(Hong Kong, 2 December 2024) In order to resolve conflicts and disputes between property owners and occupants in Hong Kong caused by water seepage issues, eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre (“eBRAM”), an independent non-profit arbitration and mediation organisation, today joined hands with the Agency for Volunteer Service to officially launch the Pro-bono Online Mediation Scheme for Water Seepage Disputes (“Scheme”). The Scheme is free of charge and aims to foster a harmonious community by providing the public with efficient and economical online mediation services to help resolve water seepage disputes in the community.

The Scheme has received strong support from the “Joint Office” set up by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Buildings Department. When water seepage issues arise, both parties in-volved can agree to conduct mediation at any stage. The parties can do so by submitting a request through eBRAM’s platform under the Scheme. The platform will then arrange for independent and neutral volunteer mediators to mediate the parties’ dispute. The Scheme aims to enable parties to resolve disputes in the simplest, most cost-effective, and time-efficient manner.

Actively Assumes Social Responsibility and Alleviates the Concerns and Difficulties of the Citizens

The issue of building leakage or water seepage is a common source of dispute in the Hong Kong commu-nity, and multi-faceted issue encompasses cost split and responsibility for carrying out repairs . This issue has been troubling property owners and occupants in Hong Kong, as it is complicated and involves multiple parties’ responsibilities. Traditional legal proceedings are time-consuming and expensive, making it difficult to resolve these issues in a short period of time, which often causes great suffering to the residents in-volved.

In view of this, as a leading non-profit arbitration and mediation organisation in Hong Kong, eBRAM actively uses innovative approaches to address social livelihood issues. Launched in cooperation with the Agency for Volunteer Service and supported by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Build-ings Department, this free online mediation service fills a gap in legal services and provides an efficient, economical and convenient solution for members of the public who are in need.

Efficiently Resolves Water Seepage Disputes, Highlights Advantages of Online Mediation

eBRAM’s mediation rules and online dispute resolution platform have overcome the time and space limi-tations of traditional mediation, allowing parties to participate in mediation process anytime and anywhere. Compared with cumbersome litigation procedures, online mediation is fast and efficient, and lowers the threshold for resolving disputes so that both parties do not have to go through lengthy legal proceedings and pay expensive litigation fees. This flexible service model meets the needs of the busy public living in modern cities to build a harmonious community.

In addition, mediation is led by the parties involved, who have more control over the outcome. Both parties can work together to agree on a solution, rather than leaving the decision-making process entirely to the court. At the same time, mediation emphasizes fairness and understanding, which aims to reduce tensions between the parties, avoids escalation of conflicts, and protects their neighbourhood relations. As a third party, professional mediators maintain a neutral stance and assist the parties in discussing feasible solutions that give them peace of mind.

Innovative LawTech to Help Build a Harmonious Future

Dr Thomas So, JP, Chairman of eBRAM, said, "We are committed to serving our society, promoting sustainable development, and giving back to the community by leveraging innovative technologies and applying our expertise. By collaborating with the Agency for Volunteer Service and with the support of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Buildings Department, the launch of the free ‘Pro-bono Online Mediation Scheme for Water Seepage Disputes’ has not only helped solve the public’s livelihood issues, but also provided new ideas for building a harmonious and inclusive social environment. Looking ahead, we will continue to work closely with the government and other organisations to provide high-quality and efficient dispute resolution services to more members of the public."

Ms. Melissa Pang, BBS, MH, JP, Chairman of the Agency for Volunteer Service, said, "We have always been attentive to the needs of the members of the public and are committed to playing a pivotal role in collaborating with various sectors of society to address livelihood issues. By having dedicated professional mediators who are passionate about serving society as volunteer workers, we provide free mediation services to relevant owners and occupants through eBRAM’s online platform, believing that we can play a crucial role in resolving building leakage disputes within the community. We look forward to promoting community harmony through this innovative initiative, ensuring that members of the public can live and work in peace."

According to the figures released by the Joint Office, over the past five years, there have been an average of over 40,000 complaints per year on water seepage issues. The number of cases in which the source of water seepage was identified and relevant investigations completed averaged around 5,800 cases per year, accounting for approximately 14.5% of the total number of complaints. As at September 2023, the number of cases under investigation was around 10,000. Between 2020 and 2022, investigation on approximately 30% of the cases could not be completed and complainants were not informed of the investigation results within 90 working days. The “Pro-bono Online Mediation Scheme for Water Seepage Disputes” initiated by eBRAM and the Agency for Volunteer Service is set to effectively reduce the time required to handle water seepage cases, increase efficiency in addressing the public’s livelihood issues, and play a more active role in promoting harmony in the community and reducing social conflicts.

