Asian International Arbitration Centre

Excited to share my paper on “Arbitration in Free Zones: Confidentiality vs. Transparency” published in the Asian International Arbitration Centre Alternative Dispute Resolution Journal 2024, Volume 4. The article covers the dispute system design in free zones, as well as the correlation of confidentiality and transparency in arbitration and new ideas and proposals how to keep balance between them in free zones. Huge thanks to the AIAC Alternative Dispute Resolution Journal editorial team for this opportunity. Follow the link to read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gSw-Tdud #arbitration #alternativedisputeresolution #freezone

The AIAC is delighted to announce the publications of the AIAC Newsletter 2024 and the AIAC Alternative Dispute Resolution Journal 2024, Volume 4. Click the links below to access the publications:   AIAC Newsletter 2024 – https://lnkd.in/gwJrJ6wM AIAC ADR Journal 2024, Volume 4 – https://lnkd.in/gSw-Tdud   We would also like to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year 2025. For those who are travelling, we hope you have a pleasant and safe journey.   Happy reading and for more information, please send an email to communications@aiac.world. 

In conjunction with the Malaysia Consumer Expo 2024 @ Muslim Culture, Food & Products (MYCE Expo 2024), held from 17th to 19th December 2024, the AIAC set up a booth to showcase the AIAC Rules, products, and services at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). The event gathered businesses and entrepreneurs from seven dynamic industries, including Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Beauty Products, Sports Equipment, Pet Equipment, Home Fashion, 3C Electronics and Home Appliances, and Vending Machines. The MYCE Expo 2024, organised by the Malaysia Guangdong Import & Export Chamber of Commerce (MGIECC) and supported by the AIAC, was officiated by H.E. Tun Seri Setia (Dr.) Hj. Mohd Ali Bin Mohd Rustam, the Governor of the State of Melaka. Concurrently at MITEC, our Assistant Director, Ms. Heather Yee Jing Wah 余晶华, was invited to speak at the Malaysia-China Summit 2024, organised by Qube in association with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). She participated in the session titled “Harmonizing Dispute Resolution: Collaborative Approaches in a Globalised World,” hosted by Yingke Consulting Sdn Bhd. Joining Ms. Heather on the panel were Mr. Mark Shaojun Chen (Yingke National Corporate Compliance Legal Service Centre) and Mr. Shawn Siow Chan Wai (Y Kong, Wong & Partners). Together, they explored regulatory harmonisation, dispute resolution mechanisms, and best practices for fostering trust and collaboration in international trade for businesses across China and Malaysia. The AIAC remains committed to promoting international collaboration and advancing effective dispute resolution mechanisms. The MYCE Expo 2024 and Malaysia-China Summit 2024 provided an excellent platform to engage with key stakeholders. The AIAC looks forward to future opportunities to foster meaningful partnerships and support initiatives that enhance trade and cooperation between Malaysia and China.

Last week, the AIAC welcomed students from the Department of Quantity Surveying at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), greeted by the AIAC’s Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Almalena Sharmila Johan. The visit began with a presentation by Case Counsel Amin Aizad on the AIAC’s products and services, including its adjudication procedures and role as the appointing authority under the Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act (CIPAA) 2012. This was followed by a guided tour of Bangunan Sulaiman, showcasing the AIAC’s venues and hearing facilities as a hub for alternative dispute resolution (ADR). That same evening, the AIAC hosted a delegation of Beijing Zhongwen Law Firm lawyers. Discussions centred on the AIAC’s products and services, particularly international arbitration, as well as potential collaborations to promote cross-border dispute resolution with the China-based law firm. Our CEO also emphasised the AIAC’s commitment to enhancing Malaysia’s position as a safe seat for arbitration, supported by the forthcoming establishment of the AIAC Court of Arbitration, which aims to ensure efficiency, integrity, and accountability in its processes. The AIAC reaffirms its vision of promoting ADR services as a viable alternative for resolving disputes and fostering collaborative partnerships to pave the way for Malaysia’s excellence in ADR.

