Curtin Malaysia students explore corporate governance with legal expert

Miri, Sarawak – 30 September 2025 – Future business leaders at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) had the rare opportunity to learn directly from one of Miri’s leading legal practitioners, when Philip Lau, Principal of Philip Lau & Co, delivered a guest lecture on ‘Duties and Responsibilities of Company Directors and Chief Operating Officers (COOs).’

The lecture, held on 22 September at Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Business, was part of the Faculty’s BLAW2006 unit, where students explore the intersection of business and law. Lau, a seasoned legal expert with years of practice in corporate and contract law, shared real-world perspectives on corporate governance, risk management, and the legal responsibilities of senior executives.

Far from a conventional lecture, the session was highly interactive, with students engaging in a dynamic question-and-answer segment. Many described the experience as an eye-opener that bridged textbook theory with practical industry knowledge.

Dr. Mohammad Belayet Hossain, Lecturer in Business Law at Curtin Malaysia, said the session exemplified the importance of embedding industry engagement in the classroom.

“The guest lecture is part of our ongoing efforts to integrate practical legal knowledge into the curriculum. Hearing directly from an experienced practitioner like Mr. Lau helped our students connect theory with practice, preparing them for the professional challenges ahead,” he remarked.

Dean of the Faculty of Business, Professor Pauline Ho, echoed this, highlighting the long-term value of such collaborations.

“We are committed to equipping our students with both academic rigour and practical skills. Inviting guest speakers from the professional world enhances our teaching, provides diverse perspectives, and fosters a deeper understanding of business law and corporate governance,” said Professor Ho.

The initiative was supported by Curtin Malaysia’s Learning & Teaching (L&T) programme, which focuses on delivering transformative educational experiences through industry collaboration.

With more industry experts scheduled to speak in upcoming semesters, Curtin Malaysia continues to strengthen its role as a hub where academia and industry intersect, preparing students not only for graduation, but for leadership roles in the business world.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Dr. Mohammad Belayet (left) presenting a token of appreciation to Philip Lau as students look on.

Students attentively listening to Lau’s lecture.