On December 13 and 14, 2024, the Sarawak Institute of Arbitration and ADR (SiADR) hosted a two-day course titled “Discover the World of Arbitration with SiADR“. The course concluded with an assessment that allowed participants to earn the prestigious “MSiADR” designation. This program was designed to promote high standards of competence and professionalism in arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

The course was officially launched by YBhg. Dato Sri JC Fong, Sarawak State Legal Counsel, whose distinguished presence underscored the significance of the event. Justice (Rtd) Datuk Yew Jen Kie, Chairwoman of SiADR, brought energy and commitment, demonstrating SiADR’s dedication to advancing ADR practices in Sarawak.

SiADR is a not-for-profit organization established by Sarawakians to make ADR education affordable and accessible to local practitioners and stakeholders. It also aims to promote excellence in dispute resolution and to engage the global arbitration community.

The event featured presentations from prominent virtual speakers, including Kingsley Ong, Joan Lim-Casanova, Iain Clark, Walter (Fayun) Chen, Justice (Rtd) MM Kumar (former Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir and Chairman of the NCLT), and Dr. Misha Kumar, who shared their expertise on various aspects of arbitration. A masterclass on arbitration simulation was conducted by Justice (Rtd) Datuk Stephen Chung, providing participants with practical insights into arbitration procedures.

Special recognition is extended to Professor Steve Ngo, SiADR’s Continuing Education Advisor and President of the Beihai Asia International Arbitration Centre (BAIAC). As the course director, he played a key role in ensuring the success of SiADR’s debut program.

The course was attended by professionals from various fields, including legal practitioners, State Legal Officers, doctors, in-house counsel, contractors, and law students. Honourable High Court Judge Leonard David Shim and Honourable Judicial Commissioner Zaleha binti Mohd Yusuf Pan also attended, lending their support to this important initiative.

Looking ahead, SiADR plans to host its Fellowship course in 2025, furthering its mission to strengthen the arbitration and ADR community in Sarawak. This inaugural event reflected the collaborative spirit of the arbitration world and marked a significant step forward in the promotion of ADR practices in the local region.

On 15 November 2024, the Sarawak Institute of Arbitrators and Dispute Resolution (“SiADR”) paid a courtesy visit to The Right Honourable Tan Sri Dato’ Abdul Rahman bin Sebli, Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak, at His Lordship’s Chambers in Kuching High Court Complex. The SiADR Executive Committee (EXCO) attended this significant engagement, aiming to strengthen ties with the judiciary and foster collaboration in advancing arbitration and dispute resolution practices in the region.

The meeting included discussions on promoting efficient alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms, enhancing institutional frameworks, and improving the accessibility of arbitration and mediation services in Sarawak. A key highlight was SiADR’s formal invitation to The Right Honourable Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak to serve as an Advisor to SiADR, reflecting the institute’s commitment to engaging with distinguished legal leaders to shape the development of ADR in Sarawak.

SiADR extends its heartfelt appreciation to The Right Honourable Tan Sri Dato’ Abdul Rahman bin Sebli for the warm reception and valuable insights shared during the visit. This meeting underscores SIADR’s dedication to fostering dialogue and cooperation with key stakeholders in the legal and judicial community.

On 26 October 2024, the Sarawak Institute of Arbitrators and Dispute Resolution (“SiADR”) had the privilege of participating in the annual dinner, organized by The SEGi Moot and Law Society. The event took place at the elegant Waterfront Hotel, Kuching, with its captivating “Masquerade” theme creating an enchanting atmosphere.

Our Chairman, Datuk Yew Jen Kie, attended the dinner, representing SIADR and engaging with distinguished guests, alumni, faculty members and law students. The evening provided a unique platform to share professional insights, celebrate the achievements of the SEGi College Sarawak community, and strengthen connections with legal and professional stakeholders.

SIADR commends The SEGi Moot and Law Society for their efforts in organizing this outstanding event and remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster collaboration, professional development, and unity within the local law faculty.

The Sarawak Institute of Arbitrators and Dispute Resolution (“SIADR”) proudly participated in the highly regarded ADR Week, held on 19 July 2024 in Kuching, Sarawak. This event marked an important milestone as SIADR was formally introduced to the ADR community during the prestigious Borneo ADR Week.

