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BuildingBridges ToReconciliation

CMC Annual Report 2005 - 2006

Building Bridges To Reconciliation Building Bridges To Reconciliation Building Bridges To Reconciliation


Contents

FOREWORD3 Foreword5 Message6 Executive Summary8 CMC Calendar of Events for

FY 2005 - 2006

ABOUT CMC10 History11 CMC Set Up

THE MEDIATION PROCESS16 The Mediation Process17 Volunteer Mediators

STATISTICS22 Statistics

ACTIVITIES AND MEDIA27 CMC Activities 34 Media Headlines

ORGANISATION STRUCTURE13 Organisation Structure14 CMC Logo

Building Bridges To Reconciliation2

“ I am pleased that eight years down

the road, the CMC has made significant

progress both in developing a network

of accessible Centres as well as

providing a cost effective and flexible

mediation service to the general

public.”

Foreword

Prof S Jayakumar

Deputy Prime Minister

and Minister for Law

Republic of Singapore

3CMC Annual Report 2005 - 2006

When we established the Community Mediation Centre (CMC) in 1998, we did so as part of an

overall strategy for the integrated development of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in Singapore

as part of our legal infrastructure. Community mediation was considered as a flexible, cost

effective and more conciliatory means for Singaporeans to resolve social, community and family

conflicts outside of the adversarial court process.

I am pleased that eight years down the road, the CMC has made significant progress both in

developing a network of accessible Centres as well as providing a cost effective and flexible

mediation service to the general public.

We now have in place a strong legislative and administrative framework set up in collaboration

with key partnering agencies such as the Subordinate Courts, Singapore Police Force and other

community-based organizations to effectively channel community disputes to the CMC for

resolution. In this regard, I note the synergies that have been achieved through the recent

establishment of a CMC at the Subordinate Courts' premises to provide disputants with a more

integrated conflict resolution service at one location.

Singaporeans have also become increasingly aware of the advantages of mediation and

benefited from CMC's services. I am heartened to note that the CMC has over these years

mediated a total of more than 2,200 mediations with a cumulative success rate of 74 percent.

These positive results could not have been achieved without the skilled facilitation and commitment

of CMC's panel of 139 volunteer mediators. I would like to take this opportunity to commend

CMC's mediators for their sterling efforts and encourage them to press on in their good work.

As our society grows and matures, our community mediation framework will have to continue

to develop and adapt in response to the needs of our community. In the road ahead, it is my

hope that more will be done to enhance our community mediation framework to better serve

the needs of the Singapore public.


“ With a team of trained and committed

volunteer mediators at the forefront, the

CMC has grown to be a professional

community mediation service. I believe

however, that more can be done. The

key to this is for the CMC to adapt and

creatively reinvent itself to respond to

Singapore's ever changing needs.”

Assoc Prof Ho Peng Kee

Senior Minister of State

for Law and Home Affairs

Republic of Singapore


Message

When the ADR Committee I chaired first recommended in 1997 the establishment of the

Community Mediation Centre (CMC), we did so after studying the practices in several major

jurisdictions including the United States and Australia. The community mediation model we

proposed for Singapore was an eclectic blend of the best features of these jurisdictions, with

appropriate adaptations to suit Singapore's societal landscape.

We have over the years developed a unique Asian brand of community mediation in Singapore

that has attracted visits from foreign delegations wishing to learn more about our work. The CMC

has also built up a strong corp of committed and skilled community mediators from different

walks of life. Their multi-racial composition and diversity has enabled our Centres to assign

mediators best placed to mediate the dispute at hand. The types of disputes handled by our

mediators now span over a wide range of neighbourhood, family and other community-type

disputes, including relational issues between landlords and tenants.

Our long term goal is to foster a mediation culture in Singapore. As such, apart from encouraging

active grassroots and community involvement through various recruitment and training initiatives,

the Community Mediation Unit (CMU) has also devoted resources towards public outreach and

education programmes. An important focus is to equip and educate the young. Since 2004, the

CMU has rolled out programmes to equip youths with mediation knowledge and skills, reaching

out to more than 24,500 youths so far.

With a team of trained and committed volunteer mediators at the forefront, the CMC has grown

to be a professional community mediation service. I believe however, that more can be done.

The key to this is for the CMC to adapt and creatively reinvent itself to respond to Singapore's

ever changing needs.

Ms Gloria Lim

General Manager,

Community Mediation Unit

Director,

Community Mediation Centres


Executive Summary

Since our first Community Mediation Centre

(CMC) opened its doors in 1998, we have

conducted a total of more than 2,200

mediations, of which 74 percent were

successfully resolved.

The most common conflicts mediated at our

Centres continued to involve disputes between

neighbours and family conflicts of a relational

nature, with disputants falling predominantly

within the 30-50 years age bracket. The race

profile of the disputants closely mirrored the

demographics of Singapore's general

population at 70 percent Chinese, 14 percent

Malay and 13 percent Indian, with conflicts

mostly occurring between parties of the same

race.

Apart from day to day operational activities,

the Community Mediation Unit (CMU)'s work

in this FY focused on four core areas:

(I) Public awareness and outreach

activities to promote mediation as the

preferred means of dispute resolution

for community-type disputes in

Singapore;

(II) Strengthening referral links and co-

operation with CMC's working partners

and grassroots leaders;

(III) Mediation training programmes for

grassroots leaders and CMC's panel of

volunteer mediators; and

(IV)Infrastructure and capacity building.

(I) Public Awareness andOutreach Activities

General Public Awareness Activities

The CMU continued to employ creative use of

various mass media to increase general public

awareness about the CMC. From July to

October 2005, the CMU aired over popular

local television channels its 30-second

animation advertisement featuring a caricature

of quarrelling neighbours and how the CMC's

mediation services helped them to successfully

resolve their conflict. The CMU also used for

the first time as part of its publicity campaign,

advertisements on double-decker buses and

taxis that trawled the roads island-wide.

