Mediation Training - Institute of Mediators

27 February 2025 - Dr. Alex Lau, Vice-President of the Institute of Mediators, together with Frances Chan, Council Chair, and Edna Chao, Chief Supervisor of the Macau Institute of Professional Mediators met with Ms. Cai Qiao, Deputy Secretary-General, Ms. Tang Yunwei, Government and Enterprises Services Director, and Ms. Zhang Jiaying of the Guangdong Human Resources Management Association （GDHR) today to explore the establishment of two benchmarks in the GBA, namely, the competence of mediator services and cross-boundary labour mediation service guidelines.

The meeting proved to be constructive and paved the way for collaboration between GDHR and the Institute of Mediators.

17 February 2025 - The “2024 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Panel Mediators (Macau Region) Certificates Awarding Ceremony” was held at the Integrated News Centre of the China and Portuguese-speaking Countries Trade and Commerce Cooperation Service Platform.

The ceremony was presided over by the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Mr. Cheong Weng Chon, who awarded certificates to the President Dr. Gary Chio, Council Chair Frances Chan, Chief Supervisor Edna Chao, and Council Members Senna Fong and Raymond Lai. In total, 146 mediators from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau were selected in the first batch of GBA Mediators Panel, with the Macau-origin mediators of the Institute of Mediators accounting for one-tenth of the Macau list. This demonstrates the professional mediation knowledge expertise achieved by the Institute in the GBA.

December 2024 - Dr. Alex Lau, Vice-President of the Institute of Mediators, and Ms. Edna Chao, Vice Chair of the Macau Institute of Professional Mediators, met with attorney Ms Lotus Lao of GFE Law Office in Guangzhou to share insights and gain a deeper understanding of the demand for labour dispute mediation in Mainland China, and to explore approaches to resolving labour disputes through mediation. The team then attended the annual meeting of the Guangdong Chamber of Commerce of Importers & Exporters, where they introduced the development of commercial mediation in Hong Kong and Macau and discussed potential collaboration on mediation services with representatives.

28 November 2024 - The Macau Institute of Professional Mediators accepted an invitation from eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution ("eBRAM") to become its partner. The leadership of the Institute attended the signing ceremony for the "Greater Bay Area Online Dispute Resolution Institutions Collaboration Platform" in Hong Kong today.

The Macau Institute of Professional Mediators is eBRAM's third partner providing mediation services in Macau, following the Macau Lawyers' Association Arbitration Center and the Macau World Trade Center Arbitration Center. Additionally, eBRAM has established partnerships with multiple other institutions, including the Guangzhou Arbitration Commission, Foshan Arbitration Commission, Shenzhen International Arbitration Court, Shenzhen International Arbitration Court Jiangmen Center (also known as the Jiangmen Arbitration Commission), Zhuhai International Arbitration Court, Hengqin International Commercial Mediation Center, Dongguan Arbitration Commission, Huizhou Arbitration Commission, and Zhaoqing Arbitration Commission.

The leadership team was formed by the MIOPM President Dr Gary Chio, Council Chair Christine Lee, Secretary-General Celia Zhang along with Hong Kong headquarters President Chan Shui Hung, Vice-President Dr Alex Lau and COO Annie Chan.

26 October 2024 - The Macau Institute of Professional Mediators organiised a 12-hour course on “Making Use of Mediation Skills to Deal With Workplace Conflicts” with full support from UGAMM. The course was taught by the President Dr.Gary Chio, and VP Frances Chan. This course is designed for the frontline staff of UGAMM. The course began on 5 October 2024 and was successfully completed on 26 October 2024.

The feedback given by the participants was overwhelmingly positive, all participants rated the course as 'very satisfactory,' recognising the excellent performance of both lead trainers and the course content, which they found very useful for their work. Some participants also mentioned that they gained a lot from the course and hope it continues in the future.

The trainer's team was formed by trainers Dr. Gary Chio, Frances Chan, Rex Choi and Christine Lee, along with coaches Judy Wong, Leona Chan, Raquel Mak, and Emily Ieong.

10 October 2024 - The 12-hour “Practical Mediation - Negotiation Skills Series” jointly organized by the Macau Institute of Professional Mediators and Macau Institute of Management has been successfully completed. From the collected questionnaires, participants indicated that they found both the course content and the performance of the trainers to be of a high standard. They also felt that the course enhanced their confidence in their work and expressed interest in participating in related courses in the future.

Once again, we profoundly thank all participants for their support and trust.

