Celebrating 40 Years of Excellence – Reflections from the HKIAC x HK45 Mid-Year Gathering

On 24 July 2025, our associate and trainee solicitor had the pleasure of attending the HKIAC x HK45 Mid-Year Gathering, an event marking a significant milestone — the 40th anniversary of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC). We extend our warmest congratulations to HKIAC on this remarkable achievement, and we are proud to be part of a legal community that continues to shape and advance arbitration in the Asia Pacific region and beyond.

We engaged in meaningful conversations with arbitrators, lawyers practising in different jurisdictions, barristers, and expert witnesses who offered their insights into the evolving landscape of international arbitration and the growing complexity of cross-border disputes.

One key takeaway from our discussions was the continued robustness of arbitration in East Asia. While Singapore and Hong Kong are both recognised as popular arbitral seats in the region, our dialogue highlighted a critical factor: China’s central role as a major commercial partner in East Asia. Many attendees shared the perspective that Chinese parties often opt for Hong Kong as their preferred arbitral seat, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong as well as HKIAC’s position as a leader in arbitration in the years ahead.

We also explored the emergence of new types of disputes, driven by innovative business models and evolving industries. These range from transactions involving digital assets to energy-related disputes arising from the adoption of alternative and renewable energy sources. It is evident that the arbitration landscape is broadening and evolving to address the complexities of novel commercial trading that take place in the contemporary world.

As the arbitration landscape continues to evolve, one truth remains clear: the only constant is change.