Beihai Asia International Arbitration Centre, Singapore

What Beihai Asia International Arbitration Centre, Singapore does

Beihai Asia International Arbitration Centre (BAIAC) is a Singapore-based international arbitration institution founded in August 2019, the first international arbitration centre in Singapore established by a Chinese arbitration commission (the Beihai Arbitration Commission in Guangxi, China). It administers cross-border commercial disputes and mediation services, with a stated focus on China-ASEAN Plus Six and Belt and Road Initiative disputes, alongside serving SMEs and general international commercial clients.

BAIAC's core product is the BAIAC Arbitration Rules, adopted from UNCITRAL Rules with modifications for small claims and expedited procedures, including a Small Claims Procedure for disputes under S$100,000 with a 60-day draft award timeline. The centre maintains a panel of senior and ordinary arbitrators and a panel of mediators, and offers a Med-Arb route combining mediation and arbitration. Additional offerings include an Arbitrator Appointment Service, the COVID-19 International Arbitration Protocol (2020), and the FCSFZ-BAIAC International ADR Platform in Forest City, Malaysia (established 2025).

BAIAC operates on a per-case transactional fee model with four primary revenue streams: a flat SGD 850 case filing fee, an administration fee that scales with the sum in dispute (from SGD 1,000 to SGD 45,000), arbitrator fees that scale with dispute value (up to SGD 750,000 maximum), and an arbitrator appointment fee (SGD 1,500-2,500). The go-to-market relies on channel partnerships with arbitral institutions, academic institutions, and bar associations across Asia, Europe, and South Asia, supplemented by annual symposia, training courses, and direct case registration via its secretariat. BAIAC is privately held and owned by a government-affiliated parent entity, with 17 employees across two Singapore offices and a Malaysian satellite.

Name

Beihai Asia International Arbitration Centre, Singapore

Legal name

Beihai Asia International Arbitration Centre

Website

https://baiac.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Beihai Asia International Arbitration Centre (BAIAC) is a Singapore-based arbitration institution founded in 2019 by the Beihai Arbitration Commission that administers cross-border commercial disputes, mediation, and the Med-Arb route for China-ASEAN Plus Six, BRI, and SME clients under UNCITRAL-derived rules.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

International Arbitration and Mediation Services

SIC

Services-Legal Services (8111)

akta.pro primary industry

Litigation & Dispute Resolution (BPAHAAAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Mediation, Negotiation Support & Peace Processes (BPADAFAC)

Keywords

• International arbitration services
• Alternative dispute resolution
• Commercial mediation services
• Arbitration case administration
• Cross-border dispute resolution

Headquarters

HQ city

Singapore

HQ country

Singapore

HQ region

Asia

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Case Filing Fee: Non-refundable fee charged upon filing an arbitration case. Fixed at SGD 850 per case.
2. Administration Fee: Case management fee charged for utilizing BAIAC Arbitration Rules. Scales based on sum in dispute, ranging from SGD 1,000 for disputes up to 50,000 to SGD 45,000 for disputes above 100 million.
3. Arbitrator's Fees: Remuneration paid to arbitrators, which scales with the sum in dispute. For disputes up to 50,000, fees are SGD 2,500 per arbitrator, with progressive increases reaching up to SGD 750,000 maximum for very large disputes.
4. Arbitrator Appointment Fee: Fee for BAIAC's service in searching and recommending suitable arbitrators without utilizing BAIAC Arbitration Rules. Ranges from SGD 1,500 for one arbitrator to SGD 2,500 for three arbitrators.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Beihai Asia International Arbitration Centre (BAIAC) administers international arbitration and mediation services under its own BAIAC Arbitration Rules, which adopt UNCITRAL Rules with modifications for small claims and expedited procedures. The centre maintains panels of arbitrators and mediators, provides arbitrator appointment services, offers mediation and combined Med-Arb routes, and operates the FCSFZ-BAIAC International ADR Platform in Forest City, Malaysia. Services are Singapore-seated and oriented toward cross-border commercial disputes, particularly those involving China-ASEAN and Belt and Road Initiative parties.

Product overview

BAIAC is a Singapore-based arbitration centre offering a unified platform of dispute resolution services. The core offering is the BAIAC Arbitration Rules (adopting UNCITRAL Rules with small claims and expedited procedure modifications), supplemented by mediation services and the combined Med-Arb route. The centre maintains panels of arbitrators (Senior and Ordinary) and mediators, and offers an arbitrator appointment service for parties seeking recommendations without full rule utilization. Additional offerings include the FCSFZ-BAIAC International ADR Platform in Forest City, Malaysia, and the COVID-19 International Arbitration Protocol.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• FCSFZ-BAIAC International ADR Platform: International arbitration and mediation platform established in Forest City Special Financial Zone, Johor, Malaysia in partnership with Country Garden Pacificview Sdn. Bhd.