28 September 2024 - Our team of professional mediators, along with newly joined associates, attend the Guangdong-Hong Kong Mediation Mechanism Training Session organised by the DSAJ and CFJJ. This training aims to equip them to meet new challenges following the standardisation of the mediation accreditation mechanism in GBA, set for October 2024.

We would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere thanks to our new associates, Ms. Bela Leong, Ms. Raquel Mak, and Ms. Emily Ieong, for their support of the Institute. With them on board, we are confident that we can further contribute to the success of the mediation industry in the GBA and provide even higher-quality services.

12 July 2024 - Council members of the Macau Institute of Professional Mediators attended the “Pioneer of Law” eight-region mediation industry training session hosted by the Zhuhai External Public Legal Service Center and the Hengqin Zhuhai-Hong Kong-Macao (External) Public Legal Service Center. The session focused on learning and discussing the interpretation of the Administrative Dispute Mediation Measures of the Zhuhai Special Economic Zone, providing a deeper understanding of the Greater Bay Area's mediation policies and developments.

31 May 2024 - The Macau Institute of Professional Mediators visited the Zhuhai Justice Bureau. The latter had specially invited the Zhuhai Mediation Association to participate in the meeting. The three parties engaged in in-depth exchanges on mediation work and regulations, the current situation and development in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao, as well as how to promote cooperation between the Mainland and Macao. All parties gained significant benefits from the meeting.

The team was led by President Dr. Gary Chio, Vice-President Frances Chan, Vice Council Chairwoman Edna Chao, council member Bowie Tam and consultant Dr. Alex Lau.

25 May 2024 - The Macau Institute of Professional Mediators has been invited by Escola dos Moradores de Macau to provide two mediation skills training sessions for a group of 80 primary teachers. The main purpose of these sessions is to enhance the ability of educational professional to handle disputes and conflicts that arising amongst students, parents and colleagues, thereby strengthening the teachers’ confidence in resolving conflicts.

The training sessions are led by President Dr. Gary Chio, Vice-President Frances Chan and Vice Council Chairwoman Edna Chao, together with the attendance of new members.

24 May 2024 - The Professional Mediators Certification Course was successfully completed on 11 May. The course marks the inaugural relaunch by the Institute and the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE), UMAC following the revocation of the entry ban. The participants in this course maintain the same high standards as those in the previous 11 classes, showcasing exceptional qualities and potential.

We are currently extending an invitation to skilled mediators to join our efforts in enhancing the Greater Bay Area (GBA) mediation mechanism. Our goal is to foster a conducive environment for amicable dispute resolution within the GBA. We are eager to witness the significant contributions that these new talents will bring in the foreseeable future.

6 April 2024 - The “Professional Mediators Certification Course” has been successfully launched, with enrollment numbers surpassing the threshold by 50%. As the inaugural mediation course in Macau post-pandemic, this milestone reflects the substantial recognition and demand for professional mediators in the wake of the Greater Bay Area’s (GBA) standardisation of professional mediator assessment benchmarks. The overwhelming response not only validates the necessity of such a program but also highlights the practicality and intrinsic value of our curriculum.

16 March 2004 - The Vice-President of MIOPM, Frances Chan, was invited by Escola Secundária Lou Hau to host a seminar titled “Parent-Child Career.’ for a group of junior high school students in grade 3 and high school students in grade 2, along with their parents.

In addition to discussing career planning, Frances also shared her knowledge of legal and mediation issues with the attendees to help students face challenges in the future.

2 March 2024 - The President of the Institute of Mediators, Mr. Chan Shui-hung, together with members of Macau Institute of Professional Mediators attended and hosted “Professional Mediators Certification Course” roadshow. Mr. Chan and Dr. Alex Lau shared mediation knowledge and recognition issues on the mediation certificate with the attendees.

The course is scheduled to officially begin on 6 April 2024.

February 2024 - This month, we visited the Macau Association of Banks (MAB) and the Centre for Continuing Education of the University of Macau (CCE), where we explored opportunities to cooperate in all aspects regarding the provision of diversity training courses.

A team of MIOPM met the management team of the Talent and Development Committee of MAB, which included Chairman Mr. Wang Dawen, Vice-Chairman Ms. Christy Lei, Committee Member Ms. Florence Vong and the Acting Secretary Ms. Lok Im Teng. In the meeting, we focused on how to enhance the ability of the frontline staff of the banks to deal with financial-related and general complaints from customers through training.

