The Legal Insights Bulletin : International Delegations & Symposia

Featured by Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom:

Ahmed Ashfaq, Solicitor — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:39:15 GMT

Featured by Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom:

✅ International Ambassador: Hong Kong Alumni Ambassador

✅ Featured Alumni in Law and the Public Sector

✅ Alumni Profile as a Solicitor of the High Court of Hong Kong

My sincere thanks to Manchester Met, my lecturers, mentors, colleagues, family and friends who have supported my legal journey from the CPE and LLB (Hons) Law programme, through the HKU PCLL, and into legal practice.

A Tip for Students:

“Make yourself visible through meaningful contributions, not just applications. Early in my career, I realised that qualifications alone rarely distinguish you. I focused on building expertise, publishing articles, engaging with the profession, seeking mentors, and taking opportunities that stretched my skills.

Those activities helped me develop a professional reputation, and many of the opportunities I’ve received, including speaking engagements, teaching opportunities, and specialist work, have come from demonstrating value consistently over time rather than simply applying for positions.

My advice is to invest in becoming known for something and let your work speak for you”

I am always pleased to connect with current students and I look forward to giving back to the alumni community and supporting future generations of students.

Direct Links: https://www.mmu.ac.uk/alumni/community/meet/international-ambassadors/ASIA

🔗 https://www.mmu.ac.uk/alumni/community/meet/sector/legal-and-public-sector

🔗 https://www.mmu.ac.uk/individual-profile/ahmed-ashfaq

#ManchesterMet #MMUAlumni #Law #HongKong #Solicitor #LegalCareer

Thailand ADR Conference 2026- Day 2

Ahmed Ashfaq, Solicitor — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 05:07:56 GMT

#Arbitration, Finality, and Procedural Efficiency

Key Insights:

The selection of arbitrators is one of the most consequential decisions in any arbitration. Reputation alone should not drive appointments. A well-known arbitrator may have extensive commitments and limited availability, which can contribute to delays. Parties should instead focus on suitability, experience, availability, and familiarity with the type of dispute being resolved. Conducting proper due diligence before making appointments is essential.

Efficiency can also be improved through greater awareness of procedural tools available under institutional rules. Mechanisms such as joinder, consolidation, and single proceedings involving multiple contracts can streamline disputes, reduce duplication, and avoid conflicting decisions. Understanding these options early allows parties to make more strategic procedural choices.

Document production was highlighted as one of the most expensive and time-consuming aspects of arbitration. Broad requests can dramatically increase Costs and prolong proceedings. Careful consideration should therefore be given to the necessity and scope of document requests. Limiting the number of requests, reducing overly broad categories, and requiring focused applications can improve efficiency without compromising fairness.

Lengthy proceedings, extensive document production, and rising Costs risk undermining arbitration's traditional advantages. Maintaining proportionality and resisting procedural excess are therefore important responsibilities for all participants.

Responsibility for efficiency is shared, but ultimate authority rests with the tribunal. Counsel have a duty to protect their clients' interests, which may not always align with procedural speed. Tribunals, however, are responsible for enforcing deadlines, maintaining momentum, and ensuring that proceedings remain fair and proportionate. Strong case management and adherence to agreed timetables are critical to achieving effective outcomes.

Mediation was recognised as a valuable pathway to commercial resolution, particularly when parties have different levels of information, confidence, or bargaining power. The mediation process can help parties better understand the strengths and weaknesses of their positions and move toward practical settlement solutions. At the same time, commercial realities and existing imbalances between parties cannot always be removed and sometimes must be acknowledged to achieve durable outcomes.

Ultimately, finality in dispute resolution does not occur automatically. It requires careful planning, informed drafting, thoughtful appointments, disciplined procedural management, and active participation from everyone involved. Efficiency, fairness, and finality are interconnected objectives that depend upon decisions made throughout the entire life cycle of a dispute.