Products and services

• BAIAC Arbitration Rules Core arbitration rules administered by BAIAC, adopting UNCITRAL Rules with modifications for small claims and expedited procedures. Provides for Singapore seated arbitration (lex arbitri) or any other jurisdiction based on party autonomy.
• Small Claims Procedure Abbreviated arbitration procedure for disputes not exceeding S$100,000, providing draft arbitration awards within 60 days from end of hearing with cost-efficient fee structure.
• Mediation Services Alternative dispute resolution service promoting settlement through mediation, offered as part of BAIAC's ADR services using its dedicated Panel of Mediators.
• Med-Arb (Mediation-Arbitration) Combined mediation-arbitration route where parties first attempt mediation, and if unresolved, proceed to binding arbitration under BAIAC rules.
• Arbitrator Appointment Service Service for searching and recommending suitable arbitrators without using BAIAC Arbitration Rules, with appointment fees ranging from SGD 1,500 to SGD 2,500 per arbitrator.
• COVID-19 International Arbitration Protocol Special protocol enabling parties to access private arbitration as a flexible and expedient alternative during the COVID-19 pandemic, under the Singapore International Arbitration Act with BAIAC acting as appointer of arbitrator.
• FCSFZ-BAIAC International ADR Platform International mediation and arbitration platform located in Forest City Special Financial Zone, Johor, Malaysia, offering reduced fees for arbitration and mediation, reduced hotel rates for parties and arbitrators, and discounted meeting facilities.

