The Taylor’s Law School Awards Ceremony was held on the 3rd of April 2019. Officiated by Dato’ Abdul Fareed Abdul Gafoor, the newly minted President of the Malaysian Bar Council, students with exceptional achievements in extracurricular activities and academic performance were recognized for their tremendous efforts. This also coincided with the first “DiaLAWgue” session of 2019. The close collaboration with partners in the legal industry was exceedingly apparent as representatives from various premier law firms in the country were present during the ceremony.
Industry partners in attendance include Azmi & Associates, Shearn Delamore & Co., Daniel & Wong, Zaid Ibrahim & Co., Chooi & Company + Cheang & Ariff, Sivananthan Advocates & Solicitors, Ariff Rozhan & Co, Y N Foo & Partners, Cecil Abraham & Partners, Wong Jin Nee & Teo, SKRINE, Lee Hishammudin Allen & Gledhill, Ariff Rozhan & Co., Christopher & Lee Ong, Raja Darryl & Loh, Shook Lin & Bok, and the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC). This also exhibited the commitment of Taylor’s Law School in grooming exceptional legal graduates armed with a holistic education.
The event started off on a solemn note, with Mr Harmahinder Singh, the Head of School of Taylor’s Law School leading a tribute to Professor Norchaya Talib, a visiting professor who sadly succumbed to illness and passed on in February. Professor Jonathan Winterton, the Head of the Faculty of Business and Law, took to the podium to deliver a welcome address, dubbing the law school a “jewel of the faculty of business and law”. Dato’ Abdul Fareed Abdul Gafoor then gave his inaugural address, focusing on the concept of “rule of law” in the context of the present government and the role of the Bar Council in upholding this righteous framework. He proceeded to encourage the students in their pursuit towards a fulfilling legal career and urged them to work hard as they are indeed the future of the Malaysian Bar.
Amitaesh Thevananthan, Sangeeta Suriya Kumar and Gan Yu Ju were among students recognized for their outstanding achievements. Amitaesh nabbed special awards for representing Taylor’s University in the LAWASIA International Moot Competition held in Siam Reap, Cambodia. He was also acknowledged for his outstanding performance in “Malaysia’s Next Advocate”, a national advocacy competition for which he received the grand prize. When asked about his thoughts regarding his success, he stated that:
“I believe you miss 100% of the chances you don't take. Throughout my time in Law School, people have always asked me why I choose to keep getting involved more and more in activities when there already is so much to juggle. It’s simple. Academics are temporary and may get you the necessary qualifications, but self- improvement and development is something that lasts forever and that is something I will continuously work towards. Do things to prove to yourself that you can do it, because if you don't believe in yourself, nobody will.”
Sangeeta Suriya Kumar, who wishes to be social justice warrior, fighting for the oppressed and marginalized, snagged prizes for Best Performance in English Legal System, Malaysian Legal System and Best Overall Performance in Year 1. Sangeeta said that:
“A year ago, I was imagining what must it be like to receive an award, but today my dreams came true. Dream bigger and aim for the stars. Never think you can’t do it as anything is possible.”
Gan Yu Ju, a current third year student who intends to be a litigator, nabbed 6 coveted awards, receiving prizes for Best Performance in Public International Law, Criminal Law, Land Law, Research, Writing & Drafting, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Best Overall Performance in Year 2.
After the ceremony, award recipients, guests and faculty proceeded to the experimental theater for refreshments.