The highlight of SIADR’s participation was a presentation by our esteemed Chairman, Datuk Yew Jen Kie, who addressed the distinguished audience of industry experts, legal practitioners, and ADR professionals. During her address, Datuk Yew showcased the mission, objectives, and aspirations of SiADR, officially broadcasting its establishment and role in advancing alternative dispute resolution in Sarawak and the broader region.

This debut served as a pivotal moment for SIADR, providing the opportunity to connect with the ADR community, exchange ideas, and establish itself as a key contributor to the development and application of ADR mechanisms in the region. SiADR looks forward to continuing its engagement with the ADR fraternity and fostering collaboration to promote effective and accessible dispute resolution practices.

The Sarawak Institute of Arbitrators and Dispute Resolutions (“SiADR”) is honoured to have co-partnered in the successful organisation of the Borneo ADR Week 2025, held from 5^th to 9^th May 2025 in Kuching, Sarawak.

In collaboration with L2 i-CON International and Legal Plus, this flagship event brought together esteemed professionals, practitioners, and thought leaders in the field of alternative dispute resolution from across the region and beyond.

SiADR’s involvement in this initiative reflects its continued commitment to the development and promotion of ADR mechanisms in Sarawak and the wider Borneo region. The Institute extends its appreciation to all speakers, participants, and co-organisers who contributed to the vibrant exchange of ideas and the strengthening of professional ties throughout the week.

We look forward to future collaborations that further the cause of effective and accessible dispute resolution.

The Sarawak Institute of Arbitrators and Dispute Resolutions (SiADR) had the distinct honour of paying a courtesy call on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, on 14 May 2025 at Astana Negeri, Sarawak. The occasion was further dignified by the gracious presence of Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajah Fauziah Dato’ Haji Mohd Sanusi.

The SiADR delegation was led by its Chairperson, Datuk Yew Jen Kie, and comprised Exco Members John Ko, Arthur Lee, Sylvester Lai, and James Hii. The delegation was joined by Datuk Stephen Chung and Dato’ Lee Heng Cheong, both retired Judges of the Court of Appeal and esteemed Advisors to SiADR. Their presence underscored the Institute’s strong institutional grounding and its commitment to judicially informed alternative dispute resolution (ADR) practices.

During the visit, the delegation conveyed SiADR’s appreciation to Their Excellencies for their unwavering support for ADR in Sarawak. SiADR also outlined its vision and strategic objectives, including ongoing and past engagements and the Institute’s central role in the region.

In anticipation of the forthcoming establishment of the Sarawak Arbitration Centre, SiADR reiterated its unwavering commitment to train and educate a new generation of ADR practitioners in Sarawak. This includes structured programmes in arbitration, adjudication, and mediation tailored to the needs of professionals, legal practitioners, and technical experts within the State.

His Excellency Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi lauded the efforts of SiADR and affirmed his strong support for the Institute’s work in advancing amicable and efficient dispute resolution mechanisms. Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajah Fauziah likewise commended SIADR’s outreach and the societal value of resolving disputes through collaborative means.

The event concluded with the exchange of commemorative tokens and a formal photograph with Their Excellencies.

The Sarawak Institute of Arbitrators and Dispute Resolutions (SiADR) is pleased to announce the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Borneo International Centre for Arbitration and Mediation (BICAM) on 7 April 2025, held at the Kuching, Sarawak.

This MoU marks a significant milestone in regional cooperation between two institutions dedicated to the development and promotion of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). It establishes a framework for collaboration on training programmes, knowledge exchange, capacity building, and the promotion of arbitration and mediation as effective mechanisms for dispute settlement.

Mr. Tan Kee Heng, Council Member of BICAM, was present to represent BICAM at the signing ceremony. In his remarks, Mr. Tan reaffirmed BICAM’s commitment to supporting the growth of a coherent and trusted ADR ecosystem across Borneo and expressed confidence that this partnership with SiADR would contribute meaningfully to that objective.

The SIADR delegation included Datuk Yew Jen Kie (Chairperson), Sylvester Lai,  Alex Ngu, and Christopher Ho, all of whom welcomed this strategic alliance with optimism and shared purpose.

The MoU is expected to give rise to joint events, practitioner development initiatives, and coordinated advocacy for best practices in ADR.

The Sarawak Institute of Arbitrators and Dispute Resolutions (SiADR) is pleased to announce the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (ICC Sri Lanka), on 2^nd April 2025,  marking a significant step towards strengthening alternative dispute resolution (ADR) practices across the Asia-Pacific region.