Quantifiable outcome

• Small Claims Procedure provides draft award within 60 days from end of hearing
• +1 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Country Garden Pacificview Sdn. Bhd. (CGPV)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 April 2025BAIAC and CGPV signed MoU to cooperate on establishing an international mediation and arbitration platform in Forest City, located within Forest City Special Financial Zone and Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. The platform will offer reduced fees for arbitration and mediation, reduced hotel rates for parties and arbitrators, and joint conduct of events to promote international dispute resolution.
• Vienna International Arbitral Centre (VIAC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 March 2025BAIAC and VIAC signed a memorandum of cooperation to promote international arbitration and mediation. The collaboration includes co-organizing seminars, conferences, and academic exchanges, reciprocal support in recommending dispute resolution services, sharing lists of qualified arbitrators and mediators, and providing access to facilities for hearings. The partnership aims to strengthen ties between Asia and Europe in ADR.
• Borneo International Centre for Arbitration and Mediation (BICAM)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 July 2023BAIAC and BICAM signed a collaboration memorandum of understanding in Kota Kinabalu to advance the growth of arbitration and ADR throughout Southeast Asia and beyond. BAIAC's President subsequently spoke at BICAM's pre-launch seminar attended by practitioners from Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and China.
• Advocates Association of Sarawak (Kuching Branch)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 June 2023BAIAC and the Advocates Association of Sarawak conducted an inaugural course on introduction to international commercial arbitration in Kuching, Sarawak, East Malaysia. The course addressed increased demand for ADR and arbitration for cross-border dispute resolution in the region.
• Chulalongkorn University, Faculty of Law, Centre for Dispute ResolutioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 May 2023BAIAC signed MoU with Chulalongkorn University to develop cooperation in arbitration training, education and research. President Prof Steve Ngo signed for BAIAC while Dean Assistant Prof. Pareena Srivanit represented the university.
• Federation of Indian Corporate Lawyers (FICL)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 May 2022BAIAC entered into cooperation MoU with FICL at Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi during FICL's inaugural corporate lawyers summit. The parties would explore joint events and seminars on international commercial arbitration and mediation, with FICL promoting use of BAIAC arbitration rules.
• Malaysia-Laos Business Council Organization (MLBCO)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 January 2022MoU signing for cooperation entails use of BAIAC arbitration clause and rules in contracts involving MLBCO. BAIAC will assist MLBCO with trainings on conduct of arbitration for cross-border trade disputes. MLBCO promotes Malaysia-Lao business links through private and public sectors.
• Thammasat University, Faculty of LawcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2021BAIAC and the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University entered into cooperation MoU to develop arbitration training, education and research involving ASEAN region with focus on Thailand, Singapore and Guangxi. A pilot programme to train faculty members as international arbitrators and experts was also planned.
• Thai Arbitration Institute (TAI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2020E-signing of cooperation MoU between BAIAC and TAI. The collaboration entails people-to-people exchange for regional capacity development of arbitrators, cross recommendation of arbitrators, training and seminars regarding ASEAN-China disputes, and provision of case management support in Singapore, Bangkok and Guangxi.
• Thailand Arbitration CentreminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2020Collaboration on arbitration and ADR promotion as part of BAIAC's network of strategic partnerships with arbitral institutions.
• Vietnam Traders Arbitration CentreminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2020Strategic collaboration with Vietnamese arbitration institution as part of BAIAC's regional expansion.
• Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, PunjabminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2020Academic partnership for arbitration training and education in India.
• University of Reading Malaysia, School of LawminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2020Academic partnership for arbitration education and research in Malaysia.
• Sarawak Institute of Arbitration and ADRminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2020Partnership for promoting arbitration and ADR services in Sarawak region.
• Eversheds Harry EliascoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2020BAIAC and Eversheds Harry Elias jointly introduced the COVID-19 International Arbitration Protocol, enabling parties to access private arbitration as a flexible and expedient alternative to court litigation during the pandemic. The protocol provided for submission to international arbitration under Singapore International Arbitration Act.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC), Malaysia: AIAC (formerly KLRCA) is Malaysia's regional arbitration centre administering domestic and international matters. Both BAIAC and AIAC target ASEAN-related disputes and compete for Southeast Asian case flow, with AIAC holding the home-country advantage in Malaysia that BAIAC is now seeking to access through the FCSFZ platform.
• Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC): SIAC is the premier international arbitration centre in Singapore and the most direct competitor to BAIAC. Both administer arbitrations seated in Singapore under the Singapore International Arbitration Act with overlapping target markets in Asia, but SIAC has a much larger caseload, deeper panel, and stronger global brand recognition.
• China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC): CIETAC is China's principal international commercial arbitration commission and the most established Chinese-headquartered arbitration institution. BAIAC shares CIETAC's Chinese-affiliated origins and Belt-and-Road focus, but competes as a Singapore-seated alternative with greater international and ASEAN accessibility.
• Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC): HKIAC is a leading Asian arbitration institution administering international and domestic arbitrations, and a primary alternative for parties considering Singapore-seated arbitration. BAIAC and HKIAC compete for the same cross-border commercial matters, particularly China-outbound and ASEAN-related disputes, though HKIAC benefits from a substantially larger caseload and deeper institutional track record.
• Vienna International Arbitral Centre (VIAC): VIAC is a major European arbitration institution and a recent BAIAC MoU partner. Both administer international commercial arbitrations and compete for cross-border matters, though VIAC's stronger European positioning complements rather than directly overlaps with BAIAC's Asian focus.

Broad incumbents

• International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) International Court of Arbitration: ICC's International Court of Arbitration is the largest global commercial arbitration institution and a frequent default in cross-border contracts. BAIAC competes against ICC for high-value international matters, but ICC operates a far more extensive global network and brand that makes it the incumbent choice for many corporate counsel.
• International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR) / American Arbitration Association (AAA): ICDR is the international arm of the AAA and a major global arbitration institution with a strong international caseload. It competes with BAIAC for cross-border commercial matters, particularly where U.S. parties or counsel are involved, and offers broader geographic reach.

Regional players

• Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC): DIAC is the principal arbitration institution in the Middle East, administering domestic and international matters across the region. Both DIAC and BAIAC target Belt-and-Road and emerging-market commercial disputes but in different regions, with limited direct competition for matters.
• Japan Commercial Arbitration Association (JCAA): JCAA is Japan's primary commercial arbitration institution administering domestic and international arbitrations. Both BAIAC and JCAA administer Asian regional arbitration matters with comparable procedural rules, but JCAA primarily serves Japan-related disputes while BAIAC targets China-ASEAN flow.

Emerging players

• Borneo International Centre for Arbitration and Mediation (BICAM): BICAM is a newer arbitration and mediation centre based in East Malaysia and a 2023 BAIAC MoU partner. Both serve Southeast Asian arbitration markets with similar procedural offerings, but BICAM is at a much earlier stage of institutional development and is closely partnered with BAIAC.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/beihai-asia-international-arbitration-centre

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Beihai Asia International Arbitration Centre, Singapore