FIDA-AALCO Conference 2025: Session Overview and Speaker Highlights
On September 22, 2025, the Hong Kong Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and the AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre (AALCO-HKRAC) co-hosted a landmark legal conference themed “The Belt, the Road, the Future” at the historic Former French Mission Building in Central, Hong Kong. The event brought together leading legal professionals, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss the evolving landscape of law in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative and rapid technological change.
Morning Session
Welcome and Keynote
The day began with registration and a welcome coffee, setting a collegial tone for the conference. Lora Yip, President of FIDA, delivered the welcome speech, highlighting the significance of FIDA’s 50th anniversary and the importance of collaboration in the legal community. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Horace Cheung, SBS, JP, Deputy Secretary for Justice, who set the stage for a day of forward-looking discussions.
Panel 1: Arbitration and Mediation in Legal Practice
Moderated by Ms. Sylvia Siu (Chairlady of Joint Mediation Helpline Office and Past President of FIDA) and Ms. Heidi Chui (Partner, Stevenson, Wong & Co), this panel featured:
- The Hon Ambrose Lam (LegCo member)
- Ms. Qidi Lin (Belt & Road Service Connection)
- Ms. Delcy Lagones de Anglim (International mediator)
- Ms. Cecilia Wong (Chair of Mediation Committee & Former Chair of HKMAAL)
The panel explored the growing importance of arbitration and mediation in resolving cross-border disputes, especially in the Greater Bay Area and across Asia. Panelists discussed the benefits of alternative dispute resolution, recent trends, and shared case studies of successful outcomes.
Panel 2: Stablecoins and Digital Assets – Legal Innovation for Cross-border Finance
Moderated by Ms. Joyce Cheng (Lead Lawyer at ANZ, Vice President of FIDA), this session brought together:
- Mr. Rocky Mui (Partner, Clifford Chance)
- Mr. John Ho (Head of Legal, Financial Markets at Standard Chartered)
- Mr. Sam Lee (Founder and CEO, Coinstreet)
- Mr. Louie Lee (Managing Director and Founder, Prosynergy)
The discussion focused on the legal and regulatory implications of stablecoins in cross-border transactions, the role of digital assets in the Belt & Road Initiative, and the readiness of institutions and legal frameworks for the new era of finance. Topics included the transformation of international payments, the use of tokenized assets for infrastructure financing, and the challenges of legal harmonization across jurisdictions.
Afternoon Session
Panel 3: Chinese Corporations Going Overseas
Moderated by Ms. Julianne Doe (Partner, Hui Doe Sum Law Firm LLP and Past President of FIDA), this panel included:
- Ms. Linda Yang (Founding Partner, Yingke International)
- Ms. Peggy Au-yeung (Principal Government Counsel, LEAD Office, Department of Justice)
- Mr. Nicholas Ho Lik-chi (Commissioner for Belt and Road)
Panelists discussed the pivotal role of Hong Kong lawyers in supporting Chinese corporations’ international expansion, addressing legal frameworks, regulatory challenges, and sharing success stories of companies going global.
Panel 4: Women in Leadership and Legal Careers
Moderated by Ms. Sarah Wong (Head of Legal, Amundi and Vice President of FIDA), this inspiring panel featured:
- Ms. Melissa Pang (Partner, Pang & Associates; Chair, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Hong Kong Law Society)
- Ms. Benita Yu (Senior Partner, Slaughter and May, Hong Kong; Past President of FIDA)
- Ms. Muriel Tsang (Team Head for Trust and Fiduciary Services, HSBC Trustee (Hong Kong); Past President of FIDA)
- Ms. Lora Yip (Managing Director, Head of Legal, Greater China, BlackRock; President of FIDA)
This session addressed the challenges and skills required for women to reach leadership roles in law, strategies for managing ethical and client-related challenges, and steps to promote gender parity in legal leadership. The panelists shared personal experiences and practical advice for supporting women lawyers in their careers.
Closing Remarks
The conference concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Dennis Cai, Deputy Director of AALCO-HKRAC, summarizing the day’s discussions and emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration and innovation in the legal sector.