“Pro-bono Online Mediation Scheme for Water Seepage Disputes” Webpage:
https://ebram.org/Water_Seepage_POM_Scheme/?language=en

(Hong Kong, 29 November 2024) eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre (“eBRAM”), an independent non-profit organisation, signed the “Deal-making Portal”, “GBA Online Dispute Resolution Collaborative Platform” and “Foreign-related Legal Services Professionals Training” Strategic Partnership MoU with several enterprises and professional organisations in the Greater Bay Area yesterday. This milestone not only showcases the vibrant development of Hong Kong in the LawTech field but also signifies a new height in its international arbitration and mediation services.



The signing ceremony was officiated by Dr. Horace Cheung, SBS, JP, Deputy Secretary for Justice of Hong Kong SAR Government and Ms. Yumei Zhang, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Law of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, they witnessed the signing of the Strategic Partnership MoU for Deal-making Portal between eBRAM and seven professional organisations, namely Smart City Consortium, SME Global Alliance, Hong Kong O2O E-Commerce Federation, IOT HK Association, Hong Kong Transport & Logistics Association, Hong Kong Minor Works Promotion Association, and The Chamber of Hong Kong Computer Industry and Macao SME Association. In addition, eBRAM has forged cooperative agreements with the Hetao International Mediation Center and Macau Institute of Professional Mediators, signing a strategic partnership MoU for GBA Online Dispute Resolution Collaborative Platform. It has also reached a cooperation intention with the International Probono Legal Services Association (IPLSA) on training talents in foreign-related legal services professionals through an MoU of cooperation.



By actively collaborating with professional organisations, eBRAM has provided enterprises with advanced business intelligence solutions. This strategic partnership speaks volumes to the shared vision of all stakeholders to drive the development of Hong Kong’s corporate and professional services, while fostering the integration of international legal services with technology, thereby further solidifying Hong Kong’s position as a leading international financial centre and dispute resolution hub.

Dr. Horace Cheung, SBS, JP, Deputy Secretary for Justice of HKSAR pointed out in the speech, "To promote the development of the digital economy, the Department of Justice will study and formulate policies to promote the industry's application of legal technology. The two platforms of eBRAM can effectively drive digital trade, assist industries in digital transformation, and promote the development of legal technology, thereby strengthening and enhancing Hong Kong's competitiveness as one of the ‘Eight Centres’. Leveraging these platforms can facilitate the diversified development of dispute resolution mechanisms in the Greater Bay Area, enabling businesses within the Greater Bay Area to make more effective use of resources."



Implementing national strategies to promote high-quality development of legal system in the Greater Bay Area

In line with the national’s “14th Five-Year Plan” and to promote the development of the digital economy, eBRAM has been committed to utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence to enhance the efficiency and quality of arbitration and mediation services. In December 2023, it launched an inclusive online “eBRAM Deal-making Portal” that serves as a secure and accessible avenue to assist enterprises in exploring potential partners and business opportunities. It also provides access to a range of suitable professional services, such as legal, accounting, and tax advisory to support them in  addressing potential challenges arising in cross-border transactions. Currently, approximately 260 companies have registered as platform members.

Led by eBRAM, the first “GBA Online Dispute Resolution Collaborative Platform” was officially launched in July this year. It is one of the significant policy measures highlighted in the “Policy Address 2023” and by the Department of Justice, aiming to strengthen communication and collaboration with Mainland China, establish a diversified dispute resolution mechanism and leverage the unique advantages of the “One Country, Two Systems and Three Legal Jurisdictions” in the GBA to promote the integrated development of legal services therein.

Dr. Thomas So, JP, Chairman of eBRAM said, "We are very honoured to have reached cooperation intentions with 10 professional institutions again. We hope to utilize innovative technologies to enhance the opportunities for companies to find partners and pursue collaboration. Through collaboration with regional professional organisations, we seek to elevate the level of legal systems construction in GBA, promote in-depth integration of the legal systems across Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, and contribute to creating an internationally competitive business environment in the GBA."



Empowering SMEs to embrace ESG and lead societal development

Investors increasingly focus on an enterprise’s practices in the environmental, social and governance (ESG) areas to evaluate its long-term value. In light of this trend, eBRAM arranged a fireside chat titled “When Small and Medium E-commerce Enterprises Meet ESG” following the signing ceremony, for representatives from SMEs to delve deeper into how ESG can help them achieve sustainable development and market breakthroughs.

