Speech to HKIArb AGM, 9 September 2004

• On behalf of the Institute, I would like to thank Samuel Wong for his three years' devoted service on the Council, two years as President.
  
  
• This has been a difficult year for the Institute, in many respects.
  
  
• Internal disputes over the election of the Council in 2003 were only finally resolved at the EGM in March 2004. A lot of unnecessary time spent in Council Meetings on these divisive issues.
  
  
• Internal squabbles and airing of personal animosities and agendas, did nothing to benefit the Institute or its Members. In fact, it harmed its image.
  
  
• Despite these problems, most Council Members this year did their best for the Institute and its Members, particularly in forging co-operation agreements with Chinese arbitration institutes, and in the full programme of interesting speakers. However, more can be done for young members in the coming year, particularly in the field of education and training, and this should be a priority of the new Council.
  
  
• The elected Council Members this year, and the Members as a whole, need to put the disputes behind them and move forward as one. I sincerely hope this aspiration is achieved.
  
  

David Bateson
Vice President
HKIArb