eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre Limited

PRESS RELEASES

eBRAM officially launches the APEC ODR Platform to promote access to justice

25 May 2022

(Hong Kong, 25 May 2022) eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre Limited (“eBRAM”) is pleased to announce the official launch of the APEC ODR Platform today, the first and only ODR Platform locally developed in Hong Kong under the APEC Collaborative Framework for ODR of Cross-Border Business-to-Business Disputes. This serves APEC businesses, especially micro, small and medium sized enterprises (“MSMEs”), with a user-friendly and secure environment to resolve cross-border business-to-business ("B2B”) disputes cost-effectively.

The APEC ODR Platform harnesses advanced technologies, including blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (“AI”), to offer secured online communications, online submissions of documents, e-Signature service, AI machine translation and online meetings/hearings through a highly secured video conferencing system.

The APEC ODR process adopts a quick and low-costs three-stage proceeding, including negotiation, mediation and arbitration, to be conducted in accordance with eBRAM APEC Rules and Schedule of Fees, the new version of which has been released today.

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, said, “I congratulate eBRAM on the official launch of the APEC ODR Platform to enable MSMEs to resolve disputes at a competitive price, and to promote access to justice. As Hong Kong has been actively participating in various APEC initiatives; I look forward to seeing more synergies among the APEC economies to facilitate legal and business exchanges.”

Dr Thomas So, Chairman of eBRAM, said, “The official launch of this made-in-Hong Kong platform marks a significant achievement for eBRAM, but also for the local ODR and LawTech developments. We would like to express our gratitude to the Department of Justice and our partners for their unfailing support. eBRAM will continue its effort to develop a deal-making platform and more LawTech services, which will be launched within the year, aiming at helping legal practitioners in advancing their services and contribute to the consolidation of Hong Kong’s position as a leading LawTech and dispute resolution hub worldwide.”

Ms Kim Rooney, Chair of eBRAM’s Rules Committee, said, “The eBRAM APEC ODR proceedings will be supervised by experienced case management personnel and conducted online on eBRAM’s ODR Platform, that is supported by the Hong Kong Government. Among the Rules’ innovations, one neutral will seamlessly assist the Parties to resolve their dispute online within 30 days (or such extended timeframe as is agreed) in user friendly, fair, affordable, confidential, and innovative on-line proceedings.”

A designated webpage has been created for the APEC ODR Platform (https://ebram.org/apec_odr.html) to serve all the businesses in the APEC economies.

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About eBRAM

eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre Limited (“eBRAM”) tasks itself to elevate Hong Kong’s arbitration and mediation services and build capacity to meet the rapidly expanding demand for online dispute resolution and deal-making services across the borders by utilising innovative technologies to enable the city to become a LawTech centre and hub for international business dispute avoidance and resolution, and collaborate with global organisations and participating economies such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Belt-and-Road countries and beyond.

Media enquiries:

Ms Rachel So, Director of Marketing and Communications

Phone: +852 9437 1646

Email: rachel.so@ebram.org

Ms Elaine Ching, Marketing Manager

Phone: +852 3792 0981

Email: elaine.ching@ebram.org

eBRAM’s ODR Platform wins a Bronze Medal at the “Special Edition 2022: Invention Geneva Evaluation Days”

19 May 2022

(Hong Kong, 19 May 2022) eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre (“eBRAM”), as an innovative partner of Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre (“LSCM”), is pleased to announce that its cloud-based Online Dispute Resolution (“ODR”) Platform (“Platform”) has received a Bronze Medal at the “Special Edition 2022: Invention Geneva Evaluation Days”.

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC said, “I am pleased that eBRAM’s ODR Platform was bestowed a Bronze Medal at this prestigious global event which is truly a concerted effort of a group of dedicated professionals from IT and legal disciplines. Building on this momentum, I look forward to more cross-disciplines convergence and synergies in LawTech development to further strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a LawTech hub and a leading international legal and dispute resolution centre.”

Dr Thomas So, Chairman of eBRAM, said, “Since eBRAM was founded in 2018, LSCM has been our indispensable partner. We are excited and proud that with the unfailing support of LSCM, eBRAM’s COVID-19 ODR Platform was recognised as one of the award-winning projects. eBRAM is devoted to LawTech development for the betterment of the legal community in Hong Kong and the society as a whole. We encourage businesses to adopt eBRAM’s model clauses in their contracts so that they can use our platform to settle disputes.”

Mr Simon Wong, Chief Executive Officer of LSCM, said, “LSCM is honoured to support eBRAM’s unprecedented LawTech services development for cross-border transactions. We will continue to work with eBRAM to further enhance the synergy between the two organisations.”

Following eBRAM’s recent listing as the first and only ODR provider from Hong Kong by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation under the APEC Collaborative Framework for ODR of Cross-Border Business-to-Business Disputes, eBRAM will continue its efforts in developing LawTech services and advocating the advantages of ODR, supporting the local legal profession, and contributing to consolidating Hong Kong’s position as a LawTech hub and an international dispute resolution centre.