The MoU was executed by SiADR Chairperson Datuk Yew Jen Kie and ICC Sri Lanka Chairman Anthony M. Shanil Fernando during a concise yet meaningful ceremony. This strategic partnership aims to foster enhanced cooperation in knowledge sharing, capacity building, and the promotion of arbitration, mediation, and other forms of ADR between Sarawak and Sri Lanka.

SiADR representatives, including Sylvester Lai, Arthur Lee, Alex Ngu, and James Hii, were present to witness the ceremony and expressed their enthusiasm for this cross-border collaboration.

Datuk Yew Jen Kie remarked, “This MoU represents our mutual intention to create bridges between our institutions and jurisdictions, paving the way for the development of best practices in ADR across our respective regions. We look forward to fruitful collaboration with ICC Sri Lanka.”

Echoing this sentiment, Shanil Fernando emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in enhancing the legitimacy and efficiency of ADR mechanisms. “We are honoured to partner with SIADR, and we believe this MoU will catalyse future joint programmes, training initiatives, and shared advocacy for arbitration and mediation,” he stated.

The MoU is anticipated to lead to joint conferences, training programmes, and scholarly exchanges, as both institutions work towards strengthening the ADR ecosystem within the Asia-Pacific legal and business communities.

The Sarawak Institute of Arbitrators and Dispute Resolutions (SiADR) extends its sincere appreciation to all participants, members, and guests who joined us for our recent seminar featuring The Honourable YA Dato’ Lee Swee Seng, Judge of the Court of Appeal, Malaysia (as His Lordship then was, now Federal Court Judge).

Titled “CIPAA 2012 – The Need for Reform Having Regard to Jurisdictional and Other Issues,” the seminar drew robust attendance and engagement from legal practitioners, adjudicators, academics, and students alike. The discussion critically examined key issues plaguing the CIPAA framework, including the extent of adjudicator jurisdiction, representation rights, challenges with Final Account claims, and the enforceability of conditional payment clauses.

YA Dato’ Lee, whose distinguished judicial service and academic contributions are widely respected, provided deep insight into the jurisprudential development of adjudication in Malaysia, drawing on both precedent and policy considerations. His Lordship’s lecture was both enlightening and timely, raising thought-provoking questions on the need for legislative reform and the balancing of statutory efficiency with substantive justice in adjudication proceedings.

We are proud to have facilitated this significant dialogue within the arbitration and construction law communities and reaffirm SIADR’s commitment to continuing legal education and professional development.

A special note of thanks is extended to our organising committee, volunteers, and venue host at Kompleks Belia dan Sukan Sarawak.

The Sarawak Institute of Arbitrators and Dispute Resolutions (SiADR) proudly hosted a special talk on Court Annexed Mediation on 6 May 2025, as part of Borneo ADR Week 2025. The session featured The Honourable Justice Dato’ Lim Chong Fong, Judge of the Court of Appeal, Malaysia – a preeminent authority in the field of construction law, arbitration, and statutory adjudication.

Justice Dato’ Lim delivered an incisive and inspiring lecture on the current practice, procedure, and challenges of court-annexed mediation, with particular emphasis on Practice Direction No. 2 of 2022. His Lordship shed light on the evolving role of the judiciary in fostering amicable dispute resolution, the responsibilities of counsel and mediators, and strategies for ensuring that mediation is effectively integrated into the civil justice process.

The talk included practical illustrations, commentary from the Bench, and an interactive Q&A segment where participants – comprising legal professionals, ADR practitioners, engineers, and students – actively engaged in discussion.

We are deeply honoured by Justice Lim’s presence and insightful sharing. His Lordship’s insights significantly contributed to a deeper understanding of the judicial commitment towards mediation as a viable and efficient ADR method of resolving civil disputes.

On 3rd July 2025, office bearers of the Sarawak Institute of Arbitrators and Dispute Resolutions (“SiADR”) paid a courtesy call on Yang Arif Dato Sri Saferi bin Ali, the Honourable State Attorney General of Sarawak (“SAG”), at the State Attorney General’s Chambers in Kuching.

The visit served as a formal introduction of the current SiADR leadership and reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to supporting the development and promotion of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (“ADR”) in Sarawak. The delegation was warmly received by Honourable SAG and senior officers of the Chambers.

