In an era where gender equity is both a moral imperative and a strategic priority, Southern University College (Southern UC) stands firmly committed to empowering women across its academic and administrative landscape. Under the leadership of President, Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Chuah Joon Huang, the University College has embedded inclusivity into its institutional DNA, aligning its culture with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), i.e. to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls by 2030.
In 2025, Southern UC’s leadership composition reflects this conviction. Two out of three Vice Presidents are women. Four of six academic Deans are female. All three Deputy Deans are women, alongside many female Heads of Department. Nearly half of the institution’s Directors are women. These appointments are not symbolic gestures but clear evidence that women are entrusted with driving key agendas, academic excellence and institutional development.
Prof. Chuah emphasises, “Empowering women is not about fulfilling quotas, it is about recognising talent, cultivating leadership, and ensuring that opportunity is defined by merit. At Southern UC, we are building a culture where women lead with confidence, shape policy, and inspire the next generation.”
Key initiatives include maintaining a 60% women workforce, signalling strong inclusion and retention, celebrating International Women’s Day on 8 March as a university-wide empowerment platform, embedding flexible, family-centred employment practices that enable long-term career sustainability, providing structured mental health, counselling and safety support dedicated to women and elevating women’s visibility through awards, leadership opportunities, and institutional recognition.
These efforts are passionately championed by HR Director, Ms. Chong Ya Cheng, whose proactive recruitment and promotion strategies have strengthened diversity at the highest levels. She shares, “When women are empowered at work, families grow stronger, institutions become more compassionate, and society progresses. Gender equality is not just a policy, it is a responsibility we carry for future generations.”
Southern UC remains steadfast in its commitment. As Prof. Chuah affirms, the ultimate hope is to cultivate a university ecosystem where leadership opportunities are boundless, equality is unquestioned, and every woman can rise to her fullest potential.