Redefining Legal Horizons in the Age of AI and Emerging Technologies
On 14 June 2025, HELP University proudly hosted the 3rd Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Abdul Malek Law Students’ Convention at its Subang Bestari campus. Organised by the HELP Law Society in collaboration with the Faculty of Law and Government, the Convention is held annually to honour the enduring legacy of the late Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Abdul Malek. What was previously known as the Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Abdul Malek Law Students’ Conference has evolved into a full-fledged convention, reflecting its growing significance and the increasing ambition to create a more immersive and intellectually engaging platform for students, scholars, and legal professionals.
This year’s Convention carried the theme “Beyond Boundaries: Redefining the Legal Landscape through AI, Technologies, and More,” exploring the transformative influence of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, data analytics, and digital governance on the legal profession. The programme aimed to highlight how legal institutions must adapt and respond to the challenges of today’s volatile, unpredictable, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environment.
The event was honoured by the presence of Yang Arif Tuan Atan Mustaffa Yussof Ahmad, Judge of the High Court of Malaya at Kuala Lumpur, who delivered a topical and thought-provoking keynote address that reflected on the intersection of law and technology. Among the distinguished guests were Professor Datuk Dr Paul Chan, Chancellor and Co-Founder of HELP University; Datin Chan-Low Kam Yoke, Co-Founder of HELP University; Professor Dr Liew Teik Kooi (Andy), Vice-Chancellor of HELP University; and Professor Dato’ Dr Zakaria Ahmad, Pro-Chancellor of HELP University. Also present were members of the late Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Abdul Malek’s family and alumni of the Faculty of Law and Government, including Mr Ravinder Singh, Mr Aaron Mathews, and Mr Jason Teoh.
The day began in the EMPH Hall with a welcome speech by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Liew Teik Kooi, followed by the keynote address from Yang Arif, Tuan Atan Mustaffa Yussof Ahmad. His keynote set the tone for the day, examining how the legal landscape is being reshaped by technological advancement and urging future legal professionals to stay grounded while embracing change.
The morning programme was structured around three concurrent parallel sessions, each focusing on a different aspect of law and technology. These sessions featured research presentations by students from HELP University as well as external institutions. Parallel Session One, titled “AI & Criminal Justice,” was held at EMPH Hall and moderated by HELP alumnus Mr Ravinder Singh. The session explored how AI tools are influencing criminal justice processes, including investigations and legal decision-making. Presentations covered a wide array of issues, from jury trials in the age of algorithmic influence, to cybercrime, digital forensics, and the international legal response to emerging forms of crime. Notably, while most presenters attended in person, Chong Lip Ming delivered his paper remotely—appropriately reflecting the digital nature of the topics discussed.
Meanwhile, Parallel Session Two, titled “AI, Society & Governance,” was held at BATIC and chaired by Mr Jason Teoh. This session examined the impact of artificial intelligence on public policy, human rights, climate governance, and higher education. Student researchers presented on subjects such as data-driven governance, algorithmic bias in recruitment processes, environmental law, and digital inequality in education. Discussions also centred on the legal and ethical responsibilities of institutions in an era increasingly shaped by automation and artificial intelligence.
Parallel Session Three, titled “AI, Law & Technology,” took place at CLTG and was led by Mr Aaron Mathews. This session addressed the disruption and redefinition of legal principles due to technological innovation. Among the highlights was a presentation by HELP alumna and 2025 Convocation Valedictorian Wong Xin Yi, who explored both freedom of expression in the context of AI and legal ownership of AI-generated works. Other speakers delved into topics such as deepfakes, copyright law, and even the legal implications of WhatsApp blue ticks as a form of digital contract acceptance. Yang Arif Tuan Atan Mustaffa Yussof Ahmad attended the entirety of this session and gave an impromptu closing speech, applauding the students’ sharp insights and thoughtful participation. He remarked on the students’ curiosity, analytical strength, and the refreshing exchange of ideas he had witnessed throughout the session.
Following a networking lunch, the Convention resumed with Legal Insight Workshops and the Career Exploration Expo. These workshops were designed to give students practical exposure to how law and technology intersect in professional settings. Presenters included representatives from SUHAKAM, who spoke on human rights and AI; Lexis Nexis, who addressed the role of AI in legal research; the Malaysian Association of Artificial Intelligence, Technology and Innovation (MAAI); and IPGennesis, an intellectual property consultancy founded by HELP Law alumnus Mr Lawrence Tan, who led a workshop on AI’s influence on IP law.
The afternoon sessions saw enthusiastic participation, with students actively engaging in hands-on activities, asking pertinent questions, and expressing keen interest in internship and career opportunities. The Career Expo added an extra dimension of excitement and networking to the day, with a dynamic, inclusive atmosphere that fostered exploration and aspiration among the participants.
The Convention concluded at around 4:00 PM with a group photography session, marking the end of a highly successful and intellectually enriching event. The 3rd Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Abdul Malek Law Students’ Convention stood out not only as a tribute to a great legal figure, but also as a testament to HELP University’s commitment to preparing future legal minds for the realities of a technology-driven world.