Chief Justice Mr Yong Pung How
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen

1 For Singaporeans of my generation, the old Supreme Court building stood out as an icon of the exemplary city in which we lived and worked. I can imagine what emotions it must stir for those who practised the Law and were familiar with its corridors, chambers and court rooms.

2 To-day, I am delighted to be here to officially open the new Supreme Court Building, which in many ways, reflects its very modern surroundings and the progress of our judiciary. The atmosphere of the new courtroom and the building is less daunting than the old Supreme Court building. It is more open and approachable. At the same time, it retains the air of dignity and solemnity that is associated with a Supreme Court.

3 Over the last 15 years, extensive reforms have been carried out in the Judiciary under the leadership of our Chief Justice, Mr Yong Pung How. These qualities of our judiciary are manifested in the building – from the well-planned layout of court facilities, to the provision of conference rooms and witness rooms for every courtroom, to the integration of IT systems to make court hearings more efficient for lawyers and litigants. As a result, we have today one of the most efficient courts in the world with extensive use of technology in court operations.

4 At the same time, it is also evident that much thought has been put into making the courthouse friendly to all. There are proper waiting areas for litigants and lawyers. Facilities are provided to cater to different needs, ranging from vulnerable witness rooms, a children’s corner and access for the disabled. I am glad to see this. For the courts are a place with links to the people and our new Supreme Court building reflects that.

5 We should not forget that this building marks the progress of the Singapore judiciary. What has been achieved did not come to pass easily. It was wrought out of the vision, will and commitment of all involved. The judiciary plays an important role in the building of our nation. It administers the rule of law from which flows order and stability for our people. Whenever there are disputes, the courts serve as the forum where people are heard and receive justice. Commerce carries on smoothly because of the consistency and clarity of law that our courts provide. It is one of the pillars of our economic success. These are important roles for the court, and increasingly difficult ones to play as Singapore matures as a society.

6 The legal profession has an equally important part to play in this. While legal practice is very much a business, lawyers are also members of a noble profession. As participants in the justice system, lawyers play a critical role in the quality of life enjoyed by our people. Lives are affected and changed, for better or worse, as a result of legal advice and advocacy. No doubt commercial considerations are inevitable in the course of legal practice. But they should not obscure the fact that lawyers are in a unique position to help people in times of need.

7 I believe this building will, in the years ahead, serve the courts, the legal profession and our people well. I also hope that its iconic appearance will be a constant visual reminder of the higher calling that comes from being a member of the judiciary and the bar. On this note, I am pleased to declare the New Supreme Court Building officially open.