Kuala Lumpur, 19–21 August 2025: ERIA took part in the ASEAN Law Forum 2025, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). Organised by Malaysia’s Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department (BHEUU) under the theme ’Enhancing Access to Justice in the ASEAN Economic Community: Bridging Legal Cooperation for Inclusive Growth,’ the Forum was supported by the Ministry of Justice of Japan, the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC), and ERIA.

The 3-day event formed part of Malaysias ASEAN Chairmanship and brought together senior officials, legal experts, and policymakers from ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste, and Dialogue Partners to strengthen regional legal cooperation.

ERIA participated as an exhibitor, presenting flagship publications, research outputs, and ongoing projects. The display enabled direct engagement with delegates, underlining ERIAs role in advancing economic integration and sustainable development in ASEAN and East Asia.

Day 1: Opening

The Forum opened with remarks by Datuk Zamri Misman, Director General of Legal Affairs at Malaysias Prime Ministers Department, followed by a special address from Ms Anna Joubin-Bret, Secretary of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).

In her Ministerial Address, YB Dato Sri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Ministers Department (Law and Institutional Reform), officially launched the Forum, reaffirming Malaysias commitment to access to justice and stronger ASEAN legal frameworks.

Panel discussions on arbitration, mediation, insolvency, and business and human rights concluded the first day, highlighting the role of robust legal systems in supporting economic growth, sustainability, and digitalisation.

Day 2: ERIA President's Keynote and Panel

On 20 August, ERIA President H.E. Tetsuya Watanabe delivered opening remarks, emphasising that effective and inclusive legal systems are essential to building trust, ensuring predictability, and enabling sustainable economic activity.

‘ASEAN’s ability to manage disputes effectively will be a strategic asset. It ensures that agreements are implemented, business confidence is maintained, and cooperation endures even in times of global uncertainty,’ President Watanabe stated.

He also reiterated ERIAs commitment to supporting ASEAN through research, policy dialogue, and capacity building in trade and investment, the digital economy, energy transition, sustainability, public health, and supply chain resilience.

Later in the day, ERIA hosted a panel discussion on ’ESG Disputes and Arbitration in Global Supply Chains.’ Moderated by Dr Intan Murnira Ramli, Senior Policy Fellow at ERIA, the session examined how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards are reshaping ASEAN’s economic policies and supply-chain contracts.

Panelists included:

• Mr Yoshitaka Watanabe, Manager of Legal Policy, ERIA
• Ms Yukiko Tomimatsu, Partner, Nishimura & Asahi (GKJ)
• Dr Sithra Devi Vellasamy, Senior Principal Assistant Director, MITI Malaysia
• Mr Tay Yong Seng, Partner, Allen and Gledhill

The discussion highlighted global trends such as mandatory due diligence requirements and the increasing use of ESG clauses in contracts and investment agreements. Panellists also addressed ASEANs evolving regulatory landscape and how arbitration can serve as a tool to resolve ESG-related disputes involving multiple stakeholders and public interest considerations.

Day 3: Adoption of Joint Statement

The Forum concluded on 21 August with the adoption of the ’Joint Statement by ASEAN Law Ministers on International Commercial Arbitration and Mediation Development.’ The ceremony was witnessed by YAB Dato’ Sri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia; H.E. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN; and H.E. Tetsuya Watanabe, President of ERIA.

Through its active contributions, ERIA reaffirmed its role as a partner in building a rules-based, inclusive, and sustainable legal order in ASEAN. The calls by Prime Minister Anwar for deeper integration and by President Watanabe for trusted legal systems underscored that strengthened legal cooperation remains a foundation for ASEANs growth, resilience, and shared future.