By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Dec 13: The Sarawak International Alternative Dispute Resolution (SIADR) aims to establish Sarawak as a premier seat of arbitration by providing a reliable and efficient forum for dispute resolution.
Marking a significant milestone, SIADR launched its Arbitration and Mediation Rules and Conciliation Guidelines, underscoring its commitment to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
As the first ADR organisation in Sarawak, SIADR chairlady Datuk Yew Jen Kie emphasised the organisation’s mission to promote and develop ADR processes for resolving disputes amicably and effectively within the region.
“SIADR is more than an organisation; it is a movement to position Sarawak as a hub for ADR excellence. We aim to empower businesses, individuals, and communities with effective dispute resolution mechanisms,” she said during the opening of the International Commercial Arbitration Course at the Sarawak Centre of Performance Excellence (SCOPE) today.
Yew highlighted SIADR’s strategy to enhance awareness and accessibility of ADR in Sarawak through collaborations with stakeholders, including the Sarawak government, and capacity-building for ADR professionals.
“We are dedicated to creating opportunities through roadshows, dialogues, and educational initiatives. SIADR welcomes professionals and individuals passionate about ADR to join us in building a thriving ADR community in Sarawak,” she added.
Meanwhile, Sarawak legal counsel Dato Sri JC Fong reinforced the importance of public confidence in the arbitration system established under the Arbitration Act 2005.
“Arbitration is a valuable alternative for dispute resolution, but its success hinges on the trust and respect of the public. All parties, including arbitrators, lawyers, institutions facilitating arbitration, and the High Court, play crucial roles in maintaining this trust,” he said.
He raised concerns about the recent trend of third-party funded arbitrations, cautioning that such practices could undermine the system’s integrity.
“The arbitration system is intended for those directly involved in disputes, not for third parties seeking profit. It must remain a process for the expeditious, fair, and confidential resolution of differences,” he noted.
Fong urged stakeholders to examine critical aspects of arbitration, including the rationale for its adoption, impartiality in proceedings, and the enforcement of awards.
“The arbitrator is the linchpin of the arbitration system. Their legal expertise, efficiency in managing proceedings, impartiality, and ability to deliver fair awards are essential to sustaining public confidence in arbitration as a dispute resolution avenue,” he emphasised.
Themed ‘Discover the World of International Arbitration with SIADR’, the course aims to ensure participants acquire hands-on skills sufficient to represent clients in any arbitral proceedings as counsel.
A highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SIADR, represented by Yew, and the Beihai Asia International Arbitration Centre (BAIAC) Singapore, represented by its president Prof Steve Ngo.
This collaboration signals SIADR’s commitment to fostering international partnerships and advancing ADR capabilities in Sarawak, further cementing the State’s position as a leader in dispute resolution. — DayakDaily
