Sunway University at the Law & ADR Career Convention Malaysia 2026

Sunway University’s Centre for Commercial Law and Justice (CCLJ) was represented by Dr Priya Sharma, Associate Professor and Head of CCLJ, at the KPUM Law & ADR Career Convention Malaysia 2026, held on 29 August 2026 at the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) in Kuala Lumpur.

Organised by the United Kingdom & Eire Malaysian Law Students’ Union (KPUM), the convention brought together law students, young graduates, academics and legal professionals to explore the many career pathways available within the legal profession, including opportunities in alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

Dr Priya joined the panel discussion, “Unlocking Possibilities: Redefining Success in the Legal Profession”, alongside Ms Nicola Tang Zhan Ying, Partner at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill; Mr Suhaib Ibrahim, Partner at Skrine; Mr Indran Shanmuganathan, Partner at Shearn Delamore & Co.; and Ms Adrienne Sena, Partner at Messrs Steven Thiru.

The panel explored the diverse career pathways available to law graduates, extending beyond traditional private practice to areas such as corporate law, employment law, dispute resolution, arbitration, regulatory work, policy and business. The discussion also looked at the skills and qualities needed to navigate these opportunities, while challenging conventional ideas of career progression and what it means to build a successful, meaningful and lasting career in the legal profession.

One of the key messages Dr Priya shared with students was simple: build your skills, but don’t lose your own voice.

While a legal education develops valuable skills in critical thinking, advocacy, negotiation, research, communication and problem-solving, these skills can take graduates in many different directions. Dr Priya encouraged students to think about what interests them, what they value and where they feel they can make a difference.

She also reminded participants that a legal career does not have to follow a straight line. As interests and experiences develop, new opportunities can emerge in unexpected ways.

For aspiring lawyers and young graduates, the message was clear: stay curious, build your capabilities, know your values and remain open to change.

The convention provided a valuable opportunity for students to hear directly from experienced legal and academic professionals with different career journeys and perspectives, while reflecting on the many possibilities that a legal education can open up.

Sunway University thanks KPUM for creating this space for conversation and for bringing together students, academics and members of the legal profession to share experiences and insights with the next generation of legal professionals.