Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) was formerly known as Kolej Universiti Kejuruteraan & Teknologi Malaysia (KUKTEM). It was established by the Government of Malaysia on 16 February 2002. UMP was set up as a competency-based technical university that specialises in the fields of engineering and technology.UMP is situated in the east coast state of Pahang, the biggest state in Peninsular Malaysia with vast areas of rainforest endowed with a wide range of biodiversity and natural resources. UMP focuses on two major areas: Chemical, Petrochemical and Natural Resources Industry Manufacturing and Process IndustryThe University currently operates from a temporary campus in the industrial estate of Gambang, 30 km west of the capital city of Kuantan. Connected by the East Coast Expressway, the University is only a two-and-a-half hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. The campus, with a total area of 54.1 acres, can accommodate about 5,000 students. UMP's main campus is located in the district of Pekan and is under construction. The first phase of the campus project is scheduled for completion in 2009. When completed, the 1,842.4 acre campus will be able to accommodate a total of 10,000 students and 2,000 staff.