Dear all,

KPUM, which celebrated its 55^th birthday this year, has the distinct privilege of being founded and stewarded through the years by individuals who have gone on to achieve great respect, recognition, and illustrious careers in the law. The Union also enjoyed, up to His Majesty's sad demise in 2014, the Royal Patronage of His Royal Highness Sultan Azlan Shah, a former Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) of Malaysia who was himself a respected lawyer and later jurist who served as Lord President of the Supreme Court from 1980 – 1984. I am humbled and honoured to lead an organization so steeped in history. In doing so, I am reminded always that my able team and I are merely custodians entrusted with its safeguarding for future generations of law students.

The Union remains true to promise and purpose as an umbrella body advocating the interests of Malaysians studying English law. This definition has evolved over the years, and testament to its longevity and mission, the Union has accordingly expanded its reach. In addition to internal students of English law, our members now also comprise those studying English law externally and through transfer programmes. I am proud that the Union has chosen to represent students of these courses, which have made an English legal education more accessible to many. 

Coming in tandem with these new pathways to an English law degree, is a steady rise in the number of student bodies. Amidst this saturation, my vision for the Union’s future is for it to firmly reestablish itself as the premier student body for students of English law. In doing so, we draw upon our history, tradition, values, and people – including our vast network of alumna. 

As a recent degree graduate myself, I am acutely aware of the information asymmetry and perceived lack of access which surround the legal industry. I believe that both sponsors and members will benefit from access to a common platform to share ideas, information, and each sponsor’s distinct message – and it is this platform that the Union will provide. To this end, I am excited to introduce in this prospectus, several exciting new initiatives which now form part of our suite.

In closing, I wish to express my gratitude for the support we have enjoyed over the years from our loyal sponsors, and our members. Any institution is only as good as its people, and I hope you will all continue to throw your weight behind the Union in the years to come.

Goviintha Krishnan
President