Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (English: Tunku Abdul Rahman University, simplified Chinese: 拉曼大学; traditional Chinese: 拉曼大學; pinyin: Lāmàn Dàxué, acronym: UTAR) is a private, coeducational university based in Malaysia. Established in 2001, it provides programs including business, finance, accounting, Chinese studies research, science and journalism. Prior to the establishment of UTAR, the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) was already running Tunku Abdul Rahman College (TARC), also known as Kolej Tunku Abdul Rahman (KTAR). However, on the 5th of July 2001, Malaysia's Minister of Education, YB Tan Sri Musa Mohamad, invited the MCA to establish UTAR. A steering committee, chaired by YABhg Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik was formed to draw up a blueprint. A working committee led by YBhg Tan Sri Dr Ng Lay Swee, who was then the Principal of TARC, prepared the working papers for the formation of the University. In order to ensure that the institution conformed to international standards of higher education, as well as to foster academic affiliations, the International Advisory Council (IAC) consisting of eminent scholars and scientists was established.