In addition, we visited CCE and discussed the opportunities of launching off-campus mediation courses within and beyond the jurisdiction. The Director of CCE, Professor Matthew Liu, fully supported this initiative. We have reached a preliminary consensus and have promised to further follow up on the matter, committing to promoting the implementation of relevant courses.

The team was formed by President Dr. Gary Chio, Vice-President Frances Chan, Chief Supervisor Rex Choi, Council Member Elton Chau, and consultants Dr. Alex Lau and Chan Shui-hung, along with COO Annie Chan.

13 January 2024 - The Macau Institute of Professional Mediators had the honor of revisiting Escola Choi Nong Chi Tai and conducting a seminar on mediation skills for secondary school teachers. The seminar once again received positive responses from the teachers, greatly encouraging the team's dedication and efforts

The professional team was formed by the President, Dr. Gary Chio, council members Elton Chau and Jane Lui, and consultants Dr. Alex Lau and Chan Shui Hung.

16 November 2023 - At the invitation of the Zhuhai External Public Legal Service Center and Zhuhai-Hong Kong-Macau (External) Hengqin Public Legal Service Center, Dr. Gary Chio, President, and Dr. Alex Lau, consultant, represented the Institute to attend the "The 2nd New Era Mediation Forum" and participated in the discussion of the Sub-forum on Commercial Mediation, which touched upon the current state of commercial mediation in China, the experience of the implementation of the Singapore Convention, and the opportunities and challenges of the interconnection and interoperability between the Mainland and Hong Kong and Macau in the field of mediation.. As an efficient and flexible means of dispute resolution, commercial mediation plays an indispensable role in maintaining the stability of commercial relations and promoting economic development.

Through exchanges and sharing with experts, scholars and practitioners from different fields, the two delegates learned that China has made significant progress in commercial mediation, continuously improving the mediation system and mechanism, and raising the standard of mediation professionalisation. This has provided a better environment and opportunities for the development of commercial mediation, and has also brought more opportunities and room for cooperation in the development of cross-regional cooperation in commercial mediation.

TDM Teledifusão de Macau, S.A. news report: https://www.tdm.com.mo/zh-hant/news-detail/900504

27 October 2023 - The team representing the Macau Institute of Professional Mediators (MIOPM) received a direct invitation from the Hengqin-Zhuhai-Macao External Public Legal Service Center to advance to the final round of the 1st "Pioneer of Law" Cup Hengqin-Zhuhai-Macau Mediator Professional Skills Competition.

Among the seven participating teams, the MIOPM stands out as the sole team not comprising any practicing lawyers. Even more notably, MIOPM is the exclusive mediation organisation in Macau to have received an invitation to partake in this competition.

The professional team consists of consultant Dr. Alex Lau, Council Chairwoman Christine Lee, Secretary-General Celia Zhang and council member Bowie Tam.

21 October 2023 - Escola Choi Nong Chi Tai extended an invitation to the Macau Institute of Professional Mediators to conduct a seminar on mediation skills for their elementary school teachers. The positive feedback received from this seminar has been greatly encouraging to us.

The MIOPM team was formed by President, Dr. Gary Chio along with Vice-President, Frances Chan and council member Jane Lui.

13 October 2023 - A delegation comprising four members from the Macau Institute of Professional Mediators paid a visit to the Hengqin-Zhuhai-Hong Kong-Macao External Public Legal Service Center, engaging in a comprehensive discussion with the Center's Director, Mr. Wu Zhen, and his team. The primary agenda of this meeting was to explore extensive prospects for collaboration between the two organizations. The Center not only extends its full support to such collaborative endeavors but also warmly welcomes the active involvement of the institute in the service center's initiatives. This cooperative engagement is aimed at enhancing the Institute's visibility, ensuring a broader outreach to diverse institutions, organisations, and government bodies. Furthermore, the Center is open to the prospect of a collaborative partnership with the Institute in jointly managing labour mediation cases involving residents of Macau.

The professional team was led by the Institute’s consultant Dr. Alex Lau along with Secretary-General Celia Zhang, Deputy Council Chairwoman Edna Chao and council member Bowie Tam.

4 October 2023 - A delegation from MIOPM was cordially invited by Ms. Linda Yin, President of the Rotary Club of Macau Central, to attend the banquet and share knowledge and skills in mediation.

The invited members included Mr. Chan Shui Hung (President of HKIOM and a consultant of MIOPM) along with council members Ms. Senna Fong and Ms. Bowie Tam.

