Interactive smartboard is revolutionizing modern education, and Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Polytechnic (POLISAS) is leading the charge in Malaysian technical education. Established in 1976 as the second-oldest polytechnic in the country, this institution has long stood for excellence, innovation, and growth. Formerly known as Kuantan Polytechnic, it began within the premises of the Kuantan Technical Secondary School and grew steadily in stature and scale.
By 1983, the institution moved to a dedicated 75-hectare campus in Semambu. This new chapter was formally inaugurated on November 9, 1985, by HRH Sultan Pahang, who also renamed the institution to its current title. The continuous growth of POLISAS was further cemented in 2002 when the campus expanded to 105 hectares through the acquisition of the former Tengku Ampuan Afzan Teachers College. This expansion represented more than just physical development—it marked POLISAS’s readiness to take on the digital era.
Pioneering Technical Education in Malaysia
Since its inception, POLISAS has been dedicated to providing career-driven technical programs. It began with just 120 students enrolled in Civil, Electrical (Power), and Mechanical Engineering. In 1989, the polytechnic introduced a semester system, allowing intakes in both January and July—adapting its academic calendar to better serve the evolving educational landscape.
Yet, beyond courses and calendars, what sets POLISAS apart is its unrelenting pursuit of quality and innovation in education. This is clearly demonstrated through its achievement of ISO 9001:2000 certification in 2004 (upgraded from ISO 9002:1994) and later ISO 9001:2008 from SIRIM in 2009. These milestones speak volumes about the institution’s quality assurance and operational excellence.
Transforming Classrooms with Interactive Smartboard Technology
In line with global education trends, POLISAS recently introduced 4 units of Arvia Smartboard ARV300-86 Inch into its modern laboratories. These interactive smartboards are a significant upgrade from traditional whiteboards and projectors. With capacitive touch functionality, ultra HD display, and Android integration, the ARV300 series offers an intuitive, immersive, and collaborative learning environment for both educators and students.
The smartboards are now central to technical lessons—allowing lecturers to annotate over engineering diagrams, display real-time 3D models, or even simulate electrical systems on screen. Students no longer passively consume content; they interact with it. With multi-touch capabilities, multiple users can work on the board simultaneously, making group discussions and brainstorming sessions far more engaging.
This hands-on, visual, and participative approach bridges the gap between theoretical concepts and practical understanding—especially important in engineering, where visualization and design accuracy matter. The interactive smartboard thus becomes not just a teaching tool, but a medium of collaboration, creativity, and clarity.
A Commitment to 21st Century Skills
In adopting interactive smartboard technology, POLISAS demonstrates its continued focus on preparing students for the demands of Industry 4.0. The world is moving fast, and technical education must move faster. By embedding tools that foster problem-solving, digital fluency, and technological adaptability, the institution ensures its graduates are workplace-ready.
Instructors benefit equally. They can integrate video tutorials, open cloud-stored lesson plans, use apps for quizzes or lab simulations, and record sessions for flipped classroom models. These innovations make lessons more engaging, inclusive, and accessible—whether students are in-class or learning remotely.
Strengthening Infrastructure and Global Outlook
It’s important to note that POLISAS’s tech-forward efforts are not isolated. The polytechnic underwent major infrastructure upgrades with World Bank funding and continues to invest in tools that support global education standards. This strategic approach ensures that the institution’s facilities, content delivery, and learning environments remain competitive not just locally, but globally.
Conclusion
By integrating interactive smartboards, POLISAS is not just upgrading its classrooms—it is reinforcing its vision to be a forward-looking institution committed to quality education, digital empowerment, and lifelong learning. The use of Arvia ARV300-86 smartboards ensures students gain critical exposure to modern technology, preparing them to excel in their fields.
With over four decades of history and a clear focus on the future, POLISAS continues to set the benchmark in polytechnic education. The addition of interactive smartboard technology represents yet another stride in shaping a generation of capable, tech-savvy professionals ready to lead in tomorrow’s industries.
Image Gallery
About Our Solution
The integration of interactive smartboards—specifically the Arvia ARV300-86 capacitive touch series—at POLISAS modernizes its learning ecosystem. These smartboards transform traditional teaching methods by introducing dynamic visuals, real-time collaboration, multimedia tools, and hands-on interaction, ensuring students are better equipped for industry 4.0 and beyond.