SICC establishes technology, infrastructure and construction list to manage technically complex disputes

29 November 2021

On 8 November 2021, the Supreme Court of Singapore announced that, with effect from 31 August 2021, the Singapore International Commercial Court (“SICC”) has established a specialised Technology, Infrastructure and Construction List (“TIC List”). President of the SICC, Justice Quentin Loh, noted that the inception of the TIC List is another significant milestone for the SICC in the expeditious and efficient administration of justice with procedural flexibility and fair, impartial and practical processes.

A case in the SICC may be placed in the TIC List by the court with the consent of the parties. For a case to be eligible to be placed in the TIC List, it must involve technically complex issues and the nature of the dispute must be such that trial by a TIC Judge is desirable.

Cases eligible for placement in the TIC List are those involving technically complex issues, such as (but not limited to) building and construction disputes, engineering disputes, disputes relating to architects, surveyors and accountants, claims relating to computer systems and computer software, and claims relating to the supply of goods or services for technology, infrastructure and construction projects.

Cases in the TIC List will benefit from additional case management features suited to the expeditious resolution of technically complex disputes, as such disputes usually involve many contracts signed by multiple parties with voluminous evidence to be considered. For instance, the ability to join parties into one hearing coupled with the efficiency and flexibility accorded under the TIC List would enhance the dispute resolution landscape for complex disputes, and result in time and costs savings for all parties involved.

Reference materials

The media release is available on the Singapore Courts website www.judiciary.gov.sg. More information on the TIC List is available on the SICC website www.sicc.gov.sg.