The first step toward the growth and promotion of Islamic higher education in the state was the founding of Universiti Islam Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah (UnIPSAS), formerly known as Kolej Universiti Islam Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah (KUIPSAS). The Pahang State Executive Council gave its approval on August 27, 1996, marking the beginning of its history. The original purpose of UnIPSAS was to provide a pathway for state-religious secondary school graduates to continue their study at universities. Following permission from the Malaysian Ministry of Education, the first intake of students, numbering 67, began.

On November 16, 2000, which is equivalent to 19 Syaaban 1421H, His Majesty officially opened this university, which has a close connection to Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar, His Royal Highness the Sultan of Pahang. In the state of Pahang, His Majesty the Sultan of Pahang came to represent the university’s brilliance.

Sistem Pendidikan Islam Pahang Sendirian Berhad (SPIPSB), a subsidiary of the state government, is the sole operator of UnIPSAS, which has been registered as a private higher education institution since April 1998. UnIPSAS, which provides study opportunities at the diploma level, was approved by Malaysia’s Ministry of Education in 1996.

This demonstrates the State Government’s strong support for UnIPSAS, especially in view of the yearly funding it provides. Approximately 41 acres of land were used for the construction of the university, which cost RM41 million. The facilities include academic buildings, administrative buildings, a library, student residences, a cafeteria, a main hall, a sports complex, the president’s residence, and housing for staff and lecturers. The building was finished in February 2000. The Pahang state government has also set aside 503 acres of land as assets for UnIPSAS and to facilitate future growth. Another notable feature of the university is a mosque that is estimated to be worth over RM10 million.

2013 marked the seventeenth year since UnIPSAS was founded, meaning that for more than ten years, the university has promoted excellence in Islamic higher education in the Pahang state and generated an inventory of skilled human capital that is in line with the needs of the labor market. In order to address the recommendations made by the Pahang Islamic Education System’s Board of Directors and Board of Management, UnIPSAS first established partnerships with both public and private universities.

The first Chancellor of UnIPSAS was His Royal Highness the Sultan of Pahang, who was appointed by the State Government. On February 25, 2016, the Sultan’s official proclamation ceremony was performed. In the meantime, the Pahang Chief Minister had been appointed as UnIPSAS’s Pro-Chancellor.