BRAM Hosts APEC 2026 Seminar on the Future of Cross-Border Dispute Resolution and ODR

eBRAM successfully hosted “APEC 2026: Navigating the Future of Cross-Border Dispute Resolution and ODR in the Asia-Pacific” on 20 October, bringing together legal and dispute resolution professionals to explore the latest developments in Online Dispute Resolution (ODR).

The seminar commenced with welcoming remarks by Ronald Sum, JP, Vice Chairman of eBRAM, followed by keynote presentations from:

🎤Dr James Ding, Law Officer (International Law) of the Department of Justice of the HKSAR and Chair of the APEC Economic Committee, shared insights into the development and strategic vision of the APEC ODR Framework. He highlighted the challenges faced by micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in resolving cross-border commercial disputes and emphasised the importance of a structured yet flexible dispute resolution framework to facilitate international commerce across the Asia-Pacific region.

🎤Dr Colin Ong KC, Senior Partner of Dr Colin Ong Legal Services, examined the evolving dispute resolution landscape in the Asia-Pacific region and shared valuable perspectives on emerging trends, practical challenges, and opportunities for the wider adoption of ODR in cross-border disputes.

💬Panel Discussion: ODR in the APEC Region – Theory, Practice and the Implementation of APEC ODR Rules

Moving beyond theory, the panel discussion explored the practical implementation of the APEC ODR Procedural Rules, the role of Hong Kong and eBRAM in facilitating cross-border dispute resolution, and how digital technologies can improve access to justice for MSMEs. Panellists also exchanged views on the growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in legal practice, discussing how legal professionals can leverage technological innovation while maintaining professional responsibility, human oversight, and sound legal judgment.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our moderator Yiwen (Wenny) Huang, FCIArb, Secretary General of eBRAM and distinguished panellists, including Huigang (Henry) Mao, Senior Partner of Jin Mao Law Firm; Jack Ding - FCIArb, Head of Cross-Border Dispute Resolution Practice, Duan & Duan; Weina Ye, Partner of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Kewei Joint Operation; Horace Wong SC, Board Director and AI Taskforce Committee Member of eBRAM; Barrister - Senior Counsel of Rede Chambers and Albert Leung FCIArb FHKIArb MHKIoD MHKIE MIET CEng PMP®, Acting Chief Executive Officer of eBRAM, who also delivered the Closing Remarks.

A sincere thank you to our keynote speakers, moderator, panelists, supporting organisations, and all participants for contributing to this meaningful exchange.

eBRAM looks forward to continuing collaboration with regional and international partners to advance ODR innovation and strengthen