Mr. Vincent Chong Participates in the “Young Lawyers Malaysia Exchange Tour”: Broadening Horizons and Deepening Professional Exchange
To promote the international development of the legal profession and support the all-round growth of young lawyers, the Law Society of Hong Kong organized the “Young Lawyers Malaysia Exchange Tour” in August 2025. Our firm’s lawyer, Mr. Chong Yip Fung, was honored to be one of the delegates. He visited judicial institutions and arbitration centers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and participated in the inaugural “Malaysia–Hong Kong Young Lawyers Forum,” engaging in in-depth exchanges with local legal professionals and gaining invaluable insights.
Visit to the Federal Court and AIAC: Gaining Insights into a Pluralistic Legal System
On the first day of the tour, Mr. Chong joined the delegation in visiting Malaysia’s highest court—the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya, which houses the Federal Court. The group was warmly received by the Deputy Chief Registrar, Mr. Ahmad Fairuz bin Mohd Puzi. Delegates had the opportunity to explore the court’s interior and its law library, gaining a deeper understanding of how Malaysia integrates common law, Islamic law, and customary law within a single judicial system. This provided valuable reference for handling cross-jurisdictional cases in the future.
The group then visited the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC), where they met with the Director, Dato’ Mary Lim Thiam Suan, and other senior executives. They discussed the latest trends in arbitration development in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in areas such as international commercial disputes, sports arbitration, and Islamic finance. This visit also gave Mr. Chong deeper insight into the potential for developing sports arbitration in Hong Kong.
Legal Career Exchange and Law Firm Visit: Building Cross-Regional Networks
The delegation also visited the Malaysian Bar Council, where they engaged with local young lawyers to share career planning experiences and discuss the challenges faced in legal practice. They also visited a local law firm to experience the work environment and legal culture in Malaysia. These face-to-face interactions not only fostered mutual understanding but also helped Mr. Chong build valuable connections and explore potential collaboration opportunities.
Inaugural “Malaysia–Hong Kong Young Lawyers Forum”: In-Depth Discussion on Legal Development
Held on August 23, 2025, the “Malaysia–Hong Kong Young Lawyers Forum” was the highlight of the exchange program, attracting nearly 100 young lawyers from both regions. The forum focused on key topics such as “Comparing Different Legal Systems,” “Sports Law and Arbitration,” “The Future of the Legal Industry,” and “Well-being and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in the Legal Profession.” It fostered meaningful dialogue across jurisdictions and cultures.
Keynote speakers included Law Society President Mr. Thomas So, Malaysian High Court Judge Dato’ Anand Ponnudurai, and President of the Malaysian Bar Council Mr. Mohamad Ezri b Abdul Wahab. The forum emphasized Hong Kong’s unique status as the only bilingual common law jurisdiction under “One Country, Two Systems,” and Malaysia’s distinctive integration of multiple legal traditions. Both sides agreed that lawyers from the two regions can learn from each other to enhance their professional capabilities and strengthen international competitiveness.
