10 March 2023

Second PCA Singapore Vis Pre-Moot and Fourth PCA Buenos Aires Vis Pre-Moot

On 24 February and 2-3 March 2023, the offices of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in Singapore and Buenos Aires, respectively, hosted practice moot rounds at Maxwell Chambers and the San Martín Palace for the 30th Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot and the 20th Vis East Moot.

During the PCA Singapore and Buenos Aires Vis Pre-Moots, each team had the chance to plead before tribunals composed of international arbitration specialists from various jurisdictions and legal backgrounds. The teams received detailed feedback on their pleadings in order to assist their preparation before the Vis East Moot which commences on 19 March 2023, and the Vis Moot, which commences on 4 April 2023.

The following teams attended the Singapore edition:

  • National University of Singapore Vis East Team (Singapore);
  • National University of Singapore Vis Vienna Team (Singapore);
  • P. Jindal University (India);
  • Singapore Management University (Singapore); and
  • Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia).

After three rounds, the winning team of the PCA Singapore Vis Pre-Moot was the Universitas Gadjah Mada, based on the win-loss ranking system. The runner-up was National University of Singapore Vis Vienna Team, while National University of Singapore Vis East Team placed third. The oralist with the highest score was Ms. Vinessa Martin, from Singapore Management University.

The following teams, from five different countries, attended the Buenos Aires edition:

  • McGill University (Canada);
  • National University of Rosario (Argentina);
  • Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo (Brazil);
  • University of Chile (Chile);
  • University of Buenos Aires (Argentina); and
  • University of Montevideo (Uruguay).

During the Buenos Aires ceremony, Mr. Martin Doe, PCA Deputy Secretary General, noted that this edition of the Vis Moot was especially meaningful as the PCA Rules were used in the case, and hoped that the fond memories made during this year’s competition would be just as meaningful for the students, coaches and arbitrators taking part in the competition.

After five rounds, the team with the highest average total score was the University of Buenos Aires. The runner-up was McGill University, while the University of Montevideo placed third. The oralist with the highest score was Ms. Osayma Saad from McGill University.

The PCA would like to thank all teams, arbitrators, Maxwell Chambers and the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs for making the first in-person edition of the PCA Singapore and fourth edition of the PCA Buenos Aires Vis Pre-Moot tremendous successes. The PCA wishes all teams the best of luck for the forthcoming competitions.