AUG 2018

Issue 02 | AUG 2018

JUDICIARY TIMES
6TH Council of The President State Courts Host
ASEAN Chief Justices Visits the Public Service Week
Meeting Supreme Court Learning Journeys

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contents Issue 02 | AUG 2018

01 02 03

6TH COUNCIL 5th Working THE PRESIDENT

OF ASEAN Group Meeting VISITS THE
CHIEF JUSTICES on Cross-Border SUPREME COURT
Meeting Disputes Involving
Children

04 04
06 05

FAMILY Public Talk on STATE COURTS

CONFERENCE Divorce HOST PUBLIC
2018 SERVICE WEEK
LEARNING
JOURNEYS

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06 07 07

STUDENTS JUDICIAL FOREIGN

ATTEND STATE OFFICERS LANGUAGE
COURTS’ ANNUAL PARTICIPATE INTERPRETERS
A DAY IN COURT IN WELLNESS ATTEND TRAINING
SEMINAR PROGRAMMES WORKSHOP

08 08 09

Supreme Court MEMBERS OF THE STATE COURTS

Hosts Lunch and JUDICIARY ATTEND PARTICIPATE IN
Dialogue with TRIPARTITE LUNCH CSR ACTIVITIES
the Criminal Bar

10-11 12 13-14 14 15-16

Notable WHAT’S AWARDS & UPCOMING BEHIND THE
Visits NEW ACCOLADES EVENTS SCENES

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HIGHLIGHTS

6TH COUNCIL OF
ASEAN CHIEF JUSTICES MEETING
The Supreme Court of Singapore hosted the 6th Council of ASEAN
Chief Justices (CACJ) Meeting on 27 July. A series of fruitful
closed-door sessions were held to discuss the work of the six
working groups of the CACJ. The meeting concluded with the
ASEAN Chief Justices and their representatives adopting the
Singapore Declaration which sets out the agreed mandates on
the future work of the CACJ. Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon also
took over the chairmanship of the CACJ from Brunei Darussalam.

The ASEAN Judiciaries Portal (AJP) was officially launched on the
same morning of the 6th CACJ Meeting by Chief Justice Menon,
the Norwegian Ambassador to ASEAN, Morten Høglund and
Justice Dato Paduka Haji Hairol Arni Bin Haji Abdul Majid from
the Supreme Court of Brunei Darussalam (representing the
Chief Justice of Brunei Darussalam, the former CACJ Chair).
The first of its kind, the AJP provides accessibility to information
on ASEAN judicial and legal systems, leading to improved
knowledge on the application of the rule of law within the ASEAN
region. A members-only secure section within the portal also
provides CACJ members a platform for knowledge sharing and
communications amongst ASEAN Judiciaries. Funding for the
portal was obtained from the Norwegian-ASEAN Regional
Initiatives Fund. The Launch was attended by about 150 guests
including ASEAN Chief Justices and Judges, Minister for
Foreign Affairs, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Social and
Family Development and Second Minister for National Development,
Mr Desmond Lee, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN
for Community and Corporate Affairs, Dr AKP Mochtan
and Ambassadors or their Representatives from ASEAN.

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HIGHLIGHTS

5th Working
On 26 July, Chief Justice hosted a Welcome Dinner at
the Istana for the 6th CACJ Meeting participants,
ASEAN Law Association (ALA) Office Holders and their
accompanying spouses. The Guests-of-Honour at the
dinner were Her Excellency President Halimah Yacob and
Mr Mohamed Abdullah Alhabshee.
Group Meeting
The 13th ALA General Assembly and ASEAN Law
Conference were held on the sidelines of the 6th CACJ
on Cross-Border
Meeting from 25 to 28 July. Chief Justice Menon was
elected President of the ALA at elections held at the Disputes Involving
Children
closing of its general assembly, a position he would hold
for a term of three years.

The 5th Working Group (WG) on Cross-Border Disputes involving

Children was held in the afternoon of 26 July at the Supreme
Court. The meeting was co-chaired by Justice Debbie Ong,
Presiding Judge of the Family Justice Courts and Judge
Angelene Mary Quimpo-Sale of the Philippines. Judges and
officials from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos,
Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam were also present.