Season's Greetings from the AIAC! As we bid farewell to another remarkable year, the AIAC extends our warmest wishes for a joyful and meaningful holiday season. To those celebrating Christmas, may your celebrations be filled with love, joy and cherished moments. To our esteemed ADR community, we offer our gratitude for your support and heartfelt wishes for a New Year filled with success and new opportunities. Please note that the AIAC’s premises will be closed on: Wednesday, 25th December 2024, and will resume regular operations on Thursday, 26th December 2024; and Wednesday, 1st January 2025, and will resume regular operations on Thursday, 2nd January 2025. Wishing you a joyous festive season and a prosperous start to the New Year! For and on behalf of, AIAC Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the AIAC

The “ESG ADR Forum”, co-organised by Legal Plus and L2 i-CON International was held at the AIAC in our historical Bangunan Sulaiman last week. Our Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Datuk Almalena Sharmila Johan, delivered the Opening Remarks, effectively setting the tone for the forum. She underscored the global trajectory of ESG as a driving force in redefining business practices and emphasised the essential role of the ADR community in addressing the unique challenges and opportunities it presents to the field. This was followed by a Keynote Address from Tun Zaki who delved into the importance of the forum as a platform for collaboration and the intersection of ESG principles within ADR mechanisms while addressing the unique complexities of ESG related disputes. Beyond this, it fosters inclusivity by providing a platform to all stakeholders including the marginalised. Following the Launch Ceremony, our Director, Dato’ Mary Lim Thiam Suan, led a Roundtable Discussion titled “Malaysia’s ESG Roadmaps and Ethical Social & Governance.” Together with the distinguished panellists, they explored Malaysia’s diverse ESG frameworks across various industries, offering valuable insights into the challenges faced by institutions in implementing and embedding these frameworks into daily operations. The Forum then continued with two-panel sessions titled “Resolving ESG-Related Disputes through ADR” and “Driving the Future of Responsible ADR.” The first session highlighted the increasing complexity and impact of ESG-related disputes, demonstrating how ADR can be a powerful mechanism to address such conflicts. The second session touched on sustainability, inclusivity, and ethical governance, with an emphasis on how ADR can foster greater business practices, build trust, and advance ESG goals. The “ESG ADR Forum” served as a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration, moving the conversation forward on how ESG principles can shape a more sustainable, fair, and responsible future in this industry.

Last week, the AIAC had the pleasure of hosting three esteemed delegations namely the Kunming Arbitration Commission (KMAC), the Brunei Darussalam Arbitration Centre Berhad (BDAC), and the National Commercial Arbitration Centre - NCAC, Cambodia, at Bangunan Sulaiman. The discussions explored pivotal topics, including strategies for enhancing cross-border dispute resolution and exchanging best practices in arbitration. These insightful exchanges underscored a shared commitment to delivering impartial, efficient, and effective dispute resolution services for the region. The visits concluded with a guided tour of Bangunan Sulaiman, where the delegations had the opportunity to experience the AIAC’s facilities, purpose-built to support arbitration, mediation, and other ADR processes. These engagements reinforced the AIAC’s position as a global hub for ADR and highlighted its dedication to fostering future collaborations aimed at advancing ADR practices worldwide.

The AIAC is pleased to support the Malaysia Consumer Expo 2024 @ Muslim Culture, Food & Products (MYCE Expo 2024), organised by the Malaysia Guangdong Import & Export Chamber of Commerce (MGIECC). Date: 17 - 19 December 2024 Time: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Venue: Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Hall 1, Kuala Lumpur Bringing together businesses and entrepreneurs from Malaysia and China, the Expo is a celebration of innovation, culture, and economic collaboration. Visit the AIAC booth to learn more about our Islamic Arbitration framework and other ADR products and services. We look forward to seeing you at the MYCE Expo 2024!