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About Special Edition 2022: Invention Geneva Evaluation Days

The International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva (IEIG) is a remarkable annual global event that aims to promote the convergence of inventions and innovations. This year’s event entitled “Special Edition 2022: Invention Geneva Evaluation Days” attracted 780 inventions from 25 countries and regions.

About eBRAM

eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre Limited (“eBRAM”) tasks itself to elevate Hong Kong’s arbitration and mediation services and build capacity to meet the rapidly expanding demand for online dispute resolution and deal-making services across the borders by utilising innovative technologies to enable the city to become a LawTech centre and hub for international business dispute avoidance and resolution and collaborate with global organisations and participating economies such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Belt-and-Road countries and beyond.

eBRAM has developed its platform leveraging the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud and soft robotics. Cybersecurity and data privacy are our top priorities to ensure the protection of information in the eBRAM platform and communications.

Media enquiries:

Ms Rachel So, Director of Marketing and Communications

Phone: +852 9437 1646

Email: rachel.so@ebram.org

Ms Elaine Ching, Marketing Manager

Phone: +852 3792 0981

Email: elaine.ching@ebram.org

eBRAM has been listed as the first and only ODR provider from Hong Kong under the APEC Collaborative Framework for Online Dispute Resolution of Cross-Border Business-to-Business Disputes

16 May 2022

(Hong Kong, 16 May 2022) eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre (“eBRAM”) is pleased to be listed as the first and only Online Dispute Resolution (“ODR”) provider from Hong Kong by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (“APEC”) under the APEC Collaborative Framework for ODR of Cross-Border Business-to-Business Disputes (“the Framework”).

The listing marks the beginning for businesses in the APEC economies to use eBRAM’s APEC ODR Platform (“Platform”) to resolve cross-border business-to-business disputes. The Platform is tailor-made to address the pain points of cross-border disputes specifically micro, small and medium sized enterprises (“MSMEs”) with disputes stemming from cross-border business-to-business transactions. There will be no claim amount limitation if the parties agree to apply the eBRAM APEC ODR Rules (“the Rules”).

The Platform is equipped with a range of advanced technologies, including a highly secured video conferencing system, e-Signature service, blockchain, e-KYC and multi-factor identity authentication, and an AI machine Translation, aiming to offer an online 3-stage ODR procedure in a secure and user-friendly environment for streamlined e-negotiation, e-mediation and e-arbitration at very competitive prices.

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC said, “I am pleased that eBRAM has been listed as one of the service providers under the Framework. The listing is a big leap forward for Hong Kong’s ODR development as a leading dispute resolution hub in the region and also demonstrated Hong Kong’s capacity in LawTech development.”

Dr Thomas So, Chairman of eBRAM, said, “eBRAM is excited and honored to be listed as the only APEC ODR service provider from Hong Kong. The listing not only recognised eBRAM’s ODR service and took it to the regional dispute resolution stage. We look forward to the launch of the platform next week to provide a new option for cross-border commercial disputes resolution to APEC businesses with our holistic LawTech services.”

The Platform is currently in pilot run and will officially be launched around the end of May. For more information, please refer to the designated webpage (https://ebram.org/apec_odr.html). eBRAM has been offering free trial of various LawTech services to interested parties via its official website since March.

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About eBRAM

eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre Limited (“eBRAM”) tasks itself to elevate Hong Kong’s arbitration and mediation services and build capacity to meet the rapidly expanding demand for online dispute resolution and deal-making services across the borders by utilising innovative technologies to enable the city to become a LawTech centre and hub for international business dispute avoidance and resolution and collaborate with global organisations and participating economies such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Belt-and-Road countries and beyond.

Media enquiries:

Ms Rachel So, Director of Marketing and Communications

Phone: +852 9437 1646

Email: rachel.so@ebram.org

Ms Elaine Ching, Marketing Manager

Phone: +852 3792 0981

Email: elaine.ching@ebram.org

eBRAM launches the first Hong Kong Legal Cloud Portal to assist legal professionals in navigating the digital new normal

28 February 2022

(Hong Kong, 28 February 2022) eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre Limited (“eBRAM”) will launch the first Hong Kong Legal Cloud Portal (“the Portal”) on 1 March 2022. Jointly built by lawyers and IT specialists, the Portal meets the unique needs of legal and dispute resolution professionals, to enhance their efficiency by empowering individual professionals with affordable, advanced and secure data storage and Cloud-based online LawTech services, including highly volume Cloud based Extranet and document exchange storing only in servers in Hong Kong with high level of security, legal research placing the power of LexisNexis at your fingertips, and Artificial Intelligence backed translation that is trained with legal domain specific wordings and the system is capable of learning and improving over time with your help.

The Department of Justice will subsidise eligible local legal and dispute resolution professionals to subscribe to the Portal for free for up to three years (“Free Subscription”). A subscriber in Hong Kong, who falls within either of the following categories, may apply for Free Subscription:

a solicitor admitted in Hong Kong or any one of the recognized jurisdictions as stipulated under section 2A and Schedule 2 of the Legal Officers Ordinance (Cap. 87);
a barrister who has attained the right to full practice in Hong Kong or any one of the recognized jurisdictions as stipulated under section 2A and Schedule 2 of the Legal Officers Ordinance (Cap. 87);
a mediator accredited by the Hong Kong Mediation Accreditation Association Limited; or
a fellow or chartered arbitrator of the Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators or the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (East Asia Branch).