The meeting discussed the follow-up to the 4th WG meeting

that was held in Manila on 25 and 26 October 2017.
These included –

• A set of common procedures when ASEAN Member States

have cross-border disputes involving children.
• A non-binding Code of Conduct and Protocol to deal with
cross-border disputes involving children within ASEAN.
• The adoption of a Country Profile template to be filled
in by each ASEAN Member State to facilitate the
collation of the applicable laws and reciprocal
arrangements they may currently have.
• The proposed organisation of the 2nd ASEAN Family Judges
Forum (AFJF) in Singapore to be held on the day before a
Hague Conference that is scheduled to take place in
Singapore in March 2019.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the WG agreed to adopt

a common procedure for dealing with cross-border disputes
involving children within ASEAN where appropriate and to
work on a non-binding Code of Conduct and Protocol to
deal with such cases. The proposed Country Profile template
and flow chart were adopted and each ASEAN Member
State will populate the content for their respective countries.

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EVENTS & INITIATIVES

THE PRESIDENT VISITS THE

SUPREME COURT

The Supreme Court was honoured to receive President Justice Quentin Loh shared on the structure and procedures
Halimah Yacob and Members of the Council of Presidential of the Singapore International Commercial Court while
Advisers (CPA) on 4 July. President and the CPA Members Justice Lee Seiu Kin and Justice Debbie Ong elaborated
were brought on a tour of the Supreme Court and briefed on the work of State Courts and Family Justice
on the work of the the Judiciary. Chief Information Officer Courts respectively. Chief Justice and members of the
of Supreme Court Mr Santhanam presented on the Bench then hosted President and the CPA members to
Judiciary’s digital journey and the initiatives of the Courts a lunch reception.
of the Future.

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EVENTS & INITIATIVES

FAMILY CONFERENCE 2018

updates on Syariah family practice, conflict management
and mental health issues.

Keynote Speaker for the Conference, Ms Indranee Rajah,

SC (Second Minister for Law) called on the legal profession
to transform itself in tandem with the changes in our
family justice system -

“I would urge all practising lawyers here to know and

understand that you are not just a family lawyer. You are
specialist lawyers. You will need to become a specialist
lawyer in your own right... We are at the point of time
The Law Society of Singapore (LSS) organised an where we are transforming family law... You are at the
inaugural Family Conference on 8 and 9 May at the vanguard and the forefront of this transformation. In the
Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre. The Conference context of family law, you have to be peacemakers. You
was spearheaded by LSS’s Family Law Practice have to be the problem solvers and to some extent, the
Committee in collaboration with the Probate Practice people who also have to counsel… There are some types
and Succession Planning Committee and the Muslim Law of cases where you really need the professionals to step
Practice Committee, attracting some 215 delegates. in. But I think as lawyers, you need to understand what
the underlying issue is and very often the issue is not legal”.
The 2-day event was uniquely designed with panel and
workshop segments relevant to both senior and junior The Family Conference 2018 was strongly supported by
practitioners. The Conference encompassed family law the Family Justice Courts with many Judges fielded as
practice holistically with the aim of benefitting delegates moderators and speakers. The Conference was a
with a breadth of knowledge from experts in their field, resounding success with participants sharing that they
who spoke on topics including private wealth, mental are looking forward to the next one, scheduled for
capacity, inheritance and succession planning, matrimonial July 2019.
matters, adoption and fostering, Islamic estate planning,

Public Talk on Divorce

The inaugural Talk, held on 13 July was well attended.
Assistant Registrar Jinny Tan opened the session by
explaining the four different types of divorce proceedings
in Singapore. This was followed by an overview on
Singapore’s divorce law by family lawyers Ms Susan Tay
and Ms Amy Lim. CJC also took the opportunity to
introduce the attendees to the third module of their
recently launched Automated Court Document Assembler
which litigants can use for their simplified divorce. The Talk
concluded with an engaging Q&A session with the panel
of speakers.

Commenting on the Talks, Deputy Presiding Judge and

Registrar of the FJC Mr Chia Wee Kiat said, “These Talks
will offer practical and useful knowledge to individuals,
The Family Justice Courts (FJC), in collaboration with the who are thinking about or have taken steps to file for
Law Society Pro Bono Services (LSPBS) and the Community divorce, and help them better navigate the often stressful
Justice Centre (CJC) have started a series of pro-bono Talks situation to make informed decisions on divorce matters.”
entitled “Divorce and You”. Tailored to help individuals He added that “Divorce is one of the most stressful events
who are contemplating divorce or going through divorce, in a person’s life. The decision to do so will irrevocably
the Talks cover the divorce process and procedure as well change the lives of all family members, particularly children.
as offer information on the help services available to Thus it is important for individuals thinking of divorce,
them at various stages. Scheduled in the evenings for the to consider carefully, and try all other avenues of help to
convenience of those working, the Talks will be held every resolve the conflicts before starting a divorce proceeding.”
other month at LSPBS.
Registration details for the next talk can be found on
page 14.

