UTAR launches Faculty of Education to advance excellence in teaching and learning

UTAR marked a proud milestone with the official launch of its newly established Faculty of Education (FEd) on 8 July 2025 at the Sungai Long Campus. The event signified a new chapter in the University’s mission to advance quality education, nurture future-ready educators, and contribute to the evolving landscape of teaching and learning.

The launch ceremony was officiated in the presence of UTAR Council Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Ting Chew Peh, UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, members of the board of trustees, council members, faculty members, industry representatives, and invited guests.

In his speech, Tan Sri Ting underscored the critical role of education in nation-building and the need for continuous innovation in teaching and learning. He shared, “Education is the foundation upon which all societies build their future. It shapes minds, fosters critical thinking, and cultivates values that empower individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world. With the establishment of the Faculty of Education, UTAR is reaffirming its dedication to excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement in this vital field.”

Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe expressed his joy and pride in witnessing the birth of a dedicated faculty that will focus on educational training, research, and innovation. He said, “Education is one of the most powerful tools for nation-building. It nurtures critical thinking, bridges inequalities, and empowers individuals to achieve their fullest potential. As such, the role of educators today is more important than ever. The Faculty of Education will serve as a vital training ground for future educators who possess not only subject expertise but also a genuine passion for learning, teaching, and making a difference.”

The newly launched faculty brings together a suite of academic programmes previously offered under other faculties, now consolidated under one academic entity. These include the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) English Education, Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours), Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Technology, Master in Educational Technology, and Doctor of Philosophy (Education).

Following the launch, an education forum titled Re-configuring Teaching and Learning in the AI Age: Opportunities and Challenges took place. The forum featured insightful discussions on how artificial intelligence is transforming education and how educators can adapt to new methods, tools, and expectations in the digital era.

Moderated by Dato’ Dr Lee Boon Hua, the forum brought together distinguished speakers including Prof Dr Moses Stephens Gunams Samuel, Senior Research Fellow at Taylor’s University; Assistant Professor Dr Othman bin Talib, Head of Praxis, Industry and Community Engagement at UCSI University; and Dr Wong Sien Biang, Dean of the UTAR Faculty of Education. Together, the panellists explored topics such as the integration of AI into classrooms, ethical considerations in education technology, and the opportunities and challenges faced by educators and institutions in adapting to rapid technological change.