In a captivating lecture held at Alfaisal University during Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitrations’ Riyadh International Disputes Week (RIDW24), Singaporean Minister of Law and Minister of Home Affairs, K. Shanmugam, shared insights into the pivotal role law plays in shaping Singapore’s progress and development and takeaways for Saudi Arabia as it goes through its own transformation. The audience included students and lawyers from around the world gathered to gain valuable perspectives on dispute resolution and the intersection of law with societal advancement.
Minister Shanmugam, who approaches law from both a practitioner’s and a ministerial viewpoint, emphasized the transformative power of legal frameworks in supporting social and economic development. The minister took the audience on a journey through Singapore’s remarkable evolution, detailing transformation from a once-struggling nation with low literacy rates and high unemployment to a vibrant, cosmopolitan city-state with a thriving economy. Despite being relatively one of the smallest in population and land size, Singapore is outperforming countries with populations 30 times its size.
The success of Singapore, according to Minister Shanmugam, can be attributed to its commitment to human development. With almost 90% home ownership, excellent public housing (HDB), and outstanding educational outcomes, Singapore has become the ideal place for children to grow up in. The minister highlighted the crucial role of law and governance in achieving these outcomes, emphasizing the importance of effective processes and institutions.
He showcased Singapore’s ability to address critical issues such as water scarcity and defense with a long-term view. By focusing on problem-solving and adopting innovative technologies, Singapore successfully overcame vulnerabilities, ensuring its citizens’ safety and peace.
In conclusion, the minister emphasized the vital role universities play in developing human resources, with meritocracy playing a key role in social and economic progress
The lecture demonstrated that even a small, resource-scarce country can progress with determination and a robust legal framework. Minister Shanmugam’s underscored the power of law and long-term vision to shape a nation’s destiny and highlighted Singapore as a testament to the transformative impact of legal governance. The evening ended with an interactive Q&A session allowing participants to delve deeper into alternate dispute resolutions (ADR) and Minister Shanmugam’s insights.
