The Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC) was founded in 1997 as an independent non-profit organization financed by the government. Its mission is to facilitate mediation and negotiation, and to provide logistical, administrative and personal support for alternative methods of resolving disputes. SMC organizes training in negotiation and mediation techniques, and accredits and maintains a team of mediators. It advises on dispute resolution and alternative methods of managing conflict, promotes mediation and alternative methods of dispute resolution, and regularly organizes workshops, seminars and courses.