During the meeting, SiADR expressed its full support for the State Government’s initiative to establish the Sarawak Arbitration Centre. SiADR indicated its willingness to assist in any practical manner towards the success of this initiative, particularly by cultivating and maintaining a competent pool of ADR practitioners who will be available to utilise the ADR Centre once operational. SiADR further expressed its preparedness to design and conduct training or capacity-building programmes for officers of the State Attorney General’s Chambers, should the need arise.

SiADR extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Honourable SAG for the warm reception and the opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue. The Institute looks forward to continued collaboration with the State Attorney General’s Chambers and the State Government in advancing the institutional framework for arbitration and ADR in Sarawak.

The Sarawak Institute of Arbitrators and Dispute Resolutions (“SiADR”), in collaboration with the Beihai Asia International Arbitration Centre (“BAIAC”) Singapore, successfully conducted its Introductory Course in International Mediation on 27th June 2025 at Lot 10 Boutique Hotel, Kuching.

This intensive one-day course was designed to equip legal practitioners, and other professionals with a foundational understanding of the mediation process and its practical application in international and domestic dispute resolution. A total of 25 participants attended the event, reflecting strong interest and growing recognition of mediation as a viable and effective alternative to litigation in the local scene.

The course featured five substantive sessions covering topics such as conflict identification, communication skills in dispute resolution, the structure and role of mediation, legal considerations in settlement agreements, and the comparative strengths of various ADR mechanisms. Participants were also given hands-on exposure through a Mediation Simulation and Practicum, where they engaged in role-play exercises designed to simulate real-world mediation scenarios.

The programme was led by Professor Steve Ngo, President of BAIAC Singapore and a member of the SiADR Advisory Board for Continuing Education. He was ably supported by an experienced panel of local mediators and trainers from SiADR, all of whom brought invaluable insight from both academic and professional perspectives.

Participants expressed high satisfaction with the quality of the course content, practical relevance, and the delivery by the speakers. Many also commended the course for providing them with clearer guidance on advising clients in mediation and laying the groundwork for those intending to pursue accreditation.

The event concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony, followed by networking among participants, speakers, and organising committee members. SiADR extends its sincere appreciation to the speakers, facilitators, and participants who contributed to the success of this programme.

The Sarawak Institute of Arbitration and Dispute Resolution (“SiADR”) had the honour of hosting a distinguished delegation from the Task Force established by the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department (Bahagian Hal Ehwal Undang-Undang, Jabatan Perdana Menteri – BHEUU JPM) at its premises in Bangunan Cheema, Kuching.

The session formed part of the Task Force’s nationwide consultative initiative to assess the implementation of the proposed Pusat Mediasi MADANI, a key policy effort to strengthen alternative dispute resolution (“ADR”) mechanisms in Malaysia. The establishment of the Task Force was approved by the Cabinet on 6th December 2024 and officially commissioned by the Honourable Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform).

Among the members of the Task Force present were Datuk Muhammad Adam Abdullah, Ms. Shanti Abraham, and Ms. Gunavathi Subramaniam, who engaged in a productive discourse with representatives of SiADR.

The meeting enabled meaningful exchange on the operational landscape of mediation in Sarawak, including current institutional challenges, regional best practices, and recommendations for the establishment of a robust mediation framework under the MADANI vision. SiADR shared insights into local ADR practices and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national initiatives aimed at enhancing access to justice through collaborative and community-driven solutions.

The dialogue concluded with mutual optimism that this engagement would enrich the Task Force’s formulation of policy recommendations, particularly in tailoring mediation practices to better suit the legal and social fabric of East Malaysia. SiADR extends its gratitude to BHEUU for the opportunity to contribute to this significant initiative and looks forward to continued cooperation in promoting effective dispute resolution nationwide.

Pathway to ADR Mastery in Bintulu – Another Milestone for SiADR!

The Sarawak Institute of Arbitration and Dispute Resolution (“SiADR”) is pleased to share the success of our recent programme, “Pathway to ADR Mastery in Bintulu”, held at New World Suites, Park City, Bintulu, from 21st to 23rd August 2025.

This landmark event marked SIADR’s first debut outside Kuching, drawing a total of 38 participants, including 5 nominated judicial officers, who actively engaged in the three-day intensive programme.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our distinguished speakers — Simon Hughes KC, Joan Lim-Casanova, Professor Kingsley Ong, and Professor Steve Ngo — for their insightful contributions that enriched the learning experience of all participants.