Youth Outreach and Skills EquippingProgrammes

As part of our longer term strategy to cultivate

a 'self-help' mediation culture amongst

Singaporeans, the CMU has in recent years

worked in partnership with interested schools

to organize mediation training seminars as well

as general awareness activities to equip

student leaders with mediation as a life-skill

and impress upon the younger generation, the

importance of resolving relational disputes

amicably.

This FY, in addition to smaller scale student

events and activities, the CMU organized a

mass forum entitled 'Mediation & YOUth'. The

forum was well attended by more than 240

students from 24 schools who acquired conflict

resolution skills through experiential learning.

The CMU's interactive assembly programme

skits staged by Act 3 Theatrics Pte Ltd also

continued to educate the student masses

about mediation and peaceable conflict

resolution. To-date, the CMU's youth outreach

programmes have reached a total of more

than 24,500 students between the ages of 13

to 16 years.

Hosting of Foreign Delegations and Groups

Apart from the above, the CMU also hosted

several visits involving high level foreign

delegations and other groups who were

interested to learn more about Singapore's

community mediation framework and the

various services provided by the CMC.


(II) Strengthening Referral Linksand Co-operation withCMC's Working Partners

Outreach Briefings

About 50 percent of the CMC's mediation

caseload continued to originate by way of

referrals from its four main working partners:

the Singapore Police Force, the Small Claims

Tribunal, the Housing & Development Board

and the Legal Aid Bureau. Regular briefings

and working level exchanges between the

CMC and these agencies continued

throughout the year.

The CMU also continued to roll out its Persuaders

Scheme briefings to grassroots leaders

nominated by their respective Grassroots

Advisers. Grassroots leaders involved in the

Persuaders Scheme form part of an island-wide

network of grassroots leaders who will pair up

with the CMC mediators to persuade

constituents within their wards who are

embroiled in neighbourhood conflict to try

mediation instead of allowing the conflict to

fester and sour relations. As of this FY, the CMU

has briefed more than 425 grassroots leaders

from 41 constituencies concerning the Scheme.

(III) MediationTraining Programmes

Basic Mediation Training

The CMU continued to conduct basic

mediation training to equip grassroots leaders

with basic mediation skills. Of those trained, 10

selected volunteers from the two-day Basic

Mediation Workshop conducted by CMU

Consultant, Assoc Prof Lim Lan Yuan were

appointed to the CMC's mediator panel.

Advanced Mediation Training and TopicalCourses

To sustain the high level of professionalism

amongst the CMC's volunteer mediators, the

CMU continued to develop its ongoing training

and accreditation programme for the CMC

mediators. In this regard, all the CMC mediators

are required to undergo advanced mediation

training conducted by the Singapore

Mediation Centre followed by a suite of topical

courses covering important issues in the field.

The CMU also piloted a 'Mediation Clinic' for

a select group of 13 experienced and

committed Master Mediators. The 'Clinic'

spanned a period of three months and involved

video-taped role-play sessions as well as

individualized coaching from trainers to help

participants further hone their mediation skills.

The CMU has received positive feedback from

the Master Mediators who participated in this

new programme. The 'Clinic' will be extended

to a second batch of selected Master

Mediators.

(IV) Infrastructure andCapacity Building

The CMC's operational framework currently

consists of four main Centres. The fourth and

newest Centre located at the Subordinate

Courts, officially opened for full scale operations

in July 2005 after running on a pilot basis for

several months. Since its opening, the facility

has mediated a total of 416 cases with a 69

percent success rate.

This arrangement has brought about greater

synergy between the CMC's mediation services

and the Court referral process by providing

disputants with convenient and immediate

access to community mediation services. The

CMU will in the year ahead, continue to review

and refine our operational framework and

structures to better serve the public.

This Annual Report chronicles the CMC's various

initiatives for the Financial Year 2005-2006. My

team and I would like to take this opportunity

to express our heartfelt appreciation to our

dedicated panel of volunteer mediators,

partnering agencies and other agencies that

have supported our work throughout this year.


CMC CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR FY 2005 - 2006

A

C D

PUBLIC AWARENESS ACTIVITIES

- CMC Advertisements

a) CMC messages on Television Mid Jul to Mid Aug 05

& Mid Sep to Mid Oct

b) CMC messages on Public Mid Dec 05 to Mid Sep 06

Transport

- Newsletter - The Mediator Apr, Aug, Nov 05

- CMC Brochure Early 2005

- CMC Annual Report Sep 05

BYOUTH OUTREACH

- Peer Mediation Seminar at 4 Jun 05

Anglo-Chinese School

(Barker Road)

- Youth Project organized by 9 Jun 05

Nanyang Girls' High School

- Visit to CMC by Students 29 Jul & 29 Aug 05

- Peer Mediation Assembly End Jul to End Oct 05

Programme at 22 Secondary

Schools

- Mediation & YOUth Forum 4 Mar 06

EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS

- Outreach Briefings

a) Police Academy 27 Apr, 1 Jun, 14 Sep,

12 & 26 Oct & 23 Nov 05

b) Public Briefing in 11 Jun 05

collaboration with Consumers

Association of Singapore

c) Briefing to Eagles Mediation 22 Jul 05

& Counselling Centre

d) Visit to CMC by Foreign

Delegates

(i) Alternative Dispute 6 Sep 05

Resolution Office, Office of

the Judiciary of Thailand

(ii) Supreme Court and Court 25 Jan 06

of Appeal of Thailand

- Basic Mediation Workshop 15 to 16 Oct 05

- Persuaders Scheme Briefing For 1 Jul 05

Grassroots Leaders

CAPABILITY ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES

- Mediators' Training

a) Workshop on 'Advanced 16 Apr 05

Mediation'

b) Workshop on 'Family 7 May, 9 Jul & 12 Nov 05

Mediation'

c) Workshop on 'Managing 14 May 05

Factors that Influence

Mediation Outcomes'

d) Workshop on 'Drafting' 18 Jun & 16 Jul 05

e) Briefing for Mediators on 3 Jun 05

'Mediation Clinic'

f) 'Mediation Clinic' Jul to Sep 05

g) Workshop on 'Difficult 20 Aug, 17 Sep

Conversations' & 15 Oct 05

- Official Opening Ceremony of 15 Jul 05

CMC (Subordinate Courts)

- Mediators' Appreciation Dinner 17 Nov 05

About CMC

HISTORY

In 1996, an inter-agency Committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) was set up to explore

how ADR processes, in particular mediation, could be further promoted in Singapore. The

Committee was chaired by Associate Professor Ho Peng Kee, then Senior Parliamentary Secretary

to the Ministry of Law.

