eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre (eBRAM) fully supports the 2024 Policy Address delivered by the Chief Executive, Mr. John Lee on 16 October. We are committed to playing an active role in these initiatives, offering our utmost assistance, support, and participation in the implementation.

We are encouraged by the announcement of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy’s official launch this year. As an organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing the quality and standards of online dispute resolution, eBRAM will collaborate with the relevant offices and expert committees, supporting the efforts of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy. With a focus on strengthening the cultivation of online dispute resolution talent, we endeavor to nurture legal professionals proficient in international law, common law, civil law, and the legal systems of the mainland.

We fully support and will actively participate in the Government's plan to strengthen mediation services. eBRAM provides a range of dispute resolution services, including arbitration and mediation, and is the only organization from Hong Kong, China among the five qualified online dispute resolution service providers accredited by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). We are committed to establishing Hong Kong as a regional hub for international dispute resolution services, enhancing the provision of efficient and convenient dispute resolution services tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Furthermore, we will continue to promote the “Pro-bono Online Mediation Scheme” for water seepage Disputes, delivering professional mediation services to Hong Kongers embroiled in water seepage issues.

eBRAM supports and pledges to actively engage in the Government’s initiative to promote sports-related dispute resolution and will actively participate in the relevant research efforts. As the sports industry continues to expand, sports-related disputes have become increasingly complex. We believe that establishing a dedicated dispute resolution mechanism for sports, including the promotion of sports arbitration, will effectively leverage Hong Kong's institutional dispute resolution strengths. Given the demand for an efficient dispute resolution framework in sports arbitration, we are committed to incorporating professional arbitrators with extensive sports backgrounds into our panel of arbitrators. Additionally, we are actively exploring the sports events and activities suitable for resolution via online platforms. We are eager to collaborate with the Government and relevant institutions to contribute towards the development of a comprehensive sports dispute resolution system.

We also welcome the initiative by the Department of Justice to establish “Step up Promotion of Mediation Services” on the promotion of LawTech, and we will play an active role in this effort. The rapid advancement of LawTech presents both unprecedented opportunities and challenges for the legal services industry. As the first LawTech company in Hong Kong to utilize advanced technology (including artificial intelligence and blockchain) to build its online platform, eBRAM will support the initiative by promoting the application of LawTech in the industry. This will enhance the efficiency and quality of legal services, contributing to the development of LawTech in Hong Kong.

Finally, eBRAM fully supports the Government's efforts to promote the implementation of enhanced arrangements of cross-border service of Court documents, as well as the establishment of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Legal Information Platform and a platform for GBA lawyers. In July, eBRAM officially launched the GBA Online Dispute Resolution Platform (GBA Platform). Through the GBA Platform, we collaborate with the Government on the construction and operation of the GBA Legal Information Platform and the organization of a platform for GBA lawyers. This will promote professional exchanges and training, enhance legal cooperation, and foster the integrated development of legal services in the GBA.

In conclusion, eBRAM fully supports the 2024 Policy Address and the initiatives related to promoting and maintaining Hong Kong as a regional international dispute resolution hub. We are committed to playing an active role in these efforts. Through active participation and collaboration, we aim to assist with the Government’s initiatives in promoting Hong Kong’s role in the field of international dispute resolution. We are confident that, under the Government’s leadership and with the concerted efforts of all stakeholders, Hong Kong will further elevate its status as an international hub for dispute resolution services, making significant contributions to the regional and global legal landscape.