In 1995, the Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad and a delegation from Malaysia made a working visit to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and endorsed the establishment of a university modelled after MIT. An agreement was signed in January 1997 to establish the Malaysia University of Science and Technology (MUST).In its formative years, MUST was fully assisted and supported by MIT, a world-renowned university noted for its education and research in advanced science and technology.

Malaysia University of Science and Technology emulates world class method of teaching and learning which encourages creativity, analytical thinking, problem-solving, innovation and team-building. These are qualities that have been proven to be successful in producing entrepreneurial leadership in technology and business. MUST also nurtures a research-driven culture in all fields of expertise to ensure depth of understanding and confidence in facing practical problems. The world class model has been the impetus of the MUST culture that is vibrant, innovative and purposive to our local environment.