The Division of Chinese at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has its roots traceable to the foundation of Nanyang University in 1955, as well as the Centre for Chinese Language and Culture (CCLC), which was established in 1994.

From July 2004, the Division of Chinese took over the teaching responsibilities that were previously offered by the CCLC, while continuing to offer Minor in Chinese and General Electives, which were previously offered by the CCLC. In addition, the Division has launched its Graduate Programmes, and also offers scholarships to full-time MA and PhD research students. Since July 2005, it has expanded into a full-fledge division and has been offering BA (Honours) in Chinese. The first intake of BA students in 2005 was 70, which was 50 per cent more than the intended intake, and the second intake was 90, which was almost twice of the intended intake. This programme is now growing rapidly and has attracted more and more enthusiastic and bright students from both within the country and abroad. 

The rapid development of the Division owes much to the strong support from the university, different institutions and even common Singaporeans who have the pride in the development of Singapore and made generous contributions. For instance, the Wan Boo Sow Awards for Chinese Major Students is a scholarship established by the family of the late Mr. Wan Boo Sow. The fund in perpetuity is used annually to award seven prizes, ranging from $250 to $1000, to outstanding undergraduate students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Chinese.  Another Award is Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medal. This award is established by the University Endowment Fund open to the students majoring in Chinese and in other 14 different subjects. The fund in perpetuity is used annually to award fifteen prizes, $1,000 each, to those students who are the first in general proficiency throughout the course of study in the respective degree programme and who have obtained a First Class Honours degree.

The Division of Chinese is one of the six Divisions within the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, which was established in 2003 as part of NTU's plan to become a comprehensive university. We are the flagship division in the field of humanities and have full support from the University.

Our mission is to inherit the traditions, to understand the contemporary world, and to encompass the local and the region.