The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) is delighted to announce that Jocelyn Heng will join HKIAC as Managing Counsel on 12 January 2026.
Jocelyn is a Canadian national and a dual-qualified lawyer in Hong Kong and England & Wales. She brings over a decade of experience in international arbitration and commercial litigation to HKIAC. Jocelyn joins HKIAC from her role as Senior Associate at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, where she advised clients across diverse sectors such as cryptocurrency, financial services, telecommunications, consumer goods, and construction. She has managed arbitration cases seated in multiple jurisdictions, with notable experience handling complex cross-border disputes under HKIAC’s rules. Jocelyn is fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese, and obtained her LLB degree and Postgraduate Certificate in Laws from the University of Hong Kong.
In her new role at HKIAC, she will lead the arbitration team and oversee case management, as well as develop and support initiatives to strengthen stakeholder engagement worldwide.
Jocelyn Heng said, “I am honoured to join HKIAC as Managing Counsel at a time when Hong Kong is a leading global arbitration hub. I look forward to working closely with the Secretariat team, practitioners, and users worldwide to support HKIAC's mission and contribute to its continued leadership as a premier arbitral institution.”
Neil Kaplan CBE KC SBS, Arbitrator, Arbitration Chambers, commented, “I am delighted that Jocelyn Heng is joining HKIAC as Managing Counsel. Jocelyn brings to the role considerable experience in international arbitration from her former role at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer. Along with Joanne and Kiran, she will make a formidable leadership team which I am sure will keep HKIAC at the forefront of efficiency and innovation.”
Robert Tang GBM SBS QC SC JP, Arbitrator and Mediator; former Permanent Judge of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal, said, “I welcome the appointment of Ms. Jocelyn Heng as Managing Counsel, a sure sign of HKIAC’s commitment to maintaining Hong Kong’s position as a leading International Arbitration Centre.”
Jeffrey Waincymer, Arbitrator; Professor of National University of Singapore, said, "Having had the privilege of working closely with Jocelyn, I am delighted, but by no means surprised, to see that HKIAC continues to attract the most highly personable, intelligent and efficient practitioners to its most senior positions. Congratulations to both Jocelyn and HKIAC."
In addition, HKIAC is pleased to announce two internal promotions within its Secretariat.
HKIAC appointed Xi Zhang as Head of China Relations, effective from 1 January 2026.
Xi joined HKIAC as Chief Representative of the Beijing Representative Office in October 2024. Since joining HKIAC, she has led the successful establishment and official inauguration of HKIAC’s Beijing Representative Office. Since opening, the Beijing Representative Office has been actively involved in more than 40 events and training programmes, supporting HKIAC’s strategic initiatives and engagement efforts in Mainland China. In her new role as Head of China Relations, Xi will lead HKIAC’s activities in Mainland China and continue to strengthen collaboration between the international arbitration communities in Mainland China and globally. She will focus on deepening engagement with users and key stakeholders, enhancing service coordination and user experience, and further consolidating HKIAC’s presence and outreach across China.
HKIAC appointed Kelly Ip as Business Development Director, effective from 1 January 2026.
Kelly joined HKIAC as Deputy Business Development Director in April 2025, overseeing the development and execution of HKIAC’s business development and marketing strategies. During this time, she successfully delivered Hong Kong Arbitration Week 2025 and a series of initiatives to celebrate HKIAC’s 40th Anniversary. Kelly also worked closely with the team to organise events across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Drawing on her extensive experience in legal business development and marketing, Kelly will lead HKIAC’s Business Development Team and set new standards for excellence and growth at HKIAC in her new role.
Joanne Lau commented, “We are delighted to welcome Jocelyn as Managing Counsel. With her extensive international arbitration experience, gained at a leading international firm, she will be a valuable addition to HKIAC. We are equally delighted to celebrate the well-deserved promotions of Xi and Kelly. HKIAC is proud to continue attracting and nurturing exceptional talent. These appointments underscore our commitment to delivering the high quality services that HKIAC is known for, and ensuring we remain one of the most trusted dispute resolution institutions in the world.”
