BAIAC and Country Garden Pacificview Sdn. Bhd. (CGPV) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 28 April 2025 to cooperate on establishing an international mediation and arbitration platform in Forest City, located within Forest City Special Financial Zone (FCSFZ) and Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JSSEZ).
This partnership reflects the shared vision of both parties to promote international arbitration as a preferred method of resolving cross-border disputes. The new platform—tentatively named the FCSFZ–BAIAC International ADR Platform—will be located in the Forest City Special Financial Zone (FCSFZ) and is expected to enhance Forest City’s position as a growing hub for international business and investment.
This collaboration represents a step forward in strengthening international commercial dispute resolution infrastructure in Southeast Asia particularly enhancing the strong trade links between Singapore and the state of Johor. We are proud to work with CGPV to bring this vision to life in Forest City
CGPV, the master developer of Forest City, is spearheading the transformation of the area into a vibrant economic zone for finance, trade, commerce, education and tourism. BAIAC, headquartered in Singapore, is a regional arbitration centre offering efficient and neutral arbitration and mediation services with a focus on Asia, including China-ASEAN relations.
Through the cooperation, among others, the FCSFZ-BAIAC initiative entails:
- Conduct of arbitration and mediation in FCSFZ
- Reduced fees for arbitration and mediation conducted under the initiative
- Reduced room rate for stay in FCSFZ hotel for counsel and parties
- Reduced hotel room rate for arbitrators or mediators conducting arbitration or mediation in FCSFZ
- Discounted fee for use of meeting or conference room for hearing
- Joint conduct of events such as conferences, workshops, and seminars to promote international dispute resolution practices in the region.
Forest City is just a bridge away from Singapore, with a direct distance of approximately 2 kilometres. It is located within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone which is jointly developed by Malaysia and Singapore.
In August 2023, Malaysia Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim declared Forest City as a Special Financial Zone, making it a special zone within a special zone, offering major incentives such as: Special Financial Zone, Duty-Free Island status, and Malaysia Digital Status. Forest City boasts comprehensive facilities for education, healthcare, transportation, commerce, and tourism.
Its current facilities are well-suited for dispute resolution and arbitration in a retreat-like setting—offering a calm and focused environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city, yet conveniently close to Singapore, a leading international hub for business, law, and dispute resolution. Parties can expect a familiar and professional atmosphere, with the added benefit of space to reflect and recharge, including access to a world-class golf course.
For more information, email us at: secretariat@baiac.org