Category: 3. Business

Helping Taiwanese businesses strengthen cross-border dispute response strategies amid rising geopolitical risks

The “2025 Taiwan Arbitration Week: Geopolitics and Arbitration Conference,” co-hosted by the Chinese Arbitration Association, Taipei (CAA) and Baker McKenzie Taipei, takes place on 5 November in Taipei and 6 November in Kaohsiung. Through the theme of “Geopolitics and Arbitration,” the event invites Taiwanese businesses with overseas operations that may face cross-border disputes to engage in in-depth discussions on how arbitration can serve as a critical tool for corporate risk management and international dispute resolution amid global uncertainties.

The conference features international arbitration experts from Baker McKenzie’s offices and member firms in Taipei, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia, sharing the latest arbitration trends and practical case studies to help businesses navigate turbulent global political and economic conditions while minimizing legal risks.

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As geopolitical risks escalate, arbitration becomes a corporate stabilizer

Amid supply chain reorganization and heightened geopolitical tensions, arbitration agreements have become essential tools for businesses to reduce cross-border risks and ensure transaction stability. Anna Hwang, executive partner at Baker McKenzie Taipei, notes:

“Baker McKenzie conducts annual predictions and analyses of global dispute cases. Both the 2025 and 2024 forecasts indicate that geopolitical risks will continue to dominate corporate dispute types, including supply chain disruptions, artificial intelligence, ESG issues and post-M&A integration. Businesses should prioritize arbitration as their dispute resolution mechanism and maintain commercial thinking during disputes — this is the key strategy for risk reduction and maintaining stability.”
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Investor-state disputes: Arbitration safeguards in overseas expansion

When facing trade wars and geopolitical pressures, businesses should leverage international investment agreements for protection. Tony Tang, partner at Baker McKenzie Taipei, states:

“As businesses adjust their overseas strategies in response to trade wars and geopolitical pressures, political risks associated with the host country pose major challenges to corporate risk management capabilities. Through proper investment structure design and ensuring that overseas investments are covered by appropriate international investment agreements, businesses can ensure that investment disputes with host countries will be resolved through neutral, professional and effective international arbitration — a key strategy for avoiding unlawful interference and protecting overseas investment interests.”
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Renewable energy and arbitration: Legal defense for high-risk industries

Energy transition presents tremendous opportunities, but also significant risks. Tom Chou, senior consultant at Baker McKenzie Taipei, points out:

“Post-pandemic renewable energy projects face heightened supply chain and price volatility risks, underscoring the need for enforceable financial guarantees, price adjustment mechanisms and strict adherence to cross-border contract terms — even amid sudden market changes such as polysilicon price surges. Stable and long-term electricity price guarantees are crucial for attracting renewable energy investment; retroactive changes to such systems by governments may expose them to expensive international arbitration disputes.”
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Dispute boards: Prevention-over-resolution strategic thinking

Dispute boards have proven highly effective in international engineering and large-scale projects, and they are increasingly becoming important tools for corporate risk prevention. Chien-Hung Lai, partner at Baker McKenzie Taipei, states:

“Dispute boards can proactively manage risks, enhance efficiency and cooperation, and encourage early dialogue between parties — achieving dispute prevention, more focused arbitration and cost reduction. With successful track records in both Taiwan and internationally, they are worthy of incorporation into corporate contract management and dispute resolution strategies.”
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Post-award challenges: Procedural understanding and risk control

Arbitration awards are not the end of dispute resolution. Terrence Wang, associate at Baker McKenzie Taipei, points out:

“In today’s tightly interconnected yet uncertain global supply chain environment, arbitration has become an important tool for resolving cross-border commercial disputes. However, after an arbitration award is rendered, businesses in Taiwan still face two important procedures: first, actions to set aside arbitration awards; and second, applications for the recognition of foreign arbitration awards. Understanding and effectively utilizing these follow-up mechanisms is critical for ensuring stable operations in global supply chains, cross-border investment decisions and prevention of potential legal risks.”
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Cross-cultural arbitration strategies: Practical insights from Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia

Partner Chien-Hung Lai states:

“With its neutrality, credibility and flexibility, arbitration has become the preferred mechanism for managing cross-border disputes in today’s geopolitical world. When Taiwanese businesses expand overseas, they must develop a deep understanding of local cultures and business practices, tailor arbitration clauses accordingly, and carefully select arbitration seats — these are key to effective risk management and enhancing contract enforceability.”