Upon the launch, the Portal is already equipped with 3 key features, including secure Legal Document Exchange for sharing protected legal documents, a comprehensive Hong Kong Research Platform for facilitating legal research, as well as Machine & Human Translation Services for translating legal documents between English and the following four languages: Chinese (in traditional and simplified characters), Russia, Arabic, and Spanish via AI Machine Learning with the option of professional human translator to edit and refine the translation.

The Secretary of Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, said that the launch of the Hong Kong Legal Cloud Portal marked a key milestone for the LawTech development of Hong Kong as an international legal hub. She was pleased to support this project which would help legal and dispute resolution communities, particularly those with fewer resources, to harness the power of technologies to navigate this digital new normal.

Dr Thomas So, Chairman of eBRAM, said, “eBRAM is very pleased to have developed and now launches the first Hong Kong Legal Cloud Portal with the support of the Hong Kong Government. It helps the legal and dispute resolution professionals seize more opportunities by saving their time and cost from traditional practices and enhancing agility in business development. As the forerunner of Hong Kong’s LawTech development, we will continue our efforts to respond to the national policies to utilise technologies as an impetus to upgrade the productivity of the legal profession and strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international legal and dispute resolution centre.”

Mr Nick Chan, Chairman of eBRAM’s Legal Cloud Working Group remarked that, “the eBRAM Legal Cloud Portal utilizes AI, blockchain and Cloud to help improve access to justice, and to speed up technology adoption in our legal profession. We welcome collaboration with Startups and innovative companies interested to create value and improve access to justice via LawTech”.

A designated website has been created for the Hong Kong Legal Cloud Portal (https://hklegalcloud.ebram.org/) to serve the legal and dispute resolution communities. In addition, eBRAM plans to introduce the APEC ODR platform, a deal-making platform and more LawTech services within the year.

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About eBRAM

eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre Limited (“eBRAM”) tasks itself to elevate Hong Kong’s arbitration and mediation services and build capacity to meet the rapidly expanding demand for online dispute resolution and deal-making services across the borders by utilising innovative technologies to enable the city to become a LawTech centre and hub for international business dispute avoidance and resolution and collaborate with global organisations and participating economies such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Belt-and-Road countries and beyond.

Media enquiries:

Ms Rachel So, Director of Marketing and Communications
Phone: +852 9437 1646E
mail: rachel.so@ebram.org

Ms Elaine Ching, Marketing Manager
Phone: +852 3792 0981
Email: elaine.ching@ebram.org

eBRAM and the Department of Justice enters a public-private partnership for the development of Legal Cloud

22 December 2021

(Hong Kong, 22 December 2021) eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre Limited (“eBRAM”) is pleased to announce the signing of the memorandum of understanding (“MoU”) with the Department of Justice on 22 December 2021. Pursuant to the MoU, eBRAM will provide the local legal and dispute resolution communities with highly secured data storage services through the legal cloud platform, enabling users to enhance their capability in harnessing modern technologies.

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, remarked that the MoU signing affirmed both organisations’ commitment to developing the Hong Kong Legal Cloud and consolidating Hong Kong’s role as a leading LawTech hub globally. She is confident that the concerned services would benefit the legal sector, especially the small- and medium-sized law firms, to help them seize opportunities arising from the digital new normal.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Dr Thomas So, Chairman of eBRAM, noted that “eBRAM is honored to participate in this public-private partnership and contribute to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international legal hub. This not only marks an important milestone in Hong Kong’s LawTech development but also serves as a catalyst for the local legal and dispute resolution professionals to leverage technologies to create agility.”

The pilot run of the Legal Cloud Services will be launched before the end of January 2022, whereas the production rollout will be in March 2022. In addition, eBRAM plans to introduce the APEC ODR platform, a dealing-making platform and more LawTech services in the coming year.


The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC (right), and the Chairman of the eBRAM, Dr Thomas So (left), sign a memorandum of understanding to engage eBRAM as a service provider of the Hong Kong Legal Cloud services.	(From left) The Commissioner of the Inclusive Dispute Avoidance and Resolution Office of the Department of Justice, Dr James Ding; The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC; Chairman of eBRAM, Dr Thomas So; and the Chief Executive Officer of eBRAM, Ms Pui-ki Emmanuelle Ta, at the signing ceremony

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About eBRAM

eBRAM has developed its platform leveraging the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain and cloud. Cybersecurity and data privacy are our top priorities to protect information and communications processed via the eBRAM platform.

Media enquiries:
Ms Rachel So, Director of Marketing and Communications
Phone: +852 9437 1646
Email: rachel.so@ebram.org

Ms Elaine Ching, Marketing Manager
Phone: +852 3792 0981
Email: elaine.ching@ebram.org

eBRAM held its First Virtual Open Day - Webinar on “Building Agility in the Digital New Normal” and introduces its LawTech services

13 December 2021

(Hong Kong, 22 December 2021) eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre Limited (“eBRAM”) successfully concluded its first-ever Virtual Opening Day entitled “Building Agility in the Digital New Normal” on 13 December 2021.

