Proposed AIAC marks key milestone in Sarawak’s aspiration as regional arbitration hub

Saferi (seated centre) and other distinguished guests in a photo with attendees of the Introductory Course to Arbitration programme in Kuching on June 24, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 25: The proposed establishment of the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) in Sarawak marks a significant milestone in the State’s journey towards becoming a premier arbitration and dispute resolution hub in the region.

Sarawak State Attorney-General Dato Sri Saferi Ali said the move reflects the growing recognition of Sarawak as an emerging venue for commercial dispute resolution while strengthening the institutional framework needed to support both domestic and international arbitration.

“Equally important is the role of the Sarawak Institute of Arbitration and Dispute Resolution (SIADR), which complements these efforts by promoting the development of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution in Sarawak,” he said in his closing address at the Introductory Course to Arbitration programme here on Wednesday (June 24), as reported by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).

Beyond administering dispute resolution processes, Saferi said SIADR serves as a key platform for advancing professional excellence through education, training, accreditation, research and knowledge-sharing among legal practitioners, industry professionals, businesses and academia.

He added that the institute also plays a crucial role in fostering greater awareness and confidence in arbitration and mediation as efficient, cost-effective and commercially viable mechanisms for resolving disputes.

“Together, the presence of the AIAC branch and the work of SIADR lay the foundation for a robust and sustainable arbitration ecosystem in Sarawak.

“They reflect a shared commitment to developing local expertise, strengthening institutional capacity and positioning Sarawak as a credible, neutral and internationally recognised seat of arbitration,” he said.

Highlighting the significance of the two-day course, which commenced on June 23, Saferi said it was vital in enhancing the State Attorney-General’s Chambers’ (SAGC) understanding of arbitration, an increasingly important component of modern legal practice, particularly in commercial, construction, investment and cross-border transactions.

“As lawyers representing the Sarawak government, we must also understand arbitration through the lens of statutory powers, public accountability and the public interest.
“While litigation will remain a core part of our responsibilities, arbitration involves its own procedures, terminology and strategic considerations.

“We must therefore be well-versed in its fundamentals, including arbitration clauses, the seat and governing law, institutional and ad hoc arbitration, the constitution of tribunals, interim measures and the role of the courts,” he said.

Also present were Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew, who is SIADR deputy chairman, Deputy Sarawak State Attorney-General Datu John Wayne Chamberlin Sirau, Beihai Asia International Arbitration Centre president Professor Steve Ngo, as well as senior counsels and State counsels from the SAG. — DayakDaily