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EVENTS & INITIATIVES

Supreme Court Hosts Lunch and

Dialogue with the Criminal Bar

The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, led a lively panel discussion, engaging the guests on
hosted the annual lunch and dialogue session with the pertinent topics centered on criminal law, such as the
Criminal Bar on 12 July. impact of sentencing guidelines and the involvement of
amicus curiae from the CPC to assist the court. After the
The event was attended by Attorney-General Lucien Wong, session, Mr Wendell Wong, Co-chairperson of the CPC,
President of the Law Society, Mr Gregory Vijayendran, thanked Chief Justice for hosting members of the Bar,
Presiding Judge of the State Courts, Justice See Kee Oon, noting that the platform provided an excellent opportunity
and key stakeholders from Supreme Court, the Criminal for members in the Criminal Law sector to engage the
Bar, and the Criminal Law Practice Committee (CPC) of the Supreme Court and Attorney-General’s Chambers on
Law Society of Singapore. During the session, Chief Justice issues and challenges pertaining to criminal law.

MEMBERS OF THE JUDICIARY ATTEND

TRIPARTITE LUNCH

Over 100 guests, including members of the Bench, the Bar, for networking and an engaging discussion between Chief
Prosecution, Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Law Justice and the various stakeholder groups. The Law
Society attended the Tripartite Lunch that was hosted by Society also shared a video highlighting the recent Criminal
the Law Society on 16 July in the Orchid Ballroom at Bar Charity Gala that raised a total of $525,000 for the
The Central, Clarke Quay. The Lunch provided a platform Yellow Ribbon Fund on 6 April.

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EVENTS & INITIATIVES

STUDENTS ATTEND STATE COURTS’

ANNUAL A DAY IN COURT SEMINAR

The State Courts’ A Day in Court seminar for student The full-day programme also included an exclusive fireside
leaders was held on 31 May. A total of 95 students chat with some of the State Courts’ Judges and a tour
from 48 schools that included Co-Curricular Activity of the State Courts at the end of the seminar.
leaders, school prefects and student council members
between 14 and 16 years old attended the seminar. In their feedback, all participants said that the role-play
sessions gave them a better understanding of court
Participants learned about aspects of the criminal justice and mediation processes, and the roles of the parties
system, the restorative justice model adopted by the involved. Some reflected how the conflict-resolution skills
courts for cases involving youth, as well as how alternative learned will benefit them as school councillors and leaders
dispute resolution methods can be used to amicably of tomorrow, while others shared how they have been
resolve disputes. As part of the seminar, the students inspired to consider law as a career.
were also given the opportunity to role-play in the
courtroom and in chambers. “The seminar is a well-organised and well-thought
through programme that lets young student leaders
In court, they got to role-play as either the Judge, learn the structure of a court, and it appeals to
Prosecutor, Defence Counsel or the Accused, in a case students who want to be part of the judicial system”
involving “John”, a teenager who had been charged in
court for unlawful assembly. Through the different roles, - Carlos Camilo,
they learned more about different considerations to Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road)
determine an accused person’s suitability for probation
and for sentencing. The A Day in Court seminar, which is part of the
State Courts’ outreach efforts to enhance the community’s
In chambers, participants were able to develop their understanding of their work, saw the highest participation
mediation skills through a simulated case involving since it was first introduced in 2014.
neighbours in dispute. They took turns to play the role
of the mediator and learned the appropriate methodologies
used to resolve disputes.

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EVENTS & INITIATIVES

JUDICIAL OFFICERS PARTICIPATE IN

WELLNESS PROGRAMMES
The Singapore Courts organised a series of Judicial Wellness Programmes
for Judicial Officers (JOs) between April and May. The aim of the sessions
is to provide time and space for JOs to have a candid and constructive
period to engage on issues affecting judicial stress and well-being.

