Student Achievement · Law

BAC Student Mooters Crowned National Champions at the Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition 2026

Five BAC students beat leading universities across Malaysia to take the national title — and will now represent the country at the world rounds in Washington, fully sponsored by the college.

By BAC Newsroom·Published 9 March 2026·5 min read

Brickfields Asia College (BAC) has once again demonstrated its strength in legal advocacy, with its mooting team emerging as National Champions at the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition 2026 (National Rounds). The competition was held on 28 February and 1 March 2026 at the Faculty of Law, Universiti Malaya.

Representing BAC were Khor Xin, Amanda Danielle Fernandez, Joshua Paren Paul, Ellana Bareng and Shamalan A/L Santhidran, guided by their coach, Koh Shu Huan.

What is the Jessup Moot Competition?

Organised by the International Law Students Association (ILSA), the Jessup Moot is the world’s largest moot court competition for law students, bringing together participants from more than 700 law schools across over 100 countries and jurisdictions.

Students argue a complex hypothetical dispute between two fictional states before a simulated International Court of Justice. The competition demands exceptional legal research, analytical reasoning and persuasive courtroom advocacy — making participation alone a respected accomplishment in the global legal community.

A Journey of Growth and Determination

The road to the national championship was far from easy. Over five months of preparation, the team devoted countless hours to researching complex issues of public international law, drafting detailed memorials and sharpening their oral advocacy through rigorous training.

“At first, I didn’t see us getting here. Even the possibility of going to Washington felt so far away. Months later, with the right team, right coach and BAC’s support, we’re finally going to Washington. I guess I finally see it.”

Amanda Danielle Fernandez — team member

A Championship Performance

At the national rounds, Team BAC competed against several leading universities from across Malaysia. Demonstrating confidence, clarity and deep knowledge of public international law, the team advanced through the preliminary rounds and secured a place in the final.

In a highly competitive final, the BAC mooters delivered an exceptional performance that earned them the title of Champions. Adding to the team’s success, Joshua Paren Paul received the Best Oralist Award, recognising his outstanding advocacy and courtroom presence throughout the competition.

“When we were preparing our memorials, I would always say we would win — mostly as a joke. Now that we’ve actually won, I still can’t believe it. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support from my teammates, BAC and our coach, Shu.”

Khor Xin — team member

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Beyond the victory, the Jessup Moot gave the team a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of public international law and courtroom advocacy — applying academic knowledge in a demanding, practical environment.

“The competition has been an enriching experience as I have gained invaluable insight into the realms of Public International Law and advocacy. With a heart full of faith, my team and I shall strive with every fibre of our being to make both BAC and Malaysia proud.”

Shamalan A/L Santhidran — team member

Representing Malaysia on the Global Stage

Following their national triumph, Team BAC will represent Malaysia at the international rounds in Washington. In recognition of the achievement, BAC will fully support their participation — sponsoring flights, accommodation and visas, along with a travel allowance.

“We are immensely proud of this remarkable group of students. Their discipline, intellectual curiosity and courage in the courtroom represent the very best of BAC. To see them now carry both BAC’s name and Malaysia’s flag onto the global stage is truly inspiring.”

Raja Singham — Co-founder & Chief Future Officer, BAC Education

Moo Tik Pin, Head of Student Engagement at BAC, highlighted the growth the students demonstrated throughout the competition: “This victory reflects months of hard work, resilience and teamwork. Watching these students grow into confident advocates and achieve something of this magnitude fills the entire BAC community with pride.”

“Competing in Jessup 2026 has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Winning the national rounds is a testament to the dedication and trust we’ve built as a team. We are honoured to represent Malaysia in Washington.”

Ellana Bareng — team member