National Child Development Research Centre (NCRDC), Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI), Tanjung Malim, Perak was established on 20 September 2006 upon the approval of the Board of Directors of UPSI and the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. The initial idea of the need in establishment of NCRDC was triggered by a paper presented to the PERMATA Negara Advisory Group on 14 October 2005 after coming to sense that there is no body or a specialized centre exist to coordinate issues relating to the affairs of early childhood development in Malaysia.
Thus, the chairman of the Avisory Group, Y. A. Berbahagia Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor had suggested that such centre must be established in a Higher learning Institution. Hence, another paper work has been presented to YAB Deputy Prime Minister on 21st February 2006 which resulted to the establishment of NCDRC upon the approval from the Cabinet in line with the formation of Coordination Council of the National PERMATA Policy (Majlis Penyelarasan Dasar PERMATA Negara) at the Prime Minister Department.
In line with the formation of the Coordination Council of the National PERMATA Policy, NCDRC play an active role in building and formulating the curriculum and program modules for PERMATA Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) based on the principle “Every Child is Precious”. One of the NCDRC’s role is conducting training programs for PERMATA educators and caregivers and help implement a pilot project in several locations throughout Malaysia which is similar to programs Sure Star in the United Kingdom by the Pen Green Centre, which is a Britain’s leading centre of excellence for children, and become a reference centre of the world.
As a center for research, one of the NCDRC main roles include making connection with various agencies such as the public and private higher learning institutions, government bodies and non-governmental, public and private sectors involved with the affairs of children, locals and international centres of child development and like the WHO, UNICEF, NCB, NAEYC, OMEP, and groups of advocates in order to constantly update knowledge on issues of parenting, health, welfare and education of early childhood and find solutions to the problems and challenges of Malaysian children.
Furthermore, NCDRC has been assigned to assist the National PERMATA Policy Coordination Council in implementing Pilot Program of “Setiap Anak Permata Negara” which started in March 2007.
Established in 2006 at Sultan Abdul Jalil Shah Campus (KSAJS), the National Child Development Research Centre (NCDRC) embarked on a journey of excellence, with a mandate encompassing administration, finance, cutting-edge research, and the nurturing of young minds through the TASKA program. As the years unfolded, the NCDRC blossomed into a beacon of innovation and progress, achieving remarkable milestones from 2006 to 2012. Its strategic vision and unwavering commitment to child development caught the attention of UPSI, prompting a visionary initiative under the 10th Malaysia Plan. With a resounding endorsement from the Ministry of Higher Education and a substantial allocation of RM7 million, UPSI resolved to erect a new NCDRC edifice at the Sultan Azlan Shah Campus in Proton City.
This ambitious project, a testament to UPSI’s dedication to excellence, on February 28, 2013, Her Royal Highness, Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, who also serves as the Chancellor of UPSI, graciously presided over the inauguration ceremony of the National Child Development Research Centre (NCDRC) at the Sultan Azlan Shah Campus, Proton City. This auspicious event further solidified the center’s commitment to excellence and its pivotal role in shaping the future of child development research and education.
But beyond its architectural splendor lies a realm of unparalleled amenities, meticulously crafted to nurture young minds and foster holistic development. Within this hallowed space, children roam vibrant playgrounds, their imaginations ignited amidst the pages of the children’s library, while culinary adventures unfold in the state-of-the-art children’s kitchen. A sanctuary of tranquility awaits in the snoezelen room, offering respite from the rigors of academic pursuit, while the kitchen garden provides a hands-on learning experience in sustainability and horticulture. For the fitness enthusiasts, a fully equipped gymnasium beckons, promoting physical wellness and healthy lifestyles. And at the heart of it all, cutting-edge teaching and learning rooms stand as bastions of innovation, where educators inspire and empower the next generation of leaders.
In essence, the NCDRC complex stands not only as a testament to architectural prowess but as a sanctuary of learning, innovation, and boundless possibilities. Its legacy transcends bricks and mortar, embodying the spirit of progress and enlightenment that defines UPSI’s commitment to shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
