fuel cells. To manage such large number of presentations, two parallel sessions were scheduled, one dealing with largely lithium batteries and the other addressing fuel cells and supercapacitors. Two best poster awards were given based on the recommendation of jury members. On behalf of the organising committee, we would like to thank all the invited speakers, session chairs and Palani Balaya, San Ping Jiang, Atsuo Yamada, and BVR Chowdari are the Organizing Committee members of Symposium–F, ICMAT 2009.

Insigma Technology Co. Ltd v. Alstom Technology Ltd: SIAC Can Administer Cases under the ICC Rules?!?

In Insigma Technology Co. Ltd v. Alstom Technology Ltd, the Singapore High Court found valid an arbitration agreement providing for arbitration before the Singapore International Arbitration Centre in accordance with the Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. In doing so, the High Court rejected the contention that such ‘hybrid’ clauses are pathological. This may give some comfort to parties who have included such clauses in their contracts, but it does not mean that they were wise to do so. The costs of using hybrid clauses can easily outweigh any advantages parties imagine they might gain .

Decoding Singapore's International Arbitration Act, Section 12(7)

Singapore has consistently maintained that it aspires to be an international arbitration hub. This involves looking to leading arbitration centres and institutions for guidance and aligning its legal framework with jurisdictions that have established a reputation as being facilitative towards the conduct of arbitration proceedings. Whether courts should only order interim remedies in support of arbitrations seated locally but not foreign arbitrations is an issue that has been resolved in favour of empowering the courts to order interim relief regardless of the location of the seat of arbitration under the Model Law. Any country that has adopted the Model Law should presumably embrace the same approach with respect to this issue. Singapore, despite having adopted the Model Law, has departed from the Model Law framework as a result of a recent decision of Singapore’s highest court, the Court of Appeal, that interpreted International Arbitration Act, section 12(7) as permitting Singapore courts to award interim relief in support of international arbitrations only when the arbitration is seated in Singapore. The author disagrees with the Court of Appeal’s interpretation of section 12(7) because it is impossible for Singapore to achieve international renown by espousing an alignment with international practice in theory but renouncing such practice in reality.

Pemetrexed in the treatment of Asian patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and mesothelioma: Experience at the Johns Hopkins Singapore International Medical Centre

20662 Background: The efficacy and toxicity of Pemetrexed (P) in Asian patients is unknown. Methods: Retrospective review of patients treated with P in a single institution between July 2005 and November 2007. Medical records, radiologic and laboratory data were reviewed. RECIST were used to assess efficacy independently of the treating physician’s assessment. National Cancer Institute CTCAE v3.0 were used for the description of adverse events. Results: Forty-three patients received P: 37 had NSCLC and 6 had mesothelioma. Patients with NSCLC had a median age of 60 years (range, 45 to 89), and were predominantly male (29 men and 8 women), ethnic Chinese (32 patients) and smokers (22 patients). Histology was as follows: NSCLC, 19; adenocarcinoma, 12; squamous cell carcinoma, 4; bronchioalveolar and large cell, 1 each. Twenty-four patients had stage IV at diagnosis, 12 had stage III and 1 had stage II. All had received at least one prior regimen (median 1, range 1 to 4): Carboplatin and Gemcitabine, 21 patie...

Arbitral Rules: Arbitration Rules of the Singapore International Arbitration Center (SIAC), 1 July 2007

Arbitral Rules: Arbitration Rules of the Singapore International Arbitration Center (SIAC), 1 July 2007

Notes on Contemporary Singapore Cinema (1991-2007)

2006 was a record-making year for contemporary Singapore cinema. It saw an unprecedented release of ten feature films, including the first 3-D CGI film, Zodiac: The Race Begins (dir. Edward Foo; Cubix International). That year, Digital Media Academy made its foray into the local filmmaking scene for the first time, with three semi-professional DV films, namely, Unarmed Combat (dir. Han Yew Kwang), S11 (co-dir. Gilbert Chan & Joshua Chiang), and The High Cost of Living (dir. Leonard Lai Yok Wai).1 These three films all received partial funding from the stated-funded Singapore Film Commission (SFC) , set up in 1998 for the purpose of nurturing the nation’s budding film industry by way of training personnel and funding productions, including co-sponsoring the annual Singapore International Film Festival. Finally Zhao Wei Films’ Be With Me (dir. & scr. Eric Khoo, 2005) became the country’s first Oscars (Best Foreign Film) nominee; but this social drama which interweaves the autobiography of Theresa Chan, a real-life deaf and blind woman, with three fictional stories of love and longing in urban Singapore, was subsequently disqualified when the 2006 Academy Award committee decided that English was the dominant language in this otherwise multilingual HD-to-35mm film.