The programme covered topics such as identifying and sharing aspects of

judicial work that could impact one’s psychological well-being, strategies
on managing stress and developing skills in evidence-based practices to
improve overall psychological well-being.

The sessions were conducted on separate occasions for the three courts
by Judicial Well-being Adviser, Ms Carly Schrever and Organisational
Psychologist, Ms Maryanne Mooney from the Judicial College Victoria.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS

ATTEND TRAINING WORKSHOP
language interpreters training workshop on 1 June.
A total of 56 freelance foreign language interpreters
attended the workshop, which covered topics like
basic interpretation skills and court processes. The
training workshop provided them with the tips, tools
and knowledge to interpret in court efficiently,
effectively and confidently.

A mass oath taking ceremony, presided by District Judge
Christopher Goh, was also conducted for all the
active freelance foreign language interpreters at the end
of the workshop.

In their feedback, participants expressed their appreciation

for the content covered and their gratitude for the
comprehensive training that was provided to them.
The State Courts have 54 in-house Language Officers
to provide interpretation in Mandarin, Malay, Tamil or “It was a good refresher course and it certainly
other local dialects to accused persons who do not speak helped me catch up with the many procedural
or have limited proficiency in the English language. changes that have taken place since my retirement’’
When the need arises, freelance interpreters are
engaged to provide court interpretation for non- – Mr Ajmer Singh, freelance Punjabi / Hindi
vernacular languages such as Hindi or Tagalog. interpreter
To ensure that high standards of court interpretation
are maintained, the State Courts conducted a foreign

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EVENTS & INITIATIVES

Supreme Court Hosts Lunch and

Dialogue with the Criminal Bar

The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, led a lively panel discussion, engaging the guests on
hosted the annual lunch and dialogue session with the pertinent topics centered on criminal law, such as the
Criminal Bar on 12 July. impact of sentencing guidelines and the involvement of
amicus curiae from the CPC to assist the court. After the
The event was attended by Attorney-General Lucien Wong, session, Mr Wendell Wong, Co-chairperson of the CPC,
President of the Law Society, Mr Gregory Vijayendran, thanked Chief Justice for hosting members of the Bar,
Presiding Judge of the State Courts, Justice See Kee Oon, noting that the platform provided an excellent opportunity
and key stakeholders from Supreme Court, the Criminal for members in the Criminal Law sector to engage the
Bar, and the Criminal Law Practice Committee (CPC) of the Supreme Court and Attorney-General’s Chambers on
Law Society of Singapore. During the session, Chief Justice issues and challenges pertaining to criminal law.

MEMBERS OF THE JUDICIARY ATTEND

TRIPARTITE LUNCH

Over 100 guests, including members of the Bench, the Bar, for networking and an engaging discussion between Chief
Prosecution, Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Law Justice and the various stakeholder groups. The Law
Society attended the Tripartite Lunch that was hosted by Society also shared a video highlighting the recent Criminal
the Law Society on 16 July in the Orchid Ballroom at Bar Charity Gala that raised a total of $525,000 for the
The Central, Clarke Quay. The Lunch provided a platform Yellow Ribbon Fund on 6 April.

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EVENTS & INITIATIVES

STATE COURTS PARTICIPATE IN CSR

ACTIVITIES

Since the beginning of the year, the State Courts have Adopted charities are specially chosen and will not only
organised and participated in some 10 Corporate Social have activities and exclusive events organised for them,
Responsibility (CSR) activities. These include collaborations but is also the beneficiary for the annual State Courts’
with non-profit social-enterprises, programmes that National Day Charity Carnival. Earlier in the year, staff
give back to the community, as well as fundraising volunteers got together to paint another mural installation
for adopted charities. for their adopted charity of two years - the Singapore
Cheshire Home.
In April, the State Courts collaborated with Soles4Souls,
an American-based non-profit social-enterprise, to organise The newly adopted charity for this year is the Singapore
a shoe donation drive where a total of 450 pairs of After-Care Association (SACA), which is a key aftercare
pre-loved footwear in good condition were collected agency providing welfare and rehabilitation services for
from staff. discharged offenders and their families. Activities that have
been lined up for SACA include movie screenings and other
Blankets, soft toys and clothing were also collected fundraising programmes to help keep their services going.
over 3 days in June for the Global Ehsan Relief Recycle
Drive. These donation drives helped to rally staff together Formed in 2014, the State Courts’ CSR committee
to do their part for the less privileged. comprising judicial officers and court administrators from
across all divisions, has continued to organise events and
Staff volunteers never fail to support the CSR activities that activities that encompass the spirit of volunteerism and
the State Courts organise. In July, about 35 staff volunteers teamwork, whilst raising awareness regarding the needs
spent their afternoon at East Coast Park to perform of our society. Their CSR committee has lined up more
a beach clean-up, where they collected trash and helped activities in the coming months and also look forward to
to spruce up the environment for the enjoyment of all. co-organising the annual Judiciary Cares event with the
Supreme Court and Family Justice Courts in December.

