ALSA x Raja, Darryl & Loh Law Connect
Unlocking Tax & Revenue

The first day of ALSA BAC x Raja, Darryl & Loh Law Connect: Unlocking Tax & Revenue marked a powerful start to a meaningful collaboration between the Asian Law Students’ Association (ALSA) BAC and the renowned legal firm, Raja, Darryl & Loh (RDL). Hosted under the TED initiative for ALSA BAC’s 2024/25 term, the event brought 39 eager participants directly into the heart of one of Malaysia’s top-tier law firms, offering rare, first-hand exposure to the niche yet essential realm of Tax & Revenue law.

A Day at the Firm

From the moment participants arrived, early, orderly, and eager, the tone for the day was set: professional, respectful, and inquisitive. Guided by committee members and RDL’s security team, attendees made their way to the firm’s 26th floor, where an in-depth exploration of Malaysia’s tax law landscape awaited.

The visit began with an insightful session led by Vijey R. Mohana Krishnan, who chronicled RDL’s journey in building its formidable tax department, offering a candid look into the demands and rewards of practicing tax law in Malaysia.

William Wong, followed with a primer on Malaysian tax law, illuminating its many nuances and illustrating the challenges lawyers face in applying statutes to real-world scenarios.

Adding a unique dimension was Chang Ee Leen who shared her transition from a major tax consulting firm into legal practice. Her experience underscored the interdisciplinary nature of tax law and its reliance on both legal acumen and commercial awareness. She also introduced participants to the central topic of the Legal Opinion Writing Competition, reinforcing key concepts from the workshop.

Interactive, Insightful and Inspiring

The panel was expertly moderated by Michael Fork, who not only coordinated the firm tour but also highlighted the importance of practical engagement through the Legal Opinion Writing Competition, which was officially launched during the session. Participants were highly engaged, asking thoughtful questions on everything from tax litigation to career pathways and Malaysia’s evolving tax regime. The openness of RDL’s team fostered an encouraging atmosphere for aspiring legal professionals.

Outcomes That Matter

A total of 39 attendees, including committee members, took part in the event, consistently demonstrating punctuality, discipline, and professionalism. The sessions were highly engaging, with participants posing critical and insightful questions throughout. They left with a strong foundational understanding of tax law and its application to real-world legal scenarios, an essential step in preparing for the upcoming Legal Writing Competition. RDL fostered a truly welcoming and supportive environment, making the experience all the more impactful for everyone involved.

Day 1 of Law Connect did more than just introduce participants to a legal practice area, it immersed them in it. Through direct interaction with experts, an inside look at a top firm’s tax division and the launch of a practical competition, students left better informed and newly inspired.

This initiative exemplified ALSA BAC’s commitment to bridging the gap between academic knowledge and legal practice while strengthening ties with leading industry players. The event was a resounding success and a promising sign of what’s to come in Day Two.