Legal Framework for Alternative Dispute Resolution: Examination of the Singapore National Legal System for Arbitration

Effectiveness of any alternative dispute resolution (ADR) method depends on the national legal system to which it is subjected. In Singapore, the increasing growth in the use of ADR methods may be adduced to developments in the Singapore legal environment. This paper reviews the characteristics of the Singapore national legal system for arbitration. It examines how the legal system facilitates effective use of ADR. By its features, the Singapore national legal system ensures parties’ autonomy but deters parties from taking opportunistic advantage of the voluntary nature of ADR. It enables procedural flexibility, and confidentiality of arbitration proceedings. It insulates the arbitration process from intervention from the Singapore courts and from corruption; and it provides maximum judicial support in the arbitral process. Hence, it ensures that disputes can be brought to a conclusion within a reasonable amount of time, at a reasonable cost, as well as preserving business relationships. The Singapore legal system insures the integrity of arbitration and the independence of arbitrators and arbitral institutions by immunity provisions. In addition, the legal system enhances the use of mediation and conciliation in a sequential tier with arbitration by providing a time limit for mediation or conciliation to terminate should they fail to produce a mutually acceptable settlement. In Singapore, the court system is generally known to be efficient; hence, ADR faces the practical challenge of becoming lengthier than court proceedings. The continuing search for and use of expedited arbitration procedures by arbitral institutions such as the Singapore International Arbitration Centre should reduce this challenge. This paper provides useful information on how a national legal system may be designed to support the use of ADR methods and facilitate their effectiveness.

Provisional Agenda for the Fourteenth Meeting of the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC)

Provisional agenda for the Fourteenth Meeting of the International Monetary and Financial Committee, which is to be convened on Sunday, September 17, 2006 in the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Singapore.

Issue Introduction: Hong Kong–Singapore International Real Estate Research Symposium 2004

Issue Introduction: Hong Kong–Singapore International Real Estate Research Symposium 2004

Strategic facilities management of Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre

PurposeThis paper aims to highlight how facilities can enhance the strategic competitive position of a business organisation.Design/methodology/approachThe methods of investigation used in this study include observation, in‐depth interviews and secondary data.FindingsThis case study has shown that both hardware, i.e. facilities and software, i.e. business philosophy of the organisation are important to enhance its competitive position.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has looked at only one case. Future research may use the same five‐force model to assess and determine the contribution of facilities to the competitive position of a business organisation.Practical implicationsThis study hopes to create more awareness among senior management of the strategic importance of facilities to a business's bottom‐line.Originality/valueUsing a strategic management model, this paper illustrates the contribution of facilities management to the broader corporate goals.

Cases in the environment of business: international perspectives

Introduction to the Ivey Casebook Series - Paul W. Beamish Preface Introduction 1. The Dependence of Profitability on Industry Structure Samsung and the Theme Park Industry in Korea PharmaPlus in Hungary Singapore International Air Lines: Preparing for Turbulence Ahead Swatch and the Global Watch Industry Whirlpool Corporation's Global Strategy Wal-Mart Stores Inc.: Dominating Global Retailing The Global Branding of Stella Artois 2. Understanding and Managing Macroeconomic Risks A Global Manager's Guide to Currency Risk Management Chauvco Resources Ltd: The Argentina Decisions Crisis in Japan Procter & Gamble in Eastern Europe (A) Bank Vozrozhdeniye (V.Bank) ING and Global Financial Integration 3. Managing Within Alternative Government Structures Mekong Corporation and the Viet Nam Motor Vehicle Industry Thai Telecoms in the New Economy: Privatization & Liberalization Lucent in India Citigroup in Post-WTO China Point Lisas Industrial Estate: Trinidad Dell's Dilemma in Brazil: Negotiating at the State Level Enron and the Dabhol Power Company Bombardier Versus Embraer: Charges of Unfair Competition 4. Responding to Societal Forces John McCulloch--United Beef Packers NES China: Business Ethics (A) NES China: Business Ethics (B) Textron Ltd. Note on the Pollution Problem in the Mexico-U.S. Border Region Planet Starbucks (A) Siam Canadian Foods Co., Ltd. Royal Trustco 5. Investment Decisions in the Context of Technological Changes Privatizing Poland's Telecom Industry: Opportunities and Challenges in the New Economy and E-Business Malaysia's Multimedia Development Corporation Global Warming and the Kyoto Protocol: Implications for Business Enron Wind Corporation: Challenges and Opportunities in the 21st Century Eurograin (Philippines) and Hybrid Corn Shire Pharmaceuticals Group's Acquisition of BioChem Pharma: Broadening Product Portfolio and Achieving Economies of Scale in Pharmaceuticals 6. Integrative Cases GM in China Intel's Site Selection Decision in Latin America The Acer Group's China Manufacturing Decision References About the Editor

The Protection Of International Investment - Seminar jointly organised by the Beijing Arbitration Commission (BAC), the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) and the Chinese Society of International Law (CSIL) - Beijing (China) - 16-17 July 2005.

The Protection Of International Investment - Seminar jointly organised by the Beijing Arbitration Commission (BAC), the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) and the Chinese Society of International Law (CSIL) - Beijing (China) - 16-17 July 2005.