Last Panel Discussion:

Enforceability of Arbitration Awards and the Rule of Law

Key Insights:

• Institutional arbitration rules have undergone significant revisions aimed at improving efficiency, fairness, and case management.

• While procedural innovations are intended to improve efficiency, concerns were raised that certain mechanisms may also increase complexity and create opportunities for further disputes.

• The availability of ex parte applications under some institutional rules prompted discussion regarding how such procedures should be balanced with due process, natural justice, and the rule of law.

• The panel discussed the need to balance procedural fairness and efficiency in arbitration proceedings.

• “Due process paranoia” was described as a situation where arbitrators become overly concerned about possible challenges to awards and consequently allow excessive procedural opportunities.

• Statistics referenced during the discussion suggested that successful challenges to arbitral awards on due process grounds may be relatively uncommon in certain jurisdictions.

• Guerrilla tactics and obstructive conduct by parties were identified as recurring issues in arbitration proceedings.

• Examples discussed included excessive document production requests, repeated procedural applications, jurisdictional challenges, refusal to pay deposits, and delay tactics.

• Some panellists suggested that greater use of cost awards may help discourage abusive procedural conduct and wasted Costs, although approaches may differ across tribunals and jurisdictions.

• Party autonomy was described as a fundamental aspect of arbitration, with tribunals deriving their authority from the parties’ agreement.

• Hong Kong and Singapore were mentioned in discussions concerning arbitration-friendly jurisdictions.

• The possibility of greater regional consistency within ASEAN regarding public policy and arbitration-related issues was discussed.

• Panellists discussed whether institutions should empower arbitrators more clearly through institutional rules and guidance.

• Security for Costs, security for claims, and procedural timetable management were discussed as tools that may assist in addressing delays in arbitration proceedings.

• Parties experiencing delays were encouraged to use available institutional and procedural mechanisms to raise concerns regarding case progress.

The End!

#THAC #SIAC #AIAC #HKIAC #Arbitration #InternationalArbitration #RuleOfLaw #DisputeResolution #ADR #ASEAN

#thac #siac #hkiac #aiac #icc

Thailand Arbitration Conference 2026

Ahmed Ashfaq, Solicitor — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 11:45:42 GMT

It was around this time last year when I had the privilege of hearing Dato’ Mary Lim Thiam Suan, President of AIAC, speak.

Interestingly, our paths crossed again today, and I had the opportunity to hear her insightful remarks once more.

Looking back, the photo from last year brings back fond memories. It was widely circulated across social and news media as part of the Law Society of Hong Kong delegation to Malaysia, the largest delegation ever organised by the society. During that visit, we were honoured to have a session with Dato’ Mary Lim Thiam Suan at the AIAC.

The second photo was taken today and features Dato’ Mary Lim Thiam Suan (AIAC), Joanne Lau (HKIAC), Gloria Lim (SIAC), Nicky Balani (THAC), as well as colleagues and fellow participants from the THAC training programme I attended two weeks ago.

Meeting someone again is one thing, but crossing paths with the same person almost a year later, around the very same time, is a coincidence that makes you pause and reflect. It’s a reminder that our professional journeys can unexpectedly come full circle.

It is always inspiring to reconnect with leading figures in the dispute resolution and arbitration community and reflect on how opportunities for learning, professional growth, and meaningful connections continue to come full circle.

#hkiac #siac #arbitration #aiac #thac #viac #lcia #icc

Thailand ADR Conference 2026

Ahmed Ashfaq, Solicitor — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 01:26:21 GMT

Just two weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending the International Tribunal Secretary Course in Bangkok, Thailand, an enriching experience that brought together outstanding practitioners, arbitrators, and dispute resolution professionals from around the world.

Now, I’m heading back to Bangkok for the Thailand ADR Conference 2026.

Looking forward to continuing the conversations, expanding my knowledge, reconnecting with colleagues, and engaging with thought leaders shaping the future of ADR and international dispute resolution.

