Malaysia’s new AIAC Court of Arbitration, with 25 international members, strengthens the country’s position as a premier hub for alternative dispute resolution.

KUALA LUMPUR: The appointment of the inaugural Asian International Arbitration Centre Court of Arbitration marks a significant step in Malaysia’s reform of alternative dispute resolution.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said it strengthens AIAC’s global standing, credibility and efficiency as a premier ADR hub.

“Your commitment to impartiality, independence, integrity and fairness is fundamental to building trust and confidence in ADR,” she said in a post on social media platform X.

Azalina added the government remains steadfast in supporting ADR initiatives and positioning Malaysia as a safe, neutral and preferred seat for arbitration.

The establishment follows the formalisation of the Second Supplementary Agreement to the Host Country Agreement on 24 December 2025 between Malaysia and the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organisation.

The AIAC Court was created to deliver neutral, independent and efficient world-class ADR services.

It comprises a diverse panel of court members with extensive international and domestic ADR experience.

Retired Federal Court judge Datuk Mary Lim Thiam Suan, the immediate past director of AIAC, has been appointed president of the AIAC Court.

The 25-member court includes Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Sebli, Álvaro López de Argumedo of Spain, and Professor Emilia Onyema of the United Kingdom.

The court is constituted alongside the enforcement of the Arbitration (Amendment) Act 2024 and the AIAC Suite of Rules 2026, which came into force on 1 January 2026.

AIAC stated this establishment marks another monumental milestone in its transformative institutional journey.

The centre envisions that the AIAC Court will enhance Malaysia’s reputation as a preferred seat on the global ADR map.

 The Sun Malaysia