This comprehensive handbook covers the entire arbitration lifecycle—from legal foundations and institutional structures to procedures, enforcement and best practices.
It features dedicated chapters on arbitration in the construction and energy industries, two of Malaysia’s most active sectors for cross-border dispute resolution.
Additional sections explore alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as adjudication under the Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act 2012 (CIPAA 2012) and strategic mediation approaches for foreign investors.
With up-to-date legislative materials—including the Arbitration (Amendment) Act 2024—this authoritative guide delivers both legal clarity and practical insight.
Whether you are managing complex commercial disputes or participating in infrastructure and energy ventures, this handbook is your essential companion in navigating Malaysia’s evolving legal landscape.
Table of Contents:
Part I: Regional and Legal Foundations
1. Chinese Investment in ASEAN: Trends and the Strategic Role of Arbitration
2. Legal Framework for Arbitration in Malaysia
3. Overview of the Malaysian Legal and Judicial System
4. Key Arbitration Institutions in Malaysia and the Region
5. Key Players in International Arbitration – Roles and Best Practices
Part II: Arbitration Essentials
6. Arbitration Agreements – Forms, Essentials, and Drafting Tips
7. Arbitration Procedures – From Commencement to Award
8. Recognition and Enforcement of Arbitral Awards in Malaysia
Part III: Sector-Specific Arbitration
9. Construction Arbitration in Malaysia
10. Energy Arbitration in Malaysia
Part IV: Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Malaysia
11. Adjudication under CIPAA 2012 – A Practical Guide
12. Mediation in Malaysia: A Strategic Guide for Chinese Investors
Part V: Practical Insights
13. Doing Business in Malaysia – Legal and Dispute Resolution Considerations
About the Author:
Crystal Wong is a leading arbitration lawyer and Partner of International Arbitration Practice at Messrs Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill (LHAG), a leading law firm based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She specializes in dispute resolution related to energy, renewable power, water, infrastructure, and engineering projects, serving clients throughout Malaysia, Singapore, and the ASEAN region. Her clients include utilities, independent power producers, government-linked companies, and multinational corporations. Crystal also has valuable in-house experience at a leading international utility group.
As Co-Head of LHAG’s China Desk, Crystal is a trusted legal advisor to Chinese state-owned enterprises and mainland Chinese investors in Malaysia. Completed a specialized course at Southwest University of Political Science and Law in Chongqing, organized by the China Law Society, where she received rigorous training in Chinese law, achieved fluency in both Mandarin and English, and cultivated a strong understanding of Chinese corporate culture.
Crystal is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) and Chairperson of its Malaysia Branch. She is a panel arbitrator at the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC),
Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), Chinese Arbitration Association Taipei (CAA), and Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC).
Crystal’s professional excellence has been recognized through multiple awards, including Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific 2024 and 2025 for “Up & Coming” and “Band 4” Construction Lawyer, Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific 2024 and 2025 for “Future Star” in Construction, and Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2024 and 2025 with “Next Generation Partner” and “Leading Partner” in Projects and Energy respectively. Crystal was named as a “Distinguished Practitioner” by asialaw 2024 and honoured the title as “Malaysia Female Lawyer of the Year” at the asialaw Awards 2024. Crystal was also recognized as a “Top 40 under 40” by Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific 2024.
Crystal regularly contributes to international legal conferences and scholarly publications. She is a recurring author of the arbitration chapters in “Civil Procedure in Malaysia” (Sweet & Maxwell), as well as contributor to Lexis PSL and other journals. She also commits to pro bono and community work, serving on the Malaysian Girl Guides Association’s Constitution Committee, Queen’s Guide Fund, and Thomson Reuters Foundation Trust Law group.