See you all in Bangkok,

Rahul Donde, Nicky Balani,Prof. Dr. Stefan Kröll

Jonathan Chevry, Christopher Bloch, Ian Johnston,Katie Chung, Mikhail Behl, Philip Tan, Dr. Rouven F. Bodenheimer, Na-can Sermsook , Paul KL Chan, Eliza Stefaniw, RTTP, Sonam deki Chophil, Sutaporn Rienvichit

If you’re attending the conference as well, let’s connect and chat.

Looking forward to another insightful and rewarding experience. And, of course, enjoying some amazing Thai food along the way! 🌶️🍲

#ThailandADRConference2026 #ADR #Arbitration #DisputeResolution #InternationalArbitration #THAC #Networking #ProfessionalDevelopment #ContinuousLearning #hkiac #siac #cietac #lcia #aiac

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International Arbitration Summer School 2026 - Session 6

Ahmed Ashfaq, Solicitor — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:18:40 GMT

6 of 13 Session — International Arbitration Summer School 2026 - Central Asia Dispute Resolution Association

London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA): Arbitration and ADR Worldwide

Constitution of the Arbitral Tribunal: Appointments, Independence, Impartiality and Challenges

Kevin Nash and Maria Jonker, London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA)

Commentary:

The session described the constitution of the arbitral tribunal as one of the most important functions of an arbitral institution. It addressed appointments, disclosures, challenges and replacement under the LCIA framework, while considering how these matters arise from the drafting stage onward.

Party autonomy is the foundation. Parties may agree on the number of arbitrators, nomination procedure, qualifications and specialist knowledge. In practice, however, parties often cannot agree on a sole arbitrator, and unclear three-member nomination procedures may lead the institution to appoint the whole tribunal.

The choice between one and three arbitrators involves cost, speed, complexity and the desired degree of party participation.

Suitability is case-specific. Relevant factors include the seat, governing law, parties’ nationalities, industry sector, complexity, availability and conflicts. The speakers also stressed the value of an arbitrator who understands the relevant commercial realities.

Formal legal expertise may not be enough where the evaluation of evidence depends on a particular business context.

Multi-party cases create an additional difficulty. Referring to the Dutco principle, the speakers explained that if multiple claimants or respondents cannot make a joint nomination, an institution may appoint the entire tribunal to preserve equality.

Yet the institutional assessment should consider whether parties are genuinely aligned or adverse, rather than automatically displacing nomination rights.

Disclosure protects the integrity of an appointment. A prospective arbitrator may consider themselves independent and impartial but still disclose a past professional connection. The disclosure should be put to the parties for comment before the institution decides whether to proceed. The IBA Guidelines were described as useful, but non-binding; the practical aim is early, candid disclosure that prevents disruption later in the case.

Challenges may be genuine or tactical. The speakers emphasised efficient administration and prompt decisions so that proceedings are not effectively frozen. Challenges based solely on dissatisfaction with procedural rulings were described as unlikely to succeed.

They also cautioned against relying reflexively on a narrow group of familiar arbitrators. A useful formulation was “work and weight”: a nominee needs availability to engage seriously with the case and sufficient standing to contribute effectively to tribunal deliberations!

#hkiac #cietac #siac #lcia #thac #aiac #viac #icc

International Arbitration Summer School 2026 - Session 5

Ahmed Ashfaq, Solicitor — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 16:04:32 GMT

International Arbitration Summer School 2026 by Central Asia Dispute Resolution Association

Session 5 of 13: The Role of Arbitral Institutions and Arbitration Rules - ICC Arbitration

Today’s session on arbitral institutions added useful context to a question I raised at the ICC China Arbitration Day in Chengdu on 2 July 2026:

…if arbitration Costs and timelines keep rising, would clients be willing to instruct a highly capable local practitioner who can do the work at materially lower cost?

