The Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA) came into force on August 1, 2006 by the Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage 2006 (ACT 653), is formerly known as National Arts Academy (ASK), which was established in 1994 under the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism Malaysia.

ASWARA is the only institution of higher learning universities in the field of creative arts that supported entirely by the government under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. It is an institution of higher learning to provide space for learning, research and academic publications and professional advisory services in the field of art, culture and heritage aimed at producing skilled artists and employees who are competent in their field, in addition to strengthening the sustainability of national art heritage. In principle ASWARA focus on art education to produce practitioners who are knowledgeable and creative industry professionals to fill the country. ASWARA officially started functioning as a statutory body since October 1, 2008.

The university comprises eight faculties: faculty of theatre, faculty of music, faculty of dance, faculty of creative writing, faculty of film and television, faculty of animation and multimedia, faculty of arts and culture management, faculty of design and visual communication. Each faculty offers both diploma’s and bachelor’s programs. The faculties also actively engage in exchange and cooperation to enhance and strengthen their fields of specialization.

On October 18, 2012  , ASWARA had set up Kursi P. Ramlee to offer studio based postgraduate studies program for master and doctorate. Besides, Centre for Traditional Performing Arts (PuTRA) is established to preserve and promote the practice, appreciation and study of traditional performing arts.

ASWARA faculties comprise leading artists and big names in the industry, including internationally renowned artistes. The emphasis on performance centred education is aimed at inspiring each student’s creativity.

To nurture creative professional artist, ASWARA provides specialized training focusing on practice and production. Classes are offered in various formats including individual tutorship, group seminars, specialized workshop, collaborative projects, and internship.

ASWARA provides students with an education that helps develop not only their artistic expertise but also human understanding through volunteer community work and joint projects with other community programs.

Faculty of theatre ranks provision of human capital who is trained in the field of performing arts majors directing and acting. Teaching and led by lecturers, masters and calibre practitioners to underpin the theory and practical to fulfill current needs and long-term creative industries.