About NEUC

New Era University College: An Introduction

New Era University College (NEUC) is a non-profit, private university college in Malaysia that was established in 1997, following the closure of Nantah University in Singapore in 1980. Its establishment was made possible through extensive efforts and steadfast support from the Chinese community.


NEUC is one of the few non-profit universities in Malaysia. In 2016, NEUC was granted University College status by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education. This has enabled NEUC to offer its own undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. All courses NEUC provides are approved by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). NEUC currently has nine faculties including the Institute of International Education; the Graduate School; Arts and Social Sciences; Art and Design; Communication, Cinematic and Performing Arts; Accountancy, Management and Economics; Computer Science and Information Computing Technology; the Institute of Ageing and Professional Care; and Health, Safety, Security and Environment.  In addition, the Institute of Vocational and Continuing Education is one of the centres authorised by the Ministry of Human Resources (PSMD, HRDF) to offer the "Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM)" as well as to conduct professional courses in technical occupations.


NEUC offers a diverse range of programmes, encompassing both research-based and coursework-based approaches. This highlights its distinctive position within the national educational landscape. Notably, in alignment with the Belt and Road Initiative initiated by the President of China, NEUC has established specialised Master’s programme in ASEAN Studies, PhD programme in Southeast Asia Studies, and Master’s and PhD programmes in Chinese Studies, specifically catering to the Greater China region. These programmes aim to foster an increasing number of experts in China and Southeast Asia who can effectively facilitate comprehensive collaborations between the two regions across various domains. Furthermore, the Faculty of Accountancy, Management, and Economics has entered into a collaborative partnership with Wrexham University (formerly known as Glyndwr University) in the United Kingdom, offering a joint dual degree programme since 2018. Moreover, the Department of Education has introduced the sole Bachelor of Education programme in Malaysia with a specific focus on Teaching Chinese as a Second Language. Additionally, the Department of Chinese Language and Literature offers a wide array of research areas, including China Studies, and Local and Southeast Asia Chinese Studies. This has garnered considerable recognition for the department’s exceptional scholarly expertise. In this regard, NEUC stands as one of the foremost Chinese-language universities in the world, attracting a significant number of scholars specialising in Chinese studies and individuals with extensive knowledge of China. Among them, there are researchers conducting studies in English as well as publishing their research in Chinese.


In recent years, NEUC has experienced a surge in popularity among both domestic and international students. Notably, there was a remarkable increase in enrolment by 51% in the number of local students in 2018, signifying a significant growth trend. This exceptional performance continued to 2022, with a growth rate of 1.18 times, further solidifying NEUC's outstanding reputation and earning it the prestigious "Sin Chew Education Award" within the local educational landscape. In terms of international student recruitment, NEUC has also achieved remarkable success. Since obtaining accreditation from the China Service Centre for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) and China's JSJ Study Abroad Network in May 2020, the college has successfully attracted over 600 students from diverse countries such as China, the United States, Indonesia, India, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. Furthermore, NEUC actively engages in collaboration with more than 160 universities worldwide, establishing cooperative partnerships through the signing of memoranda of understanding. The collective achievements of NEUC underscored its remarkable success and recognition within the realm of Chinese education.


Professor Dr. Mok Soon Chong, the Vice-Chancellor of NEUC, is dedicated to cultivating a distinguished Chinese-language institution while preserving Chinese culture. He aims to bridge Eastern and Western influences, to establish a strong presence in Southeast Asia, and to establish a multicultural university. NEUC has strong support from the Chinese community, with long-standing relationships with entrepreneurs as well as recognition from philanthropists and the Chinese-language media. The university actively engages in communication and collaboration with over 500 Chinese enterprises, forging connections that range from deep partnerships to more casual associations. NEUC prioritises the establishment of industry-academia centres, aiming to excel in collaboration. Ultimately, NEUC is committed to providing practical education that ensures the comprehensive development of its students.


The curriculum at NEUC is primarily conducted in English, except for the Teaching Chinese as a Second Language programme and the Chinese Language and Literature programme. However, most extracurricular activities and clubs are conducted in Chinese. Concurrently, NEUC has established the Centre of Multi-ethnic Interaction, with the goal of serving as a conduit for peaceful communication and cultural exchange between communities. It is evident that NEUC places great importance on amalgamating local cultures while also celebrating the rich tapestry of Chinese culture. This commitment results in a high-quality, secure, and diverse learning environment. The Tan Lark Sye Library, a remarkable highlight of the campus, houses the largest collection of Chinese titles in the country. Notably, it features special collections such as the Fang Xiu Collection, the Lee Yip Lim Collection, the Yong Ching Fatt Collection, the Lee Kim Chong Historical Collection of Malaysian Chinese Literature, the Tay Lian Soo Collection, and the Nantah Resource Centre. As a result, the Tan Lark Sye Library has become a significant research centre for Southeast Asian Chinese Studies. These valuable collections are readily accessible to scholarly experts and postgraduate students, facilitating research on Chinese and Southeast Asia-related topics, particularly topics in the Greater China Region.


