The President of the Republic of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, has made several significant judicial appointments to the Supreme Court of Singapore. These include the elevation of judges to the Court of Appeal, the appointment of a new Judicial Commissioner, and the selection of International Judges for the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC).
Acting in accordance with Article 95(1) of the Constitution, President Tharman has appointed Justice Ang Cheng Hock and Justice Hri Kumar Nair as Justices of the Court of Appeal, effective 1 October 2025.
The Court of Appeal is the highest judicial authority in Singapore and serves as the final appellate court in both civil and criminal cases. The elevation of Justices Ang and Nair reflects their exceptional service and contributions to the judiciary.
Justice Ang, who began his judicial career as a Judicial Commissioner before his appointment as a High Court Judge, has presided over many complex cases, including constitutional and commercial matters.
Justice Hri Kumar Nair, who was appointed as a Judicial Commissioner in 2017 and later as a High Court Judge, is also well regarded for his expertise in both civil and criminal law. Their elevation strengthens the leadership and depth of Singapore’s apex court.
Under Article 95(4)(a) of the Constitution, the president has appointed Ms Low Siew Ling as Judicial Commissioner of the Supreme Court for a two-year term, beginning 1 October 2025.
Judicial Commissioners hold the same powers and jurisdiction as Judges of the Supreme Court during their tenure. Ms Low’s appointment adds capacity and expertise to the Bench, enabling the Supreme Court to continue managing its caseload effectively.
International Judges for the SICC
Looking ahead to 2026, and in accordance with Article 95(4)(c) of the Constitution, President Tharman has appointed Justice David John Goddard from New Zealand and Justice Sir Nigel Teare from the United Kingdom as International Judges (IJs) of the Supreme Court of Singapore.
Their appointments are for a one-year term, running from 5 January 2026 to 4 January 2027, during which they will serve on the Bench of the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC).
About the Singapore International Commercial Court
The SICC was launched in 2015 as part of Singapore’s strategy to strengthen its position as a leading global hub for international dispute resolution. It is a division of the General Division of the High Court and sits within the Supreme Court of Singapore.
The SICC was specifically designed to handle high-value, complex, and cross-border commercial disputes. Its unique structure allows parties from different jurisdictions to resolve disputes under Singapore’s legal framework, while benefiting from the expertise of both local judges and international jurists appointed from leading common law jurisdictions around the world.
Over the past decade, the SICC has become a trusted forum for businesses and investors seeking a neutral, efficient and respected venue for dispute resolution. The appointment of eminent international judges such as Justice Goddard and Justice Sir Nigel Teare underscores Singapore’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of judicial independence and global credibility.
Shahriena Shukri is a journalist covering business and economic news in Malaysia, providing insights on market trends, corporate developments, and financial policies. More about Shahriena Shukri.