In its Report dated 4 July 1997, the Committee recommended that in order to prevent Singaporeans

from becoming too litigious, less expensive and non-adversarial methods of dispute resolution

should be introduced to cover a wide range of social, community and family disputes.

These recommendations, and in particular the setting up of Community Mediation Centres

(CMCs), were accepted by the Government. Accordingly, the Community Mediation Unit (CMU)

of the ADR Division was set up within the Ministry of Law to oversee and co-ordinate the operation

of the CMCs and also to promote ADR in Singapore.

The CMC Act became law in 1998, providing for the establishment of CMCs under the Ministry

of Law. This Act allows any person to refer a dispute to a CMC, and also provides for Magistrates

to refer appropriate cases from the Subordinate Courts to the CMC.

The purpose of the CMC is to provide mediation services connected with any social, community

or family dispute that does not involve a seizable offence under any written law. Mediation

sessions are conducted in a cordial and informal atmosphere, and as expeditiously as possible.

The rules of evidence do not apply to mediation sessions and participation is voluntary. A party

to a mediation session may withdraw at any time. However, in the case of Magistrates' referrals,

failure by a party to comply with the order of the Magistrate could amount to contempt of court.

CMC mediators are volunteers appointed by the Minister for Law and are required to abide by

a Code of Conduct.

Milestones

CMC(SUBORDINATECOURTS)

INTER-AGENCYCOMMITTEE ONADR SET UP

I996

NON-ADVERSARIALDISPUTERESOLUTIONMETHODSPROPOSED

1997

1998CMC ACT

CMC (REGIONALEAST)

CMC (CENTRAL)

1999

CMC(REGIONALNORTH)

2001

2004


CMC SETUP

Four CMCs have been established to date. The first was known as CMC (Regional East) and is

located at Marine Parade District Hall. It commenced operations in January 1998. This was

followed by CMC (Central), which was initially set up at Ang Mo Kio in April 1999 and is now

located at The URA Centre, East Wing.

CMC (Regional North) is located at Woodlands Civic Centre. It began operations in April 2001.

The fourth centre known as CMC (Subordinate Courts) was set up in May 2004 and is located

within the Subordinate Courts' premises.

Over the years, satellite mediation venues have also been set up in co-operation with various

agencies. This provides disputing parties with the additional convenience of having their cases

mediated at an alternative location closer to their residences. Towards the end of October 2003,

the latest satellite venue was set up at Evergreen Circle in Tampines. With this addition, the

number of satellite mediation venues available around the island now stands at seven, with the

others being Ayer Rajah Community Centre, Eunos Community Club, Hougang Neighbourhood

Police Post, Kebun Baru Community Club, Loving Heart Multi-Service Centre and Nanyang

Community Club.

11

MEDIATION CENTRES ANDSATELLITE MEDIATION VENUES

CMC (REGIONAL NORTH)

NanyangCC

Loving Heart MSC

Ayer Rajar CC

CMC(SUBORDINATE

COURTS)CMC

(CENTRAL)

Eunos CC

EvergreenCircle

Kebun Baru CC

Hougang NPP

CMC(REGIONALEAST)

MEDIATION CENTRES

SATELLITE MEDIATION VENUES


OrganisationStructure

ORGANISATION STRUCTURE

ADVOCATES OF HARMONY

The Community Mediation Centres (CMC) are managed by a team of Centre Managers

under the purview of the Community Mediation Unit (CMU) of the Ministry of Law.


As of 1 August 2006

CMC(Subordinate Courts)

Centre ManagerDiana Heng (Mrs)

Centre ExecutiveSarimah Sadik (Ms)

CMC(Regional East)

Centre ManagerDiana Heng (Mrs)

(Concurrentappointment)

Mediation OfficersSandra Tiong (Ms)

Patricia Khong (Ms)

CMC(Central)

Centre ManagerLee Chwee Ming (Ms)

CMC(Regional North)

Centre ManagerTan Chong Yang

Mediation OfficerDawn Tan (Ms)

2 Assistant ManagerDesmond Chua

1 Assistant ManagerJessica Tan (Ms)

1 ManagerCheryl Lim (Ms)

2 ManagerCasen Ng

General ManagerGloria Lim (Ms)

ConsultantAssoc Prof

Lim Lan Yuan

Ministry of LawHeadquarters

CommunityMediation Unit

The CMC logo consists of the initials CMC with a multi-coloured arc over them. This simple design

reflects a fundamental feature of mediation and of the Centre itself: to provide an alternative

avenue for dispute resolution that is simple yet effective.

The two 'C's portray disputing parties, with the letter 'M' representing the mediation centre, acting

as a go-between or uniting force. The overarching element pulls everyone together to reinforce

unification and harmony. This arc could also be viewed as a bridge, echoing the CMC's slogan,

Building Bridges To Reconciliation. It reflects the Centre's task of bridging fissures opened by

conflict and contention.

In addition, the multi-hued arc could represent a rainbow, an image commonly associated with

hope and renewal. The CMC similarly aspires to bring hope to frustrated parties and restore

goodwill to relationships through the use of mediation. Dark blue was chosen for the lettering

to connote the Centre's stability and reliability. This is tempered with the arc's warm, rich, earthy

colours to lend an air of harmony, cheer, friendliness, approachability, and ultimately, optimism.


CMC LOGO

The MediationProcess


THE MEDIATION PROCESS

TYPES OF DISPUTES HANDLED BY CMCs

As their name implies, CMCs cater to

'community' disputes as opposed to

'commercial' ones. These encompass relational

disputes encountered within one's community

and social sphere. Neighbourhood disputes,

family disputes (excluding family violence),

d i s a g r e e m e n t s a m o n g s t f r i e n d s ,

stallholder/owner squabbles and altercations

between strangers can all be handled by the

CMC.

