It was an honour to attend alongside:

The Honourable Mr Andrew CHEUNG Kui-nung, GBM, Chief Justice, HKSAR;

The Honourable Mr Justice Kevin Paul Zervos;

Mr Kesson Lee, JP, Commissioner of Narcotics;

Mr Roden Tong, President, The Law Society of Hong Kong;

Mr Amirali B. Nasir, MH, JP, Vice President, The Law Society of Hong Kong;

Mr Pak Sun Hau, Council Member, The Law Society of Hong Kong, Solicitor Advocate and Adjudicator, TCAB;

Colleagues and I.

An occasion that truly reflected the spirit of unity within our legal community.

Young lawyers benefit from regional exchange event (2025)

Originally Published in SCMP | 26 January 2026 |

Reposted here with full credit to SCMP.

The Malaysia- Hong Kong Young Lawyers' Symposium in Kuala Lumpur last month was a resounding success. It offered vital insights into the evolving legal landscapes of both economies and emphasised the need for young lawyers to adapt to a rapidly changing environment influenced by geopolitics and technology.

The legal profession is at a critical juncture, driven by deglobalisation and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Speakers highlighted that firms must adjust and strategically harness these changes for growth. Understanding Malaysia's dual-track legal system - secular common law and Islamic sharia law - is essential for effectively advising clients in this complex market.

The Asian International Arbitration Centre is positioning Kuala Lumpur as a competitive hub for international arbitration, allowing foreign lawyers to participate without local licences. This presents significant opportunities for dispute resolution teams, enhancing efficiency. The shift from hyper-globalisation to "de-risking" is reshaping legal work. The emerging Asian consumer markets require a new focus on domestic laws, such as consumer protection and data privacy.

Adoption of Al is transforming legal practice, making tasks such as legal research and document review more efficient. However, ethical considerations are paramount as reliance on AI poses risks to core professional duties.

A notable discussion centred on the potential of sports law, which embodies the convergence of financial interests, global disputes and ethical challenges. The sports industry has evolved into a multibillion-dollar sector, generating legal work beyond the field. Issues such as player transfers, sponsorship agreements and broadcasting rights require specialised expertise, while ethical challenges, including those related to doping regulations, demand swift legal intervention.

The Young Lawyers Exchange Programme, a collaboration between the Law Society of Hong Kong's Young Solicitors' Group and the Malaysian Bar, was a highlight of the symposium. This partnership fosters connections and mutual understanding among emerging legal professionals. The event underscored the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in modern legal practices.

The symposium provided a road map for navigating the future, encouraging young lawyers to embrace change and enhance their professional development.

Ahmed Ashfaq, Tsim Sha Tsui

Originally Published in SCMP | 26 January 2026 |

Reposted here with full credit to SCMP.

The Malaysia- Hong Kong Young Lawyers' Symposium in Kuala Lumpur last month was a resounding success. It offered vital insights into the evolving legal landscapes of both economies and emphasised the need for young lawyers to adapt to a rapidly changing environment influenced by geopolitics and technology.

The legal profession is at a critical juncture, driven by deglobalisation and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Speakers highlighted that firms must adjust and strategically harness these changes for growth. Understanding Malaysia's dual-track legal system - secular common law and Islamic sharia law - is essential for effectively advising clients in this complex market.

The Asian International Arbitration Centre is positioning Kuala Lumpur as a competitive hub for international arbitration, allowing foreign lawyers to participate without local licences. This presents significant opportunities for dispute resolution teams, enhancing efficiency. The shift from hyper-globalisation to "de-risking" is reshaping legal work. The emerging Asian consumer markets require a new focus on domestic laws, such as consumer protection and data privacy.

Adoption of Al is transforming legal practice, making tasks such as legal research and document review more efficient. However, ethical considerations are paramount as reliance on AI poses risks to core professional duties.

A notable discussion centred on the potential of sports law, which embodies the convergence of financial interests, global disputes and ethical challenges. The sports industry has evolved into a multibillion-dollar sector, generating legal work beyond the field. Issues such as player transfers, sponsorship agreements and broadcasting rights require specialised expertise, while ethical challenges, including those related to doping regulations, demand swift legal intervention.

The Young Lawyers Exchange Programme, a collaboration between the Law Society of Hong Kong's Young Solicitors' Group and the Malaysian Bar, was a highlight of the symposium. This partnership fosters connections and mutual understanding among emerging legal professionals. The event underscored the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in modern legal practices.

The symposium provided a road map for navigating the future, encouraging young lawyers to embrace change and enhance their professional development.

Ahmed Ashfaq, Tsim Sha Tsui

Grateful to Have Presented at LAWASIA’s Regional Workshop on Data Protection, Chuo University, Tokyo, Japan.

I had the opportunity to present on “Landmark Judgments on Data Protection” at the LAWASIA regional workshop, hosted by:

• Dr. Nobuyuki Sato, Ph.D. in Law, Vice President, Chuo University

• Professor Hiroshi Miyashita, Professor of Law, Faculty of Policy Studies, Chuo University

• Dr. Sunil Abeyaratne, Ph.D., Chair, Communications, Technology & Data Protection Committee, LAWASIA

Professor Hiroshi, in his speech, mentioned why they chose this venue. He stated that the setting was chosen deliberately. As the host professor noted, the mission of the university is to “find something universal”.

The workshop featured speakers from six jurisdictions: China, Hong Kong (myself), South Korea, India, Japan, and Sri Lanka, fostering meaningful cross-border dialogue on privacy law.

My presentation focused on how Hong Kong’s PDPO has evolved through key judicial decisions and enforcement events, with comparative insights from China’s PIPL, the EU’s GDPR, and the OECD Privacy Guidelines.

