Marking Des Voeux Chambers’ 40th anniversary since its establishment in 1984, DVC’s inaugural Annual Conference welcomed over 100 distinguished guests and speakers from around the world to share their expertise and invaluable perspectives on the rapidly evolving landscape of international arbitration and strategies for navigating the complexities of cross-border dispute resolution.
In the keynote speech delivered by the Honourable Mr. Justice Robert Tang GBM SBS KC SC JP, NPJ of the Court of Final Appeal, HKSAR, Mr. Justice Tang highlighted Hong Kong’s success as an international arbitration centre, benefiting from its international character and its strong legal profession. One of DVC’s founding members, Mr. Neil Kaplan CBE KC SBS, also shared his fond memories of Chambers and how Chambers’ development intertwined with international arbitration in Hong Kong.
At the fireside chat hosted by DVC’s Head of Chambers, Ms. Winnie Tam SC SBS JP, Head of Des Voeux Chambers, Mr. Anthony Neoh KC SC JP, and Ms. Teresa Cheng SC GBM GBS JP shared the success stories of Hong Kong and the Mainland in international arbitration.
The panel discussions were both informative and interactive, bringing together DVC members and the guest speakers.
Panel 1 – Mastering Effective Arbitration in Corporate and Insolvency Disputes
Speakers:
- The Honourable Mr. Justice Harris, Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court, President of the Competition Tribunal
- Patrick Fung SC KC BBS FCIArb, Senior Counsel, Des Voeux Chambers
- Dr William Wong SC JP, Senior Counsel, Des Voeux Chambers
- John Hui, Barrister-at-Law, Des Voeux Chambers
Moderator: Look Chan Ho, Barrister-at-Law, Des Voeux Chambers
Panel 2 – Fundamental Change to the Landscape of Construction Disputes: The Introduction of the Security of Payment Legislation
Speakers:
- Joanne Lau, Secretary-General, Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre
- Ian Pennicott KC SC, Deputy Head of Des Voeux Chambers
- Calvin Cheuk, Barrister-at-Law, Des Voeux Chambers
- Jonathan Chan, Barrister-at-Law, Des Voeux Chambers
Moderator: Kaiser Leung, Barrister-at-Law, Des Voeux Chambers
Panel 3：Unleashing the Power of Expert Evidence: Maximising the Value of Your Expert in an International Arbitration
Speakers:
- Prof. Eun Young Park, Independent Arbitrator
- Lei Shi, Managing Partner, Clifford Chance Beijing and Shanghai Offices
- Jane Willems, Independent Arbitrator
- Jenkin Suen SC, Senior Counsel, Des Voeux Chambers
Moderator: Adrian Lai JP, Barrister-at-Law, Des Voeux Chambers
Panel 4 – Charting the Course of International and Mainland Arbitrations: Perspectives from Hong Kong and Singapore Courts
Speakers:
- Henry Huang, Partner, Grandall Law Firm (Shanghai)
- Robert Pé, Independent Arbitrator
- Jose Maurellet SC, Senior Counsel, Des Voeux Chambers
- Catrina Lam, Barrister-at-Law, Des Voeux Chambers
Moderator: Jacqueline Law, Barrister-at-Law, Des Voeux Chambers
Closing Remarks: Ian Pennicott KC SC, Deputy Head of Des Voeux Chambers
Conference Host: Sabrina Ho, Barrister-at-Law, Des Voeux Chambers
We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the inspirational sharing of all the distinguished speakers who joined the four panel discussions throughout the day, as well as the unwavering support from all the participants who attended the conference despite the challenging weather conditions.