PROCEDURE

A complete procedure for mediation,

documented in the form of a handout, governs

the conduct of mediation sessions. Parties who

agree to mediation are also requested to sign

an Agreement Form. In summary, the

procedure explains the role of the mediator in

the session. The mediator's main function is to

help parties settle their own conflicts. Joint

meetings with both parties and private one-

on-one sessions may be held. The procedure

also states clearly that all communications

during the mediation process are made strictly

'Without Prejudice' and should not be used in

any legal proceedings.

CMC officers will handle all requests or referrals

at the relevant centre. In the case of walk-ins

or call-ins, the officer will write to the other

party, offering to set up a meeting between

the two parties in dispute so that they can

discuss their problem.

If both parties are agreeable, the officer will

arrange for a session to take place within a

week. A convenient time will be allocated for

mediation, during or after office hours on

weekdays and normal office hours on

Saturdays. When arranging for mediation,

consideration is given to matching the

mediators with the characteristics of the

disputing parties in terms of language ability,

gender and, if relevant, race.

THE MEDIATION PROCESS

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MEDIATION?

The mediator will open by briefly explaining his

role to the parties. He will then lay out the

'ground rules' for the mediation session by

emphasizing the importance of fairness and

confidentiality in the mediation process. He

will also highlight that participation is voluntary

for all disputants. Subsequently, he will explain

the procedure that will be followed.

The session then begins, with each side taking

turns to explain their position. During this joint

session, the mediator will ask questions to clarify

issues and obtain additional information.

After that, parties may meet privately with the

mediator in separate sessions called caucuses.

At a caucus, parties will be able to reveal

additional information that they may not wish

to disclose to the other disputant(s).

When the parties regroup, the mediator will

help them identify options to resolve their

problem. As each case is unique, it is difficult

to provide an estimate of how long a session

may last. However on average, cases end in

about one to two hours.

IF THERE IS A SETTLEMENT, IS IT BINDING?

Any settlement arrived at will be binding on

the parties if it is written down, signed by all

parties, and the document itself contains a

statement specifying its binding nature. If the

disputants have signed such an agreement,

any breach of its terms by one party would be

grounds for the other to institute legal

proceedings for breach of contract.

OUR MEDIATORS

Mediations at the CMCs are facilitated by a

panel of 139 experienced and committed

volunteer mediators who guide disputants

through the discussion of their problems and

assist them in reaching a mutually acceptable

solution.

These volunteer mediators are respected

members of society from all walks of life,

different age groups, ethnic groups and

professions.

They comprise mainly grassroots and other

community leaders, chosen for their

commitment and dedication to community

service work. This makes them easily

recognisable and respected by residents.

Appointing such persons as mediators

reinforces the CMC's phi losophy of

empowering communities to work out their

own problems. This ultimately reinforces

community cohesion. Besides community

leaders, the CMC's pool of mediators also

includes lawyers and other professionals. Some

of these mediators have also been accredited

by foreign mediation institutions.

MEDIATION TRAINING

All mediators have to undergo basic mediation

training before they are appointed for a two-

year term. The training is conducted and

organised by the CMU. Content of the training

includes understanding the objectives and

philosophy of mediation, the mediation

process, techniques of communication and

counselling skills.

After training, new mediators are given the

opportunity to experience a series of co-

mediations with experienced mediators to gain

hands-on experience and exposure.

Mediators appointed to the CMC's volunteer

panel are required to upgrade their mediation

skills continually. Ongoing advanced training

in mediation, thematic workshops and

roundtable sessions enable them to share

experiences and learn from one another.

Mediators who have achieved a requisite level

of expertise and experience in mediation are

recognized with the title of 'Master Mediator'.

Further specialised training programmes will

be organised for CMC's mediators to enhance

their skills and expertise.

TRAINING STRUCTURE DIAGRAM


CMC VOLUNTEER MEDIATORS

ThematicWorkshops

BasicMediation

Course

AdvancedMediation

Course

ProfessionalDevelopment

Seminars/Conferences

1 Mr Ameerali Abdeali, PPA(G), PBM, PBS

2 A/P Lawrence Boo Geok Seng

3 Mr Christopher Chua Kee Siew

4 Mr Juay Pia Seng

5 Mr Lee Boon Yew James

6 Mdm Rosalind Quek Swee Lay, PBM

7 Mr Wee Eng Chong Eugene

8 Dr Edmund Wong Ngiam Chiung

CMC (REGIONAL EAST)

