Sarawak to Host New Asian International Arbitration Centre Office

Sarawak is set to become a hub for international arbitration in Borneo with the launch of an Asian International Arbitration Centre office in the state. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said highlighted that the facility will attract global business and provide Sarawak and Sabah lawyers opportunities to work under international arbitration standards. The state allocated RM10 million to upgrade the historic Kuching Textile Museum building, which will house the new centre.

The signing ceremony was attended by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and the agreement was executed by Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and AIAC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Danesh Chandran. This marks AIAC’s second Malaysian office after Kuala Lumpur and is intended to expand its regional activities. Officials said the development reflects Malaysia’s broader effort to position itself as a provider of world-class dispute-resolution services.