Asia-Pacific International University represents a union of three institutions: Southeast Asia Union College, Singapore (roots to 1905), Bangkok Sanitarium and Hospital School of Nursing (roots to 1941) and Mission College, Muak Lek Campus (established 1988). The new international institution based at Muak Lek was constructed after it was certain the College in Singapore would close. The new institution combined the quality of the international programs of Southeast Asia Union College and retained and developed the Thai programs operated by Mission College, Muak Lek, and became responsible for continuing the nursing program in Bangkok. In January 1997 the development of the new facilities and academic programs commenced with much urgency. The first new degree following an international type curriculum received government approval in early 1999 and by early 2001 the College was able to offer a further eight international majors officially approved by the Ministry of University Affairs. By July 2002 the last of the building developments and the extensive campus landscaping work had been completed.