UTAR Takes Shape under Its First President

• MCA formed a steering committee to lead the establishment of UTAR. Chaired by Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, the committee included members of the TAR College Council and senior staff, with Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Ting Chew Peh serving as deputy chairman.

• A working committee, led by TAR College Principal Tan Sri Datuk Dr Ng Lay Swee, was assigned to develop the university’s blueprint and framework.

• Tun Dr Ling was later appointed UTAR Council Chairman, while Tan Sri Datuk Dr Ng became UTAR’s first President and CEO. Tan Sri Datuk Dr Ng played a pivotal role in establishing UTAR in 2002, starting with eight programmes and 411 students.

• By 2008, under her leadership, UTAR grew to offer 60 programmes—including 10 Master’s and 4 PhD programmes—with 16,572 students, earned MQA recognition as a reputable teaching university, and produced 9,151 graduates with over 97% employability within six months of graduation.

• Tan Sri Datuk Dr Ng retired on 31 March 2008 and was conferred an honorary Doctor of Education on 19 April 2008 for her outstanding contributions.

A Humble Beginning Towards Quality Education for All

• UTAR was founded to offer quality, affordable education to all, based on merit and academic achievement, regardless of race. Registered under the Private Higher Education Institutions Act 1996, UTAR has since welcomed students from diverse backgrounds.

• As a not-for-profit university owned by UTAR Education Foundation, it aimed to remain affordable for all.

• March 2002 – UTAR announced 8 degree programmes for its inaugural 2002/2003 intake, offered through these faculties:
• Faculty of Accountancy and Management
• Faculty of Arts and Social Science
• Faculty of Information and Communication Technology

• 10 June 2002 – UTAR welcomed its first 411 students at its temporary campus in The Star’s former premises at 13 Jalan 13/6, Petaling Jaya.

The UTAR Building Fund

• UTAR was realised through the aspiration and perseverance of MCA’s forerunners, culminating in its official launch by Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad on 13 August 2002.

• As the University advanced toward establishing its main campus, fundraising for the UTAR Building Fund became a critical and challenging endeavor.

• The initial enthusiasm of the UTAR pioneering group and MCA ignited widespread public support for the vision of creating a ‘University of the People’.

• The Kampar Campus was made possible through generous contributions from a wide spectrum of society — from the government, corporations, and philanthropists to ordinary Malaysians such as hawkers, taxi drivers, and factory workers.

• Every contribution, big or small, played a vital role in building UTAR—making it, in every sense, a ‘University by the People, for the People’—with enduring support from its benefactors to this day.

Formation of New Faculties and Beyond under UTAR's Second President

• Ir Academician Emeritus Prof Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Chuah Hean Teik took on as the second President and CEO of UTAR on 1 April 2008.

• Under his leadership, UTAR saw the formation of new faculties and initiatives that further expanded the University’s academic and community engagement.
• Established the Faculty of Creative Industries at Petaling Jaya Campus in 2008.
• Established the Faculty of Business and Finance at Kampar Campus in 2008.
• Introduced the UTAR Soft Skills Development Certificate (USSDC) programme on 12 January 2009.
• Established the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Sungai Long Campus on 16 November 2009.
• Established the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology at Kampar Campus in 2009.
• Established the first professorial chair and launched the UTAR Global Research Network.
• Launched the UTAR New Village Community Project to promote community engagement and experiential learning.

The Building of the New UTAR Sungai Long Campus

• In 2009, UTAR acquired the 10-storey Sungai Long Campus building.

• In 2012, plans were announced to further develop the campus and consolidate operations from the Petaling Jaya and Setapak campuses into one.

• The new UTAR Sungai Long Campus was officially established on 1 June 2015, bringing together all Klang Valley operations under one roof.

• With this consolidation, UTAR now operates two main campuses: Kampar Campus in Perak and Sungai Long Campus in Selangor, each playing a pivotal role in the University's growth and outreach.

Driving Innovation and Sustainability under UTAR’s Third President

• Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat assumed office as the third President of UTAR on 1 September 2019, continuing the University’s legacy while steering it towards future-readiness.

• Under his leadership, UTAR continues to focus on key strategic areas, including:
• Strengthening research culture and fostering innovation across all faculties.
• Promoting industry and international collaborations for real-world impact.
• Enhancing the student experience through digitalisation and student-centric initiatives.
• Advancing sustainability and community engagement, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

• Prof Dato’ Ewe’s leadership reflects UTAR’s commitment to remain a progressive and impactful institution that empowers its students, staff, and the broader community.