A Milestone in Legal Education
BAC and the Inns of Court Malaysia
Forge Historic Partnership
A Grand Opening with Distinguished Guests
On 22nd October 2024, Brickfields Asia College and the Inns of Court Malaysia (ICM) marked a historic milestone by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the BAC-ICM Lecture Series. Held at the elegant Horizon Banquet Hall in Menara BAC, this landmark event was a momentous occasion for advancing the legal profession. For the first time in its 33-year history, the event was graced by the presence of two retired Chief Justices, a retired Federal Court Judge, five esteemed judges, and a King’s Counsel, marking a new chapter in BAC’s commitment to legal excellence.
The event kicked off with a welcome address by Mr. Raja Singham, Chief Future Officer of the BAC Education Group. In his speech, he highlighted BAC’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of legal education, introducing the series as a step toward enhancing the professional development of future legal practitioners.
The Role of Judges in Promoting Access to Justice
The inaugural BAC-ICM Lecture Series commenced with a compelling keynote address by Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Mary Lim Thiam Suan, Director of the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) and Deputy President of the Inns of Court Malaysia (ICM). In her lecture, titled "The Role of Judges in Promoting Access to Justice," she offered valuable insights into the crucial role of the judiciary in upholding fairness and ensuring equitable access to legal recourse, leaving attendees with a deeper appreciation of judicial responsibility.
Dato’ Mary Lim began by tracing the historical roots of access to justice, referencing the Magna Carta and its enduring influence on legal systems, particularly in the United Kingdom. She then moved on to define access to justice as the right of individuals to seek redress for wrongs done against them, emphasising that those who benefit most from increased access are often the marginalised—such as the poor, children and the forgotten within society.
In an inspiring call to action, she urged law students present to remember to prioritise their learning, stressing the importance of building critical thinking skills and the ability to understand the law to become competent lawyers.
The Signing of a Historic MoU
Following the thought-provoking lecture, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place, cementing a relationship to foster collaboration in legal education and professional development, ensuring that future generations of legal professionals have access to unparalleled mentorship, internships and international opportunities.
Witnessing the signing were all the judges in attendance, making the event not only an educational milestone but also a monumental step in strengthening BAC’s role as the Nation’s #1 Law School. The collaboration promises to provide BAC students with invaluable opportunities, positioning them for success in the legal profession both in Malaysia and globally.
Networking and Hi-Tea
The evening concluded with a lively networking session, giving students, faculty, and professionals a chance to engage with the judges and discuss the evening’s key takeaways. Over hi-tea, participants reflected on the importance of access to justice and the valuable role that events like this play in shaping the future of law in Malaysia.
The inaugural BAC-ICM Lecture Series was a resounding success, leaving participants inspired and setting the stage for future collaborations between BAC and the Inns of Court Malaysia. Through lectures, partnerships and the shared vision of improving legal education, this event marks the beginning of a transformative journey.
A Special Acknowledgement for Our VVIP Guest Judges
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed judges for their presence and invaluable contributions. Their attendance not only elevates the significance of this event but also reinforces the commitment of the legal community to uphold the principles of justice, integrity, and fairness. We are deeply honored to have had such distinguished members of the judiciary join us, as their insights and wisdom serve to inspire and guide the next generation of legal professionals. Their support is a testament to the importance of collaboration in promoting legal excellence and advancing the cause of justice.
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