SINTOK – Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and Inns of Court Malaysia (ICM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the legal field, thus strengthening the strategic collaboration between the two institutions.
UUM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan, stated that the signing of the MoU will undoubtedly foster a closer partnership between UUM and ICM.
“Various activities, particularly involving the exchange of legal expertise, can offer added value to students and the School of Law (SOL), contributing to the enhancement of legal skills development and the overall agenda.
“This bilateral collaboration is crucial for enhancing the standards of the legal profession through the promotion of excellence in professionalism, ethics, and integrity, which are the key objectives of ICM,” he said at the programme organised by the UUM School of Law.
Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan also highlighted insights from the Director of the Center on the Legal Profession at Harvard Law School, Prof. David Wilkin. He noted that an IMF report 40% of jobs globally, including in the legal field, could be impacted by artificial intelligence.
“Hence, this law lecture has significantly enhanced attendees’ knowledge, particularly on the ethical and legal issues related to the development of artificial intelligence.
“A study conducted in 2023 by Robert Walters in Malaysia, shows a rising trend in the career path of ‘in-house lawyers,’ which helps reduce the income disparities within the private sector.
“Indirectly. today’s programme has the potential to broaden students’ minds, especially future law graduates, as they explore career options in the legal field following graduation,” he added during the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Signing Ceremony between UUM and ICM, at Seminar Hall A, UUM Convention Centre.
UUM always strives to improve academic quality in line with current industry requirements.
The study programmes offered by UUM are designed to ensure that the knowledge acquired in lecture halls is applicable and relevant to the current requirements of the workforce.
“UUM recognises the importance of industry involvement in academia and has integrated industry engagement as one of its Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) within its University Strategic Plan.
“Close collaboration with industry partners ensures that UUM’s academic programmes produce a workforce equipped with expertise meet industry demands, while also fostering further development, particularly in the legal sector.
“In the Malaysian legal landscape, UUM views ICM, a professional membership body comprising judges, lawyers, legal experts, and scholars, to be an ideal partner to add value to its law programmes, he said.
Meanwhile, President of Inns of Court Malaysia, Tun Arifin Zakaria, encouraged students to explore a career in law, describing it as both engaging and adaptable.
“The legal profession offers promising prospects and significant potential for growth, with services accessible across various agencies, industries, and conglomerates.
“To students, study diligently, work hard, remain competitive, be bold in sharing opinions, and prepare to step into the legal profession,” he advised.
Earlier, Tun Arifin also shared valuable experiences and insights during the law lecture titled “Ethical and Legal Issues in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Development.
Additionally, the event featured a legal forum entitled “Emerging Trends in Corporate Governance: The Evolving Role of In-House Counsel,” with panellists comprising Kuala Lumpur High Court Judge Dato’ Aliza Sulaiman; Kangar High Court Judge Dr Arik Sanusi Yeop Johari; Prof. Dr Nuarrual Hilal Md. Dahlan from UUM; and Malaya High Court Judge and ICM Vice President 2, Datuk Seri Mohd Firuz Jaffri. The discussion was moderated by member of the UUM Student Representative Council, Ms. Nur Nazirah Hisham.
