Conference Programme

Welcoming Address by Gregory Das, Chairperson, Bar Council International Malaysia Law Conference 2026 Organising Committee

President’s Address by Anand Raj, President, Malaysian Bar

Opening Address by The Right Honourable Tun Wan Ahmad Farid bin Wan Salleh, Chief Justice, Federal Court of Malaysia

Keynote Address by Lord David Neuberger of Abbotsbury, Former President, Supreme Court of the United Kingdom (2012–2017)

Segment: Law and Society

This session will explore the use of artificial intelligence (“AI”) in sentencing in criminal cases. The focus, in part, will be on how the use of such technology affects the core notions of transparency and the right to a fair trial. The panellists will discuss measures that could be implemented to ensure the efficient and effective use of such technologies for the betterment of the criminal justice system.

Speaker
Dato’ Seri V. Sithambaram, Advocate and Solicitor, Sitham & Associates

Moderator
Devkumar Kumaraendran, Member, Bar Council; Co-Chairperson, Bar Council Criminal Law Committee; Partner, Kumar & Co

Segment: Legal Profession and Professional Practice

Legal professional privilege is a cornerstone of the legal profession. However, as regulatory environments evolve, the absolute nature of this privilege is increasingly tested by the exercise of investigative powers of enforcement authorities. This session explores the shifting boundary between a client’s right to confidential legal advice and the statutory mandates of regulators.

Speakers
(1) The Honourable Justice Dato’ Faizah binti Jamaludin, Judge, Court of Appeal of Malaysia
(2) Colin Liew, Director and Head of International Litigation, Providence Law Asia, Singapore

Moderator
Babu Raj Raja Gopal, Co-Chairperson, Bar Council Committee on AMLA; Partner, Kean Chye & Sivalingam

Segment: Corporate and Commercial Law

This session addresses the position of core competition law principles in the current dynamics of legal practice and commercial relationships. These matters will be examined from the perspectives of legal practitioners and regulators, both locally and abroad.

Speakers
(1) Yon See Ting, Partner, Christopher & Lee Ong
(2) Winnie Ching, Group Director (Legal and Enforcement), Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore

Moderator
TBC

Segment: Law and Society

As the country is said to be on course to become an ageing nation, there is a pressing need to address legislative gaps in the protection of the interests of those with diminishing mental capacity. This session explores the need for a Mental Capacity Act in this jurisdiction to address this matter and safeguard individual autonomy. The panellists will examine case law from other jurisdictions with established mental capacity frameworks and discuss relevant lessons that can be drawn from them.

Speakers
(1) Datin Anit Kaur Randhawa, Co-Deputy Chairperson, Bar Council Constitutional Law and Human Rights Committee; Partner, Asbir, Hira Singh & Co
(2) Ahmad Nizam Abbas, Managing Director, Crescent Law Chambers, Singapore
(3) Chong Yue-En, Founder and Managing Director, Bethel Chambers, Singapore
(4) Carolyn Oh Li Lin, Advocate and Solicitor, Carolyn Oh & Co

Moderator
Shanti Abraham, Advocate and Solicitor, Shanti Abraham & Associates

Segment: Legal Profession and Professional Practice

This session examines the extent to which a specialist advocacy practice can be developed and sustained in a fused profession. The session will also explore the benefits and possible challenges in developing such specialist practices within a fused environment, with reference to experiences from other jurisdictions. The presentations will address the topic from the perspective of practitioners and persons experienced in clerking for barristers.

Speakers
(1) Gopal Sreenevasan, Advocate and Solicitor, Endeavour Group Legal Practice
(2) Z J Jennifer Lim, Advocate, Duxton Hill Chambers, Singapore
(3) David Grief, Chief Executive Officer, David Grief International Consultancy Pte Ltd, Singapore
(4) Lee Ji En, Chief Executive Officer, Chambers Lab

Moderator
R Jayabalan, Secretary, Malaysian Bar; Advocate and Solicitor, Messrs R Jayabalan

Segment: Corporate and Commercial Law

This session addresses the interplay between the core principle of a director’s fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the company and the global shift in emphasis towards environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) mandates. The panellists will examine if there are any tensions between the two concepts, and, if so, how best to navigate them. Other matters to be addressed include the current ESG framework in this jurisdiction and an assessment of the effectiveness of the existing regime.