28 September 2023 - A delegation from the Macau Institute of Professional Mediators engaged in a productive discussion with Ms. Carmen Maria Chung, Director of the Guangdong-Macau In-Deep Cooperation Zone in Hengqin - Legal Affairs Bureau, and Ms. Huang Yan, Deputy Director of the Research and Service Department of the Guangdong-Macau In-Deep Cooperation Zone at the Hengqin Legal Affairs Bureau.

The meeting focused on the following key topics:

- Cross-Border Commercial Mediation Services
- Strategic Partnerships
- Long-Term Exchange and Seminars
- Training Programs

We are enthusiastic about contributing to reforms, innovations, and policy research in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. Our goal is to provide mediation services under both Hengqin and Macau's legal systems to resolve disputes and promote peace and cooperation. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ms. Carmen Maria Chung, Director of the Guangdong-Macau In-Deep Cooperation Zone in Hengqin - Legal Affairs Bureau, and Ms. Huang Yan, Deputy Director of the Research and Service Department, for their warm reception and meaningful discussions. We eagerly anticipate future cooperation and shared achievements as we work together to shape a better future.

The Institute’s professional team comprised of Dr. Gary Chio (President), Frances Chan (Vice-President), Mr. Rex Choi (Chief Supervisor), and Celia Zhang (Secretary-General).

23 June 2023 -The General Mediation Course (Elementary) at Lou Hou High School for the school year 2022-2023 has successfully concluded. Ms. Anita Ho VP, the lead trainer, expressed her satisfaction with the exceptional performance demonstrated by all 30 attendees during the assessment.

23 June 2023 - The Macau Institute of Professional Mediators conducted a sharing session on “Self- Application of Mediation in Career“ at Pui Va Middle School, following an invitation extended by the school. The sharing session was led by Ms. Edna Chao, the newly elected Deputy Council Chair, and Ms. Frances Chan, the newly elected Deputy Supervisor of the Supervisory Board. The attendees exhibited great enthusiasm and a positive response towards active participation.

26 May 2023 - The professional team from the Macau Institute of Professional Mediators visited the Shenzhen Futian District Hetao International Mediation Center today for a meeting with Ms. Zhu Hong the council chair. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the utilization of mediation services in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the challenges associated with it.

With the integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, along with the increasing frequency of cross-border and transnational business activities, there has been a rise in commercial disputes. Mediation skills play a crucial role in effectively resolving these disputes and differences, while promoting cooperation between parties and creating a favorable business environment and harmonious social atmosphere.

During the meeting, both parties signed a memorandum of cooperation, aiming to share strategic resources, expertise, and experience in the promotion of mediation services. This collaboration will include the sharing of mediation cases, training and education initiatives, and other relevant areas, with the ultimate goal of achieving mutual benefits and a win-win situation.

The professional team consists of President Dr. Gary Chio, Council Chair Ms. Christine Lee, Secretary-General Ms. Celia Zhang, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Mr. Rex Choi, and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Dr. Alex Lau.

15 April 2023 - A professional team of five from Macau Institute of Professional Mediators, led by President Dr. Gary Chio and Vice-President Anita Ho, attended the National Security Exhibition 2023 in Macau SAR. The team also consists of council member Jane Lui and supervisors Frances Chan and Louis Lou.

17 March 2023 - Dr. Alex Lau, Vice President of the Institute of Mediators and Vice Chairman of the Board of Supervisors for the Macau Institute of Professional Mediators, was in attendance at the Shenzhen Futian Hetao International Commercial Mediation Center today. His visit aimed to provide expert guidance and counsel to enterprises and organizations seeking advice on mediation matters.

23 February 2023 - A professional team of four, led by President Dr. Gary Chio, met with the Division Head of Curriculum Development and Assessment, Mr. Cheang Sek Kit, Stanley, to discuss the provision of training for teaching professionals in Macau. The meeting was constructive, and as a stakeholder in the mediation industry, MIOPM is obliged to fulfill our duty of promoting mediation through education across the Greater Bay Area.

#The professional team was formed by Dr. Gary Chio, Miss Anita Ho, Miss Frances Chan and Miss Bowie Tam.

27 October 2022 - The management team of MIOPM visited St. Joseph Parish Secondary School No. 5 to meet Vice Principal Mr. Au Kio Ian and his team. The meeting mainly focused on exploring all aspects of co-operation with the school to promote mediation on the campus.

MIOPM’s management team was formed by the President Dr. Gary Chio, Vice-President Miss Anita Ho and Council Chairwoman Miss Christine Lee.

