UTAR launched TCLI to strengthen social research and policy engagement

UTAR marked a significant milestone with the official launch of the Tun Tan Cheng Lock Institute of Social Studies (TCLI) on 21 April 2025 at its Sungai Long Campus. The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, scholars, and members of the public.

TCLI was established to honour the enduring legacy of Tun Tan Cheng Lock, a visionary statesman and founding President of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), who played a pivotal role in the nation’s path to independence and in safeguarding civil rights for the Chinese community through moderation, unity, and multiracial cooperation.

Delivering the opening address, UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat highlighted the importance of building upon the foundation laid by the Tun Tan Cheng Lock Centre for Social and Policy Studies (TCLC).  He said, “This event is more than a ceremonial beginning. It is the continuation of a legacy and a bold step forward in our university’s mission to advance knowledge, foster engagement, and contribute meaningfully to the development of society.” He added, “Institutes like TCLI are not built only with bricks and budgets, but with ideals, aspirations, and a deep belief in the power of knowledge to shape a better world.”

In his speech, Member of Parliament for Ayer Hitam and MCA President Datuk Seri Ir Dr Wee Ka Siong paid tribute to Tun Tan Cheng Lock’s unwavering dedication to inclusivity and unity. Datuk Seri Wee said, “Tun Tan Cheng Lock was more than a political leader—he was a visionary who believed that national progress is only possible when people work together for the common good.” He further commended UTAR for creating a platform that continues Tun Tan’s mission of fostering multiracial harmony, civic awareness, and balanced public policies. He added, “Let this Institute be a living legacy, one that continues to spark thoughtful dialogue and inspire a deeper sense of civic responsibility in Malaysia and beyond.”

TCLI consolidates the work of two key centres under its umbrella—the Centre for Social and Policy Studies (CSPS) and the ASEAN Research Centre for a Community with Shared Future (ACSF). Both centres will promote high-impact, interdisciplinary research, policy dialogues, and regional collaboration on societal, governance, and cultural development.

The launch builds on the achievements of TCLC, which was established in 2017. Over the past eight years, TCLC has organised 94 events, conducted 20 online surveys, published nine books, and received 183 media features. With the establishment of TCLI, UTAR aims to broaden its outreach, deepen academic collaboration, and contribute more significantly to national development through scholarly engagement.

Also present at the event were TCLI Steering Committee Chairman Adjunct Prof Dato’ Sri Dr Hou Kok Chung, United Malacca Berhad Chairperson and Tun Tan Cheng Lock’s granddaughter Datin Paduka Tan Siok Choo, UTAR Council Member Tan Sri Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn, UTAR Vice President (R&D and Commercialisation) Prof Ts Dr Faidz bin Abd Rahman, UTAR Faculty of Arts and Social Science Adjunct Professor Dr Tan Chee Beng, TCLI Director Assoc Prof Dr Chin Yee Mun, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) Institute of Social Economic Research (ISER) Head Assoc Prof Dr Yap Hon Lun, Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (INSAP) Director Mr Woon King Chai and many more.

The event concluded with a group photo session and a networking lunch, symbolising the beginning of a new chapter in UTAR’s academic and civic journey.