Keynote Address

Andrea Meier is the president of the Swiss Arbitration Association and an arbitration partner at Walder Wyss in Zurich. A particular focus of her work is the construction sector. She also has extensive expertise in disputes relating to renewable energies, the mobility and pharmaceutical sector, and frequently represents parties in post-M&A and joint venture disputes. Andrea Meier holds a law degree and a doctorate degree from the University of Zurich and a post-graduate degree from Harvard Law School.

Benjamin Gottlieb is a Partner in the Dispute Resolution practice of Schellenberg Wittmer in Zurich and a member of the firm’s International Arbitration Group. His practice focuses on international arbitration and complex domestic and cross-border commercial disputes. He advises and represents clients across a broad range of sectors, construction and engineering projects, energy matters, as well as disputes involving the pharmaceutical and automotive industries. He also regularly acts as arbitrator in international proceedings.

Benjamin is also recognised for his expertise in the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG).

In addition to his practice, Benjamin lectures at the University of Zurich on international commercial arbitration and the Vienna Sales Convention, and also lectures on advocacy in Milan. He is a frequent speaker and author on arbitration and international sales law.

Daniel is a Partner at WongPartnership LLP, practising commercial litigation and international commercial and investor-state arbitration.

He is an APAC member of the YSIAC Council. He is co-author of the International Arbitration Act and Arbitration Act chapters in Singapore Civil Procedure 2026 and has lectured on arbitration at NUS, SMU and the Swiss Arbitration Academy.

Daniel is dual-qualified in Singapore and New York. He graduated with First Class Honours from NUS and obtained an LL.M. from NYU, where he received the Vanderbilt Scholarship and the IBRLA Award. He was named as one of the “Top 20 under 40” lawyers by Singapore Business Review 2026, a “Future Star” in Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific 2026, “Up and Coming” for Arbitration in Chambers Asia-Pacific 2026, and was described in Legal 500 – Asia-Pacific 2024 as “a future star” who is “very intellectual and technically smart”.

Prior to his recent retirement, Frans spent 47 years in the legal profession, first as a practicing lawyer with a Dutch law firm based in Paris and later on as a corporate lawyer in Geneva and Singapore, first in the agribusiness sector for Bunge SA as GC EMEA + Asia Pacific and thereafter in the maritime sector as GC APAC for CMA CGM, the world's 3d largest container shipping company.

He is a seasoned legal professional with a vast background in M&A, Joint Ventures and other forms of multinational partnerships which sometimes end up in disputes.

He is currently on the board of directors of Intersections Pte. Ltd., which is focused on curating contemporary art throughout Asia and Europe.

Gary GAO heads the Compliance & Regulatory Department of Zhong Lun Law Firm. Gary is a skilled litigator and arbitrator with more than 30 years’ experiences handling complex, cross-border arbitration, litigation as well as sophisticated commercial disputes.

Gary has represented clients or acted as arbitrator, in commercial arbitration before the ICC, HKIAC, SIAC, CITEC, BAC, SHIAC and other arbitral institutions.

Besides, he has worked for many multinational companies, institutions, and large domestic enterprises in various industries to deal with compliance issues.

Opening Address

Julie Raneda is a Partner in Schellenberg Wittmer’s International Arbitration Practice and the Managing Director of the firm’s Singapore office.

A highly regarded practitioner, Julie regularly represents clients in complex international commercial, investment and sports arbitration matters. She has acted as both counsel and arbitrator in arbitrations globally, governed by diverse legal systems.

Julie is one of the few International lawyers in Asia qualified to provide civil law advice across a broad spectrum of jurisdictions, setting her apart as a versatile and sought-after advisor in cross-border disputes.
Her core areas of specialization encompass construction and engineering, energy, pharmaceutical and life sciences, supply and manufacturing, distribution and international sales. Julie’s exceptional work has earned her recognition in leading independent legal directories, including Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific and Lexology.

Kartikey Mahajan is a Partner at Khaitan & Co, where he focuses on international arbitration and cross-border disputes, with particular responsibility for the firm’s disputes practice in Singapore and the UAE. He advises multinational corporations, financial institutions and investors on complex commercial and investment disputes. Kartikey has experience in arbitrations under the ICDR, SIAC, LCIA, ICC, HKIAC and DIAC Rules, as well as in cross-border litigation.

He is qualified as a Barrister in England & Wales, an Attorney in New York, an Advocate in India, a registered lawyer with DIFC and a Registered Foreign Lawyer in Singapore. He is based between Dubai and Singapore.