Last week, the AIAC had the privilege of hosting two distinguished delegations from China.   On Wednesday, we warmly welcomed a delegation of esteemed judges from the High Court and Intermediate Court of Zhejiang Province, led by Mr. Li Zhanguo, President and Justice of The People's High Court of Zhejiang Province. The visit focused on Malaysia's approach to ADR and provided a platform to exchange insights on dispute resolution practices, which highlighted our shared commitment to enhancing legal frameworks and dispute resolution mechanisms.   On Thursday, we hosted another eminent delegation from the Chongqing Municipal Bureau of Justice and Chongqing Arbitration Commission (CQAC), led by Mr. Chong Jiling, Director-General of the Chongqing Municipal Bureau of Justice and Chairperson of CQAC. Building upon our Cooperation Agreement signed last month, the discussions centred on actionable steps to strengthen cooperation between our institutions. Key areas of focus included expanding the talent pool of arbitrators, enhancing cross-border opportunities, and raising awareness among businesses about the benefits of ADR in Malaysia and China.   Both delegations were warmly received by our CEO, Datuk Almalena Sharmila Johan, and Director, Dato' Mary Lim Thiam Suan. Together with the AIAC team, they provided an in-depth overview of the Centre's contributions to the ADR ecosystem and engaged in dynamic discussions on fostering collaboration within the Zhejiang Province and Chongqing Municipality respectively, to better serve the ADR and business communities in both regions.   The visit also included a guided tour of Bangunan Sulaiman, during which the delegation was introduced to the Centre's renowned facilities that are tailored to support arbitration, mediation, and other ADR processes.   These meaningful exchanges highlighted the AIAC's role as a key partner in ADR, strengthening collaboration with our Chinese counterparts. Together, we remain dedicated to driving innovation in dispute resolution and contributing to the global advancement of ADR practices.

The AIAC was proud to be the supporting organisation for the inaugural Malaysia Sports Law Summit 2024 organised by The Malaysian Bar's Sports & Esports Law Practice Committee (SeLPC) which was held at the Petronas - BAM Badminton Academy's Auditorium, Bukit Kiara on 28th November 2024.   The summit featured YB Hannah Yeoh Tseow Suan, Minister of Youth and Sports as the Guest of Honour and our CEO, Datuk Almalena Sharmila Johan, joined by Andrew Mercer (General Counsel of the AFC) and Richard Wee 黄添成 (Chairperson of the Bar Council Sports and e-Sports Law Practice Committee) for Session 1 of the conference, titled “The Development and Utilisation of Sports Arbitration in Malaysia.”   The discussion revolved around sports disputes, ranging from contractual disagreements to doping violations, and how arbitration has become the default mechanism for resolving disputes. This is reflected in international frameworks such as the World Anti-Doping Code and local regulations established by bodies such as FAM and OCM. Our CEO also highlighted the Asian Sports Arbitration Rules, developed by the AIAC, designed to provide athletes and sports organisations with a fast, affordable, and accessible alternative to traditional court litigation.   Session 2, “The Growth and Evolution of Sports and e-Sports Law in Malaysia,” featured Michelle Chai, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the PETRONAS Academy of Badminton Malaysia (ABM) & Director of Administration, Badminton Association Malaysia (BAM), Sri Sarguna Raj, President of the Sports Law Association of Malaysia (SLAM), and Bryan Boo, Member of the Malaysian Bar & Partner at Bryan & Co. Law Firm. Moderated by Nik Erman Nik Roseli, Deputy Chairperson of the Bar Council Sports and e-Sports Law Practice Committee and Partner at Amir Khusyairi & Associates, the session delved into the dynamic landscape of sports and e-sports law in Malaysia.   Key topics included the regulatory challenges faced by the rapidly growing e-sports industry, the integration of technology in sports governance, and the evolving legal frameworks to address issues like intellectual property, athlete rights, and governance disputes. The session emphasised the need for continuous collaboration between legal practitioners, sports administrators, and policymakers to support the industry’s growth while ensuring legal compliance and fairness.   As Malaysia strengthens its position as a leading hub for sports arbitration in Southeast Asia, the AIAC remains dedicated to delivering innovative and transparent solutions that uphold fairness and accessibility for all parties involved.