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NOTABLE VISITS
VISIT BY AMBASSADOR OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Singapore, His
Excellency Hong Xiaoyong made an introductory call on Chief
Justice Sundaresh Menon on 9 May. Much was discussed at the
call, including opportunities for China and Singapore to deepen
legal and judicial cooperation.

Visit by National Judges College, People’s Republic of China

A delegation from the National Judges College, Supreme People’s
Court, People’s Republic of China, led by Vice President Ms Feng
Wenli visited the State Courts and Family Justice Courts (FJC)
on 9 May. They were received by District Judge Victor Yeo and
District Judge Seah Chi-Ling at the State Courts and District Judge
Yarni Loi at the FJC, who presented an overview of the
two courts respectively. The visit was part of a 3-day exchange
programme that SJC organised.

Visit by Vietnamese Delegation

On 10 May, officials from the Central Commission for Internal
Affairs, Communist Party of Vietnam, led by Deputy Secretary
General of the Supreme People’s Procuracy of Vietnam, Mr Bui
Manh Cuong, visited the State Courts. They were received by
District Judge Ong Hian Sun, District Judge Victor Yeo, District
Judge Wong Peck and District Judge Chay Yuen Fatt, who
presented on case management and how corruption cases are
handled in the State Courts.

Visit by Seoul Bankruptcy Court & MOU signing

A Seoul Bankruptcy Court delegation, led by Chief Judge Kyung
Chun Lee, Presiding Judge Jin Woong Lee and Judge Young Seok
Kim, visited the Supreme Court on 16 May. They were briefed on
the Singapore International Commercial Court by Senior Director
(Business Development), Mr Laurence Wong and the Court’s
Practice for Insolvency and the Judicial Insolvency Network
Guidelines by Assistant Registrars Ms Karen Tan and Ms Norine Tan.
The delegation also called on Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, before
a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which aimed to improve
the efficiency and effectiveness of transnational insolvency
proceedings by encouraging cooperation, was signed between both
courts. The MOU was signed by Judge of Appeal, Justice Steven Chong
representing Supreme Court and Chief Judge Kyung Chun Lee
of the Seoul Bankruptcy Court, with Chief Justice witnessing the
ceremony. Judges from the Company, Insolvency and Trusts list were
also invited to attend the MOU signing ceremony.

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NOTABLE VISITS
VISIT BY DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION BUREAU, SUPREME PEOPLE’S
COURT, PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
In support of the NUS Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Masters in
Public Management – Internship and Masters in Public Administration
and Management – Externship programmes, the Supreme Court hosted
Director of the International Cooperation Bureau, Mr Han Feng, from
the Supreme People’s Court of the People’s Republic of China, to three
briefings on 25 June. They included a briefing on an overview of the
judiciary by Assistant Registrar Ms Zeslene Mao, a briefing on a fair
and independent judiciary by Director and Deputy Director, Strategic
Planning & Policy, Ms Shirlynn Loo and Mr Kevin Tang and a briefing
on court technology by Chief Information Officer, Mr Santhanam.
Senior Director (Business Development), Mr Laurence Wong also gave
a briefing on the Singapore International Commercial Court.

JUDICIAL OFFICERS FROM FIJI VISIT THE SUPREME COURT AND STATE COURTS
On 26 July, Justice Mohamed Ajmeer Mohamed Haniffa and Magistrate
Deepika Prakash from the Judicial Department of Fiji visited the
Supreme Court and State Courts to learn about the Singapore
Judicial System. The delegates observed civil and criminal
proceedings in court and in chambers. They rounded off their visits
with discussions on practical work matters led by Assistant
Registrar Ms Janice Wong at the Supreme Court, and District Judge
Wong Peck and District Judge Luke Tan at the State Courts.