Keynote speech by The Hon Ms Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah, SC, the Secretary for Justice of HKSAR, and welcome remarks by Dr Thomas So JP, Chairman of eBRAM inaugurated the event, followed by two panel discussions featuring “LawTech adoption in the post-COVID era” and “The APEC Collaborative Framework for ODR: Opportunities and Challenges”.

Renowned legal practitioners and academics shared their insights and expectations on the development of LawTech and ODR and how to harness these technologies to address the pain points of SMEs and MSMEs in dealing with disputes and deals-making.

After the panel sessions, an e-signing trial portal equipped with the most advanced e-KYC and blockchain technologies was launched for the first time to allow participants to experience signing a legal-binding agreement securely anytime, anywhere, with any devices.

Dr Thomas So JP, Chairman of eBRAM, said, “eBRAM is pleased to have audiences joining its first Virtual Open Day from different jurisdictions. We are convinced that LawTech is a long-term vision of the judiciary and legal profession from different jurisdictions. This Virtual Open Day is just the beginning. eBRAM will continue to be the forerunner of ODR and LawTech development and contribute to the furtherance of Hong Kong’s position as an international legal and dispute resolution hub.”

eBRAM will continue our efforts in developing its ODR platforms for the APEC economies and standalone mediation and arbitration cases, as well as our one-stop-shop deal-making platform for cross-border businesses using state-of-the-art technologies, such as AI translation and transcription, blockchain, legal cloud, e-bundling, and enhancing the existing LawTech services.

Please see link below to watch the eBRAM Virtual Open Day again:
https://cloud.ebram.org:5001/sharing/7R3HyKocA

Please download the event images from the link below:
https://cloud.ebram.org:5001/sharing/7HtMUK7ZS

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About eBRAM

Media enquiries:

Ms Rachel So, Director of Marketing and Communications
Phone: +852 9437 1646
Email: rachel.so@ebram.org

Ms Elaine Ching, Marketing Manager
Phone: +852 3792 0981
Email: elaine.ching@ebram.org

eBRAM welcomes the Government’s support to further Hong Kong’s role as an International Legal and Dispute Resolution Services Centre in the APAC region

7 October 2021

(Hong Kong, 7 October 2021) The eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre (“eBRAM”) welcomed new initiatives in the Policy Address 2021 to support Hong Kong’s role as a major international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific Region.

These initiatives include attracting more international dispute resolution centres to be set up in Hong Kong, hosting the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization Annual Meeting and the inter-sessional meeting of Working Group III of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (“UNCITRAL”).

Dr Thomas So JP, Chairman of eBRAM, said, “as an online dispute resolution and LawTech pioneer, we are happy to see the support from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in the development of legal and dispute resolution sectors. I am much honoured to be invited to speak at the UNCITRAL inter-session meeting, which is an excellent platform not only to showcase Hong Kong’s dispute resolution capacity but also strengthen our thought leadership role in this aspect.”

In respect of the capacity building, we appreciated the effort of the Department of Justice in refining the Talent List and relaxing the qualification requirements for arbitrators and mediators on past experience in handling international commercial disputes and regularising the Pilot Scheme on Facilitation for Persons Participating in Arbitral Proceedings in Hong Kong, enabling more competent talents to join the dispute resolution profession.

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About eBRAM

eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre Limited (“eBRAM”) tasks itself to elevate Hong Kong’s arbitration and mediation services, and build capacity to meet the rapidly expanding demand for online dispute resolution and deal-making services across the borders, by utilizing innovative technologies to enable the city to become a LawTech centre and hub for international business dispute avoidance and resolution, and collaborate with global organizations and participating economies such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Belt-and-Road countries and beyond.

eBRAM has developed its platform leveraging latest technologies including artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud and soft robotics. Cybersecurity and data privacy are our top priority to ensure the protection of information in the eBRAM platform and communications.

Media enquiries:

Ms Rachel So, Director of Marketing and Communications
Phone: +852 9437 1646
Email: rachel.so@ebram.org

Ms Elaine Ching, Marketing Manager
Phone: +852 3792 0981
Email: elaine.ching@ebram.org

Announcement on the Appointment of CEO

1 September 2021

(Hong Kong, 1 September 2021) eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre Limited (“eBRAM”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Pui-ki Emmanuelle Ta as the Chief Executive Officer of eBRAM, effective 13 September 2021.

Ms Emmanuelle Ta joins eBRAM from the position of Counsel of the Secretariat of the ICC International Court of Arbitration – Asia Office based in Hong Kong, where she was responsible for managing the Asia Office team, including administration of Asia-related arbitration cases. She was also one of the founding members of the ICC Court’s Secretariat’s first overseas case management team in Hong Kong.

Prior to that, Ms Emmanuelle Ta worked as deputy counsel at the Secretariat of the ICC Court in Paris. Ms Emmanuelle Ta has supervised hundreds of international arbitration cases in a wide range of jurisdictions and economic sectors. She obtained her law degree at the Panthéon-Sorbonne University in Paris and is qualified to practice at the Paris bar.