Baker McKenzie’s specialists from Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia share distinctive features of each jurisdiction’s arbitration system, along with practical recommendations to help Taiwanese businesses effectively utilize arbitration mechanisms in overseas operations. Tjen Wee Wong, principal at Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow in Singapore, states:

“Singapore arbitration and the Singapore International Arbitration Centre are among the world’s top choices for dispute resolution, offering high enforceability, efficiency and neutrality. The 2025 rules emphasize procedural simplification, reasonable cost structures and accelerated timelines, aiming to provide effective, flexible and internationally recognized arbitration outcomes.”

Philipp Hanusch, partner at Baker McKenzie Hong Kong, notes:

“Hong Kong’s arbitration system offers multiple advantages for Taiwanese businesses. It features a modern arbitration law framework based on the UNCITRAL Model Law, along with diverse arbitrator selection and neutral courts that support arbitration and respect party autonomy. Both English and Chinese are its official languages. Notably, if a Hong Kong arbitration is administered by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre or other designated institutions, parties can apply to Chinese Mainland courts for interim measures, which are then directly enforceable in the Chinese Mainland.”

Janice Tay, partner at Wong & Partners in Malaysia, states:

“Malaysia’s arbitration system is built on a modern legal framework that meets international standards, particularly the UNCITRAL Model Law. Supported by the Asian International Arbitration Centre and reinforced by a pro-arbitration judiciary, the system offers efficient, flexible and cost-effective procedures, making Malaysia a trusted strategic hub in Asia for handling complex cross-border disputes.”
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Arbitration is the legal foundation for Taiwanese businesses’ global expansion

This conference not only presents the latest arbitration trends and practical case studies but also highlights arbitration’s critical role amid rising geopolitical risks. Through contract design, treaty planning and system selection, Taiwanese businesses can establish robust legal defenses in the global market. Executive Partner Anna Hwang emphasizes, “Arbitration clauses are not just part of contracts — they are key to maintaining stability and flexibility for businesses in an uncertain world.”

Unionized Starbucks baristas voted to authorize an open-ended strike ahead of Starbucks’s high-traffic holiday season, announced Starbucks Workers United on Wednesday.

The union said workers are prepared to strike if a contract is not finalized by 13 November, which is the company’s Red Cup Day, and strike actions could hit more than 25 cities and escalate if there is a lack of progress.

Starbucks Workers United, which represents more than 9,000 workers out of Starbucks’s over 200,000 baristas, has filed more than 1,000 charges against Starbucks for alleged unfair labor practices to the National Labor Relations Board, the union said.

Michelle Eisen, a spokesperson for the union who left Starbucks after a 15-year career at the company, said in a statement: “If Starbucks keeps stonewalling, they should expect to see their business grind to a halt. The ball is in Starbucks’ court.”

The Starbucks Workers United union, had been in talks with the company since last year, and said in October it will vote on picketing in about 60 cities, demanding a contract that reflects “improved staffing, better pay and on-the-job protections”.

Both sides blame the other for ending talks late last year and say they are ready to return to discussions.

Starbucks said in a statement that “any agreement needs to reflect the reality that Starbucks already offers the best job in retail.”

How we did this

This Pew Research Center analysis focuses on public opinion of climate change and its effects in nine middle-income countries. Opinions surrounding climate change are examined in the context of long-term trend data.

This analysis draws on nationally representative surveys of 12,375 adults conducted from Jan. 8 to April 21, 2025. Surveys were conducted face-to-face in Argentina, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa and Turkey.

For the purpose of comparing educational groups across countries, we standardize education levels based on the United Nations’ International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED). The lower education category is lower secondary education or below and the higher category is upper secondary or above in middle-income countries (as defined by the World Bank).

Here are the questions used for this analysis, along with responses, and the survey methodology.

A new survey of nine middle-income nations finds widespread concerns about climate change. Large majorities in these countries say global climate change is affecting the area where they live. In the three Latin American nations polled, around half of adults or more say it is affecting their community
a great deal.

Most people in these countries also say they are willing to make at least some adjustments to the way they live and work to reduce the effects of climate change. And most have at least some confidence in the international community to address this issue.