Moreover, NEUC places great emphasis on cultivating a vibrant campus environment that encourages students' creativity and innovative thinking. In 2019, NEUC fully funded and supported the release of a student-produced song album entitled "Flying High". Besides that, NEUC also organised convocation and grad fiesta, collaborated with merchants to create a platform with exclusive member benefits, and even launched the New Era UC Member APP to benefit all NEUCians.


In summary, NEUC combines its historical heritage with a forward-thinking approach, actively seeking new opportunities, and embracing global perspectives. NEUC maintains strong connections with the local community while engaging with the broader international context. With a focus on creativity and humanistic values, NEUC cultivates an environment of innovation, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the arts and humanities, and is committed to creating a brand new "academia-industry research campus".

The beginning

New Era University College is located on Huaqiaogang (Huaqiao Mound) in Kajang, Selangor which covers 8.5 acres.


The land was previously occupied by the former Kajang Hua Qiao School. In 1948, the British colonial government issued an emergency decree, and the Kajang Hua Qiao School was occupied by the British Army. The premise was not returned until independence in the 1950s. In 1974, the Kajang Hua Qiao School Property Trustee Association (composed of eight registered groups in Kajang; namely the Yuhua Alumni Association, the Hulu Langat Guangdong Association, the Hulu Langat Hakka Association, the Hulu Langat Hokkien Association, the Kajang Merchants and Mines Association, the Shanyu Club, the Guangdong Cemetery Association, and the Minsheng Sports Association) leased the school land to Merdeka University Sdn. Bhd. as the site to establish Merdeka University.


On 1 October 1989, the Kajang Hua Qiao School Property Trustee Association donated the school land to Merdeka University Sdn. Bhd. for the purpose of establishing a Chinese higher education centre. On 19 December 1993, the Kajang Merdeka University-Independent Middle School administration building was completed and was subsequently utilised as the administrative office of Dong Zong.


On 27 August 1994, Dong Jiao Zong Higher Learning Centre Bhd formally submitted the “New Era College Application Form” to the Ministry of Education. On 28 May 1997, the application to establish New Era College was approved by the Ministry of Education.


In the more than 180-year long history of Chinese education in Malaysia, the founding of New Era College was to be another new starting point for Chinese education following the closure of Nanyang University in 1980 and the unsuccessful lawsuit of 1982 in applying to establish Merdeka University. Today, the long-cherished dream of the Chinese community in our country to realize a comprehensive mother tongue education system starting from the primary, to the secondary, and finally the tertiary level has now begun to shine.


New Era College was founded by Dong Jiao Zong Higher Learning Centre Bhd. It is a private college funded by people across the country who are passionate about Chinese education. When the first classes commenced in early 1998, it was necessary to use shipping containers as classrooms due to lack of space. It was not until September 2001 when the education building and the Yinshui Siyuan Dormitory building were completed and utilised that the problem of lack of space in the college was resolved.


Once the college was officially granted permission to establish in 1997, a fundraising campaign to raise the “New Era College Construction and Development Fund” was launched in full swing across the country. During that time, the scale of the original building was expanded, and it was decided to build an education building and the Yinshui Siyuan Dormitory building. The school officially broke ground in 1999 and was completed by the end of 2001.


The huge construction funds for the two buildings of New Era College were accumulated bit by bit mainly under the leadership of Dong Zong, who mobilized people across the country who are passionate about Chinese education. Some contributed money, while others contributed in other ways. In many places, a variety of fundraising activities were carried out rapidly, such as charity bazaars, charity dinners, charity walks, charity performances, etc. The activities also include fundraising campaigns, commemorative gold and silver badge sales, naming classrooms after donors, as well as various other avenues to raise construction funds.


In 2001, the Pulau Pinang State Working Committee and the Perak State Working Committee were established to raise funds for the construction and development of New Era College. They launched large-scale and systematic fundraising at the local level and achieved remarkable results. The people of northern Malaysia, together with the people of southern Malaysia such as those in Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and other states have gathered like a wave across the country. Through fundraising, the profound significance of the construction of the college was deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. In achieving “all-out fundraising and beyond fundraising”, the campaign has truly demonstrated the great determination and strength of the masses to work together to establish a national institution of higher learning.

