2024 Asia-Pacific Commercial Mediation Competition

University Teams

We invite university teams of 2-4 students to become part of the ADC-ICC Asia-Pacific Commercial Mediation Competition 2024. Applications close on 4 June 2024.

Who Can Apply?

The Competition is open to all students currently enrolled at an Asia-Pacific university.

  • The role of the Counsel must be taken by a law student, and the role of the Client can be played by law, business or social science students. Thus, at least one student in each team needs to be a law student. Students studying economics, business or politics are highly encouraged to be part of the negotiating team.
  • In each session, two team members actively compete against two team members from another team. A team must consist of at least two and a maximum of four students.
  • Each team can be accompanied by one or two coaches.
  • Please note that pursuant to the Competition Rules, students who have already participated in the ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition, Paris are prohibited from competing in the APCMC.

We draw your attention to the Competition Rules. The applicant and selected universities must ensure that they meet all requirements set by the Rules. By submitting an application to participate in the Competition you are indicating to the Organising Committee that you have read and understood the Competition Rules.

What students have said about their experience

“There is no substitute for experiencing an internationally renowned mediator’s guidance and insight during the session.”

– Nick Stewart, Auckland University

I signed up for the 2022 University of Auckland team for the ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition after competing in the ADC-ICC Asia-Pacific Commercial Mediation Competition in 2021. I had a phenomenal time in both competitions and wanted to share a little bit about my experiences and encourage future students to sign up.

I was first drawn to mediation as a keen mooter who wanted to further develop my oral advocacy skills. Mediation provided an opportunity to advance my interests and negotiate a solution which didn’t involve the other party losing like mooting does. Instead, mediation encourages the parties to work together, often gaining more this way than they could have working separately. I found this way of thinking very enlightening and practical as I felt it aligned with the business world’s fast pace and desire for collaboration.

Competing in the competition rounds was intense. When we weren’t competing in preliminary rounds, my team was preparing for the next round. While it was busy, it was also immensely rewarding to get to put our practice to the test against other teams. One of the many benefits of the competition is getting to compete against a wide range of teams across the world. This exposes you to different mediation styles, cultures, and approaches to the problems. This taught me to be flexible and open to the other team’s strategy and style.

As well as competing against a range of teams, the competition also provides the privilege of being mediated and judged by a number of experts in the field. There is no substitute for experiencing an internationally renowned mediator’s guidance and insight during the session. Equally, hearing the various judges’ perspectives after the session provided feedback that we took into future mediations and more broadly into our careers and lives.

To any student considering signing up for the ADC-ICC Asia-Pacific Commercial Mediation Competition or the ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition, I would wholeheartedly recommend it. The ability to communicate your interests to the other side, listen to their needs, work through tough conversations by identifying the problems and being soft on the people, find solutions that are in both parties’ interests, and think like a commercial party are just some of the skills you will develop from the competition. There is no doubt that these skills will serve you well in both your career and life. On top of this, the competitions provide the valuable opportunity to build connections with minded students and esteemed professionals from around the world.

APCMC 2021 was a delight. I experienced truly international and fierce competitors, who adopted diverse negotiating styles.

– Saiesh Kamath, representing West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences in APCMC 2021
APCMC 2021 was a delight. I experienced truly international and fierce competitors, who adopted diverse negotiating styles. The networking sessions were thoroughly enjoyable for cultural exchanges and making connections. The competition schedule was meticulously planned and executed – to the credit of the organising committee. To those considering taking part in 2022, I would highly recommend the learning and networking that comes from competing in APCMC.
– Saiesh Kamath, representing West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences in APCMC 2021

I learnt negotiation from watching APCMC finals, so having the chance to negotiate in the 2021 final was unbelievable.

– Ayushi Thakur, representing West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences in APCMC 2021
I learnt negotiation from watching APCMC finals, so having the chance to negotiate in the 2021 final was unbelievable. APCMC is a fantastic experience, especially considering the efficient organisation, the incredible teams you face, and the judges you learn a lot from. I’d definitely recommend taking part in the competition!
– Ayushi Thakur, representing West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences in APCMC 2021

Application Process

Please click the button below to apply using the online application form. All Competition deadlines are fixed. To assist us with planning we encourage your early Application. Applications close on 4 June 2024.

Applications will be considered by The Organising Committee, and you will be promptly notified as to the outcome of your application.

Costs

The Registration Fee is a flat fee per Team, comprising 2-4 Students and up to 2 Coaches. The Team fee is AUD $1,000 (+ GST 10%).

Full payment of the Registration Fee is required within 14 days of the Organising Committee accepting the Team’s Application or by 21 June 2024, whichever is earlier. Teams that do not proceed with the payment of the Registration Fee by 21 June 2024 will not be admitted to the Competition.

Preparation and Training

APCMC 2024 is excited to bring students a series of training webinars in preparation for the competition. Training session will be conducted online by the Organising Committee for all competing teams. Stay tuned for dates!