The Regional Arbitral Institutes Forum (RAIF) had successfully held the 3rd RAIF Conference in Hong Kong on 16 June 2009 at the JW Marriott Hotel, with the Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators (HKIArb) being the hosting institute.

Following the successes in the 1st and 2nd RAIF Conferences in Singapore and Brunei, this year’s Conference was extensively patronized by the RAIF members and also key arbitration bodies in the Region. It had definitely provided a unique platform for the participants to update and keep abreast of ADR development and challenges among the Region.

The Conference began with the Opening Remarks by Mr Russell Coleman SC, President of the HKIArb. It was then followed by the Keynote Address presented by the Honourable Mr Justice Reyes from the High Court of Hong Kong. The remarkable Luncheon Guest-of-Honour Speech delivered by Mr Wong Yan Lung SC JP, Secretary for Justice of Hong Kong, addressing the role and importance of ADR development in Hong Kong and the Region as well as the conditions for a jurisdiction to develop as a desirable place of arbitration was another highlight of the event. The views from the distinguished speakers and international delegates on the panel sessions, such as “Regional Arbitration Updates – Perspectives from Users and Practitioners”, “Court Intervention in International Arbitration – A Country Report”, “International Arbitration after the Financial Tsunami – Problems & Prospects”, etc.. had definitely provided ample and fruitful thoughts for all the participants.

The Conference ended with the fantastic Conference Dinner. Apart from being a good time for networking, it had also left the participants, especially those non-locals, an exceptional memory with the amazing Face Changing Performance which is a renowned and ancient Chinese opera.

Looking forward, the Malaysia Institute of Arbitrators (MIArb) was announced at the Conference Dinner to be the next hosting institute of the 4th RAIF Conference in Malaysia. All RAIF members look forward to next year’s Conference which will surely be another successful one.