Secretary for Justice Paul Lam started his visit programme to three countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) today by visiting government officials and engaging with the legal and dispute resolution sectors.

Mr Lam arrived in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, yesterday.

He had lunch with Supreme Court Chief Justice of Brunei Darussalam Dato Seri Paduka Steven Chong Wan Oon, to exchange views on further co-operation opportunities for facilitating development of the dispute avoidance and resolution services in Brunei and Hong Kong, pursuant to the memorandum of co-operation signed by the Department of Justice and Brunei Darussalam’s Supreme Court last year.

In the afternoon, Mr Lam attended a meeting with Brunei Darussalam’s Attorney General Datin Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Mohammed Taib.

He then met President of the Law Society of Brunei Darussalam Nur 'Azizah Ahmad, to explore opportunities to foster legal collaboration and other exchange activities for the legal professions of the two places.

This was followed by a meeting with Brunei Darussalam’s Arbitration Centre Chairperson Radin Safiee bin Radin Mas Basiuni, to gain a better understanding of the dispute resolution services provided there and discuss potential co-operation between the two sides.

Mr Lam also visited the Royal Regalia Museum to learn more about the history and development of Brunei, and viewed its newest museum Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah for an insight into the rich Islamic heritage and culture. Mr Lam will also visit the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque.

The justice chief will depart for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, tomorrow morning to continue his visit to the ASEAN countries.