Wednesday, April 14, 2010

AirAsia CEO To Venture Into Healthcare Business ?

09 April 2010

KUALA LUMPUR-- AirAsia Group chief executive officer, Datuk Seri Dr Tony Fernandes, who was recently conferred with an Honorary Doctorate of Business Innovation by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), may one day venture into the healthcare business.

"Hospitals probably," he said when asked on what other business he would be venturing into next. He recently went into the education sector by taking a 30 per cent stake in Kuala Lumpur Education City (KLEC).

There is still ample of potential in the healthcare industry as private hospitals are way too expensive, and the government hospitals are handling too many patients, Fernandes saying.

"But low cost hospitals doesn't mean that you get half a panadol or bandage," he quipped after witnessing a signing ceremony between KLEC and Judge Business School, University of Cambridge here, on Friday.

As for the recent venture, he said education was a passion for him, and that so many home talents were being lost with them going overseas to study.

"I think there are not enough professional learning centres in the country," he said, indicating his reasons for getting involved in KLEC last year.

Besides aviation and education now, Fernandes also has his hands on the telecommunication, hotels, sports and financial sector.

"I love aviation. I love sports and now I have Lotus F1. One day may be a football club (as well)," he said.

It was reported recently that Fernandes, who is a lifelong West Ham United supporter was invited to come on board the Premier League Club but he has so far declined to become involved.

-- BERNAMA

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