Speakers
(1) The Honourable Justice Dato’ Ong Chee Kwan, Judge, Court of Appeal of Malaysia
(2) Shyam Divan, Immediate Past President, LAWASIA; Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India
(3) To’ Puan Janet Looi, Partner, Skrine

Moderator
Kiu Jia Yaw, Co-Chairperson, Bar Council Environment, Climate Change and ESG Committee; Advocate and Solicitor, Kiu & Co

Segment: Law and Society

This session brings together policymakers, legislators and scholars from Malaysia and Japan to analyse how different legal systems are rethinking capital punishment. Drawing on Malaysia’s recent reforms and wrongful convictions in Japan, the session will delve into the political, legal and institutional dynamics of moving away from the death penalty, and what these experiences mean for Malaysia’s future direction.

Speakers
(1) The Honourable Ramkarpal Singh, Member of Parliament, Malaysia
(2) Professor Dr Kana Sasakura, Secretary General, Innocence Project Japan
(3) Dato’ Dr Punitha Silivarajoo, Deputy Director General (Policy and Development), Legal Affairs Division, Prime Minister’s Department, Malaysia

Moderator
Abdul Rashid Ismail, Partner, Rashid Zulkifli

Segment: Legal Profession and Professional Practice

What is the position of the core principles of discovery in the ever-evolving age of AI and the management of large volumes of data? This session will consider the extent to which the traditional principles of discovery ought to be maintained or modified considering the increased reliance on advanced methods to process vast amounts of information, such as meta and hyper data systems.

Speakers
(1) The Honourable Justice Atan Mustaffa Yussof Ahmad, Judge, High Court of Malaya
(2) Foong Cheng Leong, Co-Chairperson, Bar Council AI, Cyberlaw and Data Protection Committee; Partner, Foong Cheng Leong & Co

Moderator
Sarah Yong Li Hsien, Co-Chairperson, Bar Council AI, Cyberlaw and Data Protection Committee; Advocate and Solicitor, Sarah Yong & Co

Segment: Corporate and Commercial Law

Malaysia has sought to position itself as a leading arbitration hub in Asia. In addition to reflecting on the original intent behind international arbitration which was to promote international trade by providing investors with an effective and efficient means of resolving disputes through arbitration, this session will address the further steps that could be taken to realise the aim of establishing Malaysia as a pre-eminent seat for arbitration in the region.

Speakers
(1) Dato’ Mary Lim Thiam Suan, President, AIAC Court of Arbitration, Malaysia
(2) Lam Ko Luen, Managing Partner, Shook Lin & Bok
(3) Gourab Banerji, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India; Overseas Associate, Essex Court Chambers, United Kingdom
(4) Nahendran Navaratnam, Partner, Navaratnam Chambers

Moderator
Mohanadass Kanagasabai, Partner, Mohanadass Partnership

Segment: Law and Society

Customary land rights are recognised as having a constitutional footing in many jurisdictions, including Malaysia. These rights are increasingly being tested in contemporary societies with widespread urban development. It is in this context that the principle of the extinguishment of customary land rights often features. This session seeks to address these matters and the position of the core principle of indigenous self-determination amid rapid infrastructural development.

Speakers
(1) Dr Anna Kirk, Barrister, Arbitrator, Bankside Chambers, New Zealand
(2) Dr Colin Nicholas, Founder and Coordinator, Center for Orang Asli Concerns, Malaysia
(3) Dr Yogeswaran Subramaniam, Advocate and Solicitor, Anantha Krishnan

Moderator
Hon Kai Ping, Member, Bar Council; CoChairperson, Bar Council Committee on Orang Asli Rights; Partner, H Y Lee & Hee

Segment: Legal Profession and Professional Practice

This session examines the functions of in-house counsel in the current dynamics of the legal profession. The landscape of today’s legal practice is widely impacted by the accelerated technological advancements and evolving demands from clients and practitioners. In the face of these changes, there is a need to retain certain core principles such as professional integrity, risk management and maintaining standards in work production. The panellists will address these matters from the perspectives of litigators, corporate lawyers as well as high-ranking general counsel.