Dr. Thomas So, eBRAM Chairman, said: “after over 8 months of open recruitment exercise, the board of directors selected Ms Emmanuelle Ta based on her wealth of international and regional experience in dispute resolution and legal disciplines, and her achievements. During her tenure at ICC, Ms Emmanuelle Ta has driven unparalleled results for the organisation in the key roles that she has held. I am confident that she is the right leader to take eBRAM into the next chapter.”

Ms Emmanuelle Ta, Chief Executive Officer-designate of eBRAM, said: “I am very excited to be joining an eminent institution in the dispute resolution field and to lead such a competent and capable team. eBRAM has been very successful in combining technology with law and has become one of the forerunners of LawTech around the globe. I am certainly looking forward to taking eBRAM into the next chapter, developing it further and to redefine the dispute resolution profession.”

The board believes that Ms Emmanuelle Ta, leveraging on her extensive experience and global outlook, will create synergy with the executive team to help eBRAM continue to build its influence, as well as contribute to the consolidation of Hong Kong’s position as a LawTech and dispute resolution centre, and a deal-making hub in the region and beyond.

Please click here to view the bios of the Executive Team:

Ms Pui-ki Emmanuelle Ta, Chief Executive Officer
Mr Albert Leung, Chief Technology Officer
Ms Erica Chan, Director of Case Management
Ms Rachel So, Director of Marketing and Communications

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About eBRAM

Media enquiries:

Ms Rachel So, Director of Marketing and Communications
Phone: +852 9437 1646
Email: rachel.so@ebram.org

Ms Elaine Ching, Marketing Manager
Phone: +852 3844 5230
Email: elaine.ching@ebram.org

eBRAM launches its APEC Online Dispute Resolution Procedural Rules to provide an alternative to MSMEs for resolving cross-border business-to-business disputes

1 June 2021

(Hong Kong, 1 June 2021) eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre Limited (“eBRAM”) is pleased to launch the APEC Online Dispute Resolution procedural rules (“The Rules”) tailor-made for the APEC Collaborative Framework for Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) of Cross-Border Business-to-Business Disputes (“the APEC ODR Framework”) today, which aims to provide a fast and affordable resort to commercial disputes among the APEC economies to MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) through the use of electronic communications and other information technology.

Dr Thomas So JP, Chairman of eBRAM, said, “the launch of the Rules marks an important milestone to eBRAM and a big leap forward for Hong Kong’s ODR development. eBRAM has been actively participating in the development of the APEC ODR Framework and will seek to become an ODR service provider for APEC economies under the APEC ODR Framework, and continue to contribute to the furtherance of Hong Kong’s position as an international legal and dispute resolution hub.”

The APEC ODR Framework aims to promote business-to-business cross border confidence by providing safe, speedy and cost-effective electronic resolution and enforcement of disputes across borders, languages, and different legal jurisdictions.

As one of the leading LawTech organisations worldwide, eBRAM will continue our efforts in developing its ODR platform in line with the APEC ODR Framework using state-of-the-art technology and our LawTech services, including video conferencing and e-signing platforms for dispute resolution and electronic agreement management.

Please click HERE to download the Rules.

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About eBRAM

Media enquiries:

Ms Rachel So, Director of Marketing and Communications

Phone: +852 9437 1646

Email: rachel.so@ebram.org

Ms Elaine Ching, Marketing Manager

Phone: +852 3844 5230

Email: elaine.ching@ebram.org

eBRAM provides technical support to the Virtual Signing Ceremony between the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

13 May 2021

(Hong Kong, 12 May 2021) eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre Limited (“eBRAM”) is proud to be the technical partner of the virtual signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Technical and Administrative Arrangements relating to the Secondment of Legal Professionals between the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (“UNIDROIT”) and the Government of the HKSAR on 12 May 2021.

Facilitated by the eBRAM’s secure online video conferencing and electronic signing technologies, the Secretary for Justice of the HKSAR Government, The Hon Teresa CHENG Yeuk-wah, GBS, SC, JP, and Secretary-General Professor Ignacio Tirado of the UNIDROIT conducted a virtual signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding.

Dr Thomas So JP, the Chairman of eBRAM, said, “building capacity for local and regional legal profession, in particular online dispute resolution (“ODR”), is a concerted effort, we are pleased to be part of this important milestone. eBRAM is committed to nurture legal talents through continuous provision of training and opportunities for young legal professionals to gain experiences in practising ODR, so as to reinforce Hong Kong’s status as an international legal hub.”

Pioneering and user-friendly, eBRAM’s electronic signing technology enables multiple parties in different parts of the world to sign on the same electronic document simultaneously through its secured and proprietary online platform. All data are stored in a private cloud server in Hong Kong under the protection of Hong Kong laws. It is easy to track and trace the signing process and signed document.

eBRAM strives to develop a state-of-the-art and comprehensive online legal platform by rolling out more Law Tech services, including smart contract, AI legal translation, and legal cloud, etc. to consolidate Hong Kong's position as a LawTech hub.