The fireside chat received support from representatives of various institutions, including Ms. Olivia Kung, Partner of ONC Lawyers and Member of the Board of Directors of eBRAM, Mr. Gary Yeung, MH, Founder and Honorary President of the Smart City Consortium, and Ms. Holly So, Sustainability Strategist with Allianz Global Investors, Ms. Melanie Kwok, Assistant General Manager (Sustainability) and Head of Sustainability of Sino Group, and Ms. Michele Leung, Executive Director and Head of ESG and Climate of MSCI China. During the seminar, there were engaging discussions between the participating SMEs and the speakers, furthering their understanding of how to enhance their appeal to investors through ESG.

Mr. Ronald Sum, JP, Vice Chairman of eBRAM, said: "SMEs need to keep up with industry trends and accelerate their pace of digital transformation if they wish to effectively respond to challenges and capture market opportunities. In addition to providing high-quality professional services and assisting them in seeking collaboration opportunities, our platform also encourages them to take the first step towards sustainable business practices, helping them save costs and enhance competitive advantages as well as maintain business growth; and in case of disputes, they can also utilise online dispute resolution services to improve efficiency."

Photo Captions



(Front row from left to right) Dr. Thomas So, JP, Chairman of eBRAM signed the Strategic Partnership MoU for Deal-making Portal with Mr. Gary Yeung, MH, President of Smart City Consortium, Mr. Jefferson Wat, Supervisory Chairman of SME Global Alliance, Mr. Terrence Hui, President of Hong Kong O2O E-Commerce Federation, Mr. Sam Wu, President of IOT HK Association, Mr. Alex Chan, Chairman of Hong Kong Transport & Logistics Association, Ms. May Leung, President of Hong Kong Minor Works Promotion Association, Mr. Ricky Leung, CEO of Macao SME Association (Affiliated to ICSB), under the witness of Dr. Horace Cheung, SBS, JP, Deputy Secretary for Justice of Hong Kong SAR Government and Ms. Yumei Zhang, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Law of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR



Ms. Helen Zhu, Chairman of Hetao International Mediation Center (Right 1) signed the Strategic Partnership MoU for GBA Online Dispute Resolution Collaborative Platform with Dr. Thomas So, JP, Chairman of eBRAM, under the witness of Dr. Horace Cheung, SBS, JP, Deputy Secretary for Justice of Hong Kong SAR Government and Ms. Yumei Zhang, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Law of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR



Dr. Garry Chio, President of Macau Institute of Professional Mediators (First from the right) signed the Strategic Partnership MoU for GBA Online Dispute Resolution Collaborative Platform with Dr. Thomas So, JP, Chairman of eBRAM, under the witness of Dr. Horace Cheung, SBS, JP, Deputy Secretary for Justice of Hong Kong SAR Government and Ms. Yumei Zhang, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Law of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR



Dr. Hon Junius Ho, BBS, JP, Founder and Chairman of IPLSA (Second from the right) signed the Partnership MOU for the training of foreign-related legal services professionals with Dr. Thomas So, JP, Chairman of eBRAM, under the witness of Dr. Horace Cheung, SBS, JP, Deputy Secretary for Justice of Hong Kong SAR Government, Ms. Yumei Zhang, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Law of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR and Prof Hon William WONG Kam-fai, MH(First from the right)



On behalf of eBRAM, Mr. Ronald Sum JP (first from the left), Vice Chairman, presented commemorative gifts to the guests participating in the fireside chat guests, arranged from left to right, follows: Ms. Olivia Kung, Partner of ONC Lawyers and Member of the Board of Directors of eBRAM, Mr. Gary Yeung, MH, Founder and Honorary President of the Smart City Consortium, and Ms. Holly So, Sustainability Strategist with Allianz Global Investors, Ms. Melanie Kwok, Assistant General Manager (Sustainability) and Head of Sustainability of Sino Group, and Ms. Michele Leung, Executive Director and Head of ESG and Climate of MSCI China.

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.

