Four companies team up to support theme park

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THEMED Attractions welcomed Dell, Telekom Malaysia (TM), Nippon Paint Malaysia and Malaysian Hoya Lens to its educational and entertainment theme park KidZania Kuala Lumpur.

The partnership worth nearly RM6mil will see the computing solutions company, the integrated telecommunications company, the paint expert and the leading eyecare provider establish a creative design centre, telecommunications centre, a paint school and an optometry centre respectively, thereby introducing the Notebook Engineer, Tele-communications Engineer, Painter and Optometrist professions.

Unlike other theme parks, KidZania, does not feature any rides or arcade games. Instead, children participate in a variety of role- playing activities specifically designed to aid physical and intellectual growth. Children will have a choice of role-playing over 90 different professions in over 60 different establishments.

KidZania Kuala Lumpur, slated to begin operations in January next year, offers children opportunities to experience adulthood through different modes of employment and learn through role play.

New partners : (From left) Goh, Rozalila, Tunku Ahmad, Dell Sales Malaysia senior sales director Eunice Tan and Khoo.

Themed Attractions and Resorts Sdn Bhd managing director and chief executive officer Tunku Datuk Ahmad Burhanuddin said: “As an educational and entertainment theme park, KidZania continually strives to offer activities for children that not only aid in their learning and development but also offers hours of fun.

“The inclusion of Dell, TM, Nippon Paint Malaysia and Malaysian Hoya Lens along with their respective activities provides KidZania with another avenue for children to play and learn.”

The newly-created professions not only look to inspire creativity within children but at the same time help with the development of the different motor skills available.

By having a child paint a house, install an integrated wireless broadband connection, design a notebook skin, or assemble notebook components, they will not only be able to hone their creative skills but also enhance their fine motor coordination through the process of handling and grasping objects when assembling or installing as well as enhancing their eye-hand coordination through the wielding of a paint brush.

Apart from just helping with skills development, professions such as the optometrist seek to educate children on the importance of good eyecare.

New features: A nation for children, KidZania allows kids to role-play adults in an educational and entertaining environment.

In KidZania, children need to complete a simple eye test in order to be eligible to participate in other activities such as being a pilot, police officer or obtaining a driving licence.

“Dell has long been a champion of educational initiatives to prepare youths for a globally competitive workforce, be it through our technology solutions or lending resources and know-how.

“We hope this will help to develop a child’s creativity and interest in learning, and perhaps inspire kids to pursue careers in technology,” said Dell Sales Malaysia commercial business general manager K.T. Ong.

TM chief marketing officer Rozalila Abdul Rahman further commented: “We are pleased to be involved with this unique edutainment concept of KidZania.

“We hope to educate our children on the basics of telecommunications and inculcate a love for the latest technological advances as well as spur their minds towards developing technical skills.”

Nippon Paint (M) Sdn Bhd general manager Gladys Goh said, “We hope to stimulate children’s interest in art and improve their abilities in painting and distinguishing the different colours available. In addition, we also look to further develop their expression of art and creativity by imparting knowledge and use of different materials.”

Malaysian Hoya Lens managing director Khoo Boon Eng said the company constantly strives to create new value through innovation and creative technology.

“We are always committed to the market we serve in and KidZania provides us an opportunity to create visionaries among our Malaysian children, inspiring them to achieve their dreams and fulfil their visions,” he said.