Photos:

The Hon Teresa CHENG Yeuk-wah, GBS, SC, JP, the Secretary for Justice gave an opening remark in the ceremony

Virtual signing ceremony of MoU between HKSAR Department of Justice and UNIDROIT

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About eBRAM

eBRAM has developed its platform leveraging latest technologies, which include artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud and soft robotics. Cybersecurity and data privacy compliance are our top priority to ensure the protection of information in the eBRAM platform and communications.

Media enquiries:

Ms Elaine Ching, Marketing Manager

Phone: +852 3844 5230

Email: info@ebram.org

eBRAM and the Department of Justice sign supplemental MoU, committing to build the capacity of Hong Kong’s LawTech

5 May 2021

(Hong Kong, 5 May 2021) eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre Limited (“eBRAM”) is pleased to announce the signing of the supplemental memorandum of understanding (“MoU”) with the Department of Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (“HKSAR”) on 4 May 2021 that affirmed the commitment of both organisations to support the development of online dispute resolution (“ODR”) and deal-making in Hong Kong.

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, signed the supplemental MoU with Dr Thomas So JP, the Chairman of eBRAM, for supporting the development, enhancement and initial operation of eBRAM platform, enabling the provision of efficient, cost-effective and secure online deal-making and dispute resolution services for parties in any part of the world.

Dr So said, “Hong Kong is one of the few pioneers in LawTech development worldwide. With the support of DOJ, eBRAM will continue to optimise our ODR and deal-making platform and enhance our services to our users with higher price-performance ratio. Through these efforts, we believe that we can distinguish ourselves from our peers and continue to contribute to the reinforcement of Hong Kong's position as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre and LawTech hub.”

eBRAM plans to roll out the dealing-making and APEC ODR platforms and more LawTech services later this year, including secured e-signing, AI legal translation, legal cloud, etc., to better capitalise on the opportunities under the Belt and Road Initiative as well as the Greater Bay Area Development Plan, and further promote Hong Kong’s legal and dispute resolution services to APEC countries.

Photos:

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC and Chairman of eBRAM, Dr Thomas So JP, signed a supplemental memorandum of understanding (MoU) yesterday
Ms Teresa Cheng (second right), Dr Thomas So (second left), the Commissioner of Inclusive Dispute Avoidance and Resolution Office of the Department of Justice, Dr James Ding (first right), and member of eBRAM's Board of Directors Ms Kim Rooney (first left) at the signing ceremony

About eBRAM

Media enquiries:

Ms Elaine Ching, Marketing Manager

Phone: +852 3844 5230

Email: info@ebram.org

eBRAM announces change of management to strengthen capability for the next phase

21 April 2021

(Hong Kong, 21 April 2021) eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre Limited (“eBRAM”) today announced that it has conducted an open recruitment process, and that changes to its organisational structure and senior management will add strength to eBRAM as it commences the next phase of its development of LawTech and Online Dispute Resolution (“ODR”) operations.

With effect from 15 May 2021, four of the current “start-up phase” management team will step down upon completion of their fixed term contracts. The incoming team comprises seasoned professionals in dispute resolution, information technology and marketing and communications. They will continue to contribute to Hong Kong’s role as a leading ODR and deal-making hub, and LawTech centre.

Dr Thomas So, the Chairman of eBRAM acknowledged the contribution made by the outgoing members of the management team since 2019 in eBRAM’s initial phase and thanked them.

The Board of Directors will render their full support to the incoming management members and the current eBRAM management team to ensure a smooth transition.

For any enquiries, please contact Ms Erica Chan (Email: info@ebram.org or Phone: 9568-3709).

Consolidate and Enhance Hong Kong’s status as a Centre of International Legal and Arbitration service

3 February 2021

Dr. Thomas S.T. So, JP, Chairman of eBRAM

Recently, local media quoted from the news article “Companies consider writing Hong Kong out of legal contracts” published by Financial Times on 31 January 2021, claiming that lawyers at 10 international law firms received enquiries from companies on considering excluding Hong Kong as an arbitration venue from legal contracts over concerns China’s policy may affect the rule of law the Hong Kong SAR. The Secretary for Justice blogged and emphasized that Hong Kong will continue to serve as an international legal hub, and hoped we will join hands through concerned efforts to promote and explain any misconceptions and misunderstanding in Hong Kong’s arbitration and legal services.

As an arbitrator, a partner of an international law firm, and the Chairman of an online dispute resolution body, I believe that the article is not entirely accurate and misunderstands the development of Hong Kong’s legal services.

Hong Kong‘s return to stability facilitates the development of arbitration and legal services

With the resumption to stability from last year, more foreign companies started to resume economic activities with the Mainland and other areas through Hong Kong. As such, demands on Hong Kong’s legal services, including arbitration and mediation services, have been increasing day by day.

New opportunities for Hong Kong legal service

Hong Kong embraces an independent legal system and an advanced legal framework for arbitration and dispute resolution. With the implementation of the “Belt and Road” initiative and development of the Greater Bay Area, interactions among the Mainland and other economies become highly active. This has brought new and important opportunities for Hong Kong legal services including arbitration and mediation services.

In the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong- Macao GBA, Hong Kong is earmarked as the international legal service and dispute resolution service centre.

