My experience of the LVT* in London is that it is intended as a forum for the common man. I.e. you (Plaintiff) and your Respondent appear in person, present your evidence, and the tribunal listens to your evidence, questions you, and so reaches a verdict. It is not a forum for professional representation, as the latter, and cost thereof would exclude many people. It's about access for all, in the simplest, least intimidating, and most affordable way.
That's the LVT, but my understanding of the Small Claims Court in the UK is similar. No lawyers, you represent yourself. I know you can request a hearing based upon 'written submissions' at the LVT. I.e. you write in, outline your case, attach all the evidence, and so on, getting a written verdict without you having to attend. But that has the downside that you are not there in person to be questioned re: your submission. That a) risks you having missed out stuff b) means a nimble Respondent can run rings around you in your absence (you can request written submissions, but the Respondent does not have to accept that).
Does the SG-SCT allow you to make written submissions? AFAIR you have to be physically present in SG to file a case. If so I'm not sure what the intention of that is. If so I'm not sure if you have to be resident, or if you could fly in and file a case, then fly out again and have the case heard in your absence.
With the likes of the UK-LVT their website is super-helpful; it is after all pitched at supporting the common man. There is also a government funded NGO there to support you through the process too - the Leasehold Advisory Service. But, as I understand it the SCT itself is pretty new to SG. I might be wrong there, but if so it could be why it has not evolved yet into it's most accessible form.
Have a look at the SG-SCT website. It should be pretty explicit about how it works; the rules as such.
* Leasehold Valuation Tribunal, a
property tribunal that is 'junior' to the Lands Tribunal.
