HKICAdj’s Adjudication Conference 2024 “Getting Prepared with Updates in Security of Payment and Opportunities in Adjudication”

The HKICAdj successfully organised the 2nd Adjudication Conference on 28th June 2024, bringing together professionals to exchange ideas and share experience in construction adjudication.

Group Photo with Keynote Speakers and Panelists

Chairman of HKICAdj, Ir Albert Yeu, delivered the welcome address, thanking all the speakers, attendees and supporting members. He highlighted the institute’s achievements over the past years including the establishment of the nomination role and efforts in adjudicator training and adjudication promotion.

Photo of Chairman Ir Albert Yeu

This year, we were honored to have Prof Teresa Cheng SC, GBM, GBS, JP, deliver the keynote speech. Prof Cheng discussed three benefits of Security of Payment (SOP) legislation for the construction industry which are to ensuring prompt payment to subcontractors with improved arrangements for “pay when paid” provisions, enable early dispute resolution instead of waiting until contract completion, and provide unpaid parties with the entitlement to cease work. In addition, Prof Cheung shared insights on specific provisions within the SOP bill.

Photo of Prof Teresa Cheng SC, GBM, GBS, JP

We were also pleased to have Prof Leung, Hing Fung, provide a keynote speech, offering an academic perspective on the security of payment regime. This marked Prof Leung's second consecutive year supporting the conference.

Photo of Prof Leung Hing Fung

Executive Chairman of the South China International Arbitration Center (Hong Kong) (SCIAHK), Mr Huen Wong, SBS, BBS, JP, welcomed and supported the Institute in organising the conference at the SCIAHK. The conference also marked a collaboration with the SCIAHK, including the announcement of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the two parties.

Photo of Mr Huen Wong, SBS, BBS, JP, Executive Chairman of SCIAHK

Photo of Signing of MOU

We extend our thanks to all the panelists and moderators who contributed to insightful panel discussions. Three panel discussions were conducted on “Recent Updates on Security of Payment Regime”, “Opportunities in Adjudication” and “Practical Experience in Adjudication”.

Panel 1: "Recent Updates on Security of Payment Regime"

Moderated by Mr Richard Poon. Panelists Mr James Johnson, Mr Jason Leung, and Mr Stanley Lo discussed critical aspects of the SOP legislation, including its main features, key differences between SOP bill and SOP provision, thresholds for “contract value” calculations, key areas to focus following enactment of SOP legislation, cost and enforcements. These are the “need to know” topics to prepare us for the enactment of the SOP legislation.

Photo of Panel 1

Photo of Mr James Johnson

Photo of Mr Stanley Lo

Photo of Mr Jason Leung

Panel 2: "Opportunities in Adjudication"

Panel 2 was moderated by Ms Helen Au. Panelists Ms Amanda Wong discussed on expert’s role in adjudication, Ms May Ng shared with us her views on the changing landscape from a lawyer’s perspective and Dr Fan Yang introduced potential opportunities with us.

Photo of Panel 2

Photo of Ms Helen Au

Photo of Ms Amanda Wong

Photo of Ms May Ng

Photo of Dr Fan Yang

Panel 3: "Practical Experience in Adjudication"

Moderated by Mr Barry Wilson, Panel 3 featured Mr Kelvin Aw, Mr Mathew Briggs, and Mr Julian Cohen, who shared their experiences in adjudication in Singapore and Australia. Their insights aim to inspire similar success in Hong Kong with the introduction of the SOP legislation and we anticipate the changes and stimulus that the legislation can bring to the construction industry.

Photo of Panel 3

Photo of Mr Barry Wilson

Photo of Mr Kelvin Aw

Photo of Mr Mathew Briggs

Photo of Mr Julian Cohen

We thank our Honorable Chairman Mr Christopher To for delivering the closing remarks at the conference. This marked the successful completion of the conference.

Photo of Mr Christopher To

The conference was hosted by the Institute’s Secretary, Ms Vicky Fung, and Treasurer, Mr Kelvin Lai, with support from orgaising committee members Mr Albert Yeu, Ms Angie Chai, Mr Douglas Au, Mr Enson Cheung, Mr Joseph Chung, Mr Richard Poo and Ms Yang Liu.

Photo of Ms Vicky Fung and Mr Kelvin Lai

Group Photo of SCIAHK (Mr Huen Wong) and HKICAdj’s Committee Members

Special thanks to our gold sponsor, Aprima Limited, and silver sponsors, The Contracts Group Ltd, Chun Wo Development Holdings Limited, and DLA Piper for their generous support.

We also extend our gratitude to our venue sponsor SCIAHK for hosting the conference at Two IFC.

HKICAdj aims to establish the Adjudication Conference as an annual tradition in Hong Kong, focusing on construction adjudication. We appreciate the enthusiastic participation of government officials, developers, contractors, consultants, lawyers, and all attendees, whose contributions made the 2nd Adjudication Conference a resounding success.

See you next year!