ASEAN Law Ministers Reaffirm Commitment To Strengthening Arbitration, Mediation Frameworks

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KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 -- Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said delivers her speech at the ASEAN Law Forum 2025 themed Enhancing Access to Justice in the ASEAN Economic Community: Bridging Legal Cooperation for Inclusive Growth in the Digital Age in Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- Ministers of Law, Justice, and Attorneys-General from the ten ASEAN Member States today reaffirmed their collective commitment to advancing international commercial arbitration and mediation as a tool for regional economic development, legal cooperation, and access to justice.
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.