The answer emerging from Chengdu was clear: …users want counsel who are capable of doing the job, not simply an expensive or branded firm...

Today’s discussion helps explain why that matters. The speaker referred to an ICC cost analysis under which, on average, around 82% of expenditure comprised party-side costs, including lawyers, experts, witnesses, travel and hearings; around 16% related to tribunal fees and expenses, while approximately 2% related to ICC administrative charges.

The practical implication is not that parties should automatically choose local counsel or the cheapest option. It is that counsel selection should be driven by competence, relevant governing-law knowledge, procedural experience, language, sector expertise and value.

Where a local or regional firm has those capabilities, there is no reason to assume that international arbitration requires premium foreign counsel merely because of the institution, seat or label attached to the dispute.

For more complex, high-value or multi-jurisdictional matters, the appropriate solution may be a specialist boutique or a combined local–international team.

One further practical reminder from the session: arbitration is not automatically confidential. The ICC Rules do not impose a general default confidentiality obligation on the parties. If confidentiality is commercially important, parties should address it expressly in their arbitration agreement and consider the scope of any confidentiality protections needed for the proceedings, documents and award.

Thanks to speaker Ulrich Kopetzki of ICC Arbitration and today’s moderators of the Central Asia Dispute Resolution Association!

#icc #hkiac #cadra #siac #cietac #Lcia

International Arbitration Summer School 2026 - Session 2

Ahmed Ashfaq, Solicitor — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 04:50:48 GMT

Central Asia Dispute Resolution Association, International Arbitration Summer School 2026 – Session 2 with Matthew Drossos of White & Case LLP on drafting arbitration agreements and choice of law.

An arbitration clause should never be regarded as boilerplate or left to the final stages of a transaction. Its wording can determine whether the parties face a streamlined arbitral process or costly preliminary disputes about jurisdiction, scope, parties, governing law and procedure.

Particular points that stood out included the importance of broad scope wording; identifying precisely the parties intended to be bound; distinguishing the arbitral seat from the substantive governing law; and avoiding vague choices of law.

The discussion also reinforced the need to consider language, multi-tier dispute-resolution provisions, and the practical realities of enforcement at the drafting stage.

Institutional model clauses offer a sensible starting point. Still, they must be considered against the transaction, the parties’ commercial risk allocation, and the jurisdictions in which assets may ultimately need to be reached.

A timely reminder: careful drafting at the outset is usually far less expensive than litigating what the parties meant after a dispute has arisen.

Thank you for sessions like these!

International Arbitration Summer School 2026 - Session 3

Ahmed Ashfaq, Solicitor — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 04:48:27 GMT

Session 3 of the Central Asia Dispute Resolution Association - International Arbitration Summer School 2026 “Recognition, Enforcement, and Setting Aside of Arbitral Awards" with Simon Chapman KC from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer.

Commentary:

In Hong Kong, section 81 of the Arbitration Ordinance gives effect to Article 34 of the UNCITRAL Model Law. For a Hong Kong-seated award, a setting-aside application is ordinarily the exclusive court recourse against the award itself, subject to any applicable Schedule 2 opt-in. Resisting enforcement is a distinct defensive route, with substantially overlapping but not identical grounds.

An award debtor may decide not to seek setting aside and instead resist enforcement if and when enforcement is pursued, but that is not a risk-free substitute. The appropriate forum, the seat, applicable time limits, prior conduct, and the nature of the objection all matter. The Court distinguishes between true jurisdictional objections and objections directed to the admissibility or merits of a claim; the classification depends on the substance of the objection and the parties’ agreement.

Subject to any applicable Schedule 2 opt-in, setting aside is confined to the limited grounds in Article 34 and is not an appeal on the merits. The Court will not ordinarily revisit the tribunal’s factual, legal or procedural determinations, although a true jurisdictional objection may be subject to de novo review. An unsuccessful setting-aside application will normally attract indemnity costs, absent special circumstances.

