Outgoing Hong Kong Law Society president Huen Wong will take up the role of Chairman of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre from 1 June 2011, replacing long-time incumbent Michael Moser.
Wong will also be stepping down not only as Fried Frank's Asia managing partner - a position he has held since 2006 - but also as a partner with the US firm. "I will be staying on as an of counsel - essentially doing the same thing as I always have at the firm, but without the pressure of constantly looking at the figures," Wong said. "Having just finished my two terms as president of the Hong Kong Law Society, and almost immediately taking up a new role at the HKIAC, it isn't fair to the firm for me to remain in the partnership," he said.
One country, two legal systems
Wong believes his role at the HKIAC will be a 'big job' due to the arbitration center facing 'intense competition' from Singapore's SIAC. One of the biggest challenges Wong expects to take on includes turning around the perception that Hong Kong's legal system is intrinsically intertwined with China's. "There is a pertinent need to correct the perception that Hong Kong is now a part of China and therefore, would result in skewed judgments in arbitration hearings and in court. We are one country with two systems - arbitrations conducted in Hong Kong will be fair and completely independent," Wong said.
The HKIAC will also amend its old regime whereby two sets of arbitration rules were used - one for international and another for domestic arbitrations. "This sometimes causes confusion," Wong said.
And Wong's first day in his new role promises to be momentous: he will take the reins on the same day that the SAR's new arbitration ordinance takes effect. The new ordinance will be ostensibly based on UNCITRAL rules - with some additional flexibility clauses specifically tailored for the Hong Kong market.
Junius Ho the frontrunner for HK LawSoc presidency
The Hong Kong Law Society's will elect its new president on May 27 2011- the day after its AGM . The society's twenty-member council will then convene to select its new head.
Among the front runners is the society's current vice-president, Junius Ho. Ho, who is the senior partner at local Hong Kong law firm K.C. Ho & Fong, is both the longest-serving vice-president and council member of the Hong Kong Law Society.
"Because of this experience, it is only logical that he takes over from me," Wong said. "Ho is a very hardworking guy, very devoted to his work and I am sure he will do a good job, if he was to be elected."
Wong also refuted rumours that he is a definite candidate for a seat on the Legislative Council of Hong Kong (Legco), saying he has only begun considering to run at this stage and he has no further plans to pursue it.
