Exploring the Future of Legal Education with Visionary Experts

Visionary Opening Speeches

November 15th saw BAC Education host an important panel discussion titled “The Changing Landscape of Legal Education” at the Omnia Auditorium in Menara BAC. This event brought together renowned thought leaders and legal experts from across the world to explore the evolving dynamics of legal education, skill development and the role of technology in shaping the profession.

The event began with an inspiring address by Raja Singham, Managing Director & Chief Future Officer of BAC Education. He spoke passionately about BAC’s commitment to fostering future-ready graduates through forums and initiatives focused on skill-building. He made sure to highlight how legal education must move beyond traditional boundaries, equipping students with both technical and soft skills to meet the demands of a rapidly changing industry.

Professor Penny Carey, Dean of the Schools of Law and Education at the University of Hertfordshire, expanded on this vision by discussing how global educational systems are adapting to change. A special level of importance was placed on interweaving legal education with interdisciplinary learning and technological fluency, preparing students to navigate and lead in a world marked by complexity and innovation.

Anand Raj and Dr. Jasmine Begum

The panel, moderated by BAC lecturer Nathan Tharmalingam, featured four distinguished speakers, each contributing unique perspectives on the future of legal education.

Our first speaker was Anand Raj, Vice President of the Malaysian Bar. In his talk, Anand dived deep into the transformative power of internships. Drawing from his extensive experience, he shared how internships provide invaluable exposure to real-world challenges, bridging the gap between theory and practice. As he spoke to a room packed with eager-to-learn students, he couldn't help but stress the point that practical experiences not only enhance technical knowledge but also develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability in young legal professionals.

Following his insightful speech was Dr. Jasmine Begum, Regional Director of External, Corporate & Legal Affairs at Microsoft ASEAN, who delved into the pivotal role of technology in legal practice. However, she was quick to remind attendees of the irreplaceable value of human connection in the legal profession. She discussed how empathy, emotional intelligence and ethical considerations must balance the use of advanced technology, ensuring that the human element remains central in the pursuit of justice.

Jalalulail Othman and Prof. Sally Wheeler

Continuing from Dr. Jasmine Begum was Jalalulail Othman, Partner at Shook Lin & Bok. This was where he offered insights into how the legal practice has evolved over the decades. Reflecting on simpler times, he described how the legal landscape now faces unprecedented complexity due to technological advancements. While these advancements have streamlined certain processes, they have also introduced new challenges, from managing digital evidence to navigating global regulatory frameworks.

Finally closing this exceptional panel discussion was Professor Sally Wheeler, Vice Chancellor of Birkbeck, University of London. Professor Wheeler made sure to conclude the panel with an empowering call to action. Emphasising the importance of embracing available tools and resources to gain a competitive edge, Professor Wheeler encouraged students to develop transferable skills and adopt a proactive mindset, ensuring that they not only adapt to but also thrive in the evolving legal ecosystem.

This event is just another important trend that BAC is leading to remind both students and professionals on how critical it is for them to stay ahead of the curve. This is not the end though, as BAC is making sure that we head into the holiday season and the new year with more exciting opportunities, events and guests before we kick off 2025. So, stay tuned and get ready to learn!