A highlight of the programme was the special judicial session delivered by The Honourable Justice Dato’ Lee Swee Seng, Judge of the Federal Court of Malaysia, who shared his invaluable perspectives on the Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act 2012 (CIPAA) and its evolving jurisprudence.

We also wish to give a special shoutout to Dato’ Sri Patrick Lau, the Managing Director of Destiny Group, who graciously hosted the working committee with a sumptuous dinner on 22 August 2025 and extended generous support to us through discounted hospitality arrangements.

Further appreciation is accorded to our Co-Partner, the Advocates Association of Sarawak, Bintulu Branch, for their strong collaboration and support in making this event possible.

SiADR remains committed to advancing excellence in arbitration and dispute resolution across Sarawak and beyond. This milestone in Bintulu is only the beginning of our wider efforts to strengthen ADR education and practice throughout the region.

Speaker:

1) President of BAIAC Singapore, Professor Steve Ngo
2) Special Guest Talk: Katherine Yap is the Founder and Chief Executive of Rafa Mediation, Singapore.

Sarawak Institute of Arbitration & Dispute Resolution (SiADR) in cooperation with BAIAC Singapore brings to Sarawak, an intensive introductory course in international mediation, in Kuching. This intensive one-day course is designed to train representatives in mediation including advocates, counsel, solicitors and other legal representatives, on how to effectively advise and represent parties in a dispute who opt for private mediation. In addition, this course is also suitable for those intending to embark on becoming a mediator. The program covers key strategies, challenges and best practices for navigating the mediation process.

The intensive course involves theory and practical to provide participants with a hands-on experience in the conduct of mediation.

Total participants is 36

The Sarawak Institute of Arbitration and Dispute Resolution (SiADR) has successfully convened the Inaugural General Meeting for the formal establishment of its Bintulu Branch, registered under NBID-001-12092025.

The meeting was held on Friday, 21st November 2025 at 2:30 p.m. at the Conference Room, 2nd Floor, Assyakirin Commerce Square, Jalan Sultan Iskandar, Bintulu, Sarawak, within the premises of Ling & Wong Advocates.

At this inaugural meeting, Mr. Henry Ling Kuong Meng was appointed as the Protem Branch Chairman, and the Bintulu Branch Committee was successfully formed to undertake its functions for the 2025–2027 term.

The establishment of the Bintulu Branch marks an important milestone in advancing the promotion, development and accessibility of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms within the Northern region of Sarawak (Bintulu, Miri and Limbang).

We are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of our programme titled “Advancing Dispute Resolution: Construction Adjudication and Court-Led Mediation”, held on 6 December 2025 at PARC Shared Office, Miri, Sarawak.
The programme featured two distinguished members of the Malaysian Judiciary, whose presence and contributions greatly enriched the discourse on contemporary dispute-resolution mechanisms.

Morning Session – Construction Adjudication under CIPAA 2012
We were honoured to host The Honourable YA Dato’ Lee Swee Seng, Judge of the Federal Court of Malaysia, who delivered an in-depth analysis of the Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act 2012 (CIPAA). His Lordship examined the evolution of adjudication jurisprudence, key judicial developments, and persistent jurisdictional challenges faced by adjudicators and practitioners. His Lordship’s thoughtful exposition provided participants with principled and practical guidance that will undoubtedly inform future practice.

Afternoon Session – Court-Led Mediation and Practice Direction No. 2 of 2022
The afternoon session was led by The Honourable YA Dato’ Lim Chong Fong, Judge of the Court of Appeal, Malaysia. His Lordship offered valuable insights into the courts’ mediation framework, the operationalisation of Practice Direction No. 2 of 2022, and the respective roles of judges, counsel, and mediators in advancing meaningful settlement efforts. His Lordship’s perspectives on common pitfalls and best practices added significant practical value for participants engaged in civil litigation and mediation.

We extend our deepest appreciation to both Honourable Judges for their generosity in sharing their judicial perspectives and for supporting the continued development of alternative dispute-resolution mechanisms in Sarawak.

We also record our sincere thanks to the Advocates’ Association of Sarawak, Miri Branch, for graciously hosting the post-event dinner, which provided a collegial setting for further engagement among members of the Bench, the Bar, and the industry.