UTAR celebrates the launch of Faculty of Chinese Studies and its 15th anniversary

In a significant milestone that honours both legacy and future promise, UTAR officially launched its Faculty of Chinese Studies (FCS) on 29 September 2025. Held at Sungai Long Campus, the ceremony also commemorated the 15th anniversary of the faculty, tracing its scholarly journey from a department established in 2002 to a full-fledged faculty today.

The afternoon ceremony unfolded with cultural elegance, commencing with a melodic performance by the Chinese Orchestra ensemble. This was followed by opening speeches from UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and UTAR Council Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Ting Chew Peh, both of whom reflected on the growth of the faculty and its enduring contribution to Malaysian higher education.

Prof Dato’ Ewe highlighted the evolution of Chinese Studies within the University’s framework and its academic breadth across campuses, noting that, “The Faculty of Chinese Studies has steadily grown into a strong academic unit that not only preserves tradition but also adapts to contemporary needs. With the introduction of the new Applied Chinese Language programme, we are preparing graduates who can thrive in education, media, technology, and cultural exchange.”

Tan Sri Ting

Tan Sri Ting emphasised the broader cultural and societal significance of the faculty. He said, “Chinese Studies in Malaysia is not only an academic pursuit but also a cultural bastion. Over the past fifteen years, the faculty has nurtured talent that contributes deeply to education, culture, and society. Today’s upgrade signifies UTAR’s unwavering support for Chinese education and research, ensuring that this heritage continues to shine both nationally and internationally.”

From left: Tan Sri Ong, Datuk Lim, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Tan Sri Ting, Dr Chong, Prof Ang and Dato’ Sri Hou during the unveiling of the FCS signage

The ceremony’s pinnacle was the unveiling of the Faculty of Chinese Studies signage, a symbolic gesture that marked a new chapter in UTAR’s academic expansion. This act was witnessed by an esteemed gathering that included distinguished guests such as Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Ong Ka Chuan, Council Member of UTAR; Prof Dr Ang Tian Se, founding head of the Chinese Studies Department; Prof Datuk Dr Lim Chooi Kwa and Prof Dato’ Sri Dr Hou Kok Chung, both adjunct professors and pioneers of the faculty; and Mdm Lim Lee Fah and Ms Wong Foong Kiew, past and present chairpersons of the Persatuan Alumni Pengajian Cina (PAPC).

Guests were also treated to a retrospective video highlighting the faculty’s origins, academic milestones, and alumni achievements, alongside warm wishes from collaborators and graduates. A student-led musical performance, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony, added a festive spirit to the formal occasion. In his speech, Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, Dean of the Faculty, expressed heartfelt appreciation to past and present faculty members, partners, and students, affirming a collective commitment to advancing Chinese Studies through scholarship, innovation, and community engagement.

A notable announcement during the event was the introduction of a newly approved programme, the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Applied Chinese Language. As the first of its kind in Malaysia, this degree aims to bridge classical Chinese knowledge with modern applications in education, digital media, and cultural communication. This aligns with the faculty’s mission to develop professionals who are both linguistically proficient and culturally astute, thus enhancing their employability across diverse sectors.

Today, the Faculty of Chinese Studies stands as a vibrant academic unit with around 350 undergraduate students and 150 postgraduate students enrolled across its programmes. Over the years, it has successfully nurtured about 2,000 graduates, many of whom have gone on to serve in education, research, cultural, and public sectors, a testament to the faculty’s far-reaching impact.

With a team of 24 doctoral-level faculty members and four adjunct professors, FCS now offers two undergraduate and three postgraduate programmes. It operates from both the Kampar and Sungai Long campuses and houses the Yu Cai Foundation Centre for Chinese Studies.

As UTAR reaffirms its dedication to preserving cultural heritage while embracing academic excellence, the establishment of the Faculty of Chinese Studies represents not merely an institutional achievement but a renewed commitment to intellectual diversity and cultural continuity.