Universiti Utara Malaysia through its School of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (STHEM) was selected by Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Berhad (Angkasa) to become its partner in mobilizing the development of the tourism sector of the agency.

Vice-President of Angkasa , Dato' Mohamad Ali Hassan said that UUM was chosen as a collaborative partner because UUM STHEM has the expertise and existing faculty, and has been directly involved in developing hotels, tourism and spa for the state of Kedah and abroad.

"I am grateful and thankful for being able to hold discussions with STHEM. During the discussion both parties talked about the current developments and priorities of the collaborative projects which can be implemented by both parties.

"In addition, during the discussion, I also mentioned about the hospitality sectors namely homestay, spa and training that can be developed as well as the preparation of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for identified sectors as well as the development of tourism in school cooperatives," he said after attending the Tourism Sector Development Programme Discussion at the Main Meeting Room, STHEM.

The two-hour talk was attended by officials from the Tourism, Personal Care and Health Sector, Community Development, Tourism and Health Division (BPKPK), Angkasa and STHEM senior officials.

Dato' Mohamad Ali further reiterated that Angkasa wanted to showcase how cooperative hotel can apply and practice the syariah-compliant concept in the future, so the initial discussion would be further refined and that he would identify concrete steps on short-term and long-term plans so that Angkasa can make meaningful contributions to gross domestic product (GDP) in the tourism, hospitality and health sectors.

Meanwhile, the Dean of STHEM, Dr. Johan Afendi Ibrahim said that STHEM identified several collaborations that could be carried out as Angkasa has also ventured in the tourism, self-care and health sectors as well as other small sub-sectors.

According to him, Angkasa would like to further expand its business and help the Bumiputeras to be involved directly in the field of tourism.

He said STHEM would also consider appropriate training for the staff at Angkasa to help them further develop all the products under the Angkasa Cooperative.