CIArb (EAB) YMG Inaugural Conference in Hong Kong

On 8 April 2019, CIArb East Asia Branch had its first Young Members Group conference in Hong Kong.  It was the first of its kind in Asia, attended by members of the Hong Kong legal profession, ADR practitioners, students and other professionals from around the world.  The keynote speech was delivered by the Hong Kong SAR Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah, GBS, SC, JP, in which she spoke about her experience as a young arbitrator.  Her anecdotic approach of her advice to young practitioners was both heart felted and comical, stressing that “you should not be choosy, take on any job and do a good job” in order to ensure appointments to future work.  It was followed by a motivational remark by Ms Mary Thomson, Chair of the East Asia Branch, on the success of the Branch and encouragements to the Young Members Group. 

Immediately following the opening remark by Mr Albert Yeu, Chair of East Asia Branch YMG, there were five panel discussions with 22 distinguished speakers from around the world.  The panel topics ranged from updates from the arbitration laws of different jurisdictions, emerging arbitration rules and institutions, use of technology in alternative dispute resolution, and practical tips on how to get the first arbitral appointment for young arbitrators.

We had the pleasure to also invite Mr Peter Anagnostou, Chair of CIArb (UAE) YMG, who gave us some insights about the UAE branch development and future collaboration opportunity with the East Asia Branch.  At the closing remark, Mr Jay Santiago, Chair of CIArb (EAB) YMG Philippines Chapter, shared the excitement of hosting the next YMG conference in the Philippines.

The event was ended with an evening cocktail reception and successful with the generous support of sponsors:  DesVoeux Chambers, Deacons, Fangda Partners, Charlton Martin, Contracts Group, Quisumbing Torres, Pinsent Masons, Gary Soo’s Chambers, ADR Partnership and Li&Partners.

Written by: Edward Chin and Albert Yeu