Justice Teh Hwee Hwee: Opening Address at the Official Opening of the Family Justice Courts Building

2     We are very honoured to welcome His Excellency, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, to officiate the opening of the new home of the Family Justice Courts. As we prepare to commemorate the 60th anniversary of our nation’s independence, we reflect on Singapore’s extraordinary journey, from adversity to strength, from uncertainty to a thriving society. Our mission finds parallels with our national narrative. Just as Singapore overcame formidable odds as it charted its course after independence, these courts support families as they navigate the challenges of their own transitions. It is therefore a singular privilege to have our Head of State, who embodies both our nation’s sovereignty and unity, mark the opening of this courthouse. This building stands as a symbol of our enduring commitment to uphold justice for families and to help them forge paths to better tomorrows. We are profoundly grateful to His Excellency for gracing this occasion for his support. 

3     In 1995, President Nelson Mandela opened the Constitutional Court of South Africa after the end of apartheid, declaring the opening of a court “on which hinges the future” of South African democracy.⁽¹⁾ One of the Judges behind that court, retired Justice Albie Sachs, advocated a design ethos of a courthouse that would not intimidate, but uplift –  a place where people “should feel safe, secure and welcome”.⁽²⁾ And we know from our own experience that the court process can either deepen divides or begin healing, and his views on the shaping of a physical space for justice resonates with the values that we bring to our new home.  

4     Many will remember this building as the former home of the Subordinate Courts or State Courts, with its imposing Brutalist architectural features. While the Brutalist exterior of this building is preserved as a nod to its legacy, the interior has been completely transformed in line with principles of therapeutic justice as we practice it in the Family Justice Courts. Warm tones and wooden textures now soften the edges within the building, and vibrant artworks by youths from the Singapore Boys’ and Girls’ Homes adorn our walls, and purpose-built child-friendly furnishings line our interview rooms. This is a courthouse that serves not just to be a place for deciding cases, but to be a beacon of hope for rebuilding lives with dignity. 

5      The octagonal shape of our building, with its different facings and sides, reminds us that the effective administration of justice is not merely a linear process, but one that requires us to draw strength and perspectives from within and without, in all directions. 

6      Within these walls are Judges who sit considering not just legal arguments but lived realities behind every file. They make decisions that, among other things, restore parental roles, safeguard the welfare of children, and, sometimes, gently guide families through the difficult process of letting go. Alongside them are mediators who help warring parties find common ground, where the right word or gesture can defuse years of resentment. Our counsellors and psychologists walk alongside those in the shadows of grief and trauma, making possible a process that delivers not only justice, but also brings hope. And behind every court process is a dedicated team of court administrators, coordinating hearings and ensuring that no court user falls through the cracks. But none of what we do would be possible without the steadfast support of the wider community beyond these walls. So, on this special occasion, we extend our most sincere appreciation to the President, the Government, the Family Bar, all our stakeholders, partners and volunteers who have stood so firmly by our mission throughout the years. 

7     Over a decade ago, the Honourable the Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon articulated a transformative vision: a specialist family court system that is accessible, child-centred and therapeutically oriented.⁽³⁾ He has provided not only clarity of vision, but also unwavering support in all aspects of our work, including the relocation to this courthouse. Today, this space stands as a physical expression of that vision. We express our deepest gratitude to the Chief Justice for his leadership, which has continually inspired and guided us on this journey. It is my honour to now invite the Chief Justice to share how that vision will continue to shape the future of family justice in Singapore. 

8     Thank you.