I was truly encouraged by the kind feedback from the organisers mentioned earlier, including a thumbs-up and the words “excellent presentation.” Their support reinforces the value of collaborative learning across jurisdictions.

Looking forward to continuing this conversation at the LAWASIA 2025 Conference in Hanoi!

#Chaudhrysolicitors

#LAWASIA #DataProtection #PDPO #PIPL #GDPR #OECD #PrivacyLaw #LegalScholarship #CrossBorderCompliance #PublicSpeaking #LegalCommunity #AsiaPacificLaw

I participated in the Hong Kong LAW FAIR 2025 as part of the Law Society of Hong Kong. The fair was designed for law students from Hong Kong and overseas and featured 52 organisations, including leading universities, sharing insights into law firm training contracts and internship programs.

The event attracted a significant number of visitors, demonstrating a strong interest in legal careers. It was great to reconnect with colleagues and meet new individuals.

Many law students expressed interest in the Law Society's free Student Membership Programme, which encourages involvement in activities, particularly through the Young Solicitors’ Group and the Recreation and Sports Programme. This engagement highlights these initiatives' importance in shaping the legal profession's future.

As we progress, there is excellent potential to develop student involvement and passion further in this field. Thank you!

𝐒𝐞𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐀𝐃𝐑 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 2025

The SIAC Seoul Conference on 28 October 2025 was a masterclass in the future of dispute resolution.

1. SIAC Rules 2025, Past and Present

2. Strengthening Trade Ties Between Korea and Southeast Asia

3. Emerging Sectors in Dispute Resolution in

Korea

For those who couldn't attend, here are the key takeaways that are already reshaping legal strategy:

1. SIAC's 2025 Rules Are a Game-Changer

The new rules are a strategic leap forward. The standout innovation is the Protective Preliminary Order (PPO), allowing for ex parte emergency relief to prevent a counterparty from sabotaging a case before they are even notified, a powerful tool for protecting assets or IP.

Equally transformative is the Streamlined Procedure (SP) for sub-S$1M disputes, offering a documents-only award in three months at half the cost. This finally makes arbitration viable for a vast range of smaller, commercially critical claims. The institution is already delivering on this promise.

2. The "S-Wave" is Reshaping Regional Dispute Resolution.

Amidst geopolitical shifts, investment between Korea and Southeast Asia is booming. The clear trend is the "S-Wave"—the overwhelming choice of Singapore as a neutral seat. Its appeal isn't just SIAC arbitration, but a full suite of options: the International Commercial Court for complex litigation and top-tier mediation, offering a bespoke solution for every type of cross-border dispute.

3. Third-Party Funding is Now a Strategic Financial Tool.

The conversation has evolved. Funding is no longer just for those who can't afford to litigate. Major corporations are now utilising it to mitigate significant disputes, making internal approval easier by offloading Costs and potential adverse outcomes. It's become a crucial part of the in-house counsel's toolkit.

4. Emerging Sectors Face New Frontiers for Disputes

In high-stakes sectors like offshore wind, a seller's market for turbines and geopolitical volatility are creating a perfect storm for complex arbitrations. Meanwhile, in shipbuilding, the green transition is forcing new collaborations, making intellectual property battles the next major frontier for disputes, far beyond traditional contract clashes.

5. AI is Shifting from Hype to Practical Tool

The focus was on practical application. AI is being used to analyse terabytes of project data in a matter of days, providing early case assessment and reclaiming time for strategic judgment. The key takeaway from users is that they welcome the efficiency, but demand that a seasoned lawyer review it.

The Bottom Line

The future of dispute resolution is proactive, not reactive. Success hinges on integrating these innovative rules, neutral forums, financial tools, and technologies into your core business strategy from the very beginning.

Next - ESG In Dispute Resolution?

Newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gUQTCjSG

I took the following key insights from today's conference, highlighting the core challenges and proposed solutions in international arbitration.

What Does Not Work

· The biggest complaints are confidentiality and lack of public scrutiny, which enable “rogue arbitrators” to issue awards unsupported by fact, contract or law.

· Outcomes depend on luck and the arbitrator. What can be expected from an arbitrator never challenged?

Efficiency Deficit

· In one major corporation, a legal counsel noted that she did not regard arbitration very highly in the beginning. In fact, the notion was 'that arbitration is a lesser evil than probably litigation'.

· Users suffer inefficiencies and unpredictability while facing pressure to justify legal spend.

Counsel-Driven Excess

· Counsel play the due process card far too often.

· "Due process paranoia" prevents tribunals from controlling proceedings.

Ineffective Multi-Tiered Clauses

· Mandatory DABs and mediation clauses are often deleted as wasteful obstacles that cause delays.

How to Make It Work

Proactive Tribunals

· Arbitrators must be on top of the case from the beginning. Being embedded in the file prevents delays in issuing awards.

Technology and Innovation

· Institutions are connecting arbitrators with AI tools and launching e-filing platforms.

· Virtual hearings reduce costs and improve efficiency.

• HKIAC’s “Hub” leads in connecting arbitrators with AI; other institutions remain cautious.

Streamlined Procedures

· Expedited procedures and early determination are most effective.

· Challenge defaults like four rounds of submissions and excessive document production.

Transparency and Oversight

· Users want data on arbitrators' availability and caseloads.

· Institutions must hold arbitrators accountable for delays, including fee penalties for late awards.

“A lesson in listening, learning, and evolving. Until next time.”

Newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gUQTCjSG

Note

Although the N Soul tower and the Raum buildings exist, they stand apart; in reality, they look different. This Al-crafted image reimagines them in a shared, poetic moment, all in one place, with visual elements crafted to resemble their actual forms as closely as possible!