Kuala lumpur: The Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) of the Prime Minister's Department (JPM), in collaboration with the Asian International Arbitration Centre (Malaysia) (AIAC), is actively working to enhance strategic cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore in the field of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). This initiative aims to improve cross-border dispute settlement and further develop the regional ADR ecosystem.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the collaboration stems from a series of discussions between Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said and Singapore's Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong. These discussions have been ongoing since the ASEAN Legal Forum 2025 and the Commonwealth Law Ministers' Meeting 2026. In their latest meeting, they focused on strengthening the mediation framework, resolving cross-border commercial disputes, building professional capacities, and sharing best practices within the ADR industry.

The BHEUU statement highlighted Malaysia's efforts to create more structured and uniform mediator accreditation standards, drawing on Singapore's experience and best practices. Both parties also discussed the ratification of the Singapore Convention and promoting mediation at the international level.

In an effort to bolster institutional cooperation, AIAC signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) and the Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC), with both ministers witnessing the signing. The MoU aims to expand cooperation in promoting international arbitration and mediation and includes plans for professional programs and conferences in both countries.

The Malaysian delegation engaged with the Singapore International Mediation Institute and the Community Mediation Unit to explore best practices in professional accreditation, mediator competency development, and empowering the mediation ecosystem. Both parties also agreed in principle to explore co-organizing an ADR forum in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to serve as a collaborative platform for policymakers, ADR institutions, and regional industry players.

According to the statement, the MADANI government is committed to strengthening Malaysia's dispute resolution ecosystem through a modern, effective, and investor-friendly ADR approach. This commitment aligns with the institutional reform agenda and efforts to position Malaysia as a leading ADR hub in Asia.