Becoming a university college

On 30 December 2016 New Era was upgraded to University College status by the Ministry of Higher Education. This upgrading allows New Era University College to confer its own degrees and post-graduate degrees. Three faculties were thereupon formed out of existing departments and entrusted to develop and introduce new degree courses. At the same time diploma courses continued to be offered. These diploma courses while preparing graduates for a working career also serve as a pathway to degree courses in New Era and in partner overseas universities.


Following its upgrading Prof Mok Soon Chong became Vice-Chancellor and Prof Voon Phin Keong and Prof Lee Kam Hing were appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellors. In October 2018 the Graduate School was set up under the leadership of Prof Diana Wong. The Graduate School presently offers a Ph.D in Education by research programme.


New Era continues to be a non-profit making institution. The fees it charges are therefore very affordable. At the same time, it provides a large number of scholarships and fee waivers to deserving students. To encourage the further growth of a more multi-ethnic student body, New Era extends scholarships to groups less represented.



New Era soon gained a reputation for its commitment to research. It has the Tan Lark Sye Research Centre which funds research especially on Chinese society and culture. The centre has since expanded its research on the wider society.


In this commitment to quality teaching and research, the Tan Lark Sye Library plays an important part. Over the years the library has become one of the largest among private universities in the country with a collection of nearly 200,000 books. This includes books donated by individuals, the most recent being the Yong Ching Fatt Collection. Perhaps most noteworthy, New Era has the largest collection of Chinese titles in the country. The library is open for use to members of the public.


Since 2012 New Era publishes two academic journals. They are the Malaysian Journal of Chinese Studies which is in English and the Malaysian Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences which is in Chinese. The two journals have an international circulation and attract contributions from both local and overseas scholars.

History Timeline

  • 28 May 1997

    New Era College is approved by the Ministry of Education.

  • 1 March 1998

    New Era College Officially Opens.

    1st Principal, Dr Ang Tian Tse (1998-Sep30, 2000)

    First intake of 148 students begin their courses
    under three departments:
    Department of Business Studies
    Department of Information Technology
    Department of Chinese Language and Literature.

    Classes were conducted in containers in the early years. Even as funds were being raised for the other two blocks, education remained the top priority.

  • 2001

    Department of Media Studies is formed

    Offering Associate Degree in Media Studies.

    2nd Principal, Dr Kua Kia Soong  (Oct 1, 2000 - Dec 31, 2008)

  • 2002

    Happenings

    21 July, 2002:
    Official opening of hostel (Block C) and academic (Block B) blocks.
    Campus facilities include computer labs, classrooms and lecture hall, a 600-seater auditorium, a cafeteria, and an outdoor performance / speakers area adoringly called ‘Empty Space’.

    Diploma in Counselling and Guidance is launched under external programmes department. It is the first Chinese-medium course in Counselling and Guidance offered at tertiary level in Malaysia.

    Department of Art and Design is formed offering:
      Associate Degree in Visual Arts
      Associate Degree in Visual Communication
      Associate Degree in Interior Architecture

    Kajang Observer (publication under Media Studies) is launched.

    New Era’s Academic Research Centre is set up

    Community service is made a compulsory 1-credit course for all students. This shows the seriousness in the College’s belief in holistic education.

  • 2004

    Library and Ceramic Workshop

    Library is centrally relocated to existing carpark floors. It has one of the best-stocked Chinese Language collection in the country.

    Art & Design Ceramic Workshop opens.

  • 2005

    Breadth and Depth

    As the College continues to provide new facilities, new departments are also set up. The succeeding years are invested into strengthening the various programmes' syllabus to be in line with MQA.

    Department of Drama and Visuals is launched offering Diploma in Drama and Visuals.

    Department of Education is launched offering Diploma in Education.

    Diploma in Fashion and Textile Design is launched under the Department of Art & Design.

    Counselling Centre opens on Block C, 2nd floor. It shows The College's commitment to students' well-being.

  • 2006

    Department of Guidance and Counselling Psychology is launched.

  • 2009

    Upgrade of Diploma in Counselling and Guidance Psychology

    Existing Diploma in Counselling and Guidance Psychology is officially upgraded to (2+2) B.A. in Guidance and Counselling Psychology.

    3rd Principal, Dr Pua Eng Chong (Jan15, 2009-Dec 31, 2011)

  • 2010

    Seven Departments One Vision

    Work on achieving University College gathers momentum.