【HONG KONG 18th July 2024】The launch ceremony of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) Online Collaborative Platform was held on July 11, 2024. To mark the important progress made in joining hands with the eleven ADR institutions/ arbitration commissions in the GBA region to collaboratively develop and integrate legal services to serve the community at GBA. Ceremony opening remark by Dr. Thomas SO JP, Chairman of eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre Limited (eBRAM); Welcome address by The Hon Horace CHEUNG Kwok-kwan, SBS JP, Deputy Secretary for Justice, the HKSAR and joint with Ms. ZHANG Yumei, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Department of Law and various ADR institutions/ arbitration commissions marking the official launch of the GBA Online Collaborative Platform, established the resolve disputes mechanism. The Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration and Hengqin International Commercial Mediation Centre held a MoU Signing Ceremony on the spot.

Hundreds of legal and mediation professionals attended the event in support, including Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Mr. Benjamin MOK Kwan-yu, President of The Law Society of Hong Kong, Mr. Roden TONG and representatives from various industrial and commercial, legal and arbitration associations attended the ceremony; Platform participated ADR institutions/ arbitration commissions (in no particular order): Centro de Arbitragem da Associação dos Advogados de Macau, World Trade Center Macau Arbitration Center, Guangzhou Arbitration Commission, Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration, Dongguan Arbitration Commission, Zhaoqing Arbitration Commission, Zhuhai Court of International Arbitration, Hengqin International Commercial Mediation Centre, Huizhou Arbitration Commission, Foshan Arbitration Commission and eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre.

Dr. Thomas SO JP, Chairman of eBRAM highlighted the importance of aligning mechanisms, rules, and talents in the GBA, as emphasised by various national and regional strategies. He stressed the need to adopt a digitalised model that aligns with the new economic system. This common goal has driven the participation of all organisations involved in the GBA Online Collaborative Platform. The MoU signed between various arbitration committees and mediation centres include sharing institutional resources, jointly recommending registered arbitrators, mediators, and neutral parties, and regularly seconding personnel. These efforts are aimed at providing complementary support for the training of international legal professionals in the GBA. Looking forward, it is necessary to not only nurture legal talents but also train technology developers and legal professionals well-versed in using legal technology and familiar with Chinese law, Hong Kong common law, and international law. By leveraging the GBA's high-tech industries combined with Hong Kong's international connectivity, alternative high-end job opportunities can be created for young people in the GBA, fostering a stronger legal technology ecosystem. Dr. So hopes to increase current talent mobility opportunities, remove any existing barriers, and assist in training young talents across the GBA, ensuring the succession of new generations.

The Hon Horace CHEUNG Kwok-kwan, SBS JP, Deputy Secretary for Justice, the HKSAR delivered an address and officiated the platform's launch. He stated that the establishment of this platform is not only an important initiative outlined in the Department of Justice’s “Action Plan for Rule of Law in the Greater Bay Area” published in April 2024 but also a policy measure in the Chief Executive’s 2023 Policy Address. It marks the first regular platform for interface established between the Department of Justice and central national authorities. The platform aims to enhance communication and cooperation through practical work led by senior officials, thereby improving the efficiency of resource and demand integration and systematically advancing research, talent training, and professional exchanges between both regions. By promoting the implementation of more concrete measures, the platform will benefit civic and commercial interactions and contribute to the high-quality development of the GBA. He hopes that these measures will further exploit the unique advantages of the GBA’s “One Country, Two Systems, Three Legal Jurisdictions,” assisting in the creation of a “Rule of Law Bay Area.”

Various ADR institutions/ arbitration commissions in the GBA were invited to introduce how they handle disputes arising within the region and the services they offer during the launch ceremony. This allowed attending government officials and industry professionals to gain a deeper understanding of the collaborative platform. The conference explored the development prospects of the GBA Online Collaborative Platform from multiple perspectives. All parties unanimously agreed that the establishment of the platform not only enhances the level of rule of law construction in the GBA and promotes the deep integration of the legal systems of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, but also contributes significantly to creating a world-class business environment in the GBA. As arbitration institutions in the GBA, they collectively foresee creating a new chapter in dispute resolution services, aiming for sustainable development. The launch of the GBA Online Collaborative Platform marks a new milestone in the rule of law construction and legal technology development in the GBA. It will undoubtedly further promote civic and commercial interactions among Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, injecting new momentum into the high-quality development of the GBA.

eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre Limited (eBRAM)
Room 403, 4/F, West Wing, Justice Place, 11 Ice House Street, Central, Hong Kong
Website: https://ebram.org/

Email: info@eBRAM.org
Contact: +852 3792 0707

(Hong Kong, 14 December 2023) eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre (“eBRAM”) held the official launch of the Deal-making Portal (“DMP”) today with the support of 15 Strategic Partners, and one Supporting Organisation vowed to promote Hong Kong’s advantages to consolidate its role as an ideal deal-making hub.

