SIMC Concludes Mediation Skills Training Programme in Armenia with Support from the Asian Development Bank
From left to right: George Lim SC, Chairman of SIMC, Tigran Dadunts, Deputy Minister of Justice for Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia, and Chuan Wee Meng, Chief Executive Officer of SIMC.
The Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC) recently conducted a two-day Mediation Skills Training Programme in Yerevan, Armenia, for a group of experienced mediation professionals. The programme was supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen global mediation capacity and institutional readiness for the effective resolution of commercial disputes, including disputes with cross-border dimensions.
The training was led by George Lim SC, Chairman of SIMC, and Chuan Wee Meng, Chief Executive Officer of SIMC, with the assistance of Yap Pei Yin, Counsel at SIMC. Drawing on SIMC’s experience in administering and supporting international commercial mediations, the programme provided participants with structured and interactive training on mediation techniques and international best practices for cross-border commercial mediations.
Strengthening Cross-Border Commercial Mediation Capabilities
The programme brought together 18 participants, comprising experienced mediation professionals and senior lawyers in Armenia. Over the course of two days, the participants engaged actively in a combination of interactive sessions, facilitated discussions, simulations, and role-play exercises. These sessions were designed to deepen participants’ practical skills in managing complex commercial mediations, facilitating commercially durable outcomes, and strengthening mediator effectiveness in an international context.
Armenia has, in recent years, demonstrated a clear commitment to strengthening its alternative dispute resolution (ADR) ecosystem. There is a growing appreciation of mediation as an essential tool within this ecosystem, for improving access to justice and contributing to investor confidence, commercial certainty, and more efficient dispute resolution in an increasingly interconnected business environment.
Trainer Wee Meng conducting an interactive training session with participants during the workshop.
Trainer George Lim SC observing participants' fishbowl role-play and providing feedback.
Furthering SIMC's Mission
This initiative aligns closely with SIMC’s mission to promote mediation globally as a trusted and effective mechanism for the resolution of commercial disputes. As cross-border trade and investment continue to expand, mediation has an increasingly important role to play in enabling parties to resolve disputes efficiently while preserving business relationships and reducing the time and cost associated with adversarial proceedings.
SIMC remains committed to supporting the development of high-quality, internationally connected mediation ecosystems. Capacity-building initiatives such as this programme contribute to the growth of a broader community of mediation professionals who are equipped to apply international best practices while remaining attuned to local legal, commercial, and institutional contexts.
SIMC is grateful to the ADB and the Ministry of Justice of Armenia for their invaluable support of this important initiative. SIMC also extends its appreciation to all participants for their professionalism, active participation, and commitment to advancing best practices in dispute resolution.
The strong engagement demonstrated throughout the programme reflects the growing recognition of mediation as an important component of a modern commercial dispute resolution framework. SIMC looks forward to continued collaboration with the ADB and the Ministry of Justice of Armenia on the next phase of training and assessment, with a view to supporting participants in their progression towards recognition as accredited mediators.
Through continued partnership and professional development, SIMC is pleased to contribute to the advancement of mediation practice in Armenia and to the broader strengthening of international commercial dispute resolution capacity in the region.