Visit by Chancellor of the Judiciary of Guyana

A delegation led by Chancellor of the Judiciary of Guyana, Madam
Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, visited the Supreme Court
on 6 and 7 August, and the State Courts on 8 August. They were
received by Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon at the Supreme Court
and Presiding Judge of the State Courts, Justice See Kee Oon and
Deputy Presiding Judge and Registrar, Ms Jennifer Marie at the
State Courts. The delegation learned about Supreme Court’s
digital journey, eLitigation and also met with the Singapore Judiciary
College Dean, Mr Foo Chee Hock and Executive Director,
Mr Paul Quan, at the Supreme Court. At the State Courts,
District Judge Constance Tay presented on the court’s use of
technology, before the delegation went on an extended court tour
that showcased the case management systems used and IT facilities
like the Automated Collection System.

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WHAT’S NEW?

’S
WHAT ?
VULNERABLE ADULTS ACT NEW
PASSED IN PARLIAMENT
The Vulnerable Adults Act was passed in Parliament Such applications will be made by the Director of Social
on 18 May to safeguard persons above 18 years of age Welfare or Adult Protector from the Ministry of Social and
who suffer from a physical or mental disability, against Family Development (MSF) who are also empowered
abuse, neglect or self-neglect. Under the Act, the Court under the Act to step in and assess the situation, to
has authority to make orders which include: ensure the safety of such individuals. Protection-related
orders can also be applied for by the vulnerable adult and
• Placing the vulnerable adult in alternative care specified persons.
arrangements
• Protection-related orders; e.g. to restrict a third-party’s The Act is intended to strengthen the existing adult
access to the vulnerable adult protection framework and laws, the effectiveness of which
is contingent upon the family, the community and the state
• Orders that ensure that the vulnerable adult resides
in a safe living environment playing a complementary role. The Act is expected to be
implemented in the last quarter of 2018 with applications
being made to the Family Courts via iFAMS.

MAGISTRATE’S COMPLAINTS
SECTION HAS MOVED
The Magistrate’s Complaints Section at the State Courts allegations of harassment and/or disputes between
has relocated from the Crime Registry to the Community neighbours. Besides criminal sanctions, civil remedies
Justice and Tribunals Division (CJTD) with effect from for such matters are also available under the Protection
April 2018. from Harassment Act (POHA) and the Community
Disputes Resolution Act (CDRA).
Magistrate’s Complaints are filed by a private individual
when he wishes to pursue criminal legal proceedings With the relocation, court users will now experience the
against someone who has committed a criminal offence convenience of having all their available options evaluated
against him. Magistrate’s Complaints often involve and explained to them at the CJTD.

Change in FJC’s Registry Operating Hours

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AWARDS & ACCOLADES

THE JUDICIARY WINS 24 PUBLIC SECTOR
TRANSFORMATION AWARDS
The Singapore Courts were recognised for their commitment to
service delivery, innovation and best practices, and organisational
excellence at the Public Sector Transformation Awards 2018 held
at Resorts World Sentosa Convention Centre on 4 July. A total
of 24 awards were received by the judiciary this year.

Supreme Court bagged a total of 10 awards, including four Star

Service Individual Awards, two Star Service Team Awards, one
Star Manager Award and three ExCEL Innovation Project
Awards. Additionally, two lawyers, Mr Adrian Tan and
Mr Bryan Ghows, received Letters of Commendation under
the Star Customer Award Category, for contributing feedback
on new courtroom design and assisting with the creation of
educational videos.

State Courts brought home 12 awards which comprised six

Star Service Individual Awards, three Star Service Team Awards,
one Star Manager Award, one ExCEL Innovation Project Award,
and one ExCEL Innovation Champion Award.

Family Justice Courts (FJC) received one Star Service Individual

Award and one Star Service Team Award, which was awarded
to the team who worked on the Integrated Family Application
System (iFAMS).

Trivia: ExCEL stands for Excellence through Continuous

Enterprise and Learning!

