Just weeks after being crowned national champions, a team of five BAC mooters found themselves thousands of miles from home in Washington, D.C., stepping into one of the most prestigious arenas in global legal advocacy. The White & Case Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition 2026 was no longer a distant goal — it was real.

For Joshua Paren Paul, Amanda Danielle Fernandez, Ellana Bareng, Khor Xin, and Shamalan A/L Santhidran, the journey from months of preparation in Malaysia to the international stage marked more than just academic success. It was the culmination of discipline, doubt, growth, and belief.

Held from March 28^th to April 4^th, 2026, the Jessup International Rounds brought together the world’s top law schools, each team representing not just their institution, but their country. Across four preliminary rounds, the BAC team faced formidable opponents from Turkey, Bangladesh, China, and Azerbaijan, navigating complex legal issues under pressure in a simulated International Court of Justice. They secured a hard-fought victory against Turkey, alongside three closely contested rounds that tested every ounce of their preparation.

Beyond the courtroom, the Jessup experience unfolded in moments that went far deeper than competition. At the Opening Ceremony and the Go National Ball, the team proudly carried Malaysia with them, dressed in traditional attire and holding the Malaysian flag as they shared their culture with peers from around the world. In those moments, they were not just students — they were ambassadors.

A visit to the Malaysian Embassy in Washington, D.C. further enriched their journey, offering insight into Malaysia’s presence abroad and allowing them to engage with Education Malaysia officers.

What the world witnessed in Washington was only the final chapter of a much longer journey. Months earlier, the team had been immersed in preparation, navigating long hours, uncertainty, and the pressure of not knowing how far they would go.

As Amanda Danielle Fernandez reflected:

“I’d describe Jessup as a whirlwind of emotions. The 6 months of preparation was mostly rigorous and draining, we worked and worked with our head down, without any certainty of how far we will progress. On some days we were hopeful, on some we weren’t confident. On some days we wanted to win, on some we just enjoyed the experience. In the end, we progressed even further than we expected and made it to Washington. As a whole, the experience was bittersweet, but nevertheless fruitful and rewarding in the end. I would like to extend my gratitude to Mr Raja Singham and BAC, for making this possible.”

For Shamalan A/L Santhidran, the experience was equally transformative:

“The competition surely required a lot of time and effort from my teammates and I. Countless hours of consistent effort were put in discussions, drafts, and training sessions on a weekly basis before the actual competition. However, the competition itself has truly been an enriching experience that helped improve my advocacy skills as well as my knowledge of public international law. The international rounds in particular have helped my teammates and I understand the greater nuances in topics concerning public international law and enlightened us on oral advocacy skills expected of world-class advocates. Overall, a truly memorable experience. I would like to thank Mr Raja Singham and the BAC management for their unwavering support and guidance throughout the competition.”

Reflecting on her journey, Ellana Bareng shared:

“Jessup was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my law school journey. The months of preparation pushed us beyond our limits, but they also brought us closer as a team. Competing internationally was both humbling and inspiring, and it reminded me why I chose to study law in the first place. I’m incredibly grateful to BAC Management, especially BAC Engage, for their constant support and for making our journey to Washington possible. This experience truly would not have happened without BAC!”

For Khor Xin, the experience was defined by both challenge and camaraderie:

“Our Jessup journey was both challenging and incredibly rewarding, from intense preparation and long hours of guest judge sessions to the thrill of mooting in front of experienced opponents and lawyers. It pushed us to grow not just as advocates, but as a team. Going to the US made the experience even more memorable, and it will definitely feel strange not seeing my teammates and coach every week after everything we’ve been through together. This journey wouldn’t have been possible without BAC’s support. We’re truly grateful to BAC Management for their support every step of the way!”

Joshua Paren Paul reflected on the broader impact of the journey:

“Preparing for the Jessup was both challenging and rewarding, requiring months of discipline, legal research, and teamwork. It pushed us to strengthen our advocacy skills, think critically under pressure, and grow beyond our expectations. More than just a competition, Jessup was a transformative journey. It deepened our legal skills, built our confidence, and broadened our global perspective. I am deeply proud of our team for earning their place on the international stage, and our time in Washington, D.C. It has contributed not only to our academic development but also to a broader, more global perspective. We are also grateful for the support we received from BAC Management and Mr Raja Singham, which made this opportunity a reality.”

Guiding the team throughout this journey was their coach, Koh Shu Huan, who underscored the significance of the experience:

“Jessup demands six months of commitment from its mooters and has long been regarded as the most challenging competition of its kind. It is always fulfilling to see new generations of BAC mooters step forward and brave the uncharted waters of public international law. Preparing submissions for presentation before the International Court of Justice is no small feat. While the exercise may be a simulation, as Professor James Anaya aptly remarked after judging the international finals, ‘it can only get easier from here.’

I am immensely proud of the team for advancing to the international stage, and I hope their time in Washington, D.C. has enriched not only their academic pursuits, but also their broader worldview. The team is grateful for BAC’s financial assistance which made this experience possible.”

In the end, the Jessup journey was not defined by wins or losses, but by the friendships formed, the lessons learned, and the pride carried throughout. The experience has left a lasting impact on the team — strengthening their advocacy, deepening their global perspective, and reinforcing their belief in what they are capable of achieving.

As they return home, they do so not just as competitors, but as individuals shaped by a truly international experience — ready to inspire those who will follow in their footsteps.