KUCHING: Kuching has great potential to become a centre for legal diplomacy and an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) hub in the Borneo region, in line with geopolitical changes and rapid growth in the archipelago.
Deputy Prime Minister, Dato Sri Fadillah Yusuf has stressed the need to develop a robust, inclusive and internationally recognised ADR ecosystem to address the challenges of increasingly complex regional investment and commercial affairs.
“Kuching is emerging not only as a state capital, but as a centre for legal thought, professional exchange and regional enterprise.
“It can be the core of Borneo’s legal diplomacy,” he said in his speech at the opening of the Borneo Alternative Dispute Resolution Week (Borneo ADR Week) 2025 here on Monday.
According to him, Borneo’s strategic position is now increasingly evident with the development of Indonesia’s archipelago, the active role of Brunei and the economic growth of Sabah and Sarawak, making it a new focal point in ASEAN.
Dato Sri Fadillah also recognised the Borneo ADR Week as an important platform, the first of its kind in Malaysia, for bringing together various firms, institutions and professional bodies in a collective effort to strengthen the role of ADR in resolving disputes effectively.
“ADR is not only a legal mechanism, but also part of the economic infrastructure that enhances investor confidence and supports sustainable development,” he explained.
Malaysia, he said, remains committed to global frameworks such as the New York Convention and the Singapore Convention which guarantee the recognition and enforcement of ADR decisions across borders.
“Developing an ADR ecosystem requires a cross-sectoral and cross-national approach. We must create a network that is trusted, responsive to ESG and in line with current technological developments,” he stressed.
In this regard, the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation called for close collaboration between the government, institutions, the corporate sector and academia in building a more sustainable ADR system that reflects Borneo’s local culture and values.
Concluding his speech, he described ADR Week 2025 as not just an annual event, but a manifestation of collective commitment towards a more just, progressive and globally recognised future.
Also present were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol; Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chew Yew; Sarawak Legal Advisor, Dato Sri JC Fong and other distinguished guests.- UKASnews
