UniMAP is located in Perlis, Malaysia’s northernmost state. It was founded in 2001 as Malaysia’s 17th Public Institution of Higher Learning. UniMAP presently offers six diploma programs, 37 Bachelor’s Degree programs, 20 Master’s Degree programs, and 12 Doctor of Philosophy programs, up from only two at the start. Approximately 10,000 students are now enrolled at the university. It is Perlis’ main university, with 30 sites throughout the state.

In 2013, Walailak University and UniMAP signed a Memorandum of Understanding for Academic Cooperation. UniMAP has been involved in a number of collaboration efforts with Walailak University’s several schools. Despite the fact that UniMAP specializes in engineering and is one of only four technical institutions in Malaysia, the university has attempted to expand its knowledge to other fields, including the scope of collaboration. The university had student and academic staff exchange programs, as well as co-organizing the conference with Walailak University’s social science schools. Students from Walailak University were also accepted to study Malay at UniMAP.

The School of Political Science and Laws has an international affairs plan that includes academic collaboration with UniMAP. The school responds quickly to joint activities for academics and students in order to strengthen academic collaboration and relationships between the two institutions.