1 Assoc Prof Lim Lan Yuan, JP, BBM, PPA, PBMConsultant, CMU

2 Mr Alec Ang Swee Nam, PBM

3 Mrs Chia Swee Tin, JP

4 Mr Tommy Choo Yuen Chiah

5 Mr Goh Tiam Lock, BBM

6 Mr Lee Kok Eng

7 Mr Francis Lim Heng Meng, PBM

8 Mr Lim How Seng

9 Mr Mahmud No'man Haji, BBM, PB, PBS

10 Mr Mohd Ismail Bin Mohd Ali

11 Mr Pang Loo Seng, PBM

12 Mr Poh Tiong Bee, PBM

13 Mr Stephen Poh Yong Meng, PBM

14 Mr S Puhaindran, JP, BBM(L), BBM, PPA(G)

15 Mdm Maggie Sim Tuck Yoong

16 Mr Gerald Balendran Singham, PBM

17 Mr Tan Wu Cheng, PBM

18 Mr Tay Tiong Watt, BBM, PBM, PBS

19 Mr V. Krishna, BBM

20 Mr Wee Kok Chin Casey

21 Mr Wong Ngiam Chin Eric, BBM, PBM

VOLUNTEER MEDIATORS

M A S T E R M E D I A T O R S

M E D I A T O R S


1 Mr Anthony Goh Han Hian

2 Mr David H. K. Fones

3 Mr Harjeet Singh, PBM

4 Dr Jayarani Tan

5 Mr Koh Hai Keong

6 Mdm Helen Kuan Oon Ai

7 Mr Lau Hooi See Larry, PBM

8 Mr Lau Kim Sui Andy

9 Mr Leong Jong Pin James

10 Mr Lim Boon Leong Richard

11 Mr Lim Chee Kong

12 Mr Terence Lim Teck Whai

13 Mr Ma Poh How, PBM, S.B.St.J.

14 Mrs Maureen Ng Boey Lin, PPA(P)

15 Mr Ng Ngiap Khiang Francis

16 Mr Raymond Ng Yong Ern

17 Mr Phoon Kit Yee, PBM

18 Mr Quek Tee Dhye

19 Mr Seow Yeow Koon, O.St.J

20 Mr Sim Lai Teck, PB, PBS

21 Mrs Christina Sim Sze Vui

22 Ms Sujatha Bhargavan

23 Mr Tan Ngee Min Eric

24 Mr Teo Hung Hiong William

25 Mr Esmond Teo Joo Bing

26 Mr Teo Kwang Meng Albert, PBM

27 Mdm Wong Suet Mui Alice

28 Mr Gimmy Yeo Siok Thiam

VOLUNTEER MEDIATORS

1 Mr Ajmer Singh

2 Mr Anand Thiagarajan

3 Mrs Patsy Chan

4 Mr Chandrasekaran Pillai, PBM

5 Mrs Amy Cheng-Yeoh, PBM

6 Mr David Cheong Fook Chiong, PBM

7 Mr Chew Yew Kuen Michael, PBM

8 Mr G. Anthony Samy, PBM

9 Ms Ho Mui Kin Lilio, PBM

10 Ms Kamaria binte Djorimi

11 Mr Steven Kee Hung Cheng, PBM

12 Mr Koh Swee Chiok

13 Mr Peter Koh Tien Hoe

14 Mr Leong Fook Seng, PBM

15 Mr Lim Kok Tiong Patrick

16 Mr Lim Puay Sia, PBM, PBS

17 Mr Loo Sin Chong Francis

18 Ms Low Yin Fong

19 Mr John Ng Lee Chye

20 Mr Ong Wui Kor James

21 Mr Robert Sim Beng Cheong, PBM

22 Mr Jack Soh Tze Churn, BBM, PBM

23 Mr Louis Tan Beng Chuan

24 Mr Thian Boon Kwang Roland

25 Mr Thirunal Karasu s/o Palaniappan, PBM

26 Mr Ting Ah Chai, PBM, PB, PBS

27 Mr Tito Shane Isaac

28 Mdm Uma Devi d/o Sumeshwar

29 Mr Wee Pang Kiat, PBM

30 Mr Wong Yuk Fong, PBM, PBS

CMC (CENTRAL)


M E D I A T O R S


VOLUNTEER MEDIATORS

1 Mr Ang Kiat Seng Jeffrey, PBM

2 Mr Bakerche B Mohd., BBM, PBM, PBS

3 Mr Cheng Choon Hoe, PBM

4 Mdm Giam Lay Eng Marcellina, PBM

5 Mr Goh Sioh Chin

6 Mr Gopal Krishnan, BBM, PBM

7 Mr Hassan Bek s/o G.K, PBM, PBS

8 Mdm Jamunarani Manunethi

9 Mr Krishna Ramakrishna Sharma

10 Mr Law Shun Yong, BBM(L)

11 Ms Lela Kaur @ Lela Kumari Pillai

12 Mr Lim Seng Min, PBM, PB, PBS

13 Mr Low Lee Hean Edmund, PBM

14 Mr Low Peng Kit, BBM

15 Mr Ng Chin Cheong Simon

16 Mr Ng Poh Meng, BBM, PBM

17 Mr Puey Eng Gan, PBM

18 Mr Ramachandran P

19 Mr Song Msang Seng, PBM

20 Mr Wong Weng Kee David, BBM, PBM

21 Ms Wong Yat Men Grace

22 Mr Yong Chiang Boon, PBM

1 Mr Chai Yow Lin, PBM

2 Ms Chiang Ah Choo, PBM

3 Mr Justin Chu Wee Kian

4 Mr Er Swee Nguan

5 Mr Foo Chee Kiou Henry, PBM

6 Mr Gan Ong Peng

7 Mr Goh Hock Leng

8 Mdm Hadijah Binti Saini

9 Mr Ho Kok Wai Henry, BBM, PBM

10 Mr Ho Kong Sin Christopher

11 Mr Jayadev Unnithan, PBM

12 Mr Joshua VM Kuma

13 Mdm Kalsom Binte Ali

14 Dr Kwoh Chee Keong

15 Mr Lee Chong Khee, PBM

16 Mr Lee Piak Nam Winston

17 Mr Lee Poh Leng

18 Mr Lim Joo Yeong

19 Mr Low Chee Khan Jason

20 Mdm Jennifer Neo Ah Kwai

21 Mdm Ng Sai Choo, PBM

22 Mr Ng Yong Hwee, PBM

23 Mr Phan Kim Huat Peter

24 Mdm Rajendram Ambika

25 Mr Sivajothee Nanda Kumar, PBM

26 Mr Tan Kim Liang, BBM

27 Mr Sebastian Tan Siow Chuan, PBM

28 Mr Jimmy Teo Beng Ghee, PBM

29 Mr Tham See Fong, PBM

30 Mr Toh Soon Hee Wilfred

CMC(REGIONAL NORTH)


M E D I A T O R S


Statistics

CMC Mediation Sessions- By Centres


Mediation Sessions

CMC (Regional East)

CMC (Central)

CMC (Regional North)

CMC (Subordinate Courts)

CMC Mediation Sessions

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

120

179

211

273

280

342

451

443

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

120

76103

65143

65

80136

126

83128

73119

88

80118

114139

70101

69203

2005


CMC Outcome Statistics

Mediation Success Rate

Types Of Disputes

UnsuccessfulCases

SuccessfulCases

REGISTERED CASES 6,679

MEDIATIONS CONDUCTED 2,299

SUCCESSFUL MEDIATIONS 1,710

SUCCESS RATE 74%

26%

74%

Others

Landlord& Tenant

Friends

FamilyMembers

Neighbours

13%

10%

11%

12%

54%


Age Group Profile ofDisputants

General Profile ofDisputants

< 29 yrs

50 - 59 yrs

30 - 39 yrs

40 - 49 yrs6%

9%

20%

27%

StudentsUnemployed

Retirees

Housewives

Working Adults

2%

6%

16%

3%

73%

35%

60 - 69 yrs

3% > 69 yrs


Race Profile of Disputant

Preferred MediationLanguage

Others*Tamil

Malay

Mandarin

English

6%4%

25% 60%

5%

Others*

Indian

Malay

Chinese

3%

13%

14%70%

*Others include Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, Hainanese and Punjabi

*Others include Eurasian, Sikh, Caucasian etc.

