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 February 28^th  and March 1^st, 2026, at the Faculty of Law, Universiti Malaya.

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

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.

In the Jessup Moot, students argue a complex hypothetical dispute between two fictional states before a simulated International Court of Justice (ICJ). The competition challenges participants to demonstrate exceptional legal research, analytical reasoning and persuasive courtroom advocacy, making participation itself a highly respected accomplishment in the global legal academic community.

The road to the Jessup 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 sessions.

For many members of the team, the journey itself became one of the most meaningful aspects of the experience.

“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,” said Amanda Danielle Fernandez.

At the national rounds, the 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 round, the BAC mooters delivered an exceptional performance that earned them the title of Champions of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition 2026 (National Rounds).

Reflecting on the team’s victory, team member Khor Xin shared how surreal the moment felt after months of preparation; “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. Can’t wait to continue our Jessup journey in Washington!”

Adding to the team’s success, Joshua Paren Paul received the prestigious Best Oralist Award, recognising his outstanding advocacy and exceptional courtroom presence throughout the competition.

Reflecting on both the individual recognition and the collective effort behind the team’s success, Joshua said “I am proud of what our team has managed to accomplish and happy to see our potential and abilities grow over the past few months. Winning over one weekend is only a reflection of the amount of work we have put in over the past few months. While I am honoured to receive the Best Oralist Award, this was only possible because of the trust and support that I received from my teammates. We are very happy to go to Washington, not just with BAC’s name on our shoulders, but also under the Malaysian flag.”

Beyond the victory, the Jessup Moot also provided the team with a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of public international law and courtroom advocacy. The months of preparation and the experience of competing at the national level allowed the students to apply their academic knowledge in a highly practical and demanding environment.

For Shamalan A/L Santhidran, the competition offered insights that extended far beyond the classroom; “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.”

Following their national triumph, the Team BAC will now represent Malaysia at the international rounds of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in Washington.

In recognition of the team’s outstanding achievement, BAC will fully support their participation in the international rounds by sponsoring their flights, accommodation and visas, along with a travel allowance, enabling them to compete confidently against some of the world’s leading law schools on the global stage.

The accomplishment has been met with immense pride across the BAC community. Raja Singham, Co-founder and Chief Future Officer of BAC Education, praised the students for embodying the spirit of excellence and determination that defines BAC.

“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.”

Echoing this sentiment, Moo Tik Pin, Head of Student Engagement at BAC, highlighted the journey and 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. We are excited to support them as they represent Malaysia in Washington.”

For the team, the opportunity to compete internationally is both an honour and a defining milestone.

“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,” said Ellana Bareng.