A court challenge does not automatically destroy confidentiality. It may, however, entail disclosure for the purposes of the proceedings and create the possibility that a judgment of major legal interest will be reported, potentially in anonymised or otherwise redacted form.

Public-policy and due-process challenges face a very high threshold. W v AW was an exceptional case involving parallel proceedings and a common arbitrator. The Court held that the later, inconsistent award was manifestly invalid because the arbitrator failed to address the first award or invite submissions on its effect, causing grave unfairness.

Finally, a party which knows that a provision of the Model Law from which the parties may derogate, or a requirement under the arbitration agreement, has not been complied with, but proceeds without stating its objection without undue delay or, where a time limit is provided, within that time limit, shall be deemed to have waived the right to object.

Good session. Thanks to CADRA and Simon.

On a side note. It was an extremely busy and outstanding day at THAC Thailand Arbitration Center.

#CADRA #InternationalArbitration #Arbitration #DisputeResolution #HongKong

International Arbitration Summer School 2026 - Session 4

Ahmed Ashfaq, Solicitor — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 04:46:26 GMT

Queen Mary International Arbitration Survey:

Global Trends, User Expectations & Path Forward

Commentary:

Session 4: Central Asia Dispute Resolution Association (International Arbitration Summer School 2026). Tonight, I attended Prof Loukas Mistelis FCIArb’s Queen Mary University of London, Commercial Law Development Program presentation, in association with Steptoe LLP, on the 2025 International Arbitration Survey, conducted by the School of International Arbitration at Queen Mary University of London in collaboration with White & Case LLP, the largest edition to date, with 2,402 questionnaire responses and 117 interviews.

Asia-Pacific: Hong Kong ranked first, followed by Singapore, Beijing, London and Shenzhen.

Globally, London ranked first at 34%. Hong Kong and Singapore each received 31%, followed by Beijing at 20% and Paris at 19%.

For preferred arbitral rules among Asia-Pacific respondents, HKIAC Rules ranked first, followed by Singapore International Arbitration Centre Rules, ICC Arbitration Rules, China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC) Rules, and Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration (SCIA) Rules.

Hong Kong’s regional leadership forms part of a broader shift towards a more multipolar international-arbitration landscape, in which Asian seats and rule providers have growing prominence.

Another brilliant session. Thank you!

International Tribunal Secretary Course

Ahmed Ashfaq, Solicitor — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 16:07:48 GMT

Vetted, Trained, and soon to be Empanelled!

I just spent an intensive but incredibly rewarding two days at the Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit completing the International Tribunal Secretary Course with the THAC Thailand Arbitration Center (THAC)! 🎓✨

The program was packed with practical, hands-on workshops where we practised drafting real procedural orders and managing complex hearings. It was also a fantastic opportunity to connect and collaborate with fellow lawyers who travelled from different jurisdictions around the globe.

The absolute highlight was learning from an outstanding global faculty. Getting real-world insights from these top experts was an incredible experience:

Rahul Donde (Rahul Donde Dispute Resolution) – Course Director

Prof. Dr Stefan Kröll (Willem C. Vis Moot / Independent Arbitrator)

Jonathan Chevry (ICSID - International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes)

Christopher Bloch (Hogan Lovells Cadwalader

Ian Johnston (Wotton Kearney)

Katie Chung (Baker Botts)

Mikhail Behl (Independent Arbitrator)

Philip Tan (White & Case LLP)

Dr. Rouven Bodenheimer (BODENHEIMER)

Nicky Balani (THAC)

And of course, the amazing Thai food kept our energy up through all the hard work! 🌶️🍲

Now that the course is wrapped up, I am happy to share that I will be joining the official THAC Thailand Arbitration Center Tribunal Secretary Roster, ready to help arbitrators keep their cases running smoothly.

Thank you to the organisers, the faculty, and my global colleagues for making these two days so memorable!

