SEGi College Sarawak’s Faculty of Law hosted a thought-provoking forum on 13 September 2025 titled “Criminal Law in Malaysia: The Evolving Role of a Criminal Lawyer”, featuring distinguished practitioners from Thomas, Shankar Ram & Co. Advocates. The session brought together over 40 students and lecturers to engage with YBhg. Dato’ Shankar Ram, Head of Chambers, and Sidharth Shankar Asnani, Legal Associate, in a dynamic dialogue moderated by Chief Organiser Telford Engan Tan.
The discussion examined how the practice of criminal law continues to evolve in line with judicial reform, technological change, and shifting social values. Referencing the landmark UK case R v R [1991], which abolished the marital rape exemption, the dialogue emphasised that law must always respond to society’s progression. This message strongly resonated with students in understanding how principles taught in textbooks connect to real-world advocacy and constitutional contexts, particularly those unique to Sarawak.
Speakers highlighted professional integrity, resilience, and self-driven learning as core attributes for young lawyers. Dato’ Shankar urged students never to compromise ethics for financial gain, reminding them that public trust is the cornerstone of the legal profession. Sidharth reinforced the importance of independent initiative, noting that in an age of unlimited digital resources, aspiring lawyers must take charge of their own development and pace of growth.
This forum demonstrated SEGi’s commitment to preparing future lawyers who are both skilled and socially responsible. According to the United Nations, access to justice and strong institutions are essential foundations for sustainable development, as outlined in SDG 16. Yet challenges remain: the World Justice Project’s 2023 Rule of Law Index shows that 5.1 billion people globally lack meaningful access to justice, underscoring the urgency of cultivating ethical, competent legal professionals.
The programme also aligned with the broader goals of nurturing critical thinking, professional ethics, and community service among students, ensuring graduates are ready to serve society with knowledge, resilience, and integrity. Networking sessions that followed allowed students to connect with practitioners and deepen their appreciation of how legal education extends beyond classroom learning.
This event is organised in support of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
