UKM upbeat research centre will open up more job opportunities in Langkawi

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) wants to create natural resources-based job opportunities on Langkawi Island. "This is Malaysia's offer to both local and foreign tourists. Langkawi has a very unique terrain encompassing geological, biological and marine landscape. "Because of this UKM was attracted to set up a research centre to woo researchers on natural resources and this will indirectly open up job opportunities to the islanders," Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs) Prof Noor Azlan Ghazali told Bernama. The increased tourists flocking to the legendary Langkawi Island can pave the way for more tourist guides, create a good transportation network, decent accommodation facilities and shopping malls, he said. Recently, UKM launched the Langkawi Research Centre, which has been named as Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Campus. The campus was opened by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah. The campus will function as a multi-discipline resource centre and a pioneer for sustained development of the natural resources and eco-tourism research initiatives in the tourist haven. Noor Azlan said the United Nations for Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) had on 2007 declared Langkawi as the first geopark in Malaysia and in Southeast Asia as the island was blessed with rich natural resources. "If previously Langkawi only received tourists who merely want to savour the serene and scenic beaches and shop at the duty-free zone but now the island is also wooing tourists wishing to do research on natural resources," he said. The Mount Machinchang Geoforest Park is among the significant natural resources attractions on Langkawi Island. The park boasts of ancient stone formations dating back 450 million to 550 million years ago. The park is also rich in fossils, among others. Langkawi is also endowed with tropical rainforest rich in flora and fauna. "Since the opening of the research centre and declaration of the geopark by Unesco, tourist arrivals have increased to the tune of six to seven per cent a year," Noor Azlan added. Last year, Langkawi received three million tourists and business transactions have swelled to RM2.6 billion. This year, UKM is expecting four million tourists.