Justice Mimmie Chan: AIAC Construction Dispute Resolution Emphasizes Tech

• Justice Mimmie Chan highlighted speed, enforceability, and technology in construction dispute resolution at AIAC Asia ADR Week 2026.
• Discussions covered statutory adjudication, enforcement of payment determinations, and judicial intervention in construction disputes.
• Building Information Modelling (BIM), Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) were identified as key construction dispute resolution technologies.
• These technologies aim to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and facilitate early settlement in construction disputes.

The overarching goals for leveraging these advanced technologies are clear: to improve overall efficiency, substantially reduce the costs associated with protracted legal battles, and facilitate the early settlement of disputes, thereby minimizing project delays and financial burdens.

Justice Mimmie Chan recently underscored critical aspects of construction dispute resolution, emphasizing speed, enforceability, and the integration of technology. These key themes were central to discussions held during the AIAC Asia ADR Week 2026, where the evolving landscape of resolving disagreements within the construction sector was thoroughly examined. The insights provided by Justice Chan highlight a forward-looking approach to managing complex contractual conflicts inherent in large-scale building projects.

The discussions delved into several traditional and contemporary mechanisms for resolving construction disputes. A significant focus was placed on statutory adjudication, a process designed to provide interim relief by mandating swift decisions on payment disputes. Complementing this, the enforcement of payment determinations was also a key topic, addressing the practical challenges of ensuring that adjudicated amounts are actually paid. Furthermore, the role and impact of judicial intervention in construction disputes were scrutinized, exploring how courts interact with and influence the outcomes of these specialized disagreements.

A pivotal element of the discourse led by Justice Mimmie Chan involved the transformative potential of construction dispute resolution technology. Specific innovations such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) were identified as crucial tools for enhancing the dispute resolution process. The application of Building Information Modelling in construction disputes, for instance, offers a comprehensive digital representation of a project, which can significantly aid in clarifying facts and responsibilities when disagreements arise.

Beyond BIM, the discussions highlighted the increasing relevance of Online Dispute Resolution in construction, providing accessible and often more efficient platforms for parties to negotiate and mediate. The integration of AI in construction disputes was also explored, with its potential to analyze vast amounts of data, predict outcomes, and even assist in drafting settlement proposals. The overarching goals for leveraging these advanced technologies are clear: to improve overall efficiency, substantially reduce the costs associated with protracted legal battles, and facilitate the early settlement of disputes, thereby minimizing project delays and financial burdens.

The emphasis on speed and enforceability, as articulated by Justice Mimmie Chan, directly correlates with the practical needs of the construction industry. The effectiveness of statutory adjudication, for example, hinges on its ability to deliver quick, binding decisions, while the robust enforcement of payment determinations is vital for maintaining cash flow and financial stability within projects. These elements are fundamental to ensuring that dispute resolution mechanisms serve their intended purpose without unduly hindering project progress.

The strategic integration of construction dispute resolution technology, including BIM, ODR, and AI, is seen as a critical pathway to achieving these twin objectives. By streamlining processes, providing clearer evidentiary support, and offering alternative, faster resolution avenues, technology can significantly reduce the time and resources expended on disputes. This proactive approach to managing and resolving conflicts is essential for fostering a more predictable and stable environment for all stakeholders involved in construction projects, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and accountable industry.

Lawyers and compliance officers should monitor the evolving landscape of construction dispute resolution, particularly the integration of technology like BIM, ODR, and AI, to advise clients on efficient dispute avoidance and resolution strategies and to prepare for future shifts in legal practice concerning enforceability and speed.

Source: Original reporting via SCC Times