BAC and AIADR Sign Landmark Agreement Offering Mediation Training Course

Meeting the Evolving Needs of Legal Professionals

In a significant step towards modernising legal education and expanding opportunities for law students, Brickfields Asia College (BAC) and the Asian Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution (AIADR) signed an agreement to launch a comprehensive Mediation Training Course.

This collaboration marks a significant step forward in providing top-notch education and training in mediation, a crucial skill for current and future legal professionals.

Raja Singham, Managing Director and Chief Future Officer of BAC Education, in his opening address, candidly discussed the stagnation in legal education, emphasising that it has remained largely unchanged for decades. Reflecting on the past, he noted that the education system, particularly in mediation, has not evolved to meet the current demands of the legal field.

"The study of Law, like the BAR course and exam, has become non-creative and restrictive, limiting entry for individuals from other fields."

He pointed out the shortage of specialist lawyers and highlighted the new opportunities emerging in this field, listing ESG, Mediation, Cybersecurity, and Human Rights Law as some of the hot fields today. BAC, he announced, is making strides to equip its graduates not just for local practice, but also for international positions.

The partnership between BAC and AIADR will provide students the chance to explore beyond traditional legal careers, and Raja Singham stressed the importance of being equipped with entrepreneurial skills, and embracing the emergence of AI in the legal profession.

"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 Reflections and Insights on ADR

Following Raja Singham's address note, the President of AIADR, Dato Professor Sundra Rajoo, reminisced about his time learning under Raja Singham, particularly in Land Law, and completing his Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) at BAC. He spoke about the evolving landscape of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and its significance in today's world.

Dato Professor Sundra provided a general explanation of ADR, which includes arbitration and mediation as two distinct methods of resolving disputes outside the courtroom. He gave a brief history of arbitration law and discussed the movement towards universal enforcement, citing the New York Convention as a critical milestone.

"Arbitration is here to stay."

While emphasising the role of AIADR, he also highlighted the importance of AIADR's training programmes and its accreditation, which fills a crucial void in Asia and Africa. Dato Professor Sundra expressed excitement about the partnership with BAC, praising the innovative spirit of Malaysians as a significant advantage in the field of ADR.

Forward-Thinking Partnership Towards Innovation

The MOU between BAC and AIADR represents a forward-thinking approach to legal education and dispute resolution training. The Mediation Training Course aims to produce versatile lawyers equipped with the skills necessary to navigate and excel in various legal domains, including the rapidly growing field of privacy law and the application of AI in legal practice. This commitment is made to embrace innovation and provide students with diverse opportunities.

As the legal industry continues to evolve, initiatives like this MOU are essential in preparing the next generation of lawyers to meet new challenges and seize emerging opportunities.

With visionary leadership and a shared commitment to excellence, BAC and AIADR are poised to make a lasting impact on the legal profession.

The 6-day Mediation Training Course is set to start on 23rd August 2024. If you would like to know more, you may contact kalaivani.k@bac.edu.my or call the ALA Helpline at 03-7947 2249.