Department of Teaching Chinese as a Second Language

As the core academic unit dedicated to the cultivation of International Chinese Teachers, the Department of Teaching Chinese as a Second Language operates under the Institute of International Education. Led by Associate Professor Dr. Tey Shi Bin, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of New Era University College and Dean of the Institute of International Education, the department is committed to the mission of advancing International Chinese Language Education and promoting cultural exchange.

New Era University College is the only one institution of higher learning in Malaysia and the Southeast Asian region to offer a specialised academic programme in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language, and has since become a leading benchmark in the field of International Chinese Language Education across the region.

The department’s development can be traced back to 2010. Guided by the visionary leadership of the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Mok Soon Chong, and in response to the growing global demand for Chinese language education, the then Department of Education pioneered the launch of the "Diploma in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language". In 2017, following the institution’s elevation to university college status, the “Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language” was introduced—marking a significant leap forward in academic provision. After fourteen years of academic development, the programme was officially upgraded to a standalone department on 1 January 2025, becoming an essential teaching and research unit within the Institute of International Education.

The department’s curriculum is distinguished by its strong international orientation, encompassing a broad array of interdisciplinary studies such as Chinese linguistics, educational theory, pedagogical practices, Chinese culture, and intercultural communication. Through a structured and professional training system, the department is committed to equipping students with:

1. A solid foundation in Chinese language and linguistics
2. Diversified language teaching competencies
3. Outstanding cultural communication skills
4. Excellent intercultural communication abilities

With a strong commitment to nurturing future educators, the Department of Teaching Chinese as a Second Language aspires to produce highly skilled, interdisciplinary, and globally competent professionals who are capable of teaching Chinese as both a first and second language in diverse educational settings. The department aims to supply the global Chinese language education sector with more qualified and outstanding International Chinese Teachers.

To date, graduates of the department have become a vital force in International Chinese Language Education across Southeast Asia. They are actively engaged in various sectors throughout Malaysia and other countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Laos, serving in schools at all levels, educational institutions, governmental agencies, cultural organisations, and multinational corporations—contributing to the development and global dissemination of International Chinese Language Education and Chinese culture.

Looking ahead, the department will continue to uphold its vision of internationalisation, deepen educational reform, and enhance academic development. It remains steadfast in its mission to nurture more International Chinese Teachers with a global outlook and to support the growing status of Chinese (Mandarin) as a key language of global communication.

Vision:

Rooted in the local context, reaching across the globe - cultivating International Chinese teachers with a global perspective.