Lincoln Cheung appointed as Senior Adjudicator to SOPO Panel

【Milestone Achieved】 Hong Kong, 14 October 2025 – AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre (AALCO-HKRAC) is admitted to the Register of Nominating Bodies pursuant to the Construction Industry Security of the Payment Ordinance (Cap. 652) 🎉 We are grateful to the Development Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government for their trust. This admission empowers us to deliver fast, professional, and cost-effective adjudication services to the construction industry in Hong Kong. The Ordinance took full effect on 28 August 2025, marking a new era of fair payment, improved cash flow, and smoother project delivery. Key Advantages of AALCO-HKRAC: 1️⃣ Efficient and user-friendly procedures (AALCO Adjudication Rules) 2️⃣ Seamless integration with negotiation, mediation, arbitration & ODR 3️⃣ Transparent and competitive fee structure 4️⃣ Diverse panel of nearly 50 adjudicators (architects, engineers, lawyers) 5️⃣ Experienced case management team (3,000+ cases handled) Director Mr. Nick Chan BBS, MH, JP stated: “We’re honored to be part of this historic transformation. With AALCO’s international experience and local understanding, we aim to support a fairer and more transparent construction industry.” AALCO-HKRAC will continue collaborating with HKIA, HKIE, HKIS and more to train and accredit adjudicators, advancing dispute resolution in the sector. We look forward to supporting the industry in seizing opportunities in the Greater Bay Area and Belt & Road Initiative, strengthening Hong Kong’s role as a legal and dispute resolution hub. 🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gFSQavKQ   https://lnkd.in/gtZSdknt #ConstructionLaw #SecurityOfPayment #HongKong #Adjudication #BeltAndRoad #InfrastructureDevelopment #AALCOHKRAC #Professionalism #RuleOfLaw #FairPayments #ConstructionReform

A Dutch real estate company says it is now facing claims worth €2 billion in an LCIA arbitration launched by Romania over a failed riverfront development in Bucharest – as an award is awaited in a related ICSID case. Toby F. reports. https://lnkd.in/ehaztxEB

𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗖𝗟𝗛𝗞 𝗔𝗱𝗷𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗣𝗢  𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘏𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘞𝘦 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘋𝘳𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐𝘵? The Security of Payment Subcommittee of the Society of Construction Law Hong Kong (SCLHK) is thrilled to announce the launch of the revamped SCLHK Adjudication Handbook for the Construction Industry Security of Payment Ordinance (CISOPO)! The Construction Industry Security of Payment Ordinance (Cap. 652) is transforming the Hong Kong construction landscape with its mandatory payment framework and effective dispute resolution mechanisms. To support this revolutionary change, the SCLHK Adjudication Handbook has been crafted as a practical guide to help industry professionals navigate the complexities of CISOPO with confidence. Whether you're a legal professional, contractor, consultant, or stakeholder, this Handbook is an invaluable resource to understand and apply CISOPO effectively in real-world scenarios. To mark this significant milestone, the Security of Payment Subcommittee is hosting a dynamic panel discussion featuring esteemed contributors from academia, consultancy, and legal practice. Join us as they share insights into the drafting process, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned. 𝙿̲𝚊̲𝚗̲𝚎̲𝚕̲ ̲𝚂̲𝚙̲𝚎̲𝚊̲𝚔̲𝚎̲𝚛̲𝚜̲:̲ - 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿 𝗛.𝗙. 𝗟𝗲𝘂𝗻𝗴 (𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲, The University of Hong Kong) - Kaiser Leung (𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿, Des Voeux Chambers) - Anel Idriz (𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 & 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁) - Harriet Chu (𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿, Pinsent Masons) - Jason Leung (𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿, Johnson Stokes & Master) 📍 Venue: Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) 📅 Date/Time: Thursday, 30 October 2025 | 6:30 PM 💰 Cost: Free for SCLHK Members HK$200 for Non-Members 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘃𝗶𝗮 𝗦𝗖𝗟𝗛𝗞’𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 : https://lnkd.in/dE3ebiPu

On 23 October 2025, Mr. Dennis Cai, Deputy Director of the AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre (AALCO-HKRAC), warmly welcomed Mr. Alex Fan, MH, MStJ, JP, Chairman of HIAC, and Mr. Li Lianjie, International Corporation Specialist of HIAC. They engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as deepening cross-border dispute resolution cooperation and promoting talent training in dispute resolution, thereby injecting new momentum into the synergistic development of arbitration institutions in both regions. In 2023, HIAC and AALCO-HKRAC signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOU), establishing a cooperation mechanism focused on "Mutual Visits and Exchanges, Information Sharing, and Complementary Advantages." Deputy Director Mr. Dennis Cai shared AALCO-HKRAC's various initiatives in promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), including the latest developments in Sports Arbitration and Mediation, adjudication of disputes related to payment security in the construction industry, and the multiple achievements of the Arbitration Centre at the 63rd Annual Session of AALCO. Mr. Alex Fan also proposed cooperation plans to jointly promote dispute resolution talent training with AALCO-HKRAC. Mr. Dennis Cai responded that the Centre strongly supports these plans and looks forward to future collaboration between the two institutions. #HIAC #aalco #ADR #arbitration #mediation #adjudication #crossborderdisputeresolution

