The establishment of Sultan Ahmad Shah Islamic University of Pahang (UnIPSAS), previously known as Sultan Ahmad Shah Islamic College University of Pahang (KUIPSAS), marked the first step towards the development and advancement of Islamic higher education in the state. Its history began on August 27, 1996, when the Pahang State Executive Council approved the idea of its formation. Initially, UnIPSAS catered to the needs of higher education channels for students who graduated from state religious secondary schools, providing them with an opportunity to continue their studies at a higher learning institution. The first intake of 67 students began as soon as approval was received from the Ministry of Education, Malaysia.
This university, which is closely associated with His Royal Highness the Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta'in Billah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar, was officially inaugurated by His Majesty on November 16, 2000, corresponding to 19 Syaaban 1421H. His Royal Highness the Sultan of Pahang serves as a symbol and emblem of the university's glory in the state of Pahang.
Since April 1998, UnIPSAS has been registered as a private higher education institution and is fully governed by the state's subsidiary company, Sistem Pendidikan Islam Pahang Sendirian Berhad (SPIPSB). UnIPSAS, which offers diploma-level educational opportunities, received approval from the Ministry of Education, Malaysia, in 1996. This signifies the state government's strong commitment to UnIPSAS, particularly through annual grant allocations. The university was built on approximately 41 acres of land at a cost of RM41 million, comprising administrative buildings, academic buildings, a library, student dormitory blocks, a cafeteria, a large hall, a sports complex, the President’s residence, and residential blocks for lecturers and staff. These facilities were completed in February 2000. Additionally, the state government of Pahang allocated 503 acres of land to accommodate future development and as an asset to UnIPSAS. A mosque, valued at nearly RM10 million, stands as another landmark of pride for the university.
The year 2013 marked the 17th anniversary of UnIPSAS's establishment, signifying that more than a decade has passed since the university began driving excellence in Islamic higher education in Pahang, producing a high-quality workforce aligned with the aspirations of the job market.
As an initial step, UnIPSAS responded to the recommendations of the Board of Directors and the Board of Governors of Sistem Pendidikan Islam Pahang by collaborating with both public and private higher education institutions.
The state government graciously appointed His Royal Highness the Sultan of Pahang as the first Chancellor of UnIPSAS, and the Proclamation Ceremony of His Royal Highness the Sultan of Pahang as the first Chancellor of UnIPSAS was held on February 25, 2016. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister of Pahang was appointed as the Pro-Chancellor of UnIPSAS.
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