Activities &Media


CMC ACTIVITIES

(A) PUBLIC AWARENESS ACTIVITIES

CMC Advertisements

CMC messages on Television

A CMC television advertisement has been on

air since July 2004 intermittently to generate

awareness about mediation and CMC's

mediation services. Part of CMU's holistic public

awareness strategy, this 30-second CMC

cartoon animation advertisement depicts a

typical neighbourhood dispute and its

successful resolution with the help of CMC

mediators. The latest advertisement blitz aired

in 2005 from mid July to mid August and mid

September to mid October.

CMC messages on Public Transport

Towards the end of 2005, Singaporeans also

saw five SBS double-decker Superbuses and

100 Comfort taxis bearing CMC awareness

messages out on our public roads. Behind-the-

seat posters in these taxis were developed to

elaborate on the services provided by the

CMC. Together, these vehicles travelled island-

wide to bring the message of mediation across

to the public at large.

In addition, the CMC animation advertisement

was also concurrently aired onboard the North-

East Line's in-train television panels.

These advertisements on the Singapore public

transport system would run till mid September

2006.


Newsletter - The Mediator

The CMU has been producing an in-house

newsletter - The Mediator - on a seasonal basis

since December 2003. The Mediator serves to

inform our CMC panel of mediators, working

partners as well as Ministry of Law's

management of the CMC's related news and

events.

CMC Brochure

In 2005, the CMU produced the current CMC

brochure which was developed in line with

the CMC's cartoon television advertisement.

These brochures are available for the public

to pick up at all the CMCs as well as the various

Neighbourhood Police Centres and Posts.

The brochure was conceptualized to cut across

age barriers and educational background,

using cartoon illustrations as a means of

communicating mediation concepts and

encourage harmonious living without the use

of 'words' within the illustrations.

The illustrations in the brochure depict typical

neighbourhood disputes with happy endings

as feuding parties reconcile after attending

mediation sessions at the CMC.

With accompanying text in Singapore's four

official languages, the brochures provide the

public at large with answers to frequently-

asked questions on mediation and other useful

information such as the locations, hotline

number and contact details of the various

CMCs.

CMC Annual Report

Under section 21 of the CMC Act, the Director

of the CMC is required to submit to the Minister

for Law a report on the activities, operations

and use of the CMC during the period of 12

months beginning on 1st April of each year

and ending on 31st March of the succeeding

year.

As with previous years, this year's Annual Report

will be made available to the CMU's working

partners, various grassroots organizations, all

the Ministries as well as visiting delegations.


(B) YOUTH OUTREACH

Peer Mediation Seminar at Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road)

As part of the CMU's ongoing efforts to educate

Singapore youths about mediation and its

benefits, the CMU organised a Peer Mediation

Seminar on 4 June 2005, during the mid-term

school holidays, at Anglo-Chinese School

(Barker Road). The two other participating

schools were Bendemeer Secondary School

and Methodist Girls' School (Secondary). In

total, 58 student leaders (mostly monitors,

prefects and peer mediators) from the three

schools participated in the event.

The Seminar began with opening remarks by

Guest of Honour, Mrs Tan-Kek Lee Yong, Deputy

Director, Psychological and Guidance Services

Branch, Education Programmes Division of

Ministry of Education (MOE), followed by a

training session on mediation delivered by CMU

Consultant, Assoc Prof Lim Lan Yuan.

The students' negotiation and mediation skills

were then put to test through an interactive

negotiation exercise followed by a hands-on

role-play session in the afternoon involving

several typical teenage conflict scenarios.

Thereafter, Assoc Prof Lim Lan Yuan gave

participants valuable pointers on their

respective role-play and constructive

comments on how to better their mediation

skills.

Youth Project organized by

Nanyang Girls' High School

On the morning of 9 June 2005, the CMU

played host to a group of 24 students from

various secondary schools, as part of a

collaborative effort between the CMU and

Nanyang Girls' High School on a youth project

titled 'Stepping Out - Active Youths in Words

and Actions'.

The event commenced with a presentation

on the work of the CMC followed by a

presentation on dispute resolution for teenagers

and the efforts by the CMU to promote peer

mediation to students as part of the larger

overall plan to cultivate a 'mediation culture'

within Singapore society.

Thereafter, two CMC Master Mediators, Mrs

Chia Swee Tin, JP and Mr Wee Pang Kiat, PBM

shared their mediation experiences with the

students. The students were thrilled by the

mediators' presence and were very responsive

and enthusiastic during the Question and

Answer Session.

Informal discussions and ideas flowed freely at

the tea reception where the students took the

opportunity to mingle and interact with the

mediators and the CMU staff. The event ended

with a site visit to the CMC (Central) where the

students were shown the mediation facilities.


Visit to CMC by Students

CMU also hosted students from Jurong Junior

College (JJ) as well as the Nanyang

Technological University (NTU) on 29 July 2005

and 29 August 2005 respectively.

The students from JJ were researching on

neighbourhood conflicts and were tasked to

come up with recommendations to help

neighbours bond better as part of their

academic 'A' Levels project work. The student

from the NTU was interested to understand

more about community mediation and the

CMC's work in this area.

Peer Mediation Assembly Programme to

22 Secondary Schools

The Peer Mediation Assembly Programme was

developed by the CMU to reach out to whole

cohorts of secondary school students during

school assembly sessions through an

entertaining and interactive skit performance

with 'amicable conflict resolution' and

'mediation' themes weaved into the story-line.

