NUS Law alumni and students appointed Young IP Mediators by IPOS

Congratulations to Celest Koh ’24, Samuel Wee ’24, Chloe Nicole Guai ’25 and Allison Tang ’25 on being appointed as Young IP Mediators (YIPMs) by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS)! Every year, the top students from the NUS Faculty of Law’s mediation programme have the chance to take on this position, with the offers made by invitation only.

The YIPM initiative was launched in August 2020, as part of Singapore IP Strategy 2030, to develop interest in intellectual property (IP) mediation among future lawyers. To realise this goal, the Young IP Mediators will be given opportunities, wherever possible, to participate as shadow mediators or co-mediators to gain first-hand experience. IPOS’ aim to provide exposure in IP cases is built upon the observance that many IP disputes are well suited for mediation.

On the appointment, which lasts a year but may be extended, Allison Tang ’25 expressed her interest in building upon her practical mediation skills, to develop a dispute resolution approach that respects both the technical and human elements of IP mediation. Celeste Koh ’24 shared the same mindset, saying, “Beyond technical skills, I also hope to gain a better understanding of the human and relational aspects of mediation, such as managing emotions and facilitating meaningful dialogue throughout the process.” She added, “I am excited to shadow and learn from experienced professionals in the field, which will allow me to deepen my understanding of IP law and its nuances in dispute resolution.”

For Samuel Wee ’24, who participated in a WIPO-ASEAN mediation in September as part of the YIPM initiative, the opportunity to deepen his understanding of the practical demands of mediation is something he looks forward to as well. “Professor Joel Lee and Marcus Lim’s mediation course at NUS Law has been essential in equipping me with the foundational skills needed to effectively contribute as a Young IP Mediator. I look forward to this unique opportunity to work alongside experienced mediators,” he said.

As for Chloe Nicole Guai ’25, the role of a Young IP Mediator is more than just gaining exposure to IP cases. “As a Young IP Mediator, I hope to help build greater awareness and support for mediation—a powerful dispute resolution tool that may not get as much attention as litigation and arbitration.”

She adds, “In the process, I look forward to learning from those more experienced in the field and aim to grow into a stronger mediator.”