#InternationalArbitration #TribunalSecretary #THAC #Bangkok #LegalNetworking #ArbitrationLawyer

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International Arbitration Summer School 2026 - Session 1

Ahmed Ashfaq, Solicitor — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 22:56:58 GMT

After a hectic day, wrapping up Central Asia Dispute Resolution Association (CADRA's) first session at 11:15 PM Hong Kong Time felt like a lot.

But honestly? Hearing Gary Born, King & Spalding, one of the most influential scholars and practitioners in international arbitration, and Kristina Bittner made every minute of these 2.5 hours worth it.

Some highlights that stuck with me:

UNCITRAL: The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law Model Law (adopted in 110+ jurisdictions) provides the procedural framework for conducting arbitrations. Importantly, Born distinguished between the law of the seat (which governs the arbitration procedure) and the law governing the contract (which determines substantive rights)-these are separate and not necessarily the same.

The New York Convention is the crown jewel of arbitration, with 172 countries enforcing awards globally. Fun fact: it almost didn't cover arbitration agreements! The Dutch proposed Article 2 at the last minute and forgot to change the title. Article 2 requires Courts to refer parties to arbitration, while Article 5 sets only seven narrow grounds to resist enforcement.

Born also distinguished between the law of the seat (procedure) and the law governing the contract (substantive rights); they're separate and not always the same. His advice on arbitration clauses? KISS—Keep It Simple, Stupid. A model clause with institution, seat, and language is all you need.

The International Bar Association, Rules on Taking of Evidence are used in more than half of all significant international commercial arbitrations, providing a framework for witness statements, cross-examination, and document disclosure. The IBA Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest feature a traffic-light system (Green, Orange, Red) to guide arbitrator disclosure.

Institutional arbitration rules (ICC, LCIA, SIAC, etc.) are like "graffiti on a wall" until parties incorporate them into their arbitration agreement; then they become binding contractual obligations. The key advantage? Institutions can step in to appoint arbitrators when parties can't agree, something national Courts aren't well-equipped to handle in cross-border disputes.

Public policy is "an unruly horse"-courts define it on a case-by-case basis, looking at what's fundamental to the legal system. But in practice, national Courts have been restrained in using it to deny enforcement, recognising that international arbitration deserves a uniform, predictable framework.

Huge thanks to the Central Asia Dispute Resolution Association for this marathon set from 10 to 29 August (International Arbitration Summer School 2026).

#InternationalArbitration #CADRA #GaryBorn #Arbitration #CentralAsia #NewYorkConvention #DisputeResolution #LegalEducation #ADR #hkiac

3rd Joint Legal Workshop 2026

Ahmed Ashfaq, Solicitor — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 13:42:25 GMT

Theme: Latest Developments in Arbitration and Mediation:

Hong Kong and Korean Perspectives!

Key Takeaways

Hong Kong continues to strengthen its position as a leading international dispute resolution hub. From the recent Hong Kong-Korea legal workshop, three takeaways stand out:

First, "pro-arbitration" does not mean automatic enforcement, but rather clear boundaries, party autonomy, and judicial support within defined limits.

Second, mediation remains a practical, culturally intelligent tool for preserving commercial relationships before disputes harden.

Third, seat selection is an enforcement decision: the real question is not where parties want to argue, but where assets will be when recovery matters. For cross-border deals, clear dispute resolution clauses are not boilerplate; they are risk management.

BICAM Global ADR Horizons 2026, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Ahmed Ashfaq, Solicitor — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 12:45:43 GMT

Finished an incredible 8-session marathon!

It has been an absolute honour to engage with such brilliant minds. As the discourse evolves toward the future of technology in dispute resolution, "balance" should be the keyword.

Looking forward to continuing our conversations on arbitration and AI.