Put up by Act 3 Theatrics Pte Ltd, the skit

focused on how mediation skills could be useful

in helping students resolve squabbles amongst

themselves. This was followed by an interactive

quiz segment on mediation and conflict

resolution principles.

Piloted in September 2004, the Programme

made its third round of 22 school tours from

July to October 2005, reaching to about 13,200

students this time. Responses from the teachers

and students who participated in the

Programme were positive.

Mediation & YOUth Forum

This FY, the CMU organised a half-day forum

themed - Mediation & YOUth - on 4 March

2006 at Sheraton Towers Singapore. A new

initiative, this forum provided a platform for

students to grasp the knowledge of conflict

resolution and gain valuable insight to

mediation as a useful life-skill in their daily

interactions with others.

In total, more than 240 student leaders from

24 selected schools participated in the forum.

The day began with a group of professional

actors performing a skit on stage to re-enact

a typical dispute among teenagers and how

it was resolved though mediation. This was

followed by talks delivered by guest speakers,

namely Assoc Prof Lim Lan Yuan, Consultant

of CMU, Mr Lim Hong Chuang, Chairman of

People's Association Youth Movement, Central

Youth Council, Ms Kamaria Bte Djorimi, Master

Mediator of CMC (Central) and Mrs Chia Swee

Tin, Associate Mediator of Eagles Mediation

and Counselling Centre.

A survey conducted at the end of the seminar

yielded positive comments from students who

attended the forum. More than 98 percent of

the participants felt that they had learnt useful

ideas and skills through the forum. Positive

feedback was also received from the teachers,

who accompanied the students for the event.


(C) EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS

Outreach Briefings

Police Academy

This series of briefings at the Police Academy

was initiated on 29 September 2004 with the

aim of reaching out to new police trainees

fulfilling their National Service obligation as well

as regular police officers attending training

courses at the Academy. Among the topics

covered in these briefings were the types of

community disputes within the CMC's purview

and the standard procedures for the police

referral system.

In this FY, six such briefings on the CMC were

conducted to the trainees before they were

posted to their respective Neighbourhood

Police Centres and Neighbourhood Police

Posts.

Public Briefing in collaboration with

Consumers Association of Singapore

A public briefing was conducted by the CMU

on 11 June 2005, in collaboration with the

Consumers Association of Singapore. In this

briefing, members of the public were made

aware of the common types of community

and relational disputes that the CMC would

be able to mediate and assist in. The audience

was encouraged to contact the CMC through

the CMC hotline should they require mediation

services.

Briefing to Eagles Mediation & CounsellingCentre

The CMU played host to senior representatives

from the Eagles Mediation & Counselling

Centre of Singapore, on 22 July 2005. The CMC

corporate VCD which featured the CMC's

services and a re-enactment of a typical

dispute involving neighbours commonly

handled by the CMC was screened to the

representatives. This was followed by a briefing

on the CMC's mission and work.

Visit to CMC by Foreign Delegates

(i) Alternative Dispute Resolution Office,

Office of the Judiciary of Thailand ~

6 September 2005

(ii) Supreme Court and Court of Appeal of

Thailand ~ 25 January 2006

The CMU hosted two visits by Thai delegations

who were interested to learn more about

Singapore's community mediation framework

and the various services provided by the CMC.

The former visit was by a Judge and several

legal officers from the Alternative Dispute

Resolution Office, Office of the Judiciary of

Thailand. Three Justices, two Judges and five

officers from the Supreme Court and Court of

Appeal of Thailand were involved in the latter

visit.

The second visit was part of the Singapore-

Thailand Civil Service Exchange Programme,

where representatives of both governments

regularly pay visits to learn more about the

operations of their counterparts.


Basic Mediation Workshop

Twenty-two volunteers were trained during a

two-day Basic Mediation Workshop organised

by the CMU and conducted by CMU

Consultant, Assoc Prof Lim Lan Yuan from 15

to 16 October 2005. These volunteers came

from all walks of life and were interested in

contributing to the society by volunteering with

the CMC.

Volunteers selected had to undergo two co-

mediation sessions with experienced CMC

mediators, and at the recommendations and

evaluations of the co-mediators and the CMC

Director, suitable volunteers would then be

officially appointed as CMC mediators by the

Minister for Law.

Persuaders Scheme Briefing ForGrassroots Leaders

Since the CMC commenced operations in

1998, considerable success has been achieved

with a settlement rate of 74 percent. However,

for every case where parties agree to

mediation, there are two CMC-registered cases

where the respondent rejects mediation for

various reasons.

A pilot scheme called the 'Persuaders Scheme'

was launched in October 2003 to encourage

parties to participate in mediation. The scheme

involved a CMC mediator and a CMC

appointed Persuader making a visit to the

residence of the party who was unwilling to

attend a mediation session to better

understand his or her concerns, and persuade

that party to try mediation to resolve his or her

dispute. The partnership between a CMC

mediator (who is conversant with mediation)

and a grassroots leader from the disputant's

ward (who is a known figure of authority to the

residents) would help increase the chances of

that party coming forward to attend a

mediation session.

Nominated grassroots leaders volunteering

under the Scheme were required to attend a

briefing and training session organised by the

CMU. As of this FY, the CMU has briefed a total

of more than 425 grassroots leaders from 41

constituencies whom might be called upon to

pair up with CMC mediators to persuade their

constituents to try mediation should the need

arise.

(D) CAPABILITY ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES

Mediators' Training

To sustain the high level of professionalism of

the CMC's volunteer mediators, the CMU

continued to develop its mediator training and

accreditation programme. Topical courses

such as drafting of settlement agreements and

dealing with difficult disputants were

conducted to equip CMC mediators with

relevant skills in these specific areas.

A 'Mediation Clinic' was also piloted in

collaboration with the Singapore Mediation

Centre for a selected group of mediators to

improve and gain more in-depth skills in various

specialised areas of mediation. Feedback has

been positive and the CMU will continue to

develop and improve on the training provided.


