The Research Institute of Chinese Ethnicity and Culture was established in May, 2003. The aims of the institute focus on four major aspects: Firstly, to compile a comprehensive historical file of Chinese Malaysians; secondly, to provide academic resources and research information for the students and lecturers of Southern College as well as the public; thirdly, to design new academic field through the organization of various academic projects; and fourthly, to foster collaboration among academic researchers of different faculties.

From the year 2001 to 2003, the institute, together with the eleven Teochew Associations in Johor state, had conducted an extensive research on the Teochew clan in Johor. The end result of the findings were compiled into two academic works.