Prof Ir Ts Dr Chuah Joon Huang’s journey from his formative years in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, to becoming the President and CEO of SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE (ALSO KNOWN AS SOUTHERN UC) reflects his deep commitment to education. With a strong academic foundation and valuable industry experience at leading global tech companies, Prof Dr Chuah has been instrumental in shaping the direction of Southern UC. In an interview with Top 10 of Malaysia, he talks about the university’s vision for growth, focusing on its mission to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global workforce, while promoting a multicultural, industry-relevant learning environment that prepares them for real-world challenges.
Prof Ir Ts Dr Chuah Joon Huang met his wife when he was studying at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Kepong. “Her encouragement was instrumental in motivating me to excel academically,” he reminisces. “I began my educational journey with a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. I then advanced my studies at the National University of Singapore, where I earned a Master of Engineering specialising in Computer Vision and Image Processing. Seeking to broaden my expertise, I pursued a Master of Philosophy in Technology Policy at the University of Cambridge’s Judge Business School. After completing the MPhil, I continued my academic path with a PhD in Engineering at the University of Cambridge.”
“I launched my career in the technology industry as an Integrated Circuit Designer at Intel, subsequently advancing to roles as Senior Product Engineer and Senior Test Engineer at Freescale Semiconductor. Leveraging this industry experience, I transitioned to academia with a focus on teaching and research at the Universiti Malaya before joining Southern UC as its President and CEO,” he shares.
Southern UC, established in 1990 as Southern College, attained its current status in 2012. It was the first non-profit higher education institution in Malaysia, offering an educational channel for high school graduates who are unable to study abroad or gain admission to other tertiary educational institutions. Located in Skudai, Johor Bahru, within the Iskandar Malaysia Economic Zone, the 33-acre campus was largely donated by philanthropist Seow Wan Heong. As the area develops, Southern UC aims to become a leading international educational institution, with a campus that is rich in Chinese traditional colours and a multicultural atmosphere that encompasses the spirit of co-existence and multi-culturalism.
“Southern UC offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across fields such as Chinese studies, traditional Chinese medicine, business management, engineering, information technology, arts and design and social sciences. With 6 faculties, 3 schools and 10 research institutes, it is known for its practical, industry-relevant curricula that prepare students for real-world challenges. The university currently offers 47 programmes accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency,” says Prof Dr Chuah. “Our University College offers a wide range of programmes through its School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPACE) and School of Information Technology and Engineering (SITE). SPACE provides flexible, part-time courses in business, accounting, and mobile application development for working adults. SITE offers specialised courses in graphic design, engineering, and information technology, preparing students with the technical expertise needed for the rapidly evolving tech industry. Southern UC also offers enriching opportunities for students to broaden their global perspectives through its Student Exchange Programme. The exchange fosters cross-cultural understanding and equips students with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly globalised workforce.”
“Students are encouraged to embrace the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the world. Whether through innovation, leadership or service, it is important for them to remember that their work has the potential to create positive change in society. Staying passionate about what they do will fuel their drive and perseverance, even when faced with challenges,” advises Prof Dr Chuah. “It is essential for them to remain committed to their goals, working toward their aspirations with resilience and focus. Students should never stop learning. As the world evolves rapidly, life-long learning is crucial to staying relevant, adapting to new technologies and continuing to grow both personally and professionally. As they embark on their journey, these principles will guide them in shaping a future that reflects their values and ambitions.”