Star Service Award Star Manager Award

Supreme Court Haryati Binte Jumahat Supreme Court Deviki Rengupillai Ramiah
Jazz Ng Yi Jia
Mattias Low Kheng Wei State Courts Noran Farhana Binte Mohammed
Soh Hui San
Star Service Team Award
State Courts Caliph Md Sufiyan Bin Moezar
Jackie Chong Keng Lai Supreme Court SPPD- ians
Kalai Selvi Rajendran Shirlynn Loo, Lee Mei Teng, Kevin Tang,
Puvana Ramasamy Noah Chan Yee Loong
S Nachamai Subramanian
Tan Jia Hui Cherie Supreme Court Legal Directorate Records
Counter
Family Justice Courts Chiam Toon Han
Jazz Ng Yi Jia, Santhi Pannirselvam,
Saimah Yayah
ExCEL Innovation Champion
State Courts Automated Collection System Team
State Courts Ha Yeong Sheng Erwin Chew, Bradley Tan, Mark Tay, Puvana
Ramasamy, Aston Chow, Gary Chiang,
Leong Pui Kwan, Shakilah Muttalib,
ExCEL Innovation Project
Iskandar Abbas, Winnie Thong, Tan Kiat Boon,
Supreme Court Competency_Interpreted! Josephine Tan, Chia Wan Leng, Richard Tan
Jack Lim, Ivy Neo, Lim Cher Yeow,
Wong Hee Huang, Elsie Chee, Soh Hui San , State Courts Employment Claims Tribunals
Nooreini Bte Atan , Rageswari Suppiah, Working Group
Suhana Bte Salleh, Tay Hee Chew and Soh Tze Bian, Wong Li Tein, Sandra Looi,
selected interpreters Dorothy Ling, Karolyn Gin, Ha Yeong Sheng,
Pandiyan Vellasami, Edith Tan, Wong Su Ann
Idea Brewers
Leung Shun Yee, Ryan Koh, Suleiman Statistics and Analysis Section
Shariman, Marina Wang, Sandiraleka Shen Qinghui, Kalai Selvi Rajendran,
Kannandan, Nurfarhana Md. Rehan Looi Siew Yuen, Huang Caiwei, Nur Huda
Abdul Hamid, Desmond Tan, Geoffrey Lim
The TPCians
Family Justice Courts FJC Integrated Family Application
James Elisha Lee, S Raventhiran, Elyse Ang
Management System
Wee Wee, Sherelyn Khoo, Jailani Jayos
Muhammad Hidhir Abdul Majid, Colin Tan,
State Courts Community Justice & Tribunals System Geraldine Kang, Wendy Yu, Goh Kiat Yi,
Ow Yong Tuck Leong, Wong Li Tein, Daniel Chiah, John Heng, Sarah Salim,
Anne Durray, Ha Yeong Sheng, Noraini Hanifah, Jacqueline Kwa,
Balasubramaniam Tharmalinggam, Lee-See Fong Pheng , Cynthia Teo ,
Rita Anthony, Kenny Tan, Ryan Quek, Tay Hee Chiew, Suhana Salleh, Leow Bee
Tan Hua Kiang, Goh Poo Choo Ling, Lee Meng Chung, Lim Soon Aik ,
Winston Cheng, Tan Hong Ean, Ong Hui Eng,
Marcus Lum, Henny Fang

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Issue 02 | AUG 2018

JUDICIARY TIMES
6TH Council of The President State Courts Host
ASEAN Chief Justices Visits the Public Service Week
Meeting Supreme Court Learning Journeys

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 JUDICIARY TIMES - issue 02

BEHIND THE SCENES

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH

Court InterpreterS

Nooreini Bte Atan Yeo Ai Fern Masilamany Gnanaraj

Court Interpreters are an integral part of the judiciary and play an important role in the courtroom. In Singapore,
all court proceedings are conducted in English, and these officers provide interpretation for court users who are not
conversant in English, thereby ensuring that language barriers do not impede the administration of justice.

Besides interpreting the court proceedings, they assist in translating court documents and are also appointed as
Commissioners for Oath to administer oaths or affirmations for documents that are to be submitted to the courts.

Court Interpreters are held to a high standard of proficiency. Since May 2017, to professionalise the role, newly appointed
Court Interpreters are required to pass the Certification Examination for Professional Interpreters, conducted by the
Singapore University of Social Sciences.

In this issue, we interviewed Nooreini Bte Atan from the Supreme Court, Yeo Ai Fern from the State Courts and
Masilamany Gnanaraj from the Family Justice Courts, who collectively have over 90 years of experience as Court
Interpreters.