Impact of climate change

A median of 56% of adults across nine middle-income countries say they are very concerned that global climate change will harm them personally in their lifetime. About six-in-ten or more hold this view in Argentina, Indonesia, Kenya and South Africa, compared with about a third in Turkey.

While many continue to express concern that climate change will harm them personally, the share saying this has decreased since 2015 in Argentina, Brazil, India, Mexico and Nigeria. Concern is up, on the other hand, in Indonesia (+18 percentage points), South Africa (+13) and Turkey (+7). Opinion is largely unchanged in Kenya.

When asked which of four possible effects of climate change concerns them most, respondents named droughts or waters shortages more than twice as often as any other option. Fewer say long periods of unusually hot weather, floods or intense storms, or rising sea levels concern them most.

Since 2015, the share pointing to droughts as their biggest concern is up in Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey.

Dealing with climate change

Most people across the middle-income countries surveyed – a median of 80% – are willing to make at least some changes to how they live and work to help reduce the effects of climate change. A median of 18% say they would be willing to make only a few or no changes at all. The shares saying they would make a lot of changes range from 17% in Turkey to 53% in Kenya.

And most – a median of 62% – express confidence in the international community’s ability to significantly reduce the effects of climate change. Seven-in-ten adults or more in India, Indonesia and Kenya have at least some confidence that the actions of the international community will reduce effects of climate change. But around half or fewer agree in Argentina, Mexico and Turkey.

One major international actor is the United Nations, which has been targeting environmental issues since the 1970s. In six of the nine middle-income countries surveyed, people with a favorable view of the UN are more likely than those with an unfavorable view to have confidence in actions taken by the international community.

Related: United Nations seen favorably by many across 25 countries

We also asked people which factor should matter more in deciding a country’s responsibility to address climate change: its wealth or its carbon emissions. A 59% median say carbon emissions are the more important consideration. On balance, this is the most common view in every country except Turkey, where opinion is divided.

Young adults more willing to make lifestyle changes to reduce climate change

Age is a factor in views of the impact of climate change and how to handle it. Across most of the nine middle-income countries, younger people (ages 18 to 34) are more likely than older people (ages 50 and older) to say they would be willing to make some or a lot of changes to the way they live and work to help reduce the effects of climate change.

Young adults in India, Indonesia, Turkey and Mexico are also more likely than older people to be concerned that climate change will harm them in their lifetime.

(In India, older adults were less likely to provide a response on both questions.)

In five countries, younger people are more likely than older people to say the amount a country contributes to carbon emissions should matter more than how wealthy a country is in deciding what to do to address climate change, though older adults in these countries are less likely to provide an answer.

At the center of the conflict between Big Tech and Big Auto is CarPlay Ultra, the newest version of the popular CarPlay system that can mirror a user’s iPhone interface on a screen within a vehicle. Announced earlier this year, CarPlay Ultra is going a step further by also displaying car functions like fuel level and speed. It also lets drivers control the air conditioning, radio, and driving modes, all from the same screen. Aston Martin is the only automaker that has fully integrated CarPlay Ultra into its vehicles.

While Ford is committed to Apple, CEO Farley said “We don’t like the execution of Ultra in round one.” 

“I’ve talked to Tim [Cook] many times about this. Ford does not have the right, in our opinion, to disrupt someone’s digital life when they get in their car,” Farley told The Verge in an interview.

Farley later said Apple needs to make a decision on how much it wants to encroach into a vehicle’s systems. Giving an outside company power over a car’s mechanics could be a slippery slope, he added.

“How far do you want the Apple brand to go? Do you want the Apple brand to start the car? Do you want the Apple brand to limit the speed? Do you want the Apple brand to limit access?” asked Farley.

The conflict over Apple CarPlay heated up earlier this year when GM CEO Mary Barra said the company’s future vehicles would no longer support Apple CarPlay or its Google counterpart, Android Auto. The company first began phasing out compatibility for both systems in its EVs in 2023. 

Since the release of CarPlay Ultra, other automakers, including Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar, Volvo, and Renault, currently have no plans to integrate the new system into their cars, the Financial Times reported, despite Apple touting them as committed in a 2022 WWDC announcement. 

Carmakers are in a tough spot as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are considered must-haves for many new car buyers, according to preliminary data from research firm AutoPacific. A McKinsey report from 2023 found that 85% of car owners who had CarPlay or a similar system preferred it over the carmaker’s operating system.

