Judicial education in a brave new world: the Singapore perspective

Judiciaries are increasingly confronted with pervasive challenges unfolding and gaining momentum across the globe. In this article we examine the crucial role of judicial education in preparing judges for a rapidly changing world. Drawing from the experience of the Singapore Judicial College (SJC), we explore three global challenges facing judiciaries: escalating complexity, accelerating pace of change, and growing distrust in public institutions. Against this backdrop, we share five strategies adopted by the SJC to help equip the Singapore Judiciary to navigate these challenges: structured programming based on a comprehensive Judicial Competency Framework, expanded instructional approaches, judge-led training, continual review and revision of curricula, and international collaboration. By nurturing and inspiring "Learning Judges", judicial education institutes can equip judges to surmount confounding challenges and lead the charge in a Brave New World.