KUCHING, 11 January 2025 – In a monumental occasion propelled by the objective of fostering excellence in research and legal education, Universiti Malaya (UM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Inns of Court Malaysia (ICM) at the Inns of Court Malaysia’s Grand Night Dinner 2025.
The MoU, which was witnessed by Special Guest of Honour His Excellency The Governor Of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, marks a significant milestone in the development of legal research. Also present was The Right Honourable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, YAB Dato’ Sri Fadillah bin Hj Yusof, who delivered the Keynote Address.
In his keynote address, YAB Dato’ Sri Fadillah commended the effort, expressing confidence that this meaningful collaboration would enhance the legal profession and contribute to the nation’s progress. He stated that ICM’s collaboration with higher education institutions, including Universiti Malaya, fosters cultural exchange and unity, equipping future legal practitioners with the skills to serve Malaysia’s diverse society. He further highlighted that Sarawak, in particular, has excelled in preserving and enhancing these values. Ongoing training on topics such as unconscious bias, cultural sensitivity, and cross-cultural communication is crucial for practitioners at all levels. These efforts, he noted, elevate the quality of legal services and ensure they are delivered with professionalism and integrity.
The MoU signifies the commitment of UM and ICM in facilitating the exchange of insights on global best practices in higher legal education. By fostering academic exchange, contribution of expertise, and joint programs, the MoU aims to advance knowledge and promote areas of cooperation between the two institutions.
Former Chief Justice of Malaysia and President of ICM, YABhg. Tun Arifin Zakaria, emphasized that the purpose of ICM is to foster excellence within the legal profession. He stated that ICM serves as a platform to bridge the gap between different generations of legal practitioners, enabling junior members to learn from the experience and wisdom of their seniors. From the very beginning, ICM has been steadfast in its purpose to nurture connections, facilitate learning, and inspire leadership in the legal community.
The MoU aligns with the objectives of empowering students in their professional development, as the joint activities enable students to network with senior legal professionals and dignitaries. ICM has over 1,300 members comprising members from the Judiciary, the Bar, statesmen, in-house counsel, higher academia, and illustrious jurists, from whom UM law students could benefit significantly. UM and ICM specifically chose Sarawak as the venue for the signing ceremony to endorse and commend UM Law’s initiative to extend its law degree program to young people in Sarawak. This signing represents a momentous milestone in the trajectory of UM and ICM.
The successful ICM Grand Night Dinner, under Organising Chairman Mr. Tan Kee Heng, was attended by several notable guests, including Her Most Gracious Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah binti Mohd. Sanusi, Former Chief Justice of Malaysia YABhg Tun Arifin Zakaria, YBhg. Datin Sri Ruziah Mohd Tahir, Chief Judge of Sabah & Sarawak Tan Sri Dato’ Abdul Rahman bin Sebli, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts; and Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak YB Dato’ Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63, and State-Federal Relations) YB Datuk Hajah Sharifah Hasidah Bt. Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs and UKAS) YB Datuk Abdullah bin Haji Saidol, State Attorney General of Sarawak YBhg. Dato’ Sri Saferi Ali, State Attorney General of Sabah YBhg. Datuk Brenndon Keith Soh, Federal Court Judges YA Datuk Rhodzariah Bujang, Vice President I of ICM YA Datuk Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera, Vice President II and Court of Appeal Judge YA Datuk Seri Firuz Jaffril, ICM Exco Member High Court Judge YA Tuan Nadzarin Bin Wok Nordin, Retired Federal Court Judge, Director of the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) and Deputy President of ICM Dato’ Mary Lim Thiam Suan, Dean of Universiti Malaya Law Faculty Professor Jason Chuah Chin Tik, JAC Member YBhg. Dato’ Sri Talat Mahmood, YBhg. Datin Sri Professor Norbani binti Mohamed Nazeri, Former State Attorney General of Sarawak YBhg Datuk Abdul Razak Tready, Former State Attorney General of Sarawak YBhg. Dato’ Sri Fong Joo Chung, ICM Corporate Member Regional Head of Legal Maybank Berhad Ms. Dalvin Kaur, Head of Legal Sarawak Energy George Chapman, and many other statesmen, judges, and dignitaries.