17 October 2022 - The management team of MIOPM visited Education and Youth Development Bureau and met the Head of Information and Technology Division, Ms. Lai Lok In, Manager of the Centre for Public Relations and Social Communication, Ms. Esther Lam and Technician Mr. Chan Yiu Yan. The meeting mainly focused on the possibility of cooperation in the aspect of mediation and related trainings.

The management team consisted of President Dr. Gary Chio, Vice-President Ms. Anita Ho, Chairwoman of the Council Ms. Christine Lee, Head of Supervisory Board Mr. Rex Choi and council member Ms. Bowie Tam.

29 September 2022 – The President Dr. Gary Chio, VP Anita Ho, council members Senna Fong and Bowie Tam and supervisor Frances Chan paid a visit to Keang Peng School, and met Vice Principal Chang Kei Chun and Director of Educational ＆ Student Affairs Chan Ka Hou to explore all means of cooperation by way of education on mediation.

23 September 2022 - The President of the Macau Institute of Professional Mediators Dr. Gary Chao, Council Member Miss Edna Chao and Supervisor Miss Frances Chan paid a visit to S.K.H Professional Training Centre. The MIOPM team met Mr. Posso Ip, Miss Ron Loo, Miss Cara Cheong and Victoria Ip to discuss the possibility of co-operation, and to provide staff training. The team also met Service Director Mr. Lee Kwok Hoo after the meeting and took a photo.

22 September 2022 - The President of the Macau Institute of Professional Mediators, Dr. Gary Chao, Vice-President Miss Anita Ho and Supervisor Miss Frances Chan paid a visit to Pui Va Middle School today, and met Principal Lei Chao Lam to exchange views on mediation and to explore the possibility to provide mediation related trainings for the school's class teachers and students of Student Union.

11 June 2022 – The professional team of Macau Institute of Professional Mediators visited Santa Rosa de Lima English Secondary School again and had a full day of mediation theory and mediation case practice training with the teaching staff.

14 May 2022 - The professional team of Macau Institute of Professional Mediators attended the National Security Education Exhibition 2022 to support safeguarding national sovereignty and security.

12 May 2022 - The VP, Ms. Anita Ho , and Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Mr. Rex Choi of the MIOPM delivered a talk on professional mediation to the staff of Pier 16 - Management Limited.

4 May 2022 - The professional team of MIOPM paid a visit to Escola Choi Nong Chi Tai today to meet Vice Principal Mr. HAU Sek Kao and Officer Mr. SIO Chi Hong discuss the possibility of cooperation to promote mediation on campus by way of education.

29 April 2022 - The MIOPM professional team delivered a seminar on Professional Mediation to a group of students of Santa Rosa de Lima English Secondary School. We sincerely thank the Administrative Team Coordinators – Ms. Alice Leong and Mr. Billy Chan, and Rosian Association Coordinators for the arrangement of this special event.

25 April 2022 - A seminar on Professional Mediation was delivered by the MIOPM committee members to a group of mid-level staff of Sociedade de Jogos de Macau S.A. We sincerely thank Dr. Jones Chao for the arrangement of this great event.

26 February 2022 - The President, Vice-President, Chairwoman of the Council, Chairman of Board of Supervisors together with a council member and supervisor of MIOPM paid a visit to Lou Hau High School. The team met Principal Mr. Zheng Jie Zhao and Vice-Principial Ms. Sio Chio Ha and teachers to discuss and exchange views on co-operation by way of education. After the meeting, the President and the Vice-President delivered a talk on mediation to a group of 30 students.

17 February 2022 - The President, Vice-President, Chairwoman of the Council and a council member of MIOPM met Principal Chan, Vice-Principal Sung and Student Affairs Officers Ms. Yuen and Ms. Chow of Macau Kwong Tai Middle School to discuss and exchange views on co-operation by way of education. We really appreciate for the quatrain written by Principal Chan.

13 January 2022 - the President, Vice President and Secretary-General of MIOPM met Mr. Lam Cheong U, Mr. Ben Wong, Ms. Gillian Lao and Mr. Ng Yuk Lun of Macao Federation of Trade Unions (MFTU) and Ms. Winnie Cheng of Macau Labor Relations Mediation Association to discuss the co-operation and development of MFTU and MIOPM.

30 May 2021 - President of Macau Institute of Professional Mediators together with council members and supervisor met representatives of Pak Wai Activities Centre of Macau Federation of Neighborhood Associations, to disuss launching mediation training courses to the Registered Social Works and Community Affairs Coordinators of the Centre.