Malaysia’s ambition to strengthen its position as a trusted international destination for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) took centre stage as the eighth edition of the Asian International Arbitration Centre’s (AIAC) Asia ADR Week 2026 was officially launched on 14 October 2026 by YAB Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation.
Held under the theme “Kainos: Where Vision Transforms Future”, the five-day conference, that runs from 12 to 16 October 2026, brings together the regional and international dispute resolution community in Kuala Lumpur to examine the evolving role of arbitration, mediation, construction adjudication and other ADR solutions in supporting commercial confidence, institutional development, and economic growth.
The official opening brought together senior Government leaders, policymakers, members of the judiciary, legal practitioners, international experts, business representatives and industry stakeholders, reflecting the growing importance of effective dispute resolution in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
In his executive address, YAB Deputy Prime Minister emphasised that an effective dispute resolution system is an essential component of Malaysia’s economic infrastructure, especially in light of the country’s continued efforts in attracting investment across infrastructure, energy, technology and other key sectors.
“Our objective is not simply to establish another institutional presence. It is to build a stronger, more accessible and interconnected ADR ecosystem that serves local needs while contributing to regional growth,” he said.
He underscored the importance of ensuring that legal and institutional strengths develop alongside physical and digital infrastructure, giving businesses and investors the confidence that cross-border commercial disputes can be resolved fairly, efficiently and predictably.
Welcoming the imminent establishment of the AIAC Sarawak branch office, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the importance of ensuring sustained institutional development as the AIAC approaches its Golden Jubilee in 2028. On this, he commended the Centre’s recent progress and outreach efforts in expanding domestic and international engagements, including in Sarawak and the Borneo region, that aimed at translating institutional vision into meaningful action.
YB Dato’ Sri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), in her Special Address, emphasised that institutional independence, legal certainty and public confidence are fundamental to Malaysia’s ultimate goal as the jurisdiction of trust in international arbitration.
“When we speak about the jurisdiction of trust, it boils down to creating and sustaining a seat where the ecosystem within facilitates, from the legal infrastructure, the judicial support, the institutional independence and readiness and the Government’s business-friendly policy that altogether supports cross-border business activities”, she said.
She further remarked that “Malaysia must not merely participate in the global arbitration landscape. We must aspire to shape its future.” With that envisioned future, she also stressed that international recognition must translate into stronger commercial confidence, investment opportunities and tangible economic benefits for Malaysia.
Looking ahead to the AIAC’s 50th anniversary in 2028, YB Minister welcomed the Centre’s Jubilee Pledge and that the journey ahead should be guided by three principles, respectively, independence in the institutions; integrity in governance; and excellence indelivery.
In his welcoming remarks, the AIAC Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Danesh Chandran reflected on the significance of this year’s theme, Kainos, that carries a special meaning from the seized moment of last year’s Kairos, especially with the AIAC approaching its Golden Jubilee in 2028.
“As the AIAC approaches our Golden Jubilee in 2028, I believe we must ask ourselves an important question. What kind of institution do we want to build for the next fifty years? Our vision is to have an AIAC that is internationally respected, institutionally resilient, financially sustainable, and technologically progressive. Above all, trusted by its users across regions,” he said.
Having outlined a vision for the AIAC, he remarked that the recognition we gained today is a positive indication of our progress, and importantly, we bear such responsibility to continue earning the confidence from those we place trust in our institution.
Datuk Danesh also emphasised that AIAC’s continued evolution extends beyond the institution itself, describing its mandate as a national undertaking with international significance. Its development, he noted, is a shared responsibility that requires multifaceted support from the Government, judiciary, legal profession, businesses, international partners and the wider community.
A key highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of AIAC’s new institutional tagline, “The World Resolves Here”, alongside the Jubilee Pledge, signaling the Centre’s commitment to strengthening its institutional foundations for the years ahead and contributing to Malaysia’s aspiration of becoming a trusted global home for ADR.
The official opening marks a significant moment in a week dedicated to advancing dialogue, strengthening professional relationships and examining the future direction of dispute resolution. Through its programme of discussions and engagement, the Asia ADR Week provides a platform for the international ADR community to exchange perspectives, explore emerging developments and identify opportunities for meaningful collaboration.
The Deputy Prime Minister formally declared the main conference of Asia ADR Week 2026 open, encouraging stakeholders to work towards making Malaysia and Asia a destination where every dispute has access to a fair, swift and trusted path to resolution.
As AIAC welcomes its Golden Jubilee, the Centre’s focus remains on translating institutional vision into sustained progress with tangible results, while contributing to a dispute resolution ecosystem that benefits Malaysia and the wider international business community.
About the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC):
Established under the auspices of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO), the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) is an international institution dedicated to the administration and promotion of alternative dispute resolution. Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, AIAC provides dispute resolution services and facilities, while supporting the development of arbitration, mediation, adjudication and other ADR mechanisms across the region and beyond.
SCC Times is the official media partner for AIAC Asia ADR Week 2026. Read all reports from AIAC Asia ADR Week 2026.
