In September 2015, the program underwent strategic rebranding and changed its name to Inter School Co- operative Tourism of ANGKASA or ISTAC. ISTAC boasts unique concept called “Host and Guest”, the two most important elements that play a crucial role in the success of the program. Between 2004 and 2017, there were 273 school co- operatives acted as host that involved more than 1200 visits. In the same period, the hosts had received guests from 855 schools from all over the country and overseas. One of the
» Making traditional water pitcher known as labu sayong is part of the cultural activity students will learn during the program.
responsibilities of the host is to provide guests with facilities such as lodging and transportation. Guests can reciprocate the hospitality by taking part in the activities that have been planned while also be punctual and exhibiting good manners. ISTAC differentiate itself from other tourism activities organized by the schools by highlighting a “Subject Focus”, which will be the theme for any school co-operative that runs tourism programme. There are four “Subject
» Back to nature.
Focus” that can be chosen by the school; important figure, historical site, architecture and ecosystem. ANGKASA encourages school co-operatives to choose important figure as the “Subject Focus” to raise the awareness of the students on the figure’s contributions to the country especially in education. Choosing a “Subject Focus” will assist the host in choosing the right places to be visited by the guests. ISTAC benefits not only the people who are directly involved in the program, but also helps to enliven the country’s tourism industry. It also contributes to the increase in school co-operatives’ revenue, which in 2016, more than USD86.5 million in revenue was recorded compared to USD81.5 million in the same period in 2015. The program also help to fulfill the country’s National Education Philosophy, which says “Education in Malaysia is an on-going effort towards further developing the potential of individuals in a holistic and integrated manner, so as to produce individuals who are intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and physically balanced and harmonious, based on a firm belief in and devotion to God.”
» Students will learn to work together during group activity.
» International student is enjoying making traditional snack.
60 PELANCAR October 2018
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