Official Opening Ceremonyof CMC (Subordinate Courts)

The Official Opening Ceremony of the CMC

(Subordinate Courts) was held on Friday, 15

July 2005 at the Atrium of the Subordinate

Courts. This new CMC was officially opened

by Senior Minister of State for Law and Home

Affairs, Assoc Prof Ho Peng Kee and witnessed

by Senior District Judge, Mr Richard Magnus.

The Ceremony generated significant publicity

in the major mass media such as The Straits

Times, Lianhe Zaobao, MediaCorp Radio

FM93.8 and FM95.8. This new CMC was the

result of a year-long collaborative effort

between the CMU and the Subordinate Courts.

The facility first commenced pilot operations

twice weekly in May 2004, focusing on

mediating cases referred by Magistrates to the

CMC. After the Ceremony, the facility began

full scale operations along the lines of the other

CMCs.

The co-location of a CMC at the Subordinate

Courts makes it possible for suitable cases

involving relational disputes to be referred to

the CMC immediately after the parties appear

before the Magistrates. In the past, a separate

session had to be arranged for another day.

This arrangement has brought about greater

synergy between the CMC mediation service

and the Court referral process and it affords

disputants with a seamless dispute resolution

process. With this new CMC facility, we now

have four main CMCs and seven satellite

mediation venues, manned by a pool of

dedicated volunteer mediators.

Mediators' Appreciation Dinner

At the Mediators' Appreciation Dinner on 17

November 2005, 10 new volunteers were

appointed Mediators by DPM and Minister for

Law, Prof S Jayakumar under the CMC Act.

Organised by the CMU, the event was

officiated by Senior Minister of State for Law

and Home Affairs, Assoc Prof Ho Peng Kee as

well as distinguished guests from the judiciary,

the CMC's working partners and other

government agencies.

In his opening address to the volunteers, Assoc

Prof Ho Peng Kee mentioned that in Singapore's

dense urban build-up with people living in close

proximity, disputes between neighbours may

occur from time to time. However, these could

be resolved early at the community level by

mediation rather than in the Courts. He took

the opportunity to commend the mediators

for their effort and time in helping disputing

parties bridge their differences.

The highlight of the dinner was the interactive

drama staged by a professional theatre group

where the enthusiastic guests were given a

chance to play detectives to solve a murder

mystery. Apart from the on-stage performance,

the actors also 'interacted' with the guests at

their tables in their respective roles. Attractive

prizes were presented by Assoc Prof Ho Peng

Kee to the representatives of the winning tables.

The guests enjoyed the food, fun,

entertainment and camaraderie tremendously,

and left their dinner tables with a renewed

sense of friendship and bonding.


MEDIA HEADLINES

M E D I A

THE STRAITS TIMES

09 July 2005

Feature on CMC (Subordinate

Courts), including interviews

with CMC Master Mediators,

Mr Anthony Samy, PBM and Mr

Wong Yuk Fong, PBM, PBS

LIANHE ZAOBAO

09 July 2005


Courts), including an interview

with CMC Master Mediator, Mr

Wong Yuk Fong, PBM, PBS

RADIO FM93.8

15 July 2005

News bu l let in on CMC

(Subordinate Courts), including

soundbytes from Senior Minister

of State for Law and Home

Affairs, Assoc Prof Ho Peng

Kee's speech and an interview

with CMU Manager, Ms Gloria

Lim

RADIO FM95.8

18 July 2005

A segment on current affairs

programme - 'Bu Bu Zhui Zong'

on CMC (Subordinate Courts),

including soundbytes from

CMC Master Mediator, Mr

Wong Yuk Fong, PBM, PBS and

CMC Mediator Dr Edmund

Wong and CMU Deputy

Manager, Casen Ng

THE STRAITS TIMES 09 July 2005

LIANHE ZAOBAO 09 July 2005


THE NEW PAPER 18 July 2005

THE STRAITS TIMES 25 August 2005

THE NEW PAPER

18 July 2005


Courts), including an interview


Hassan Bek, PBM, PBS

THE STRAITS TIMES

25 August 2005

Feature on the work of CMC

and CMU's peer mediation

efforts, including interviews with

Senior Minister of State for Law

and Home Affairs, Assoc Prof

Ho Peng Kee and CMC Master

Mediator, Mr Wee Pang Kiat,

PBM

RADIO FM93.8

02 September 2005


Courts), including interviews


Wee Pang Kiat, PBM, CMU Asst

Manager, Ms Jessica Tan and

students from Anglo-Chinese

School

RADIO FM95.8

18 October 2005

Feature on CMU's peer

mediation efforts including an

interview with CMU Asst

Manager, Ms Jessica Tan

SOUTH EAST COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

COUNCIL'S CONTACT MAGAZINE

October 2005 Issue

THE STRAITS TIMES

14 November 2005

CHALLENGE MAGAZINE March 2006 Issue


SOUTH EAST COMMUNITYDEVELOPMENT COUNCIL'SCONTACT MAGAZINE

October 2005 Issue

Feature on CMC Master

Mediator, Mr Poh Tiong Bee,

PBM

THE STRAITS TIMES

14 November 2005

Article on Good Neighbour

Day with information on CMC

CHALLENGE MAGAZINE

March 2006 Issue

Feature on CMC including

interviews with CMC Master

Mediator, Mr Wee Pang Kiat,

PBM and Centre Executive,

CMC (Regional East), Ms Diana

Heng

CHANNEL NEWS ASIA

08 March 2006

A segment on news programme

- 'Get Real', where CMC was

mentioned

Building Bridges To Reconciliation Building Bridges To Reconciliation Building Bridges To Reconciliation

Community Mediation UnitMinistry of Law

The URA Centre, East Wing45 Maxwell Road #01-13

Singapore 069118Hotline: (65) 6325 1600

Website: www.minlaw.gov.sg/cmc

Building Bridges To - Home | Ministry of Law · - Visit to CMC by Students 29 Jul & 29 Aug 05 - Peer Mediation Assembly End Jul to End Oct 05 Programme at 22 Secondary Schools - Mediation

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