Chief Justice Dato Seri Paduka Steven Chong spoke with Bruneian law students in the United Kingdom during an event at the Brunei High Commission in London on September 30.
The chief justice reflected on the legal profession, describing it as “intellectually demanding and challenging, but also, in my opinion, the most rewarding”.
“The legal profession demands a high standard of ethics, professionalism, and a commitment to justice for all,” he added.
The chief justice urged students to specialise in areas of law in demand in Brunei. He encouraged pro bono work and internships as opportunities to develop practical skills and enhance work readiness.
He also stressed the importance of mentorship in bridging the gap between legal education and practice. He called on students to actively seek mentorship to learn essential skills and uphold the values and traditions of the legal profession.
He also discussed the value of additional qualifications in alternative dispute resolution and noted the efforts by the Judiciary and the Brunei Darussalam Arbitration Centre (BDAC) in promoting mediation services.
The event marked the first time the chief justice and members of the Judiciary engaged with Bruneian law students in the UK.
At the event, Acting Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court Hajah Hazarena binti POKSJ DP Haji Hurairah also delivered a presentation on Brunei’s justice system and legal practice.
The event was attended by Bruneian law students both in person and virtually, along with senior judicial officers from the Supreme Court of Brunei Darussalam, and representatives from the Brunei High Commission and Brunei Students’ Unit in London.
Also present at the event was Brunei Darussalam High Commissioner to the United Kingdom First Admiral (Rtd) Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Norazmi bin Pengiran Haji Muhammad and the Director of Studies of the Brunei Students’ Unit Mohammad Danny bin Aimi. – FADLEY FAISAL
