On 17th of October 2018, Mr. Philip Koh, the guest speaker for that week’s DiaLAWgue session, stepped up to the podium to give an insightful talk titled, ‘Ethical Decision Making, Professionals, and Corporate Governance’.
He first began with a brief introduction on his past experience and how he joined the corporate world to become a capitalist lawyer. Despite many times he was told that there was – and is – a surplus of lawyers in the world, he resolutely replied, “There would always be room at the top.”
Being a literary enthusiast, he quoted several poets and authors throughout his speech. He particularly mentioned a lecture given by the infamous writer, C.S. Lewis, during which he pictured a ballroom filled with high-ranking generals. In that ballroom, beyond the army regulations of rank and foul, there exists an unwritten system: the ‘inner ring’. Mr. Philip then told the audience that there will come a time when successful graduates will be asked to join the said ‘inner ring’ – but it comes at a cost: one’s integrity.
To paint a better picture, he used many examples of young lawyers compromising their morality by making unethical decisions for the sake of climbing the ladder of success. The reality of the world, he explained, is that everybody loves a winner. Thus, many people cast their better judgment aside for the sake of survival in this dog-eat-dog world. There also exists a pressure to refrain from saying “no” to anything; when confronted, we find ourselves faced with what he called a “decision paralysis”.
He concluded his speech with a tone of hope that shone a light on the somber realities he earlier painted. He reminded the audience present to surround ourselves with the friendship of those who genuinely care for us; they will remind us to keep our decisions in check. He summed everything up with a poem by an Irish writer which reminded us that the choice between what is right and wrong will always be ours.
Mr. Philip’s speech was immensely inspiring and his honest insight on ethical matters was highly appreciated by the students present.
