A Milestone in Legal Education

BAC and the Inns of Court Malaysia Forge Historic Partnership

By Joash Pandita

A Grand Opening with Distinguished Guests

On 22nd October 2024, Brickfields Asia College (BAC) together with the Inns of Court Malaysia (ICM) celebrated a historic milestone through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the BAC-ICM Lecture Series. The ceremony, held at the Horizon Banquet Hall in Menara BAC, marked a significant step forward for the legal profession. For the first time in its 33-year journey, BAC welcomed two retired Chief Justices, a retired Federal Court Judge, five prominent judges, and a King’s Counsel, making the occasion truly remarkable in its pursuit of legal excellence.

The evening began with a welcome speech from Mr. Raja Singham, Chief Future Officer of the BAC Education Group. He reaffirmed BAC’s mission to push the boundaries of legal education and highlighted how this lecture series will serve as a platform to enhance the growth and professionalism of aspiring lawyers.

The Role of Judges in Promoting Access to Justice

The inaugural lecture of the BAC-ICM Lecture Series featured a powerful keynote by Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Mary Lim Thiam Suan, Director of the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) and Deputy President of ICM. Her address, titled “The Role of Judges in Promoting Access to Justice”, shed light on the judiciary’s vital role in safeguarding fairness and ensuring equal access to justice, leaving participants with a profound understanding of judicial responsibilities.

Dato’ Mary Lim reflected on the historical foundations of access to justice, tracing back to the Magna Carta and its lasting impact, particularly within the UK’s legal framework. She explained access to justice as the fundamental right of individuals to seek remedies when wronged, stressing that the groups who gain the most are often the underprivileged, including the poor, children, and those often overlooked by society.

In her closing message, she encouraged law students to remain focused on their studies, underlining the importance of critical thinking and legal understanding as the cornerstones of becoming competent and ethical legal practitioners.

The Signing of a Historic MoU

After the thought-provoking lecture, the MoU was officially signed, solidifying a partnership dedicated to advancing legal education and professional growth. This collaboration will open doors for BAC students to receive unmatched mentorship, internships, and international exposure—equipping them with the tools needed to thrive in the legal arena.

The signing was witnessed by all attending judges, adding even greater significance to the occasion. It marked not only a key milestone in education but also reaffirmed BAC’s reputation as Malaysia’s leading law school. This partnership sets the stage for BAC students to excel, both nationally and internationally.

Networking and Hi-Tea

The evening ended with an engaging networking session where students, faculty members, and professionals had the rare opportunity to converse with the distinguished judges. Over a relaxed hi-tea, participants shared reflections on the day’s theme of access to justice and discussed how initiatives like this lecture series help shape the future of Malaysia’s legal landscape.

The inaugural BAC-ICM Lecture Series concluded on a high note, inspiring all in attendance and paving the way for future collaborations between BAC and ICM. With a shared vision to elevate legal education, this partnership signals the beginning of a transformative journey for both institutions.

A Special Acknowledgement to Our VVIP Guest Judges

We extend our deepest appreciation to the distinguished judges whose presence elevated the significance of this historic event. Their invaluable insights and support reflect the unwavering dedication of Malaysia’s legal community to uphold justice, fairness, and integrity. Their participation serves as an inspiration for future generations of legal professionals and underscores the importance of collaboration in advancing legal excellence.

Yang Amat Berbahagia Tun Arifin bin Zakaria – President of ICM, Retired Chief Justice of Malaysia
Yang Amat Berbahagia Tun Dato’ Seri Zaki Tun Azmi – Advisor of ICM, Retired Chief Justice of Malaysia
Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Mary Lim Thiam Suan – Director of AIAC, Deputy President of ICM, and Retired Federal Court Judge of Malaysia
Yang Arif Datuk Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera – Federal Court Judge, Vice President of ICM
Yang Arif Dato’ Lee Swee Seng – Judge of the Court of Appeal, ICM Exco Member
Yang Arif Datuk Nantha Balan – Judge of the Court of Appeal, ICM Exco Member
Yang Arif Tuan Nadzarin Wok Nordin – Judge of the Kuala Lumpur High Court, ICM Exco Member
Yang Arif Dr Shahnaz Sulaiman – Judge of the Kuala Lumpur High Court, ICM Exco Member
Steven Perian – First Malaysian King’s Counsel