The Young Singapore International Arbitration Centre (YSIAC) and The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Singapore Branch (CIArb) Present YMG Debate

Debate Motion: This House believes that arbitration contains sufficient safeguards against abuses by vexatious claimants and recalcitrant respondents

It does not take long from one’s entry into the world of arbitration to experience his or her first instance of a vexatious claimant or recalcitrant respondent. Arbitration is built on principles of efficiency and fairness, but does it truly have the muscle to rein in vexatious claimants and recalcitrant respondents? Can vexatious claimants exploit procedural loopholes to entangle respondents in endless and/or meritless proceedings, including in multiple fora, driving up costs and frustration? Can recalcitrant respondents stall, obstruct, and evade accountability, turning arbitration into a drawn-out battle of attrition? While tools like security for costs, anti-suit injunctions, early dismissal, and cost sanctions exist
to curb such tactics, how effective are they in practice?

With the 2025 SIAC Rules introducing new procedural innovations, this debate will also examine whether arbitration has successfully balanced efficiency, fairness, and due process—or if determined parties, backed by savvy counsel, can still find ways to tilt the playing field. Featuring a highly experienced line-up of debaters and judges representing arbitration counsel, arbitrators, and arbitral institutions, join us for a lively and thought-provoking discussion, challenging the boundaries of
arbitration’s ability to safeguard its integrity while delivering on its core promises.