    Department of Business and IT
    Foundation in Business
    Diploma in Business Administration
    Diploma in Accounting
    Diploma in Information Technology
    Diploma in Web Development Technology
    Certificate in Business Information Technology

    Department of Chinese Language and Literature
    B.A. Chinese Language and Literature
    Foundation in Chinese Communication
    Certificate in Humanities and Social Sciences

    Department of Media Studies
    B.A. Radio & TV (2+2)
    B.A. Advertising & Promotion (2+2)
    B.A. Journalism (2+2)
    Diploma in Media Studies

    Department of Art and Design
    Diploma in Visual Arts
    Diploma in Graphic Design
    Diploma in Interior Design
    Diploma in Fashion & Textile Design

    Department Of Drama and Visuals
    Diploma in Drama & Visuals

    Department of Education
    Diploma in Early Childhood Education
    Diploma in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language

    Department Of Guidance and Counselling Psychology
    B.A. Guidance & Counselling Psychology (2+2)

  • 2012

    4th Principal & 1st Vice-Chancellor, Prof Mok Soon Chong (Since Jan 1, 2012)

  • 2014

    September 5, 2014
    Library renamed to Tan Lark Sye Library.
    The launching ceremony of Resource Centre for Nanyang University.

  • 2015

    May 30, 2015
    The launching ceremony of Fang Xiu collection

  • 2016

    University College Status

    New Era College is officially upgraded to New Era University College on Dec 30, 2016 by the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia.

  • 2017

    April 8, 2017
    The launching of home-grown Degree programmes.

    September 24, 2017
    The launching ceremony of Lee Yip Lim Collection.

  • 2018

    NEUC 20th Anniversary

    April 15, 2018
    The launching of Wisma Perfect New Era.

    May 26, 2018
    20th Anniversary Celebration Ceremony

    July 28, 2018
    The launching ceremony of <Malaysia-Singapore Philanthropist>

    November 11, 2018
    New Era 20th Anniversary Dinner

    December 8, 2018
    The launching ceremony of Lee Kim Chong Historical Collection of Malaysian Chinese Literature.

  • 2019

    January 11, 2019
    Presentation Ceremony of the Malaysia Government's Special Fund Allocation

    March 31, 2019
    The launching ceremony of Yong Ching Fatt Collection

    April 1, 2019
    Establishment of Institute of International Education

    Activities on celebrating the 200th Anniversary of Chinese Education:
    - Tian Jin Bin Hai Lang Hua Cultural Shows
    - Director Ho Lin Huay 20th Anniversary Charity Dinner Concert
    - International Conference on Southeast Asia Chinese and the New Culture Movement

    The first campus folk song album funded by the school in the history of Malaysia's music scene——"Flying High"

    Establishment of Institute of International Education

    Commencement of the first Doctor of Philosophy in ASEAN Studies and Master of Arts in ASEAN Studies class

    "World Presidential Blend Diplomacy Gala Dinner"

  • 2020


    January 1, 2020
    The Department of Computer Science and Information Technology is upgraded into the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Computing Technology (FICT)

    The Faculty of Business and Information Technology is renamed to Faculty of Accountancy, Management and Economics (FAME).

    June 1, 2020
    Establishment of The Institute of Ageing and Professional Care (Instaproc)

    June 16, 2020
    Establishment of The Language and Intercultural Centre and the Centre is managed by the Institute of International Education.
    The Student Enrolment Department is renamed to Sales & Marketing Department

    July 25, 2020
    Commencement Ceremony for International Postgraduate Students (July 2020 Intake)

    August 1, 2020
    The Government Relations Office is renamed to Government Relations & Quality Assurance (QA)

Vision

Our Vision

A premier community-funded tertiary education institution

Our Mission

To nurture holistic, cultured, competent and professional leaders who lead socially responsible lives and add value to the development of the nation

neuc logo

DesignImageMeaning

Three flags flying high Symbolises being proactive, progressive, improvement oriented, optimistic, respectful and open-minded.
Three strong and bright colours (yellow, red, blue) The number three represents pluralism. The combination of  primary colours symbolises the spirit of pluralism and democratic dynamism.
Abstract representation of “E” Represents a new “ERA”.
  Abstract representation of “N” Represents an abbreviation of “New Era”
“N” made up of three plane surfaces supporting the three flags Symbolises the Spirit of Freedom; Independent and Critical Thinking & an Era of Pluralism.

address

Blok B&C, Lot 5, Seksyen 10, Jalan Bukit,
43000 Kajang, Selangor.

phone

03-8740 6392 (Main Line)
03-8210 3709 (Main Line)
03-8740 4392
03-8741 8192
03-8741 4923
03-8741 4924
03-8740 6925
03-8737 9292

email

neuc@newera.edu.my

OFFICE HOURS
Monday to Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
(Off on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays)

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