How did you start your career as a court interpreter?

Nooreini: I was a nursing student before my passion to the role and landed me the job 20 years ago. Before
for the Malay language inspired me to pursue a that, I had not given much thought about the important
career as an interpreter in the courts. I started as a role of interpretation in court. It was an exciting opportunity
Student Interpreter in August 1984 and was the first to be in a dynamic, unique and challenging environment
female Malay language Interpreter to be transferred to the and I have never looked back.
Supreme Court Malay Interpreters Section in 1992.
Masilamany: At the age of 22, I started my career as a
Ai Fern: My natural inclination towards the Chinese language Court Interpreter at the then Subordinate Courts after my
and my strong command of the Hokkien dialect drew me National Service in 1977. (Ed: This is his first job!)

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BEHIND THE SCENES

What is a typical work day for you? Tell us about your most memorable case and how you
handled the situation?
Ai Fern: I get my assignments for the day every morning.
These could be to provide interpretation in court, in Masilamany: I recall interpreting in my first murder trial
chambers, at the tribunals, at mediation sessions, or to in the Supreme Court in 1988. I was nervous but I kept
explain court processes or legal procedures to court users calm and did my best. At the end of the trial, he was
at the registry counters. An assignment can take as little found guilty and sentenced to be hanged. Being my first
as an hour, to as long as a day, or even several days. such experience, I was quite shaken when I was
Before the assignments, I would prepare myself by reading interpreting the death sentence to the accused. As a
up on specialised terms or the subject matter and make my young interpreter you may wonder how your
own case notes. interpretation played a part in the eventual outcome;
in this case, he was sent to the gallows. The Tamil-speaking
Nooreini: Beyond our assignments, we also take part in defence counsel and my senior colleague who had
regular sharing sessions amongst our colleagues that allow observed the proceedings assured me that my
us to exchange best practices and share our experiences interpretation was professional and accurate throughout
on more challenging cases. We also use these sessions to the trial, and that assurance gave me the confidence I
broaden our language skills. For example, we may try to needed to persevere.
decipher documents in printed and handwritten Jawi
writings from a different era to be exposed to different Nooreini: There are light-hearted moments too, one that
writing and language styles. I can vividly remember was when a party was asked to
produce a “short witness” before the court adjourned
Masilamany: As the Head of the Indian language section, for lunch. He then went on to line all the witnesses
my main responsibility is to ensure that all daily requests up according to their heights and instructed the shortest
for Tamil interpreters are met. While attending to day- witness to proceed to the witness stand. Subsequently,
to-day assignments, I also attend to administrative matters it was clarified that it meant a witness who could
pertaining to the officers in my charge and play a supportive testify in the shortest period of time.
role to the senior management of the Family Justice
Courts. As an interpreter I also fulfil my core duty by What keeps you going?
interpreting in trials and other court matters.
Ai Fern: The satisfaction of learning and experiencing
What are the main challenges you face? new things every day, meeting people from all walks
of life and knowing that I am doing a meaningful
Nooreini: There are times when there is no equivalent job by breaking down language barriers.
word in English to represent the vernacular term used,
or when I have to deal with witnesses who may be Masilamany: I love languages and the challenge of the
overwhelmed by fear and are unable to articulate unpredictable nature of the job. When I step forward to
their thoughts well. I have to be very careful not to use interpret, I would never know what would be uttered
words that could be taken out of context and have to by the witness. Functioning like a thesaurus, finding
remain professional in all situations. Once, I had to English equivalents for colloquial terms while stringing
interpret the human anatomy, which can be somewhat the utterances into a cogent sentence on the spot
awkward but I’m glad I was able to maintain my has provided me with the excitement to keep me going
professionalism. in this profession.

Ai Fern: For many people, there is much at stake when Any advice for people considering a career in this line?
they come to court, and it is not uncommon for them to vent
their frustrations on the interpreter or make accusations Masilamany: You need to have a strict sense of ethics
when faced with an unfavourable outcome. They can turn and be at ease when interacting with strangers.
violent and spew vulgarities in court, or a next-of-kin
may wail in grief during a coroner’s inquiry. When faced Nooreini: A passion for the language is the key to being
with such emotional outbursts, it is important to remain a good Court Interpreter.
calm and composed.
Ai Fern: Besides language proficiency, you also need soft
skills to be able to deal with different court users.

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