Partnership

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

A Landmark Partnership between VUC and UNGCMYB By Joash Pandita A Major Step Towards Sustainability Veritas University College recently celebrated a milestone by formalising a partnership with the UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei (UNGCMYB) to introduce the Certified ESG Professional Programme. This collaboration marks a crucial advancement at a time when sustainability has become a global priority. It aims to develop professionals skilled in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices—filling a growing need for such expertise in Malaysia and across the ASEAN region. Faroze Nadar, Executive Director of UNGCMYB, shared his excitement about the initiative, stressing the urgent need to nurture competent sustainability practitioners. He highlighted that the programme’s primary goal is to produce graduates capable of addressing modern environmental challenges. “Creating more sustainability professionals is essential…” Faroze Nadar He added that this partnership is expected to deliver strong results by preparing a continuous pool of ESG-ready professionals to meet increasing market demands. Shaping the Future At the event, Mr. Raja Singham, Chief Future Officer and Managing Director of BAC, noted that sustainability reporting will soon become a standard requirement for businesses, especially those engaged in global trade. This shift, he explained, presents exciting career opportunities for both law and business graduates, making the programme a valuable addition to their studies. “We live in an era where sustainability is an integral part of every company, and this partnership is set to benefit law and business graduates alike.” Raja Singham The Certified ESG Professional Programme is set to redefine ESG education standards, strengthening the role of sustainability in business and governance while opening new pathways for the next generation of professionals. Stay tuned for more developments on this impactful initiative!

K-Chef Talent Development Programme A collaboration between Hanwha Group (South Korea), Reliance College & Falcon TVET By Joash Pandita Nurturing Tomorrow’s Culinary Leaders The Hanwha Group from South Korea has launched the K-Chef Talent Development Programme, an initiative designed to discover and cultivate promising culinary talents from around the world. Created for Hanwha Group’s Hotels & Resorts, the programme began with an induction training held on June 25th and 26th at the Reliance College Industrial Training Kitchen. The training was led by Mr. Jaihyun Choi, General Manager of the F&B Division at Hanwha Hotels & Resorts. Over two days, participants underwent basic skills assessments and cultural orientation, marking the first of three phases aimed at building strong foundations for their culinary journey. Five outstanding students were chosen to take part in this exclusive programme, embarking on an exciting path toward becoming world-class chefs. The Training Overview The first day concentrated on introductions, essential skills, and cultural adaptation, with modules including: Programme Introduction Knife Skills Assessment Ingredient Recognition Simple Cooking Exercise Cultural and Team Orientation Basic Language Skills Assessment On the second day, participants advanced into more complex training and teamwork, covering: Advanced Cooking Test Problem-Solving Scenarios Menu Development Task Feedback and Evaluation The Culinary Showcase To highlight the students’ talents, Heads of Departments and staff from the BAC Education Group were invited to a tasting session. The menu reflected both skill and creativity, featuring: Sushi rice Radish and Chinese cabbage kimchi Miso soup Beef bulgogi Hot and spicy tteokbokki Japchae (stir-fried glass noodles) Yachaejeon (Korean vegetable pancakes) Sigeumchi namul (blanched, seasoned spinach) Voices from the Tasting The dishes earned glowing feedback from staff and guests alike: “The beef was tender and flavorful. The kimchi had a nice spicy kick, though the vegetables could be cut smaller. The tteokbokki sauce was delicious, and the pancakes had a lovely texture—I just prefer them a bit crispier.” Sapna Kaur, Head of Postgraduate Studies (Law) “The food was wonderful and very healthy. I especially enjoyed the glass noodles, pancakes, mojito, tteokbokki, and kimchi. The beef bulgogi was excellent, and the vegetable side dishes were fresh and tasty. It was such a great experience!” Team of Counsellors Looking Ahead with Esteemed Partnerships This collaboration between the K-Chef Talent Development Programme, Reliance College, and Falcon TVET represents another milestone toward a shared vision of excellence. During his visit, Mr. Jaihyun Choi praised the facilities and services at Reliance College, expressing strong support for its potential appointment as the Malaysian Chapter of KFPI—a significant achievement for the institution. With the programme underway, the culinary industry can anticipate the emergence of new, highly skilled chefs trained under Hanwha Group’s renowned Hotels & Resorts. Special appreciation goes to Mr. Jaihyun Choi, who not only serves as lead trainer but also spearheads talent recruitment. The initiative is also supported by the Korean Food Promotion Institute (KFPI)—a non-profit organisation established in 2010 that sponsors Korean chefs to share their expertise through international culinary training.

BAC and AIADR Sign Landmark Agreement Offering Mediation Training Course By Joash Pandita Meeting the Changing Demands of Legal Professionals In a move to modernise legal education and create wider opportunities for law students, Brickfields Asia College (BAC) has partnered with the Asian Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution (AIADR) to introduce a comprehensive Mediation Training Course. This collaboration represents a major advancement in offering high-quality training in mediation—an increasingly vital skill for both current and future members of the legal profession. In his keynote, Raja Singham, Managing Director and Chief Future Officer of BAC Education, spoke openly about the lack of progress in legal education, highlighting how little it has changed over the decades. He pointed out that the traditional approach, particularly in mediation studies, has not kept pace with the evolving needs of the industry. “The study of Law, like the BAR course and exam, has become non-creative and restrictive, limiting entry for individuals from other fields.” Raja Singham further noted the shortage of specialised lawyers and identified growing areas of demand such as ESG, Mediation, Cybersecurity, and Human Rights Law. He emphasised that BAC is preparing graduates not only for local practice but also for international career opportunities. The partnership with AIADR will enable students to explore pathways beyond conventional legal roles. Raja also underlined the importance of equipping students with entrepreneurial abilities and embracing AI as a transformative force in law. “Our graduates are excelling globally, and with this MOU, we hope to give everyone a chance to innovate and excel in various legal fields.” Expert Views and Insights on ADR After Raja’s remarks, AIADR President Dato Professor Sundra Rajoo shared his reflections, recalling his own academic journey at BAC, including his studies in Land Law and completion of the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP). He highlighted the rising importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in today’s legal landscape. Dato Professor Sundra explained that ADR encompasses both arbitration and mediation, offering alternatives to traditional court proceedings. He also traced the development of arbitration law and emphasised the global movement towards standardised enforcement, citing the New York Convention as a landmark achievement. “Arbitration is here to stay.” He highlighted AIADR’s role in filling a critical gap in training and accreditation, especially across Asia and Africa, while also commending the innovative mindset of Malaysians in advancing ADR. Dato Professor Sundra expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with BAC, viewing it as a significant step forward for the legal community. A Forward-Looking Partnership Driving Innovation The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between BAC and AIADR reflects a progressive vision for legal education and ADR training. The new Mediation Training Course is designed to produce adaptable legal professionals, equipped to succeed in diverse fields such as privacy law and the application of AI in legal practice. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to embracing innovation and preparing students for the shifting demands of the legal profession. As the industry undergoes rapid transformation, programmes like this ensure that future lawyers are ready to face challenges and seize opportunities. With strong leadership and a shared dedication to excellence, BAC and AIADR are set to shape the future of the legal profession in meaningful ways. The 6-day Mediation Training Course will commence on 23rd August 2024. For further details, you can reach out via email at kalaivani.k@bac.edu.myor call the ALA Helpline at 03-7947 2249.