1. The Honourable Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Brunei Darussalam Dato Seri Paduka Steven Chong together with a delegation of senior judicial officers made a visit to the People’s Republic of China from 8-12 September 2024 upon invitation by the Supreme People’s Court of the People’s Republic of China.
Group photo at the Supreme People's Court, Beijing, China
2. The visit was in furtherance of the Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) which was signed between the Supreme Court of Brunei Darussalam and the Supreme People’s Court of the People’s Republic of China on 21 September 2004. The visit promoted bilateral exchanges and judicial cooperation, in addition to commemorating the 20th anniversary of the signing of the MOC.
3. On 8 September 2024, The Honourable Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Brunei Darussalam Dato Seri Paduka Steven Chong called on His Excellency Zhang Jun, Chief Justice of the People’s Republic of China and President of the Supreme People’s Court. In attendance at the meeting was His Excellency Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Pahlawan Kolonel (B) Dato Paduka Haji Abdu’r Rahmani bin Dato Paduka Haji Basir, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the People’s Republic of China.
His Excellency Chief Justice Zhang Jun and The Hon. Chief Justice DSP Steven Chong
4. During the bilateral meeting, Chief Justice Chong highlighted the 20th anniversary of the signing of the MOC with the Supreme People’s Court and how it reaffirms the long-standing relations between Brunei Darussalam and the People’s Republic of China.
5. Chief Justice Chong reiterated the commitment of the Supreme Court of Brunei Darussalam to deepen bilateral relations through judicial cooperation on the basis of the MOC. He also expressed his hope that “we maintain frequent exchanges and strengthen our cooperation” and welcomed future collaborations with the Supreme People’s Court. He added that “through our partnership, we will be able to provide efficient judicial services that will be for our shared benefit in supporting [Brunei Darussalam and the People’s Republic of China’s] common prosperity and development.”
Bilateral meeting at the Supreme People's Court, Beijing, China
6. Fruitful discussions were held with Chief Justice Zhang Jun on areas including judicial education and training, the use of alternative dispute resolution, court technology and both Chief Justices expressed an intention to further cooperation through a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen the bilateral relationship between both Judiciaries.
7. While in Beijing, the Chief Justice and his delegation also visited the Smart Court Laboratory at the Supreme People’s Court, the Beijing International Commercial Court (BICC), the Beijing Internet Court, and the Mediation Centre of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).
8. On 10 September 2024, The Honourable Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Brunei Darussalam Dato Seri Paduka Steven Chong called on His Excellency Jia Yu, President of the Shanghai People’s Court.
Bilateral meeting with His Excellency Jia Yu, President of the Shanghai High People's Court, Shanghai, China
9. During the bilateral meeting, Chief Justice Chong expressed his interest in advancements in the field of court technology and A.I and discussions were held on how the courts in Shanghai have adapted to its use in litigation and dispute resolution. He added his hope that we “learn from and draw on Shanghai’s best practices in terms of managing commercial and financial disputes as China’s largest economic hub” and “gain a better understanding of the judicial reforms implemented … in supporting a healthy business environment."
10. While in Shanghai, the Chief Justice and his delegation visited the Shanghai High People’s Court where they were briefed on initiatives on the construction of their Digital Court, integrating technology within the Judiciary. They also visited the Shanghai Financial Court and the Shanghai Commercial Mediation Centre (SCMC).
Visit to the Shanghai Financial Court
11. The Supreme Court of Brunei Darussalam wishes to send congratulatory messages ahead of the 75th anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China and hopes to work closely together with the Supreme People’s Court of the People’s Republic of China in furtherance of the MOC and is committed to fostering stronger judicial ties between both jurisdictions with a renewed MOU.
12. The Chief Justice expresses his sincere appreciation to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Brunei Darussalam for their continued support and facilitating the sharing of knowledge and best practices between our Judiciaries and looks forward to seeing the relationship with The Supreme People’s Court of the People’s Republic of China grow from strength to strength in the years to come.
SUPREME COURT OF BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
WEDNESDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2024
