On 3 September 2025, a seminar focused on mediation of international commercial disputes in the Greater Bay Area, jointly organized by the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration (SCIA), the South China International Arbitration Center (HK) (SCIAHK), and the Hong Kong Bar Association (HKBA), was held at the SCIA Tower in Qianhai, Shenzhen. The event received joint support from the Guangdong, Hong Kong & Macao Arbitration & Mediation Alliance and the Hong Kong Mediation Accreditation Association Ltd (HKMAAL). Over 160 lawyers, in-house counsels, scholars, and university students from Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong SAR attended the event.

Building on SCIA's over forty years of practical experience in exploring the Harmonious Dispute Resolution (HDR) model, the event looked forward to the future development of commercial mediation in the Greater Bay Area. It also invited seasoned mediation experts, arbitrators, and industry representatives for thematic discussions, engaging in in-depth discussions on topics such as the key advantages of commercial mediation as an alternative dispute resolution method and the effective enforcement of settlement agreements. At the end of the event, Hong Kong barristers provided guidance on the harmonious resolution of cross-border disputes in the Greater Bay Area through simulated mediation coaching.

Liu Xiaochun, President of the SCIA and Executive Chairman of the SCIAHK, delivered a welcome speech

Ling Chun Wai, Chairman of Hong Kong Mediation Council Committee, gave a thematic sharing on the latest developments and prospects of mediation in the Greater Bay Area

The first panel, focusing on "Key Advantages of Commercial Mediation as an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Tool," was moderated by Barrister Ling Chun Wai. Participants included Huang Guoyong, Assistant President and Director of International Cooperation and Development Department of the SCIA; Gao Jun, SCIA arbitrator and Partner of Zhong Lun Law Firm in Shanghai; and Queenie Lau SC.

The second panel, focusing on "Enforcement of Mediated Settlement," was moderated by Barrister NANA LUI. Participants included Prof. Zhao Yun, SCIA Arbitrator, Henry Cheng Professor in International Law and Associate Dean (Mainland Affairs) of Faculty of Law at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) ; Li Lan, SCIA Arbitrator and Senior Partner of Beijing Jincheng Tongda & Neal Law Firm; and Barrister Vod K.S. Chan.

The "SCIA Open Day" is a series of branded events hosted by the SCIA. By inviting the public to visit the SCIA Tower, the events aim to promote commercial arbitration services and the SCIA principles of "independence, impartiality, and innovation". It also helps to learn more about market entities' needs and suggestions regarding dispute resolution, improve dispute resolution services, advance the development of a market-oriented, rule-of-law, and internationalized business environment, and jointly build a globally oriented hub for international arbitration.