The University of City Malaysia was founded in April 1984 by a group of highly experienced scholars from local and international universities. It was registered with the Ministry of Higher Education under the Education Act of 1961 and was then known as the Petaling Jaya Community College (PJCC). The university was established at a time when there was growing awareness of the importance of private sector contribution to national efforts in enhancing education. The aim of establishing the Center for Advanced Studies was to equip high school graduates with a broad academic exposure to the American grading system managed by the Consortium of American Universities and Colleges (CAUC). This was achieved through biennial meetings held in the United States. Since then, the coordination committee has successfully guided more than 20 batches of students to over 100 universities and colleges across the United States, providing opportunities to pursue degrees in various disciplines at member universities. Despite the presence of many private higher education institutions in Malaysia, the center has been a pioneer in preparing students for admission to American universities.