VAW 2026 | Seminar on Commercial Mediation in Vietnam: Practice, Development & Future Directions

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

In today’s business environment, not every dispute is best addressed through adversarial processes or formal adjudication from the outset. In many commercial relationships, particularly where the parties still wish to preserve future cooperation, the challenge is not only to resolve disputes efficiently, but also to manage conflict in a way that is flexible, resource-conscious, and less disruptive to business relationships. In this context, commercial mediation is increasingly recognized as a dispute resolution mechanism with distinct value, not only because it helps parties reach mutually acceptable solutions, but also because of its confidentiality, flexibility, and ability to adapt to the specific nature of each dispute.

Globally, commercial mediation is gradually expanding its role within the modern dispute resolution landscape, supported by international legal frameworks such as Singapore Convention on Commercial Mediation and the growing engagement of businesses, experts, and ADR institutions. In Vietnam, mediation is also receiving increasing attention in both legal development and practical application. Nevertheless, for commercial mediation to become a familiar and trusted option in practice, further substantive discussion is needed on the conditions for its effective use, implementation skills, international experience, and its suitability for the needs of the domestic market.

As part of Vietnam ADR Week – VAW 2026, the Seminar on “Commercial Mediation in Vietnam: Practice, Development & Future Directions” is convened as a specialized forum to share practical experience, exchange professional perspectives, and discuss the future development of commercial mediation in Vietnam. Through presentations and discussions among Vietnamese and international experts, the programme seeks to highlight the distinctive value of commercial mediation, identify practical barriers to its wider use, and suggest ways to enhance its effectiveness, credibility, and practical application within the business community and among legal practitioners.

TIME & VENUE

Time: 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM, 28/05/2025 (Thursday);

Venue: Fortuna Hotel Hanoi (6B Lang Ha St., Giang Vo Ward, Hanoi)

SPEAKERS

➖ Mr. Phan Trong Dat – Acting Director of Vietnam Mediation Centre (VMC)

➖ Dr. Nguyen Trung Nam (Tony) – Deputy Director of Vietnam Mediation Centre (VMC)

➖ Ms. Shanti Abraham – Advocates & Solicitors | Mediators | Arbitrators, Founder of Shanti Abraham & Associates (Malaysia)

➖ Mr. Kazuhiko Nishihara – Managing Partner of Honmachi International Law Office, P.C.; Founding General Secretary of Japan International Mediation Center (JIMC-Kyoto)

➖ Ms. Pei Yin Yap – Counsel at Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC)

➖ Ms. Nguyen Thi Mai – Former Deputy Director General of the Department of Judicial Support, Ministry of Justice; VMC Mediator; VIAC Arbitrator

➖ Prof. Dr. Mai Hong Quy – Former Rector of HCM University of Law; VMC Mediator; VIAC Arbitrator

➖ Assoc Prof. Dr. Tran Van Nam – Associate Professor and Former Dean, Faculty of Law, National Economics University; VMC Mediator; VIAC Arbitrator

TENTATIVE AGENDA

REGISTRATION

Please register here: HERE

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For details and registration support, please contact:

VIAC: Mr. Anh Ta - ☎️: 024 3574 4001 - 📧: event@viac.org.vn

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VAW 2026 – VIETNAM ADR WEEK 2026 | ARBTRATION & ADR: EMBRACING NEW HEIGHTS

⏰ Time: May 25–29, 2026 (5 days)

📍 Venue: Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City

💻 Detailed information on the program, speakers and registration will be updated through official channels of VIAC and the Vietnam Lawyers’ Association.