Updates

[AAS & IJM] Anti-trafficking Collaboration & Training (ACT) | 20 September 2025 @ Hilton Hotel, Kuching

Dear Members,

Event: Anti-Trafficking Collaboration & Training (ACT)

The Advocates Association of Sarawak will be collaborating with International Justice Mission Malaysia (IJM) to organize an Anti-Trafficking Collaboration & Training (ACT) for lawyers and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Sarawak. IJM is an international NGO that partners with local authorities through 44 offices across 29 countries to protect people in poverty from violence, and its Malaysian office currently focuses on combatting labor trafficking.

This event aims to provide participants with an overview of the issues and laws related to forced labor and trafficking in persons (TIP) in Malaysia. It also seeks to present opportunities for legal practitioners and NGOs from diverse backgrounds to provide support to TIP survivors, NGOs or local authorities engaging in the legal process for TIP cases.

The details of the event are as follows:-

Date:              20 September 2025 (Saturday)
Time:              9.00 AM – 2.30 PM (Refreshments and lunch will be provided)
Venue:            Hilton Hotel, Kuching
Dress code:    Smart casual

Agenda:          

1.      Overview of legal framework and context on TIP and forced labor
2.      Case study on identifying TIP victims using legal elements in breakout groups
3.      Knowledge sharing session on legal process for TIP cases with insights on the roles of lawyers and NGOs
4.      Networking lunch with open Q&A session

Speakers:

Aileen Yeo serves as the Legal Services Lead at IJM Malaysia where she leads IJM Malaysia’s efforts to provide legal support to TIP survivors, NGOs and local authorities. Prior to IJM, Aileen formerly practised as a Legal Associate in the areas of employment law and civil litigation. She holds a Law LLB (Hons) from Cardiff University and was admitted as a Barrister-at-Law (Middle Temple) in 2016 and as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in 2017.

Rozanne Yong serves as the Lead for Survivor Services at IJM Malaysia, where she oversees efforts to support TIP survivors through trauma-informed care and holistic restoration. Her work involves coordinating survivor-centered services and collaborating closely with government authorities, NGOs, and community partners to ensure survivors receive the support they need for long-term wellbeing. Prior to IJM, Rozanne worked in a community development organization focused on empowering children and families from underprivileged communities. She holds a Bachelor of Business and Commerce with a double major in Marketing and Economics.

This event is free of charge for our members, but advance registration is required. Kindly register by completing the registration form at [https://forms.gle/CH6Up4fnTujiGMrT6] by 15th September 2025. Please note that registration will close once the deadline has passed or when maximum capacity of 30 participants is reached, whichever comes first.

Please see enclosed the agenda for your kind attention. 

Kindly contact the undersigned at 0128538822 should you require any clarification. 

Regards,
Gurvir Singh Sandhu
The Advocates Association of Sarawak (CENTRAL)