eBRAM has developed an inclusive online deal-making platform, in line with the National 14th Five-Year Plan and the digital economy. This platform is designed to facilitate enterprises, particularly SMEs, seeking to expand their horizons and explore new opportunities through a secure, end-to-end, and accessible avenue. It also provides access to a range of professional services, such as legal, accounting, and tax advisory support, to address any potential challenges that may arise during cross-border transactions.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Dr Thomas So JP, the Chairman of eBRAM, thanked the Department of Justice, Strategic Partners and Supporting Organisations for their support of the DMP and said that “Hong Kong's geographical advantages, world-class professionals, free economic system, and sound rule of law foundation make it a unique place to serve as a Super Connector, a Super Value-adder, a Value Creator and also a Deal-maker. As a pioneer in LawTech, eBRAM is committed to supporting the work of the legal and dispute resolution industry by using technology and creating a safe, secure and cost-effective platform to facilitate transactions. In designing the platform, eBRAM considered the needs of professional service providers and hoped that they could use the platform to connect with their counterparts in the Mainland and around the world and facilitate collaboration.” 

eBRAM Vice Chairman and Deal-making Working Group Chairman Mr Ronald Sum JP noted that “this initiative represents a significant step forward in supporting the growth and development of local businesses and professional services, which would benefit the long-term economic development. As such, we are excited to work with chambers of commerce and professional bodies to contribute to strengthening Hong Kong's status as an international financial and legal services centre.”

In terms of the development of dispute resolution, Dr So shared that eBRAM has signed a memorandum of understanding with five dispute resolution institutions in the Greater Bay Area (“GBA”) to jointly establish a collaborative platform to provide an avenue for information exchange and collaboration, with an aspiration to extend the initiative to cover the whole GBA.

About the DMP -

Designed to facilitate cross-border transactions, the DMP is equipped with functions such as a directory of business organisations, deal flow management, legally binding e-signature services, and e-signatures with mutual recognition certificates applicable to transactions with Mainland companies.

eBRAM DMP Strategic Partner:

Asian Academy of International Law (Founder Member)

Hong Kong Bar Association (Founder Member)

The Law Society of Hong Kong (Founder Member)

Association of China-Appointed Attesting Officers Limited

Certizen Technology Limited

China Legal Service (HK) Ltd.

Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong

Hong Kong Coalition of Professional Services

Hong Kong Cyberport Management Limited

Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation

Hong Kong Trade Development Council

Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre

Society of Chinese Accountants and Auditors

Taxation Institute of Hong Kong

Supporting Organisation：

Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce

About eBRAM

eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre Limited (“eBRAM”) is committed to enhancing Hong Kong’s arbitration and mediation services while building capacity to meet the growing demand for online dispute resolution and deal-making services across borders. eBRAM achieves this by leveraging innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and cloud.

Our primary objective is to establish Hong Kong as centre for LawTech and for international dispute resolution. To accomplish this goal, eBRAM actively collaborates with global organisations and participating economies, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Belt-and-Road countries and others.

(Hong Kong, 27 October 2023) eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre (“eBRAM”) welcomes new initiatives outlined in the Policy Address 2023 to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international legal services platform for deal-making and dispute resolution and in Asia Pacific Region (“APAC”) and support Small and Medium Enterprises (“SMEs”) in exploring e-commerce business opportunities, particularly in the Mainland.

These initiatives include extending the adoption of Hong Kong law, encouraging Mainland enterprises to utilise Hong Kong’s dispute resolution services,  deepening the mediation culture within the local private sector, and setting up a dedicated fund for SMEs to apply for the implementation of e-commerce projects. This will equip SMEs with the necessary capabilities to expand their businesses effectively.

Furthermore, the Government aims to enhance cooperation with the Mainland, including facilitating cross-boundary data flow within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (“GBA”) and streamlining compliance arrangements for the flow of personal data from the Mainland to Hong Kong on a pilot basis. eBRAM supports these initiatives as part of its commitment to ensuring compliance with relevant regulations on cross-border data transfers, particularly from the Mainland to Hong Kong. eBRAM will closely monitor and adapt to the evolving compliance arrangements in the GBA, upholding the highest standards in data protection and privacy while facilitating effective dispute resolution services.