Still, the data hasn’t yet persuaded carmakers enough to give up control of the dash. Mercedes introduced its own Mercedes‑Benz Operating System (MB.OS) that combines infotainment and car functions. Other car companies like Toyota and Volvo are also developing their own systems, according to the Daily Mail.

Whatever Ford ultimately decides on CarPlay Ultra, it is clear to Farley that a car’s digital experience is quickly becoming one of its most important specs.

“The difference between car companies where you have a software-defined vehicle is not going to be what your sheet metal looks like. It won’t be how powerful your EV motor is. That’s all math. All the cars look nice. It’s going to be this digital experience that says why someone buys this or that,” he said.

– Starting Today, the Popular Free at Sea™ Package is Back and Better Than Ever Delivering Additional Perks to More Guests –

– The Black Friday Sale is Applicable Across All Itineraries and Ships, Including the All-New Norwegian Aqua™ and Soon-to-Debut Norwegian Luna™ –

MIAMI, Nov. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Norwegian Cruise Line^® (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, today announced its highly anticipated best sale of the year for Black Friday, offering 50% off all cruises plus the guest-favorite Free at Sea™ package, back by popular demand.

Beginning today, Nov. 5, the limited-time Black Friday sale applies to all Norwegian itineraries and ships, including the all-new Norwegian Aqua™ and the soon-to-debut Norwegian Luna™. Sailing to nearly 350 destinations around the world, guests can take advantage of this offer to book their next bucket-list trip to Alaska, Europe, the Caribbean, the Bahamas—including NCL’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay—and more.

“With 50% off all cruises, now is the best time to plan your 2026 family vacation,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “Norwegian’s curated itineraries and shipboard experiences allow our guests to effortlessly reconnect with those who matter all while maximizing value to make the most of every moment.”

Building on Norwegian’s legacy of freedom and flexibility, NCL is bringing back one of its most popular promotions – Free at Sea™. The package, available for all sailings beginning today, offers guest-favorite amenities valuing over $2,000 in savings, including the most valuable beverage package at sea, Wi-Fi, dining experiences and shore excursion credits. Free at Sea™ is the most convenient way to sail and now, the package has been simplified to provide a more effortless and consistent offer to more guests.

For a standard seven-night sailing, the enhanced Free at Sea™ package includes: unlimited open bar including premium spirits, 20% off all bottles of champagne or wine, 150 minutes of high-speed internet, discounts off upgrades to the unlimited Wi-Fi package, three multi-course specialty dining meals for the first and second guest on the reservation and a $50 credit off each shore excursion for the first guest on the reservation. This improved Free at Sea™ package is tailored to deliver more value to a greater percentage of guests as an expanded number of them will receive additional Wi-Fi minutes, enjoy added savings on the unlimited beverage package, and more dining credits. Guests are only responsible for covering gratuities, making it an incredible value that far exceeds land-based offerings. On over 650 select NCL sailings, kids can also sail free, and with free airfare for the second guest, Free at Sea™ makes it easier than ever for families to travel together.

Offering something for everyone, Norwegian redefines family travel with an array of industry-exclusive experiences and exceptional value, making it a premiere choice for multi-generational cruising. Guests of all ages can enjoy a thoughtfully curated selection of onboard activities designed to appeal to every generation. From thrilling attractions like the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster waterslide and the only racetracks at sea, to tranquil afternoons at the award-winning Mandara Spa – recognized by Cruise Critic as the “Best Spa at Sea” – NCL offers something for every type of traveler. Norwegian’s world-class dining caters to a range of tastes, featuring a variety of culinary options including premium steakhouses, French bistros, hibachi-style venues, authentic Italian cuisine and more. Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, families will find that cruising with NCL delivers unforgettable moments at sea with the people who matter most. With Black Friday deals available now, it is the perfect time for families to start planning their 2026 summer vacations.

Island Hopping Through the Caribbean & Bahamas

In 2026, NCL will offer an expansive lineup of 18 ships sailing the Caribbean and Bahamas, including the all-new Norwegian Luna™. Debuting in Spring 2026, NCL’s newest ship will feature many of the same renowned offerings of sister ship Norwegian Aqua including the Aqua Slidecoaster. With fun-in-the-sun itineraries ranging from convenient three-day getaways to 10-day voyages, guests have the flexibility to create their dream cruise vacation.