One of the final questions I had the privilege of suggesting to the panel, indeed, the second-last question of the programme, was:

Should parties and arbitrators be required to disclose their use of AI in arbitration? Why or why not…

Given the potentially catastrophic consequences for arbitral awards, would a disclosure obligation create a new minefield for post-award challenges…

If AI use must be disclosed, would parties and arbitrators also need to disclose which AI model was used, when and how it was used, for what purpose, what data was uploaded, what outputs were generated, and even provide a complete audit trail of its use…

If AI use is not disclosed, an award may be challenged for non-disclosure. Yet if it is disclosed, parties may seek to challenge the specific AI model used, its legality in the relevant jurisdiction, the manner in which it was accessed, or whether the use of AI compromised the confidentiality of the proceedings.

Does mandatory AI disclosure therefore risk creating a no-win situation that undermines the very principles of confidentiality, finality, and enforceability that arbitration is designed to protect…

YA Dato’ Lee Swee Seng, Judge, Federal Court of Malaysia, Jintao OU, Patrick Zheng, James Kwan, Professor Abe Shinichiro, Dutsadee Dutsadeepanich (ดุษดี ดุษฎีพาณิชย์) , Yiwen (Wenny) Huang, FCIArb, Naresh Mahtani, Borneo International Centre for Arbitration and Mediation (BICAM)

Off to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, for the BICAM Global ADR Horizons 2026 Conference (23-24 July)!

Ahmed Ashfaq, Solicitor — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:46:47 GMT

Off to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, for the Borneo International Centre for Arbitration and Mediation (BICAM), Global ADR Horizons 2026 Conference (23–24 July)!

Following a fantastic experience at the recent ICC China Arbitration Day in Chengdu on 2 July 2026, which inspired my detailed technical analysis, “Reimagining International Arbitration: A New Architecture for Trust, Efficiency, and Human Judgment in a Disrupted World”.

I am looking forward to connecting with regional practitioners in Sabah.

Let's connect and discuss the recent developments across regional cross-border dispute resolution, trade networks, and how institutional rules can evolve to meet changing business needs.

In case you missed my recent deep dives into regional dispute resolution architecture, you can read them here:

🔗 Reimagining International Arbitration: A New Architecture for Trust, Efficiency, and Human Judgment in a Disrupted World (ICC- Chengdu Arbitration Day Insights):https://lnkd.in/gG-JFFHj

🔗 Dispute Resolution in the Greater Bay Area: Cross-Border Collaboration Between Hong Kong and Mainland China

https://lnkd.in/gsNbd6tr

🔗 The New SIAC Rules: Fairness, Speed, and Common Sense (Seoul ADR Festival Oct 2025 insights)

https://lnkd.in/g5Br3p3b

🔗 The Unchecked Expansion of the Arbitral Role: Procedural Innovation and Its Limits (Seoul ADR Festival Oct 2025 insights) https://lnkd.in/gQ2szTsJ

🔗 Read the SCMP: How Dispute Resolution Rules Can Evolve to Meet Business Needs https://lnkd.in/gjm6pBQw

I will be covering the key insights and regional takeaways from this BICAM forum in an upcoming article, so stay tuned.

If you are attending the forum or are based in the area, feel free to drop me a message!

#InternationalArbitration #ADR #Litigation #CommercialLaw #BICAM2026 #HongKongLawyer #SCMP #ThoughtLeadership #ICC #SIAC #HKIAC

How dispute resolution rules can evolve to meet business needs

Ahmed Ashfaq, Solicitor — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 03:52:12 GMT

Thirteen.

That is how many times I have shared my perspectives in the South China Morning Post (SCMP) from May 2025 to the present.

Each piece represents hours of questioning, refining, and trying to make sense of where our world is heading.

My latest piece explores a tension I think deeply about: how do we advance technology without losing our humanity?

I agree with the arguments that while we absolutely must keep final adjudication and critical decision-making firmly in human hands, we also have to be practical.

