The City Law School celebrates legal excellence across generations of alumni in Malaysia

Now in its third year, City St George’s, University of London and The City Law School’s Annual Malaysian Alumni Reception in Kuala Lumpur has become a key date in the legal calendar, celebrating our graduates’ lasting contributions to Malaysia’s legal and professional life.

City St George’s alumni from across Malaysia gathered on Saturday 1 November for an inspiring evening of reconnection and celebration at the Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur.

The event brought together over 70 alumni from The City Law School, Bayes Business School, and City St George’s, celebrating the University’s vibrant and growing community in the region.

The highlight of the evening was a panel discussion titled Legal Lineage: Celebrating The City Law School’s Generations of Malaysian Lawyers,which explored the evolving role of City St George’s-educated lawyers in Malaysia’s legal landscape.

Among high-profile guests was The Honourable Justice Datuk Dr. Shahnaz binti Sulaiman (PhD Law, 2015), Judge of the Court of Appeal of Malaysia, who served as Guest of Honour.

Justice Dr Shahnaz reflected on her remarkable journey through public service and academia, and how her doctoral experience at The City Law School shaped her approach to the law and the judiciary.

She was joined by Rachel Chiah (PG Dip Professional Legal Skills, 2014), Partner at Skrine, who discussed her work in infrastructure and renewable energy law and her leadership in advancing Malaysia’s energy transition, and Goviintha Krishnan (PG Dip Bar Vocational Studies), Paralegal at Messrs. Anantha Krishnan and former President of the UK & Eire Malaysian Law Students’ Union (KPUM) represented the most recent generation of Malaysian legal professionals.

Each panellist shared their professional journeys from London to Kuala Lumpur, with inspiring stories across different generations of City St George’s alumni, all of whom are continuing to make waves back in their home jurisdiction.

The discussion was chaired by Nikki Walsh, Associate Dean for Partnerships and Development, and Dr Adrienne Yong, Lead for Global Engagement and Reader in Law, who guided an engaging conversation celebrating the impact of The City Law School’s alumni in the Malaysian legal profession and judiciary over the years.

Professor Mark O’Brien, Deputy Dean of The City Law School, opened and closed the event, by sharing reflections on City St George’s recent achievements and its expanding global outreach. Professor O’Brien emphasised that the CLS values of ambition, community and excellence define our alumni in the legal profession across the globe.

The City Law School extends its special thanks to alumni who have now attended all three Kuala Lumpur receptions since this annual tradition began. We are especially honoured by the continued presence of a valued and longstanding friend of The City Law School, The Right HonourableTan Sri Hasnah binti Dato' Mohammed Hashim, Chief Judge of Malaya.

Following the panel and Q&A session, guests enjoyed an evening of networking, conversation, and celebration. Alumni reconnected with classmates, met fellow professionals, and exchanged ideas in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

The Kuala Lumpur reception forms part of City St George’s ongoing engagement with its Malaysian alumni community. The evening stood as a celebration of professional excellence, international collaboration, and the enduring global impact of City St George’s alumni.

View all photos of the evening’s celebrations.