By INS Contributors

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: A delegation from the Zhuhai Court of International Arbitration, led by Vice President Xu Zhiming, visited the Malaysia-China Trade & Economic Advancement Association on 18 August to discuss international arbitration, cross-border legal services, and dispute resolution cooperation between Malaysia and China.

The delegation was received by Ban Yandong, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysia-China Trade & Economic Advancement Association. The meeting was chaired by Zhang Zheng, the Association’s Executive Secretary.

Discussions focused on the positioning and development of arbitration institutions, arbitration mechanisms, legal frameworks, institutional governance, and the internationalisation of Chinese arbitration services. Both sides also exchanged views on how professional legal and dispute resolution services can better support Chinese enterprises expanding into Malaysia and the broader Southeast Asian market.

Xu outlined the growth of the Zhuhai Court of International Arbitration and shared its experience in international arbitration and cross-border dispute resolution.

He noted that as Chinese enterprises continue to expand globally, the demand for professional and efficient dispute resolution services is rising. He emphasized that arbitration institutions must not only strengthen their case-handling capabilities, but also expand their international networks, cultivate professional talent, build institutional credibility, and deepen their understanding of overseas business environments.

Xu added that the visit offered valuable insights into the legal services market in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, as well as the practical needs of enterprises operating in the region. He affirmed that the Zhuhai Court of International Arbitration will continue to strengthen exchanges with domestic and international institutions while exploring further cooperation in international commercial arbitration.

Ban highlighted Southeast Asia as an increasingly vital market for Chinese companies pursuing international growth, stressing that legal services and risk management must evolve alongside business expansion. He noted that the internationalisation of arbitration should extend beyond simply establishing an overseas presence or increasing international caseloads.

“More importantly, arbitration and legal service institutions need to understand local legal systems, business practices, and the actual needs of companies, while building stronger links with local businesses, trade associations, and professional service providers,” Ban said.

He explained that cross-border legal services can support enterprises throughout their internationalisation journey — from conducting legal risk assessments prior to market entry, to providing contract and compliance support during operations, and facilitating mediation or arbitration when disputes arise.

Ban added that the Malaysia-China Trade & Economic Advancement Association is ready to act as a bridge connecting Chinese arbitration and legal institutions with Malaysian enterprises, business associations, universities, and professional organisations. Proposed cooperation includes hosting professional seminars, corporate training, and case-sharing sessions to enhance companies’ awareness of international arbitration, compliance, and cross-border risk management.

Pan Shuyu, Council Member of the Malaysia-China Trade & Economic Advancement Association and Director of the Southeast Asia Development Centre at the Asia-Pacific International Arbitration Chamber, observed that Southeast Asian countries possess diverse legal systems, commercial environments, and dispute resolution practices. She stated that arbitration institutions seeking to expand in the region must deepen engagement with local legal institutions, businesses, trade associations, and professionals, while building localized knowledge and service capabilities.

The meeting also covered the growth of Chinese enterprises in the Asia-Pacific region, opportunities for Zhuhai-based companies in Southeast Asia and Indonesia, the development of local professional service networks in Malaysia, and insights from established regional arbitration hubs such as Singapore.

Both parties agreed that while Southeast Asia presents significant opportunities for Chinese enterprises, it also demands higher international and localized capabilities from arbitration institutions and professional service providers. They expressed a mutual commitment to maintaining open communication and exploring practical cooperation in international commercial arbitration, corporate legal risk management, professional talent exchanges, and cross-border commercial legal services between Malaysia and China.

Also attending the meeting were Li Ang, Director of the International Business Department of the Zhuhai Court of International Arbitration; Liu Minshi, Legal Counsel; Fu Jing, Arbitration Secretary; Han Zhizhao of the Malaysia-China Legal Association; Ma Zhanjun, Co-Chairman of the Asia-Pacific International Arbitration Chamber; Chen Fang, Director of its Malaysia Development Centre; Yin Lingling, Malaysia Representative; and Huang Haijing and Liu Zhuo from the Doctoral Development Institute of the Malaysia-China Trade & Economic Advancement Association.