SMALL and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the northern region can now seek professional mediation to resolve business disputes involving claims of up to RM250,000.
Small and Medium Enterprises Association (Samenta) northern region chairman Calvin Kwan said the collaboration with the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) offered legal and mediation assistance to its members and other SMEs.
“This is an important first step in making professional dispute resolution support more accessible to SMEs,” he said.
Kwan said alternative dispute resolution (ADR) could help reduce the negative impact on businesses.
“For many SMEs, disputes involving significant amounts can have a major impact on cash flow, business operations, relationships and future growth.
“Having access to appropriate professional guidance and mediation can therefore make a meaningful difference.”
The collaboration was formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between Samenta northern region’s deputy chairman Dr Celvin Tan and AIAC chief executive officer Datuk Danesh Chandran during the “Road to Kainos – The Northern Edition” of Asia ADR Week 2026.
Kwan hoped the scope of assistance would eventually be expanded to cover larger and more complex commercial disputes, including cases valued at more than RM1mil.
“Our partnership is about giving back to our SME community,” he added.
He said the collaboration gave SMEs another avenue to resolve commercial conflicts through professional legal, arbitration and mediation services.
“This MOU is a commitment to building a stronger support system for our SME community, starting with smaller disputes today, and hopefully growing towards supporting SMEs with larger and more complex disputes tomorrow,” Kwan added.