Dr Thomas So JP, Chairman of eBRAM, said, “eBRAM was founded to promote online dispute resolution for mediation and arbitration and a LawTech service provider to serve primarily the local community, the GBA and also the users in the region and beyond. eBRAM is working on a collaborative platform to provide a venue for dispute resolution centres to exchange intelligence and promote collaborations. We are delighted to see the support from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to the legal and dispute resolution sectors. In response to the support to SMEs, eBRAM launched a Deal-making Portal (“DMP”), an all-inclusive e-commerce platform tailor-made to facilitate cross-border transactions and assist SMEs in exploring potential collaborations. eBRAM continues its efforts in developing LawTech services and advocating the advantages of ODR, supporting the local legal profession and SMEs.”

eBRAM appreciates the Government’s effort to develop Hong Kong into a regional intellectual property (IP) trading centre. It is worth mentioning that eBRAM’s DMP is exploring the feasibility of IP trading as part of its initiatives.

About eBRAM

eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre Limited (“eBRAM”) is committed to enhancing Hong Kong’s arbitration and mediation services, while building capacity to meet the growing demand for online dispute resolution and deal-making services across borders. eBRAM achieves this by leveraging innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and cloud.

Our primary objective is to establish Hong Kong as center for LawTech and for international dispute resolution. To accomplish this goal, eBRAM actively collaborates with global organisations and participating economies, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Belt-and-Road countries and others.

At eBRAM, we prioritise cybersecurity and data privacy, and take every necessary measure to ensure the security of information during its transfer and storage on our platform. Safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of user information is of utmost importance to us.

(Hong Kong, 28 October 2022) eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre (“eBRAM”) is pleased to announce the official launch of the eBRAM Online Arbitration platform and eBRAM Online Mediation platform on 24 October 2022, aiming to offer an affordable, reliable and secure platform for parties to resolve disputes amicably by mediation or by arbitration.

Mr Horace Cheung, SBS, JP, Deputy Secretary for Justice, said, “The launch of the eBRAM Online Arbitration and Mediation platforms brings a paradigm shift in the traditional dispute resolution practice and marks an important milestone for Hong Kong’s ODR development. The ODR platforms operated by eBRAM would not only enhance Hong Kong’s LawTech development capacity, but also further strengthen its position as an international hub for legal, deal-making and dispute resolution services.”

eBRAM’s Online Arbitration platform and Online Mediation platform provide end-to-end digital experience to parties by integrating the latest technologies, including blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (“AI”), into the platforms. Other self-developed features and the expedited rules helped to streamline the dispute resolution process, significantly reducing time and costs.

Dr Thomas So, Chairman of eBRAM, said, “eBRAM has a clear vision to contribute to the consolidation of Hong Kong’s role as one of the world’s leading LawTech hubs as well as uphold the rule of law. With this in mind, we will continue to foster the development of the global ODR profession and support cross-border trade development in Greater Bay Area and beyond through various initiatives.”

As a LawTech centre and ODR provider, eBRAM will continue its efforts in developing LawTech services to support cross-border business trade and enhance work efficiency for the legal and dispute resolution communities. eBRAM plans to introduce an online deal-making platform towards the end of the year, to ensure that it is the leading one-stop-shop online platform for deal-making, dispute avoidance and dispute resolution.

(Hong Kong, 19 October 20222) eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre (“eBRAM”) welcomed new initiatives in the Policy Address 2022 to consolidate Hong Kong’s strengths as an international legal services platform for deal-making and dispute resolution and promotion of the wider use of LawTech.

These initiatives include attracting more international dispute resolution institutions to set up offices in Hong Kong, enhancing promotions to showcase Hong Kong’s rule of law and the diversified legal and dispute resolution services’ capacities through overseas visits led by the Department of Justice, and strengthening interaction with the GBA with one of the initiatives to establish an online mediation platform dedicated to dispute resolution in the GBA.

Dr Thomas So JP, Chairman of eBRAM, said, “as a forerunner of LawTech and an online dispute resolution provider, we are delighted to see the support from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in the development of legal and dispute resolution sectors. In response to the bourgeoning demands for LawTech services, eBRAM continues 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.”

eBRAM appreciates the Government’s effort to develop Hong Kong into a regional intellectual property (IP) trading centre. It is noted that eBRAM is currently developing an end-to-end digital platform to facilitate deal-making, including IP trading, to be softly launched towards the end of the 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

About eBRAM

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About eBRAM

About eBRAM

About eBRAM

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About eBRAM

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

(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

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.

(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.

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.

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.