SYNOPSIS

What does it take to be an arbitrator?
Do you need a law degree or just a commercial man?
The arbitration process can be complex but not difficult.

It starts off with a Notice of Arbitration and followed by appointment of a tribunal. The decision of the tribunal is final and binding and can be enforced in 167 (as of March 2021) countries which have signed the New York Convention. It is therefore essential that the tribunal is equipped with arbitration knowledge on Arbitration Act, the relevant rules and laws for the awards to be enforceable.  The tribunal will need good grasp of the arbitration knowledge and procedure, be robust and at the same time treat the parties fairly affording them equal and reasonable opportunities in advancing their case. The talk will also highlight the qualifications and the attributes of arbitrators, the training, membership and remuneration, and the arbitration process.


BIODATA OF SPEAKER

Ir. Leon Weng Seng graduated with Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering in 1980 and went on to obtain an honours degree in law with the University of London and a postgraduate Diploma in Arbitration with the University of Reading. He is a corporate member of The IEM and a registered professional engineer and is an advocate and solicitor of the High Court of Malaya (non practising). Ir. Leon is the principal of a civil and structural engineering consultancy firm. He has vast experiences in the administration of construction contracts including giving advice on contractual, mediation, adjudication and arbitration matters. His other areas of particular interest are forensic engineering and investigation of collapsed structures and slopes, and assessment of fire damaged structures. He acts as expert witness in courts and arbitration. Ir. Leon is also a CIDB accredited mediator, Fellow and a Chartered Arbitrator of The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in London and an Adjudicator of AIAC. He is a committee member of the Subcommittee on Dispute Avoidance and Resolution Practice of the IEM and the past Chairman (2008–2010) of the Chartered Institute Arbitrators (CIArb) Malaysia Branch. He is sitting as arbitrator in many on-going arbitrations.