Committee of Supply 2025 debate, Day 3: Edwin Tong on role of Singapore’s legal system in economic growth and social cohesion

Singapore’s strong legal system, based on the rule of law, has been one of the bedrocks of the country’s success, said Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong in parliament on Tuesday (Mar 4). He spoke on his ministry’s plans to strengthen Singapore’s position as an international legal and intellectual property (IP) hub, to help grow the economy. Measures include strengthening the legal framework, enhancing legal capabilities such as through the use of legal tech, and attracting more global firms and talent. Meanwhile, legal processes and access to justice will be improved, to maintain trust and cohesion in Singapore society. This will include strengthening enforcement to prevent “paper judgments”, said Mr Tong. His ministry is looking into creating new Civil Judgment Enforcement Officers to help litigants. That is on top of giving the Court more power to identify the assets of judgment debtors and introducing new ways to deter and punish non-compliance with Court orders. Mr Tong also revealed that Singapore will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the establishment of its modern legal system next year.