SMU SIDRA Survey Report 2020

6.3.3 A significant number of respondents (77%) selected cultural familiarity of arbitrators as an ‘absolutely crucial’ or ‘important’ consideration in selection of arbitrators. This finding showcases that users are not only selecting arbitrators based on specific industry knowledge or experience, but also because of their cultural familiarity and awareness. To this effect, institutions such as the SIAC provides parties with information on arbitrators, including their nationality, language and experiences, which would assist users in their choice of arbitrators. Generally, the factors influencing respondents’ choice of arbitrator mirror that of their choice of mediator, indicating similarities in users’ thought-process in selecting an arbitrator or mediator. Exhibit 6.3.2 Factors Influencing Choice of Arbitrator by Respondent User Profile The chart refers to the respondents who indicated the considerations for selection were “Absolutely Crucial” and “Important” in their choice of Arbitrators. 89% 86% 84% 84% 82% 70% 70% 63% 56% Client Users Good ethics Industry/issue-specific knowledge Language Cultural familiarity Efficiency Cost Formal qualifications Dispute resolution experience Arbitrator from a third-party country 79% 61% 59% 53% Legal Users Good ethics Industry/issue-specific knowledge Language Cultural familiarity Efficiency Cost Formal qualifications Dispute resolution experience Arbitrator from a third-party country 89% 87% 85% 83% 80% SIDRA INTERNATIONAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION SURVEY 41