NEED FOR STRATEGIC FOCUS TO DEVELOP LOCAL ADR TALENT IN SABAH, SARAWAK - DPM FADILLAH

KUCHING, May 5 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has called for a strategic focus on developing homegrown alternative dispute resolution (ADR) talent in Sabah and Sarawak to position the region as a natural hub for legal and commercial cooperation.

In his officiating remarks at Borneo ADR Week 2025 (BAW2025) today, Fadillah also emphasised the importance of strengthening cross-border partnerships to address the region’s growing legal and economic complexity.

“Developing talent is not a solitary effort, it requires collaboration across government, industry, academia, and professional institutions.

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“We must work together to cultivate a strong and diverse pool of arbitrators, adjudicators, mediators, expert witnesses and claims consultants who are technically skilled and deeply familiar with the values and context of Borneo,” he said.

The deputy prime minister said fostering deeper collaboration across Borneo includes establishing long-term frameworks for cooperation between arbitral institutions, courts, universities and industries. 

Fadillah also noted that with the development of Nusantara in Indonesia, Brunei’s increased engagement, and the rapid economic growth of Sabah and Sarawak, Borneo is emerging as a key player in ASEAN's future.

“With Borneo's increasing integration into cross-border trade and investment flows, our ecosystem must be ready not only to serve local needs, but to attract confidence from international stakeholders,” he said. 

The ongoing BAW2025, which began today until May 9, features over 15 events curated by participating entities, including institutions, law firms, consultants, and training bodies.

It serves as a platform to explore the effectiveness of dispute resolution in promoting economic growth, good governance, and regional cooperation.

-- BERNAMA