Articles

A. SCL International Meeting (22^nd October 2025)

The SCL International Committee met on 22 October 2025, with 15 societies in attendance and Japan participating as an observer while progressing its application for membership.

SCL Growth – Our Council member Anil Changaroth (part of SCL (International)’s liaison committee overseeing new societies) updated on the continued global growth of SCLs, with 4 to 6 new societies in last two years and potential expansion into 5 to 7 more countries in 2026.

SCL (International) Terms of Reference - the Future Structure Subcommittee Report identified that the existing Terms of Reference and informal governance model are outdated and increasingly unsustainable. While there was broad support for modernising governance and potentially establishing a lightweight, low-cost formal structure, members raised concerns regarding regulatory, funding, and charity-law constraints across jurisdictions. Governance options discussed included balanced representation across legal traditions, executive term limits, and compliance safeguards. The Committee agreed that further consultation was required, with any formal decision on creating a new entity likely deferred until Q1 of the following year. An indicative vote showed a majority in favour of moving towards a formal structure, subject to resolving identified constraints.

The Committee formally recognised the significant contribution of Paul Battrick (a member of SCL (International) Liaison Committee) in the development of SCL International.

12^th SCL International Conference - Following a close vote, the committee selected SCL Gulf (Dubai) as host of the 12th SCL International Conference in March 2027 (with SCL Serbia as the only other society that made submissions).

B. The 11th SCL International Conference (Seoul) 22^nd to 24^th October 2026

Opening Address

On behalf of SCL International, Anil Changaroth welcomed delegates to the 11th Society of Construction Law International Conference in Seoul, thanking SCL Korea for hosting and acknowledging the support of over 30 Societies of Construction Law worldwide. He reflected on the origins of the first SCL in 1983, founded on the principle of sharing knowledge and advancing education and research in construction law for the public benefit, and noted the evolution of SCL into a truly global alliance united by collaboration and professional excellence.

Anil emphasised the relevance of the conference theme, “Bridging the Past, Present & Future” in an era of increasingly global and complex construction projects coupled with the steady growth of the international alliance including in Asia in that last 5 years. He highlighted the essential role of construction law in promoting fairness, trust, and accountability, and described the conference as a vital platform for sharing insights, experience, and best practices across jurisdictions. He concluded by noting the appropriateness of Korea as host—renowned for innovation, discipline, and harmony—and encouraged delegates to use the conference to build enduring professional connections across borders and generations, and the tremendous work of Sue Kim (SCL (Korea)’s International Relations Chair.

The Conference

Themed “Bridging the Past, Present and Future” – the conference attracted approximately 300 delegates, with about 50% international participation. The programme commenced with the SCL International Leadership Group Meeting and an ACCL/CCCL seminar, followed by two days of sessions featuring keynote addresses including the Deputy Minister Hong-Sik (Justin) Chung, our very own the Honourable Justice Philip Jeyaretnam (also SCL Singapore's first chairman), Edward Corbett, and Chantal-Aimée Doerries KC. The conference concluded with the presentation of the SCL International Medal to Douglas Jones AO.

The success of the Seoul conference was the result of a true collective effort—from the SCL International Liaison Committee guiding the conference organisers, the SCL Korea Council and its organising team, as well as the speakers, moderators, sponsors, and delegates who contributed so generously. Particular appreciation was expressed for Sue Kim (SCL (Korea)’s International Relations chair, key liaison from the organising committee and emcee for the two days, for the smooth coordination behind the scenes, including the management of speakers and last-minute programme adjustments. The conference papers were also made available online at www.scl2025.com, ensuring that the insights shared in Seoul continue to benefit the international construction law community well beyond the event itself.

Contributed by:

Anil Changaroth – Council Member, SCL (Singapore)