CJ appointed patron of global arbitration body

SINGAPORE - Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon has been appointed the new patron of the Britain-based Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) - the first time the accolade has gone to a Singaporean.

He succeeds top British judge and former president of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom Nicholas Phillips, also known as Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers, from this month for a three-year term.

CIArb, which celebrates its centenary next year, is a non- profit organisation that promotes alternative dispute resolution, such as arbitration, around the world. It has about 13,000 members in over 120 countries, and 35 branches, including one here.

Its director-general Anthony Abrahams said: "(Chief Justice Menon's) extensive expertise in international arbitration supports our overall vision of expanding CIArb's global reach."

CIArb called the 51-year-old a "leading figure in the legal profession" and noted his past record and the posts he held. These include his role as Singapore's former attorney-general and as a current member of the International Council for Commercial Arbitration's governing board.

Chief Justice Menon, who has been heading the judiciary here since November 2012, described the appointment as an "immense honour".

"The institute is the leading centre in the world for the professional education and training of arbitrators and I am privileged to be associated with it. I very much look forward to making a meaningful contribution in this new capacity."

vijayan@sph.com.sg

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