A joint statement by Asean law ministers to advance international arbitration and mediation is expected to be among the key outcomes of the Asean Law Forum 2025.
Law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said said the statement is set to reflect the region’s commitment to improving cross-border dispute resolution mechanisms across Southeast Asia.
The statement is expected to pave the way for closer cooperation among Asean member states in harmonising arbitration and mediation practices, especially for trade and investment-related matters, she said.
“This is more than just symbolic, it is a regional commitment to consistent, fair and business-friendly legal systems,” she said at the pre-launch of the Asean Law Forum at the Dewan Rakyat today.
Azalina said strengthening dispute resolution frameworks is crucial in a digital era where cross-border trade and legal vulnerabilities are increasing.
“Law must be our shared safeguard amid cross-border trade and common vulnerabilities in this digital age,” she said.
The forum, to be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from Aug 19 to 21, will also feature discussions on online safety, cybercrime, artificial intelligence in legal practice, law reforms, cross-border insolvency and human rights in business.
