Experience Sharing in Handling Construction Disputes and General Mediation Skills

On 30 April, eBRAM successfully hosted a 1-hour CPD course titled “Experience Sharing in Handling Construction Disputes and General Mediation Skills” at Justice Place in Central.

We were honored to have Professor Wilson Sau Kit Tsang, Professor of Practice (Fire Engineering) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, as our speaker. Professor Tsang shared his valuable insights on common causes of construction disputes and practical strategies for managing conflicts through effective legal and contractual measures.

Highlights of the session included:
🔹 Overview of dispute resolution mechanisms – negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation
🔹 Practical mediation techniques: active listening, neutrality, and empathetic communication
🔹 Real-life case sharing and best practices in resolving construction-related conflicts

💡 Key Takeaways:
▶ Root Causes of Disputes: Time, cost, quality, and safety remain the most common flashpoints in construction projects.
▶ Documentation and Coordination Challenges: Conflicts among different sets of technical drawings and vague contract terms (General / Specific Conditions) can easily cause misunderstandings.
▶ Dispute Resolution Mechanisms: Professor Tsang emphasised the importance of written records and discussed various resolution methods, including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation.

Additionally, eBRAM’s Acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer, Mr. Albert Leung FCIArb FHKIArb MIET MBCS CEng PMP®, highlighted that the APEC Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Platform offers an efficient, cost-effective digital solution. It is particularly beneficial for SMEs and cross-border project stakeholders in the APEC region to resolve disputes swiftly and effectively.

The course aimed to equip industry professionals with the essential skills to manage disputes efficiently within the construction environment. eBRAM remains committed to fostering a stronger dispute resolution culture in Hong Kong through its LawTech platforms.