ASEAN law ministers commit to strengthening arbitration and mediation frameworks
The joint declaration was adopted at the ASEAN Law Forum 2025 here, which was attended by representatives from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
In a joint statement, the ministers emphasised the importance of harmonising arbitration and mediation frameworks across ASEAN in alignment with international standards such as the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, the Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation, and the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration.
'A robust legal infrastructure for dispute resolution is essential for attracting investment, promoting trade, and strengthening economic growth in the region,' the statement read.
The ministers recognised the need for greater collaboration among ASEAN nations and with international and regional partners, including knowledge-sharing platforms and capacity-building initiatives.
These would target the upskilling of policymakers, legal professionals, and dispute resolution practitioners to meet the region's evolving needs in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
In a notable move, the joint statement also addressed the transformative role of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving ADR mechanisms.
The ministers supported the use of AI-powered platforms to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure evidence-based and impartial decision-making—while also underscoring the importance of responsible AI use, data privacy, and human oversight.
'We encourage the use of AI to streamline case management and facilitate equitable outcomes, while upholding transparency, impartiality, and the rule of law,' said the statement, which also reaffirmed the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and public trust in legal processes.
By strengthening regional frameworks for arbitration and mediation, the ministers aim to improve access to justice, support sustainable development, and reinforce ASEAN's position in the global legal and economic landscape.
The declaration concluded with a unified pledge to build an inclusive, resilient, and dynamic ASEAN community, anchored on the principles of justice, economic prosperity, and long-term stability.
Earlier, at the closing ceremony of the forum, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, said that the joint statement signed today was more than words on paper.
'It was a message to the world that ASEAN is open for business, united in justice, and committed to inclusivity,' she stressed.
Also present at the final day of the forum were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran, and Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr Kao Kim Hourn.
The three-day forum brought together 58 speakers and moderators in 15 expert-led sessions, with more than 300 participants from ASEAN and beyond.
Discussions covered alternative dispute resolution, commercial and business law reform and human rights. – Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
43 minutes ago
- The Star
MB World unveils RM2bil heavy industrial development
From left: Zalina Zainol, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of MIDA; Datuk Rohman Ahmad, Executive Director of MB World Group; Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry; Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Menteri Besar Johor; Datuk Haji Hasni Haji Mohammad, Johor State Economic and Investment Advisor; Datuk Haji Asman Shah Abd Rahman, State Secretary of Johor; and Lee Ting Han, Chairman of the Johor State Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee. ISKANDAR PUTERI: The RM2bil MBW Innexus Industrial City, a freehold heavy industrial development in the fast-growing eastern corridor of Johor Baru, has been launched. Spanning 296ha in Tanjung Langsat, the project is developed by MB World Group Bhd, through its subsidiary Rising Gateway Sdn Bhd. According to MB World executive director Datuk Rohman Ahmad, the project sits at the heart of Flagship D within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), a high-impact growth belt supported by both the Malaysia and Singapore governments. 'This marks a bold new chapter for us. We believe industrial growth must be matched with infrastructure, connectivity and liveability. 'And that is exactly what we are working to build, not just factories, but a functioning ecosystem,' he said in his opening address at the launch on Wednesday. Just 6km from Tanjung Langsat Port and 14km from Johor Port, MBW Innexus offer access to sea routes, major highways and international airports including Senai pInternational Airport and Changi Airport. The proximity ensures seamless connectivity, efficient logistics and access to Asean and global markets. Rohman added that as part of JS-SEZ, the development benefits from strong policy and business facilitation through the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor or IMFC-J. 'By combining Malaysia's cost advantages and land security with proximity to Singapore's global financial and logistics ecosystems, MBW Innexus is positioned as a launch pad for regional expansion,' he added. Meanwhile, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, who officiated the launch, said the project reflected Johor's strong position to attract investors. 'The demand is there otherwise companies like MB World will not be investing in infrastructure as we see today. 'Investors enter Johor because the state has the right ecosystem. 'We welcome this project, with a gross development value over RM2bil and expected generation of about 37,000 jobs,' he added. At the launch, Rising Gateway also exchanged a bilateral financing agreement with Maybank Islamic Bhd for a facility of up to RM635.6mil. MBW Innexus Industrial City will also be supported by robust infrastructure, including a 132kV main intake station, high-capacity water tank, sewage treatment plant and wide roads designed for smooth cargo movement.
The Sun
10 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia to build internal tech capabilities, reduce foreign reliance
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must develop internal technological capabilities rather than continuing to depend on foreign technology according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He emphasised the need for building domestic expertise in areas including cloud computing to safeguard the country's classified information and strategic assets. This matter received attention during his chairing of the National Cyber Security Committee Meeting Number Two of 2025 today. The discussion highlighted how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and cloud computing must be evaluated through security considerations. 'Therefore, the government will continue to strengthen the country's cyber defence by protecting critical infrastructure, increasing public awareness, and strengthening cooperation among government agencies, the private sector, and international partners,' he said. Anwar confirmed that the Cybercrime Bill will be presented to Parliament before the end of this year as part of legislative enhancements. He noted that individual citizens also bear responsibility for protecting personal data during online activities. The MyDigital ID system now averages twenty five thousand users daily following integration with applications including MyJPJ, MySejahtera, MyBayar PDRM, and MyGOV. Malaysia will demonstrate its global commitment by signing the United Nations Convention on cybercrime in Hanoi, Vietnam soon. This signature will confirm Malaysia's dedication to strengthening international cooperation against digital crime. The meeting also stressed the importance of developing post-quantum cryptography technology through collaboration between the National Cyber Security Agency, researchers, and industry partners. This effort will enhance protection for critical infrastructure and help combat cybercrime according to the Prime Minister. It will ensure that national interests and public welfare remain securely protected. – Bernama
The Sun
10 hours ago
- The Sun
Proposed Ministry of Law key to Malaysia's progress, says Azalina
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's proposal to establish a Ministry of Law aligns with the Malaysia MADANI agenda's emphasis on integrity, transparency and the rule of law as foundations for national progress. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said stated that this announcement highlights the ministry's crucial role in strengthening the country's legal ecosystem. She emphasised that the ministry would enhance the effectiveness of institutional reforms and expand public access to justice. 'InsyaAllah, we will continue to drive the success of the legal reform agenda, which not only benefits Malaysians but also positions ASEAN as a just, resilient, and prosperous region,' she said in a Facebook post today. Earlier during his keynote address at the ASEAN Law Forum 2025, Anwar revealed the government was considering establishing a dedicated Ministry of Law to ensure greater coherence in the national legal system. He explained that this move would enable Malaysia to engage more meaningfully with regional partners in advancing the rule of law, particularly with fellow ASEAN member states. Azalina expressed her appreciation to Anwar for delivering the keynote address and witnessing the adoption of the Joint Statement at the inaugural forum. She noted that this reflects the nation's leadership commitment to reinforcing regional legal cooperation in pursuit of more inclusive justice. 'Also, my gratitude to fellow Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Law from ASEAN member states, including Timor-Leste and Japan, as well as ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn,' she added. – Bernama