Speakers
(1) Sudharsanan Thillainathan, Partner, Adnan Sundra & Low
(2) Razman Hashim, Senior Vice President, Group Legal and Group General Counsel, PETRONAS

Moderator
Murad Ali bin Abdullah, Chair, Real Estate and Transactions Committee, LAWASIA; Partner, K’Mura & Co

Segment: Corporate and Commercial Law

This session examines the shift in Malaysia’s legal landscape following the enactment of the Cross-Border Insolvency Act 2026, which adopts the UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency. The panellists will explore how core principles of debt recovery and corporate restructuring are likely to operate in a cross-border context, the emerging tensions between universality and local creditor protection, and the practical approaches practitioners should adopt, drawing on lessons from other Model Law jurisdictions.

Speakers
(1) The Honourable Judicial Commisioner Suhendran Sockanathan @ Saheran Abdullah, Judicial Commissioner of the High Court of Kuala Lumpur (Commercial 11), (Insolvency 2)
(2) Lee Shih, Managing Partner, Lim Chee Wee Partnership
(3) Sim Kwan Kiat, Partner, Restructuring and Insolvency; Deputy Head, Dispute Resolution Group, Rajah & Tann Asia,
Singapore
(4) Alex Chiang, Director, Rodgers Reidy & Co, Malaysia

Moderator
Robert C C Low, Partner, Robert Low & Ooi

Segment: Law and Society

The labour market is evolving with the increasingly pervasive gig economy and the growing prevalence of remote working arrangements. This has brought into focus the position of the core principle of universal social protection in the context of the changing employer-employee relationship. This session seeks to address matters such as the Gig Workers Bill 2025, universalisation of protection through measures such as the i-Saraan Plus scheme and the implications of mandatory Social Security Organisation (“SOCSO”) contributions for gig workers.

Speaker
Sarah Yong Li Hsien, Co-Chairperson, Bar Council AI, Cyberlaw and Data Protection Committee; Advocate and Solicitor, Sarah Yong & Co

Moderator
Karthigesan Shanmugam, Member, Bar Council; Co-Chairperson, Bar Council Industrial and Employment Law Committee; Advocate and Solicitor, Karthig Shan

Segment: Legal Profession and Professional Practice

Various AI tools are now embedded in multiple facets of legal practice. In many respects, these AI tools could be said to outperform the human contribution. However, many in the profession adopt the view that there are countless aspects of legal practice that can never be supplanted by technology. This session will address the now often-asked question: will lawyers be replaced?

Speakers
(1) The Honourable Justice David Goddard KC, International Judge, Supreme Court of Singapore, Singapore International Commercial Court; Former Judge, Court of Appeal of New Zealand (2019-2025)
(2) Mark Dempsey SC, Arbitrator, Mediator and Expert Determiner and Facilitator, Australia
(3) Sathish Ramachandran, Partner, Deol & Gill
(4) Dr Jasmine Begum, Regional Director, Legal and Government Affairs, Microsoft ASEAN, Malaysia

Moderator
Fadhil Ihsan (Dale), Member, Bar Council; Partner, Azwad Ihsan & Co

Segment: Corporate and Commercial Law 

This session addresses the developments in regulatory approaches in view of technological advancements and the increased demand for efficient regulatory approvals in the capital market. The panellists will discuss the recent Practice Note issued by the Securities Commission allowing licensed stockbrokers to offer broking services for digital assets and the aspired shift in focus towards increasing market capital through more listings. The session will also discuss the need to maintain due diligence, investor protection and client asset protection.

Speaker
Wong Sue Wan, Partner, Wong & Partners

Segment: Law and Society

This session addresses the core principle of equal representation and the legal challenges of malapportionment in electoral boundaries. The panellists will examine the potential redelineation exercise for Peninsular Malaysia and the considerations that arise in conducting such an exercise. The presentations will also examine the applicable law relating to the redelineation exercise.

