KUCHING: The proposed establishment of the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) in Sarawak marks an important milestone in the state’s journey towards becoming a leading arbitration and dispute resolution hub in the region.

Sarawak State Attorney-General Dato Sri Saferi Ali said it demonstrates the growing recognition of Sarawak as an emerging venue for commercial dispute resolution and strengthens the institutional framework necessary to support both domestic and international arbitration.

“Equally important is the role of the Sarawak Institute of Arbitration and Dispute Resolution (SIADR), which complements these efforts by promoting the development of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution in Sarawak,” he said.

Dato Sri Saferi said this in his closing speech at the Introductory Course to Arbitration programme, here on Wednesday.

Beyond administering dispute resolution processes, he noted that SIADR serves as a platform for advancing professional excellence through education, training, accreditation, research and the exchange of knowledge among legal practitioners, industry professionals, businesses and academia.

According to him, the institute also plays a vital role in fostering greater awareness of and confidence in arbitration and mediation as efficient, cost-effective and commercially sensible means of resolving disputes.

“Together, the presence of the AIAC branch and the work of SIADR lay the foundation for a robust and sustainable arbitration ecosystem in Sarawak.

“They reflect a shared commitment to building local expertise, enhancing institutional capacity and positioning Sarawak as a credible, neutral and internationally recognised seat of arbitration,” he added.

On the two-day course which began on 23 June, Dato Sri Saferi pointed out its importance in strengthening the State Attorney-General’s Chambers’ (SAGC) understanding of arbitration, describing it as an inseparable part of modern legal practice, particularly in commercial, construction, investment and cross-border transactions.

“As lawyers acting for the Sarawak Government, we must also understand arbitration in the light of statutory powers, public accountability and the public interest.

“Litigation will, of course, remain a central part of our work. Nevertheless, arbitration has its own procedures, terminology and strategic considerations.

“We must therefore be familiar with the fundamentals, including the arbitration clause, the seat and governing law, institutional and ad hoc arbitration, the constitution of the tribunal, interim measures and the role of the courts,” he said.

Also present were Member of the Senate and SIADR Deputy Chairman Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew, Deputy Sarawak State Attorney-General Datu John Wayne Chamberlin Sirau, President of Beihai Asia International Arbitration Centre Professor Steve Ngo, as well as senior state counsels and state counsels of the SAGC. -UKASnews