Investment arbitration cases usually require effective interim measures for the protection of assets and evidence. According to the “Arrangement Concerning Mutual Assistance in Court-ordered Interim Measures in Aid of Arbitral Proceedings by the Courts of the Mainland and of the HKSAR” which took effect on 1 October 2019, a party in a Hong Kong arbitral proceeding can apply for protection measures to the court of the Mainland before an arbitration award is rendered. Hong Kong is currently the only common law jurisdiction globally which has signed such arrangement with the Mainland. This unique advantage has further alleviated Hong Kong’s position as the bridge for investment activities for overseas enterprises in Greater Bay Area and the Mainland. On the past few months, I have already received a number of enquiries from foreign investors on how to invest in the Greater Bay Area through Hong Kong.

In 2017, Hong Kong signed the “Free Trade Agreement” and related “Investment Agreement” with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). These agreements take effect from 2019, covering collaborations in service trading, investment, economy and technology, as well as dispute resolution and related areas. All members of ASEAN are economies along the “Road and Belt” route and play important roles.

Hong Kong’s impeccable commercial environment and well-established legal system attract many enterprises from ASEAN countries to establish their presence and start their business through Hong Kong. All these new developments have brought new opportunities for Hong Kong’s legal services.

Develop Hong Kong’s LawTech services

The “Chief Executive’s 2020 Policy Address” has recognized the importance of law technology development. Following the launch of the “LawTech Fund” and “COVID-19 Online Dispute Resolution Scheme”, the Department of Justice is actively exploring the development of the Hong Kong Legal Cloud service. These visionary policies and measures are extremely important for alleviating Hong Kong’s legal service level and maintaining its leading position in Asia Pacific region, which are also widely supported and well-acclaimed among the legal and commercial sectors.

Hong Kong as the international legal services and online dispute resolution centre

To conclude, Hong Kong has been playing an important role in legal services provision in the country’s development policies. Hong Kong continues to refine its well-established legal and advanced arbitration systems, and strives to developing online dispute resolution and LawTech services. These new developments further strengthen Hong Kong’s irreplaceable status as the dispute resolution and international legal service hub.

There had been rumours about companies considering excluding Hong Kong as an arbitration seat from legal contracts over concerns Hong Kong’s handover before and after the return of sovereignty to China in 1997. Despite such rumours, Hong Kong has proved its strength and value through continuous enhancement in its arbitral system and legal framework in the past 20 years after the handover, and tops other key cities in Asia with its ranking in global judicial independence as well as the number of disputes handled. In light of the above factors, I firmly believe that Hong Kong will continue to lead in the international legal services and dispute resolution services space.

Statement of Support for development of the Hong Kong Legal Cloud and other LawTech Initiatives in the Chief Executive’s 2020 Policy Address

25 November 2020

The eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre (“eBRAM”) welcomes and supports the initiative of the Chief Executive’s 2020 Policy Address to explore the development of the Hong Kong Legal Cloud (HKLC) and other LawTech initiatives.

With the advancement of technology, Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) has undergone rapid development in recent years. The outbreak of COVID-19 Pandemic has further accelerated the use of ODR globally. We observe that many ODR proceedings are conducted via common and open technologies, and data transmission and storage of these proceedings are generally difficult to be tracked and traced.

We are pleased to learn that the Government recognize the importance of data protection and decided to build a state-of-the-art HKLC with advanced information security technology. We believe that the HKLC will address the increasing needs for secure, reliable, and affordable data storage services for the local legal and dispute resolution sector.

Dr Thomas So, JP, Chairman of eBRAM said, “as a stakeholder in ODR community, eBRAM, with its current team, will fully support the Government’s initiatives in developing the Hong Kong Legal Cloud. We believe that it will reinforce Hong Kong as a hub for international legal services.”

As an ODR service provider, we emphasize data protection in the provision of our ODR services. Thanks to the Government’s generous support, eBRAM has become the first and currently the only institution in Hong Kong that has the capacity to develop technologies locally dedicated to online deal-making and dispute resolution platform, including video-conferencing technology dedicated to online mediation meeting and arbitration hearing. All information submitted to the eBRAM platform is stored in a secured and private cloud in Hong Kong managed by eBRAM and protected by Hong Kong law. Our platform addresses the concerns of those who wish to have a higher level of security of data protection in ODR proceedings.

We have applied our ODR platform for the implementation of COVID-19 ODR Scheme under the anti-epidemic fund 2.0, and it operates very well, serving parties inside and outside of Hong Kong and with enhanced cyber security and privacy protection measures.

eBRAM looks forward to working closer with the Government in developing the HKLC and other initiatives for enhancing Hong Kong’s status as a leading hub for LawTech and dispute resolution services.

About eBRAM

eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre Limited (“eBRAM”) is a not-for-profit organisation established in 2018 under the laws in Hong Kong, supported by the Asian Academy of International Law Limited, Hong Kong Bar Association, Law Society of Hong Kong, and Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre Limited.