Speakers
(1) Dr Azmi Sharom, Deputy Chairperson, Election Commission, Malaysia
(2) The Honourable Wong Chen, Member of Parliament, Malaysia
(3) Dr Bridget Welsh, Honorary Research Associate, University of Nottingham Asia Research Institute Malaysia

Moderator
Abang Iwawan, Member, Bar Council; Co-Deputy Chairperson, Bar Council Constitutional Law and Human Rights Committee; Partner, Abang & Co

Segment: Young Lawyers

This session features a moot court simulation to demonstrate best practices in advocacy to junior lawyers and the wider Bar. The moot problem will relate to the scope of section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and the right to freedom of expression under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.

Judge
The Honourable Justice Dato’ Lee Swee Seng, Judge, Federal Court of Malaysia

Advocates
(1) Dato’ Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, Founding Partner, Malik Imtiaz Sarwar
(2) Ng Jern-Fei KC, Foreign Lawyer, Lim Chee Wee Partnership
(3) Emily Ho Mei Li, Advocate and Solicitor, Lim Chee Wee Partnership
(4) Abby Si Xinyi, Advocate and Solicitor, Malik Imtiaz Sarwar

Moderator
Nandhini Devi, Chairperson, Negeri Sembilan Bar Young Lawyers and Pupils, Continued Legal Education Committee; Advocate and Solicitor, Nandhini Devi & Co

Segment: Corporate and Commercial Law 

The digital banking industry and its governance structures are in their infancy in Malaysia. This session addresses the balance to be struck between a digital bank’s obligation to adhere to traditional fiduciary duties in banking operations and providing modern AI-driven credit scoring and risk management services. The presentations will provide insights from experienced persons in the law, regulatory authorities and the digital banking sector.

Speaker
Harizal Alias, Director, Financial Development and Innovation Department, Central Bank of Malaysia

Moderator
Richard Wee Thiam Seng, Managing Partner, Richard Wee Chambers

Segment: Law and Society

The recent shift toward greater governmental involvement in the licensing of media platforms has brought into focus the proper role of the Executive in the regulation of the media. This session examines the competing considerations of the State’s role in media licensing and the importance of a free press as an institution that ensures accountability of public authorities.

Speakers
(1) Dr Venkat Iyer, Journal Editor, Commonwealth Lawyers Association; Law Commissioner for Northern Ireland (2008-2015), United Kingdom
(2) Wathshlah Naidu, Executive Director, Centre for Independent Journalism

Moderator
Andrew Khoo Chin Hock, Advocate and Solicitor, Andrew Khoo & Daniel Lo

Segment: Young Lawyers

There are presently multiple avenues of entry into the legal profession in Malaysia. This has resulted in disparities in standards among new graduates prior to the commencement of legal practice. The longstanding proposal to introduce a common bar course in Malaysia has been perceived as a central antidote to remedy the concern. This session seeks to examine whether a unified entry system has now become imperative to ensure that professional standards are maintained in the profession.

Speakers
(1) The Honourable Justice Datin Paduka Evrol Mariette Peters, Judge, Court of Appeal of Malaysia
(2) Professor Dr Jason Chuah FRSA SFHEA, Former Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Malaya (2023-2026)
(3) Santhi Latha, Dean, Rajah & Tann Academy

Moderator
Dato’ Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab, Immediate Past President, Malaysian Bar; Founding Partner, EzriLaw Firm

Segment: International Law

TBC

Segment: Law and Society

This session looks into the legal and ethical boundaries of ministerial power in the context of higher education in the country. The panellists will examine whether the current model facilitates or impedes the core principle of academic freedom and institutional self-governance, with reference to the current framework that provides for Executive involvement in higher educational matters.

