The History of HELP

Did you know that HELP is an acronym for Higher Education Learning Philosophy? 

Background of HELP University

HELP University, established in 1986, is a leading institution in Malaysia’s higher education landscape. Initially founded as HELP Institute, it was the pioneer of twinning programmes in Malaysia. Over the years, the institution has undergone significant growth and transformation.

In 2004, HELP Institute was awarded university college status by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, leading to the institution’s rebranding as HELP University College. Its commitment to academic excellence and a student-centered approach earned recognition, resulting in its full university status in 2008, becoming HELP University.

HELP University has continuously expanded its academic offerings, providing a diverse range of programmes across various disciplines, including business, law, psychology, education, and more. Its partnerships with reputable international universities have enabled students to access global learning opportunities and obtain dual-degree programmes.

The university’s commitment to quality education is evident through its modern facilities, state-of-the-art campuses in Damansara Heights and Subang Bestari, and a strong emphasis on teaching and innovation. It fosters a conducive learning environment, empowering students with critical thinking skills, leadership qualities, and a global perspective.

Throughout its journey, HELP University has upheld a strong dedication to community engagement and social responsibility. Its initiatives encompass various outreach programmes, scholarships, and partnerships aimed at making quality education accessible to diverse student populations.

Today, HELP University stands as a renowned institution dedicated to nurturing well-rounded individuals equipped to contribute positively to society, locally and globally.

Timeline of HELP University

Here's the timeline of HELP University's history

  • April 1, 1986

    Founding of HELP Institute

    HELP Institute was founded on 1 April 1986 in its first campus, a humble shoplot in Kampung Attap, Kuala Lumpur. It was the first educational institution to pioneer twinning programmes in Malaysia.

  • 1989

    Move to Jalan Ipoh campus

    In 1989, HELP Institute moved to its Jalan Ipoh campus

  • 1991

    Pusat Bandar Damansara campus

    HELP Institute moved to its new and much larger campus in Pusat Bandar Damansara where it went through significant growth and expansion

  • 2004

    University College status

    In 2004, HELP Institute was upgraded by the Ministry of Higher Education to HELP University College, a dream come true for the founders of HELP, who have always wanted their own degree granting university

  • 2005

    Establishment of HELP Academy

    In 2005, HELP Academy was established to offer programmes from partner universities and institutions such as the twinning programmes, and A-levels

  • 2007

    HELP International Corporation

    In 2007, HELP International Corporation Berhad was public listed on Bursa Malaysia (KLSE)

  • 2010

    KPMG Shareholder Value Award

    In 2010, HELP International Corporation won the KPMG Shareholder Value Award

  • 2011

    Forbes Asia Recognition

    HELP International Corporation was recognised by Forbes Asia as one of top 200 Top Performing companies in Asia Pacific with capitalisation below USD 1 billion

  • 2011

    University status

    In the same year, HELP University College was awarded full University status by the Ministry of Higher Education

  • 2012

    Malaysian Corporate Governance Index

    HELP International Corporation was included in the Malaysian Corporate Governance Index by the Malaysian Shareholders Watchdog Minority Group (MSWG)

  • 2012

    Brand Laureate Award

    HELP International Corporation wins the Brand Laureate Award for Best Brand Award for Private Tertiary Education

  • 2013

    Delisting on KLSE

    HELP International Corporation is delisted from the KLSE, and taken private

  • 2014

    HELP International School

    HELP International School is established in the Subang Bestari campus

  • 2015

    ELM Business School campus

    HELP University moves out of its Pusat Bandar Damansara campus to the ELM Business School building along Jalan Semantan

  • 2015

    Sin Chew Business Excellence Awards

    HELP International Corporation wins the Sin Chew Business Excellence Awards for two categories: Product and Service Excellence Award, and CSR Excellence Award.

  • 2016

    Subang 2 campus

    The long awaited Subang 2 campus is finally open, and HELP University moves in. The Department of Psychology moves to the Subang 2 campus. Business and Foundation programmes are also offered at both Subang 2 and Damansara Heights campuses

  • 2017

    Crescendo-HELP International School

    Crescendo-HELP International School (CHIS) is launched in Johor Bahru, Malaysia

  • 2017

    PAM Awards 2017

    The Subang 2 campus designed by GDP Architect wins the PAM Awards 2017, Education (Commendation).

  • 2018

    Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards

    Subang 2 campus wins the Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards MLAA 2018, Honour, Landscape Design Award Professional Category won by Verona Landscape Architecture

  • 2019

    Awarded MDEC PDTI status

    HELP University's Faculty of Computing and Digital Technology, and the Faculty of Business, Economics and Accounting are awarded the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation Premier Digital Tech Institution (PDTI) status

  • 2019

    IFLA Asia Pacific Awards

    Subang 2 campus wins the IFLA Asia Pacific Awards, Honorable Mention won by Verona Landscape Architecture

  • 2019

    Tunku Putra-HELP International School

    Tunku Putra-HELP International School (TPHIS) is launched in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

  • 2020

    QS Stars

    HELP University was the first university in Southeast Asia to be awarded 5 stars in 8 categories by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Star Rating System in April 2020. The 8 categories are Teaching, Internationalisation, Employability, Academic Development, Facilities, Social Responsibility, Inclusiveness, and Programme Strength for its Masters in Business Administration (MBA)

  • 2021

    Best for Outbound Student Exchange Programme

    HELP University was ranked No1 among 650 universities in Asia for Outbound Student Exchange Programme by QS Rankings: Asia 2021

  • 2023

    6 Stars by Talentbank, National Graduate Employability Index

    HELP University was rated 6 Stars for Human Resource Management, Language Studies, Education, Banking, Psychology, Mathematics and Statistics, Counselling and Law by Talentbank in the National Graduate Employability Index.