Speech for Signing Ceremony with City University of Hong Kong on 29 June 2006

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to extend my warmest welcome to you all and am representing Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators (HKIarb) to sign the Cooperation Agreement with the School of Law of City University of Hong Kong.

First of all, I would like to introduce Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators (HKIArb).

It is a Hong Kong company limited by guarantee established in September 1996 formed by a group of Hong Kong professional interested in arbitration, mediation and any other kinds of dispute resolution techniques. We are a non-profit and charitable organization with approximate 800 members.

Our objective is to promote Hong Kong as a Centre for ADR. We, the Hong Kong Institute have be involved in the training of arbitrators, mediators, the setting up of appropriate standards of conduct for arbitrators and mediators in Hong Kong, and communicate with various Arbitration Institutes in the region.

As recognition of City University's academic qualification, we welcome the graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma/ Master of Arts in Arbitration and Dispute Resolution (PGD/MAArbDR) to be our members of the institute. I am sure we can enhance research collaboration and exchange of information in the area of arbitration and the various dispute resolution techniques.

I look forward to future cooperation, e.g. fellowship course etc with City University and for the years to come in the areas of arbitration & dispute resolution.

Many thanks.