Speakers
(1) Professor Zaharom Nain, Director and Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Business and Economics, Allianz Centre for Governance, University of Malaya
(2) U K Menon, Chief Executive Officer, Espact Education

Moderator
Larissa Ann Louis, Member, Bar Council; Co-Chairperson, Bar Council Constitutional Law and Human Rights Committee; Partner, Azri, Lee Swee Seng & Co

Segment: Young Lawyers

Developing a sustainable legal practice can present a challenge to young lawyers today. Technological innovations have accelerated the pace of practice and contributed to the heightened demands of clients and judges. This arises in the context of a highly competitive junior Bar market. This session seeks to provide guidance to young lawyers on building successful practices while upholding the fundamental principles of a practitioner, such as integrity, diligence and fairness.

Speakers
(1) Karen Cheah Yee Lynn, Past President, Malaysian Bar (2022-2024); Partner, Chooi & Company
(2) Kokila Vaani Vadiveloo, Member, Bar Council; Co-Chairperson, Bar Council Government Affairs Committee; Advocate and Solicitor, Kumar Chambers
(3) Jonathan Muk, Advocate, JM Chambers, Singapore

Moderator
Anishaa Sundramoorthy, Chairperson, Bar Council National Young Lawyers and Pupils Committee; Advocate and Solicitor,
Sreenevasan

Segment: International Law

This session will consider whether the current framework of the United Nations is fit for purpose in the current dynamics of world affairs. The panellists will examine whether institutional reforms are required and, if so, the nature of such reforms to enhance the contributions of the organisation to international relations.

Speaker
Dr Tan Hsien-Li, Associate Professor, National University of Singapore; Editor, Asian Journal of International Law

Moderator
N G Vinod, Partner, Law Chambers of Vin Sa & Ian

Segment: Law and Society

This session will examine whether the conditions in Kuala Lumpur have now warranted the reintroduction of local council elections in the city. The panellists will address the possible benefits of doing so, including improvements in democratic accountability and urban governance, as well as potential concerns relating to coordination between local and Federal governments and financial and economic implications. This session will also discuss this topic from the perspective of federalism and other core constitutional principles.

Speakers
(1) Danesh Prakash Chacko, Chairperson, Persatuan Bertindak Pilihan Raya Bebas Dan Saksama
(2) Dr Lim Mah Hui, Member of Penang Forum and Former Penang Island City Councillor

Moderator
Dr Saravanabavan Mathialagan, Member, Bar Council; Co-Deputy Chairperson, Bar Council Constitutional Law and Human Rights Committee; Partner, Madhi Param & Co

Segment: Legal Profession and Professional Practice

This session will examine the position of core principles in relation to the legal profession amid evolving landscapes in the legal system and the wider society. The panellists will address the role of Bar associations in this climate and the steps Bar associations could take to maintain institutional mandates and founding obligations. Delegates will hear both local and foreign perspectives on the topic.

Speakers
(1) Dato Seri Paduka Haji Ahmad bin Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Diraja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Isan, Former Attorney General of Brunei Darussalam (2020–2024); President, The Law Society of Brunei Darussalam
(2) Hin Han Shum, Council Member and Vice-Chairlady, International Legal Affairs Committee, Law Society of Hong Kong

Moderator
Salim Bashir, Past President, Malaysian Bar (2020-2021); Advocate and Solicitor, Salim Bashir, Ruswiza & Co

Segment: International Law

This session will address the current state of international trade and commodities, particularly in view of heightened protectionist measures and the disruptions to the supply of oil to global markets. This session will examine how these developments have affected cross-border transactional dealings and disputes, and the role of the rule of law in the context of such developments.

Speakers
(1) Lim Koon Huan, Partner, Skrine
(2) Paul Tan, Barrister, One Essex Court, Singapore

Moderator
Peter-Douglas Ling, Treasurer, Malaysian Bar; Partner, Peter Ling & Co

Segment: Law and Society

This session will discuss the measures that ought to be implemented to ensure the Lower House of Parliament serves its core constitutional function of legislative scrutiny. The speakers will explore possible institutional reforms such as, amongst others, the empowering of select committees and the incorporation of pre-legislative scrutiny procedures such as Green and White Papers to facilitate bipartisan consultation before the formal tabling of bills.