Over-regulating with blanket AI disclosure rules will only create a legal minefield. After all, AI is already quietly powering the everyday research platforms we rely on.

Writing these pieces forces me to distil complex problems into shared conversations.

To everyone who has read, challenged, or supported my ideas along the way, thank you for being part of this journey.

You can read the full piece here: How dispute resolution rules can evolve to meet business needs - https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3359672/how-dispute-resolution-rules-can-evolve-meet-business-needs?

Claudia Salomon, Cesar Pereira C.Arb FCIArb, Michael Tonkin, South China Morning Post SCMP, ICC Arbitration, HKIAC

ICC- Chengdu Arbitration Day

Ahmed Ashfaq, Solicitor — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:30:32 GMT

Conference Summary

Event: ICC Chengdu Arbitration Day
Date: July 2, 2026

What an unforgettable experience at the 2026 ICC China Arbitration Day in Chengdu! This landmark event brought together over 250 top-tier international arbitrators, corporate counsel, and legal scholars to dissect the newly rolled-out 2026 ICC Rules of Arbitration, marking a massive milestone for cross-border dispute resolution in Western China.

The interactive panel sessions sparked highly engaging audience Q&A and genuinely honest debates in the room around two major procedural tightropes capping off what was an incredibly successful and insightful conference!

On cost optimization & firm selection:
"With international arbitration costs and timelines continually rising, shouldn't we focus on reducing expenditures? As clients, would you accept a highly capable local law firm practitioner who can do the exact same job at a much lower cost?"
The exchange on legal costs and firm selection sparked an incredibly honest debate in the room.

On emergency interim relief:
"An Emergency Arbitrator must weigh 'irreparable harm' against the 'balance of interests.' If an EA issues sweeping restrictions before a full tribunal is even formed, when does preventing harm cross the line into pre-judging the merits?"

Personal Discussions & Connections

Beyond the panels, the event was a fantastic success for reinforcing regional relationships. It was a true privilege to catch up individually with senior representatives from major arbitral institutions, lead partners from top international law firms, and highly respected independent arbitrators. Our one-on-one exchanges offered deep insights into how the global dispute resolution community plans to navigate these newly updated procedural rules.

Immense value listening to and connecting with the day's stellar panelists and court members.

Closing Note

The ICC Chengdu Arbitration Day has successfully reinforced key regional relationships and brought forward crucial discussions on procedural efficiency and the evolution of cross-border dispute practices. The insights gained from both the panel sessions and the individual exchanges underscore the growing importance of regional talent and surgical procedural remedies in handling complex commercial disputes moving forward.

#InternationalArbitration #DisputeResolution #ICCArbitration #Ciarb #LegalFees #DuanAndDuan #ChengduLawyers #Chengdu

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AIAC, Kuala Lumpur

Ahmed Ashfaq, Solicitor — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:26:58 GMT

Skrine, Kuala Lumpur

Ahmed Ashfaq, Solicitor — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:34:06 GMT

IBA - 2025 / 2026

Ahmed Ashfaq, Solicitor — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:39:53 GMT

Building Regional Bridges: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (September 2025)

Ahmed Ashfaq, Solicitor — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:18:15 GMT

In September, the focus shifted toward expanding corporate frameworks within emerging Southeast Asian markets at the AIJA (International Association of Young Lawyers) 3rd Asia Pacific Regional Meeting. The conference, themed "HCMC 2025 | Empowering Connections: Advancing Legal Excellence in Asia," served as a major node for bilateral professional alignment.

As a delegate, I collaborated with an exceptional network of transnational attorneys and regional bodies, notably the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre (VIAC). Our working sessions mapped out emerging transaction protections, corporate sustainability compliance mandates, and the institutional practice infrastructures necessary to support foreign direct investment (FDI) within the ASEAN commercial bloc. The discussions emphasised that legal excellence in modern Asia requires active, relational bridges between rising international practitioners.

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