We are committed to provide a secure, innovative and comprehensive ODR platform, which is low-cost and affordable for MSMEs, thereby facilitating their business operation and also achieving “better access to justice”.

eBRAM has also been actively participating in seminars and workshop organised by APEC Economic Committee, contributing to the development of the ODR Framework and the workplan for promoting the adoption of ODR for or developing an APEC-wide cooperative ODR framework for MSMEs in B2B transactions and using modern technology for dispute resolution and electronic agreement management.

eBRAM headquarters in the West Wing of Justice Place which is part of the Legal Hub where houses a number of reputable international and regional organisations specialising in legal or dispute resolution services. eBRAM also has a branch office in Cyberport which is an innovative digital community in Hong Kong.

For further information of eBRAM, please visit www.ebram.org.

Media Contact:

Ms Elaine Ching

Email: pr@ebram.org

eBRAM launches an innovative and cost-effective online platform to resolve COVID-19 related disputes

30 June 2020

eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre Limited (“eBRAM”) embarks on a soft launch of an online dispute resolution (“ODR”) platform under the COVID-19 Online Dispute Resolution Scheme (“the Scheme”) commissioned by the Department of Justice of Hong Kong SAR today, aiming to provide a speedy, reliable and cost-effective means to resolve small value disputes to companies, especially micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (“MSMEs”), which have been adversely affected by the pandemic.

As set out in the Scheme, a dispute is applicable if it involves one party from Hong Kong (a resident of Hong Kong or a company registered in Hong Kong), and the amount in dispute is not more than HK$500,000. The platform has its own video conferencing technology developed specifically for ODR which enables parties to sign electronic ODR agreement and conduct mediation meetings and arbitration hearings online. All data submitted to the platform will be stored in a private cloud hosted in Hong Kong and managed by eBRAM.

Dr Thomas So, Chairman of eBRAM said, “COVID-19 pandemic serves as an unprecedented wake-up call and a catalyst for change in how things are done. During the lockdown, courts were closed, law firms adopted travel restriction. Impact of COVID-19 has not ended in revenue decline, most importantly it caused delay in access to Justice. eBRAM is here to fill the gap, offering a new avenue for resolving disputes.”

Hong Kong has been a respected dispute resolution hub in Asia and globally. Under the Arrangement Concerning Mutual Assistance in Court-ordered Interim Measures in Aid of Arbitral Proceedings by the Courts of the Mainland and of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which was signed in April 2019 and came into operation in October 2019, Hong Kong is the first and, until now, the only jurisdiction outside the Mainland where, as a seat of arbitration, parties to arbitral proceedings administered by specified arbitral institutions (including eBRAM), are able to apply to the Chinese courts for interim measures in the Mainland. Innovation is vital for our increasingly digitalized future.

Ms Teresa Cheng, GBS, SC, JP, Secretary for Justice noted that “Hong Kong's robust legal system is underpinned by the principle of "One Country, Two Systems" as enshrined in the Basic Law and firmly rooted in the rule of law. In the years to come, under the new paradigm of the digital economy, we will continue to leverage our unique strength to enhance our capability in LawTech and endeavour to elevate and solidify Hong Kong's status as an ideal hub for deal-making and dispute resolution.”

ODR proceedings under the Scheme are governed by the eBRAM Rules for COVID-19 ODR Scheme (“the Rules”), which were based on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Collaborative Framework on ODR. Under the Rules, both parties in each case will start with negotiation. Where discord remains, the case will proceed to mediation and if that does not result in settlement, parties may commence arbitration to seek a final and binding arbitral award.

Dr James Ding, Commissioner, Inclusive Dispute Avoidance and Resolution Office, Department of Justice, said, “The Scheme is in line with the ‘Mediate First’ initiative and the newly developed APEC Collaborative Framework on ODR, which is useful for businesses to resolve their disputes online through negotiation, mediation and arbitration in a speedy and cost-effective manner. It is hoped that the Scheme could help those in need to resolve their disputes through a reliable, secured and user-friendly online platform, showcasing at the same time the LawTech capability of Hong Kong and our talented professionals.”

Mr Daniel Lam SBS, JP, CEO of eBRAM, elaborated that “we focus our practice on providing online dispute resolution and dispute avoidance services for the global and local business community. eBRAM will continue developing useful online services for cross-border dispute resolution and this also provides practicing opportunities for emerging talents in Hong Kong. I am particularly grateful to the Proof of Concept (POC) developed by the Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre Limited (LSCM) that forms the foundation to eBRAM’s platform.”

The Scheme will provide ample practicing opportunities for young arbitrators and mediators to hone their skills for dispute resolution. eBRAM will provide training to arbitrators and mediators on how to use the platform in July 2020.

Prof Zhao Yun, Head of Department of Law, the University of Hong Kong, said, "The pandemic has facilitated the adoption of ODR by major arbitration centres in the world. I am pleased to see that Hong Kong has responded quickly and positively to the pandemic by introducing this COVID-19 ODR Scheme, which, I believe, it is the first of its kind in the world. This also proves that it was a far-sighted step for Hong Kong to establish eBRAM and promote LawTech and ODR two years ago before the pandemic.”

eBRAM has also established a dedicated panel of neutrals, comprising more than 150 arbitrators and mediators with diverse backgrounds from Hong Kong SAR, Mainland China, and overseas.

About eBRAM

For further information of eBRAM, please visit www.ebram.org.