Panel 1 | The Contractor’s Roadmap: CPEC Disputes, FIDIC Contracts & ICC Arbitration The opening panel of PIDW 2025, “The Contractor’s Roadmap: CPEC Disputes, FIDIC Contracts, and ICC Arbitration,” delivered a powerful start to the weekend’s discussions — unpacking the complexities of Pakistan’s infrastructure and construction disputes within global frameworks. Moderated by Virginie Colaiuta, Partner, LMS Legal LLP (London), the panel brought together: Stephen Hibbert, Independent Arbitrator & Mediator, ArbDB Chambers (New York) Rafey A Siddiqui A. Siddiqui, COO, Osmani & Company (Pvt.) Ltd.(Islamabad) Hussnain Shahid, Director, Grayway (Pvt) Ltd. (Islamabad) Julia Sullivan, JD, LLM, FCIArb, Arbitrator, ArbDB Chambers (New York) The session explored key themes including FIDIC contracts under stress, employer attitudes towards international arbitration, the contractor’s perspective on disputes, and risk allocation in public–private infrastructure projects. The conversation highlighted how the CPEC project pipeline and international arbitration mechanisms can together create a more resilient, transparent, and trusted environment for construction disputes in Pakistan and the wider region. #PIDW2025 #ConstructionLaw #FIDIC #CPEC #ICCArbitration #ADRLeadership #GlobalADR #LegalCommunity

Wuhan Arbitration Commission Issues “Guidelines for Adjudicating Construction Contract Disputes” Also on 21 October, the Wuhan Arbitration Commission (WAC) released its Guidelines for Adjudicating Construction Contract Disputes (Trial Version) — making Wuhan the second city in China, after Shanghai, to issue such a comprehensive guide. The Guidelines, consisting of 127 articles across 10 chapters, cover topics including applicable law, contract validity, project duration, pricing, payment, quality, and priority claims. The document reflects years of adjudicative experience in construction disputes and provides clear, practical standards to ensure greater consistency and predictability in arbitral awards. (Source: Wuhan Arbitration Commission)

Despite the gap of 20 years between Hong Kong's Construction Industry Security of Payment Ordinance (Cap. 652) and Singapore's Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2004 (2020 Rev Ed), there is much that we can learn from each other. The Singapore Academy of Law Practitioner has published our article on this, available online at the link below. Many thanks to Aaron Kwok and Jolene Tan for their work on this piece. https://lnkd.in/g36niAxr #CMSlaw #constructionlaw #singaporelaw #hongkonglaw #securityofpayment #adjudication #SOPOrdinance #SOPO #SOPAct #SOPA

Last week, Robert Gerrard presented on 'Resolving Disputes in NEC Contracts' at the HKICAdj Hong Kong Institute of Construction Adjudicators webinar. He shared various methods of resolving disputes across the NEC4 suite of contracts including the Hong Kong editions. The session covered negotiation, mediation, adjudication, Dispute Avoidance Board, expert determination, arbitration and litigation processes. Building on the ongoing conversation around effective dispute resolution, the NEC Asia Pacific Conference 2025 will feature sessions on how the frameworks within the contract help prevent and resolve disputes, including: • 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 Speaker Professor David Mosey CBE (King’s College London and NEC Contract Board Member), moderated by Robert Gerrard (NEC Contracts) will discuss how collaborative procurement frameworks and shared goals reduce disputes, accelerate delivery and improve long-term value. • 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐄𝐂 𝐓𝐒𝐂 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Speakers Fan Yang (International Dispute Resolution Chambers) and Siu Yuen CHAN (The University of Hong Kong) will examine the adjudication framework within the TSC, including how optional Y Clauses and bespoke Z Clauses enable swift resolution of service-related disputes and protect continuity. Book now: https://lnkd.in/efAfqGSw #necapac25 #disputeresolution #collaborativecontracting

Arbitration is constantly evolving — and so are the disputes shaping our industry. That’s why CBBG Group is joining leading advocates, counsel, and academics at Azerbaijan Arbitration Days 2025, organized by the Azerbaijan Arbitration Association, in Baku, October 24–25. Our experts, Michael Berrigan and Ivana Kocheva, will bring hands-on experience in forensic, quantum, and delay analysis to discussions on resolving complex construction and engineering disputes. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gBEQpXn8 #Arbitration #DisputeResolution #EmergingMarkets #CBBGGroup #WeAreVertex