Guests can sail the Caribbean from nine convenient homeports including Miami, Port Canaveral, Jacksonville, and Tampa, Fla.; Galveston, Texas; New Orleans; New York City; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. These sailings feature calls to some of the region’s most beautiful islands, such as St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Willemstad, Curacao; Oranjestad, Aruba; George Town, Grand Cayman, and more across the Eastern Caribbean. Western Caribbean highlights include Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Harvest Caye, NCL’s resort destination in Belize.

Many of Norwegian’s Caribbean and Bahamas voyages include a visit to the Brand’s exclusive private island destination, Great Stirrup Cay. The island is being enhanced to provide guests with more exciting experiences to “escape to the great life.” Opening later this year, guests will be able to enjoy a new 1.4-acre pool area complete with swim-up bars and a dedicated kids splash zone, as well as an all-new Vibe Shore Club, the adults-only area featuring a chic ambiance and plenty of loungers and umbrellas. And, beginning Summer 2026, guests will be among the first to experience the debut of the Great Tides Waterpark featuring 19 thrilling water slides, cliff jumps and a dynamic river. 

Majestic Sailings Across the Alaska Coastline

For travelers seeking to unplug and reconnect with the great outdoors, Norwegian’s Alaska sailings offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Cruising remains the most immersive way to explore the region, granting access to remote corners of Alaska’s natural beauty, such as Glacier Bay National Park, which is not accessible by road.

Next summer, NCL will sail three of the Company’s largest ships– Norwegian Encore^®, Norwegian Joy^® and the recently renovated Norwegian Bliss^® in the region. Guests can choose from week-long, nine-day and 10-day sailings departing conveniently from Seattle, Vancouver, British Columbia and Whittier, Alaska.

For an extended trip along the scenic Alaska coastline, Norwegian Joy will sail nine and 10- day voyages from Seattle, with visits to Sitka, Juneau, Skagway and Icy Strait Point, Alaska and more. For travelers craving a truly unique experience of two sought-after destinations, Norwegian Spirit^® will sail 16-day Fire and Ice voyages between Honolulu and Vancouver, British Columbia with visits across Alaska and the Hawaiian Islands from mid-July through mid-September 2026.

Immersive Experiences Throughout Europe’s Top Destinations

Norwegian sails from many of Europe’s most iconic cities including Barcelona; Lisbon, Portugal; Rome; Athens; Copenhagen, Denmark and others. In 2026, Norwegian will have nine ships sailing across the Mediterranean, Greek Isles and North Europe regions, including Norwegian Viva^®, one of the newest NCL ships.

These immersive European itineraries allow guests to explore multiple countries in a single voyage, with minimal sea days and extended port stays – often featuring over 10 hours in port – giving families the opportunity to be present, connect, and create lasting memories in culturally rich destinations.

For the latest holiday deals available through the end of the year, guests are encouraged to visit NCL.com.

For more information about the Company’s award-winning fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), or visitwww.ncl.com.

About Norwegian Cruise Line

As the innovator in global cruise travel, Norwegian Cruise Line^® has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 59 years. Most notably, the cruise line revolutionized the industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, the company continues to deliver curated, effortless experiences that cater to every type of traveler – from seasoned cruisers to families of every size. With award-winning entertainment, globally inspired dining and thoughtfully designed accommodations, including solo staterooms, Club Balcony Suites, and The Haven by Norwegian^®, the brand’s exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept, NCL ensures every guest enjoys a seamless and personalized journey. To further deliver guests with more value, the Company’s signature Free at Sea™ package provides added benefits and inclusions such as unlimited open bar; specialty dining credits; high-speed Wi-Fi; shore excursions credits; and with select sailings guests can enjoy free airfareas well as third and fourth guests sail free. Its fleet of 20 contemporary ships sail to nearly 350 of the world’s most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize. For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com. For the latest news and exclusive content, visit the NCL Newsroom and follow Norwegian Cruise Line on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube @NorwegianCruiseLine; and Twitter @CruiseNorwegian.

Norwegian Cruise Line is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. To learn more, visit www.nclhltd.com.

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SOURCE Norwegian Cruise Line