The Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration of Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU Business School) and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide educational, training and work-based learning opportunities for HKMU hospitality and tourism students.

IAAPA is a trade association for the global attractions industry, representing about 7,000 member companies from over 100 countries and territories. Through its various advocacy efforts in education, research and industry networking, IAAPA's mission is to inspire, grow and protect the global attractions industry through its member connections.

This MoU signifies the beginning of a promising partnership as both the HKMU Business School and IAAPA work towards their shared mission to support and drive the growth of the hospitality, tourism and attractions industries both locally and globally.

In his opening address at the ceremony, Prof. Alan Au Kai-ming, Dean of the Business School, expressed his gratitude for IAAPA's support in expanding international internship opportunities and experiential learning activities for HKMU students. He said, “Leveraging our respective strengths and experiences, this partnership between the HKMU Business School and IAAPA will enable us to reinforce our commitment to the future growth and advancement of these industries.”

June Ko, Executive Director and Vice President of IAAPA Asia Pacific Operations, emphasised the role of education in the development of the attractions industry. She said, “It is our honour to serve the industry and to work closely with hospitality and tourism students so that we can grow and sustain the attractions industry together. I hope HKMU can work very closely with me and my teams as we grow the attractions industry globally.”