The ASEAN Law Association Golf Chapter was originally organised at the initiative of Atty Avelino V. Cruz, Chairman of ALA Philippines at the Governing Council Meeting in Singapore held on 11 December 2002. The group was formed to promote fellowship and to foster interaction and mutual cooperation among lawyers and judges in ASEAN countries.
The inaugural tournament was held at the Sta. Elena Golf and Country Club in Laguna, Philippines on 7 March, 2003. Golfers from Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines, led by senior justices and lawyers participated in the tournament. At the reception held at the Manila Golf & Country Club, the By-laws of the Chapter were adopted and its initial officers elected, namely: Justice Dato’ James Foong Cheng Yuen of Malaysia as Chairman and Atty Salvador C. Medialdea of the Philippines as Secretary General.