'Jobs' galore for children

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin sharing a light moment with ‘pilots’ Kelvin Wong Kang Wei, 10 (centre) and Lee Zi Hen, 9, at Kidzania in Mutiara Damansara yesterday. With them is Kidzania joint developer Themed Attractions and Resorts Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Tunku Datuk Ahmad Burhanuddin. Pic by Rosdan Wahid

KUALA LUMPUR:Malaysian children can now experience "working life" by role-playing at up to 90 real-life jobs.

For the price of RM55 for MyKad holders or RM75 for non-MyKad holders, a child can choose to be a judge, banker, journalist, painter, actor, magician or other professions through the role-playing activities at the newly opened Kidzania Kuala Lumpur.

With a boarding pass, a map and a cheque for 50 kidZos (Kidzania's currency), a child can choose an occupation, learn about the job, wear the uniform and experience a simulation of real-life work environment at Kidzania.

Some of the activities include putting out fires, being a surgeon for a day, piloting an airplane, hosting a television programme or interior designing.

Kidzania has partnered with various local and international brands -- including the New Straits Times Press and Media Prima Bhd -- to add a touch of reality and provide educational experience to the children.

Other partners are AirAsia Bhd, CIMB Bank, Honda Malaysia, KPJ Healthcare Bhd, Marrybrown Sdn Bhd and Sony Malaysia.

At the Kidzania launching ceremony yesterday, Kidzania joint developer Themed Attractions and Resorts Sdn Bhd chief executive officer and managing director Tunku Datuk Ahmad Burhanuddin said the indoor education centre was all about freedom and fun for children.

"The unique concept of fun and learning that Kidzania has to offer will aid development growth and inspire confidence, creativity and innovation among children."

Kidzania was founded in Mexico in 1996 by entrepreneur Xavier Lopez, who dreamed of creating a place where children can have fun while enjoying real-life experiences.

Lopez, who was also present yesterday, described Kidzania as a place which inspires and empowers children.

Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin opened Kidzania Malaysia yesterday.

Located at Curve NX in Mutiara Damansara, Kidzania can handle 1,700 people at any one time. It operates from 10am to 5pm on Mondays to Fridays while on weekends, school holidays and public holidays, it operates in two shifts, 10am to 3pm and 4pm to 9pm.

Kidzania is open to the public from today.

Copy from News Straits Times

http://www.nst.com.my/local/general/jobs-galore-for-children-1.52848