Course Description

Synopsis:

This module aims to equip SME decision-makers and managers with an understanding of how disputes can arise in business relationships, the different dispute resolution mechanisms available for resolving those disputes, and the implications of being involved in a civil claim in the Singapore Courts (such within the Small Claims Tribunals or the State Courts).

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

  • Recognise the main dispute resolution mechanisms available (negotiation, mediation, arbitration and litigation) and when each is appropriate.
  • Understand the jurisdiction and the process of Small Claims Tribunals in Singapore.
  • Appreciate how the simplified trial process (for lower-value civil claims) in the Magistrate’s Courts under the Rules of Court 2021 works in practice, including upfront production, case-management, and how SMEs can rely on it for expeditious resolution of their disputes.
  • Identify common pitfalls SMEs face in managing disputes (e.g., poor documentation, failure to engage early, incorrect forum choice, cost escalation) and adopt practical strategies to prevent or manage disputes proactively.

This is a 2-part series. Start with Legal Pitfalls for SMEs - Understanding the Fundamentals of Contracts.


Intended For:

  • Audit Professionals / PAIP 
  • Finance Professionals  / PAIB 
  • Public Sector Finance
  • C-suite & Directors
  • Business Owners


Competency Mapping: 

  • CPE Category "Others" = 0.5 CPE Hour
Instructor Image

Foo Chuan Ri

Senior Associate, Wee Swee Teow LLP, Mediator, Consumers Association of Singapore, Accredited Mediator, Singapore Mediation Centre

Chuan Ri is a Senior Associate of Wee Swee Teow LLP, a 113-year-old Singapore law firm. As a Singapore-qualified lawyer, he is both an Advocate and a Solicitor. Chuan Ri specialises in international commercial arbitration and litigation, with a sectoral focus in areas of oil and gas, renewable energy and commodities. He also has experience across other practice areas, including criminal defence, family and matrimonial disputes, and personal injury claims.Chuan Ri is also a Singapore Mediation Centre-accredited mediator and a mediator with the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE). He also heads the Secretariat at Arbitration Victoria, an institution that facilitates the referral of disputes from County Court of Victoria (the principal trial court of the Australian state of Victoria).

Course Rating

Speaker's Rating

Legal Pitfalls for SMEs: Managing Disputes

0.5 CPE Hour

Lesson(s)

4

Related courses