Speakers
TBC

Moderator
Tan Sri Dato’ Mohamad Ariff bin Md Yusof, Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Parliament of Malaysia; Former Judge, Court of Appeal of Malaysia; Consultant, Cheang & Ariff

Segment: Legal Profession and Professional Practice

This session explores the expectations of judges in the contemporary age of advocacy, where judicial time is at a premium and numerous technologies are at the disposal of counsel and the Bench. The panellists will address the topic from perspectives at all levels of the courts.

Speakers
(1) The Honourable Justice Dato’ Seri Vazeer Alam bin Mydin Meera, Judge, Federal Court of Malaysia
(2) The Honourable Justice Datuk Wong Kian Kheong, Judge, Court of Appeal of Malaysia
(3) The Honourable Justice Dato’ Kenneth Yoong Ken Chinson St James, Judge, High Court of Malaya (Kuala Lumpur) (NCVC 10)

Moderators
(1) Lavinia Kumaraendran, Chairperson, Bar Council Advocacy Training Committee; Partner, Lavania & Balan Chambers
(2) Brendan Navin Siva, Former Chairman, International Advocacy Training Council, Hong Kong; Advocate and Solicitor,
Brendan Siva

Segment: Corporate and Commercial Law

Rapid changes and increased enforcement are leaving businesses constantly challenged to navigate new regulations whilst upholding core ethical and operational principles. This session will explore how organisations can navigate audits and investigations while preserving the principles of transparency, accountability and integrity. The presentations will be delivered from the perspective of regulators and senior figures in the law.

Speakers
(1) The Honourable Justice Dato’ Anand Ponnudurai, Judge, High Court of Malaya (Kuala Lumpur) (NCVC 1)
(2) Mohamed Sufyan Mohd Mokhtar, Director, Regulatory Development and Services Division, Companies Commission of Malaysia
(3) Andrew Chiew Ean Vooi, Partner, Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill

Moderator
Wong Keat Ching, Co-Chairperson, Bar Council Industrial and Employment Law Committee; Partner, Zul Rafique & Partners

Segment: Law and Society

This session will address the position of core administrative law principles in the move toward greater automation in government decision-making. A shift towards automated systems may test central public law principles, particularly the rules related to the delegation of authority and the principles against the fettering of discretion and mechanical decision-making by public authorities.

Speakers
(1) Datuk Brenndon Keith Soh, Sabah State Attorney General
(2) Steven Rares KC, Former Judge, Federal Court of Australia (2006-2023)

Moderator
Abraham Au Tian Hui, Partner, G S Nijar & Associates

Segment: Legal Profession and Professional Practice

Recent developments in mediation-related laws have heightened the significance of mediation in the region. With the current increased case load in the courts, a system that introduces the mandatory mediation of disputes could well be seen to be an attractive form of dispute resolution. This session will address the position of mediation in the legal profession today, with a particular focus on the need to preserve the core principle of party autonomy in the dispute resolution process.

Speakers
(1) The Honourable Justice Dato’ Lim Chong Fong, Judge, Court of Appeal of Malaysia
(2) Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan, Former Judge, Federal Court of Malaysia
(3) Datuk S Nantha Balan, Former Judge, Court of Appeal of Malaysia; Consultant, Adnan Sundra & Low
(4) Andrew Butler KC, Barrister, Tanfield Chambers, United Kingdom

Moderator
Murshidah Mustafa, Vice-President, Malaysian Bar; Partner, Fariz Halim & Co

Segment: International Law

This session explores how the shifting geopolitical alliances today challenge the core principles of international legal norms, including multilateralism and sovereign equality. The panellists will address how recent trade and foreign policies of countries have resulted in the formation of new alliances between nations and the role of international institutions in the context of such shifting geopolitical relations. The presentations will, in particular, examine the state of the traditional rules-based order in the light of contemporary global politics.

Speakers
(1) Tan Sri Datuk Dr Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, Former Executive Director, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Secretariat (2019-2024); Former Secretary General, Ministry of Investment Trade and Industry Malaysia (2010-2016)
(2) Dr Ong Kian Ming, Former Deputy Minister, Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Malaysia (2018-2020)

Moderator
Desmond Ho Chee Cheong, Co-Chairperson, Bar Council International Affairs Committee; Partner, Richard Wee Chambers