Tengku Muhammad Ismail was born on 1 March 1998 as the eldest son and second child of Tengku Mizan Zainal Abidin, the then Yang di-Pertuan Muda (Crown Prince) of Terengganu and To’ Puan Seri Rozita binti Adil Bakeri.

[2] After Sultan Mizan was elected as Yang di-Pertuan Agong, he appointed Tengku Muhammad Ismail, then aged eight, as Regent of Terengganu on 12 November 2006.

[3] Because of Tengku Muhammad Ismail's young age, a Regency Advisory Council was established to discharge his duties for him.

A Regency Representative Council was formed to discharge his duties as regent while he left the country to pursue his studies.

Finally, to complete his administrative experience, he will serve at the Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIDAM) from 1 August 2026 to 31 January 2027.