Sentosa Development Corporation and Themed Attractions and Resorts (TAR) are set to unveil KidZania in 2014 on Sentosa Island. Sentosa, who in April 2012 opened POWL, their new outdoor water play attraction for children aged 3 to 10 years, will be combining their efforts with TAR to bring this state of the art attraction to Sentosa Island.
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KidZania is different to other theme parks in that it has no roller coasters, thrill rides or arcade games. What it does have is a fully interactive experience which allows children aged between 4 and 14 years old to take on a range of roles which will help stimulate them both intellectually and physically. The theme park itself will immerse children in an adult world where they can take on different roles and occupations.
The park will be a child-sized, scaled down city, complete with pavements, streets, its own economy, national anthem and even its own declaration of Independence. There will be a new arrival plaza for coaches and it will be linked by a sheltered bridge to the Sentosa Express Monorail.
“We consider it our privilege be able to expand the KidZania family in Sentosa Island. We are looking forward to building a long-term and fulfilling partnership with Sentosa Development Corporation, which oversees the island resort’s development and attractions mix, ” said Yang Mulia Tunku Dato’ Ahmad Burhanuddin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Themed Attractions and Resorts Sdn. Bhd.
“With growth potential of family tourism in the region, we consider this to be an excellent investment opportunity for Themed Attractions in addition to our other on-going family tourism projects in Kuala Lumpur and Johor, Malaysia.”
KidZania will be part of the new 11, 500 square meter Family Education Centre (FEC) and will be located on Palawan Beach in Singapore, which is currently being transformed into a haven for families with young children. This will allow families to enjoy both indoor and outdoor fun through a range of activities.
“KidZania’s unique role-play concept will raise the bar for edutainment and fun on Sentosa through immersive learning, ” said Mike Barclay, Chief Executive Officer of Sentosa Development Corporation.
Along with Tanjong Beach and Siloso Beach, Palawan beach draws well over 5 million visitors every year which equates to around one in four of every visitor to the island. KidZania Singapore is expected to complement the existing attractions on the island, which is described as being “Asia’s favourite playground”.
“Apart from providing children the opportunity to gain more than just a great time with our unique edutainment concept, we are looking forward to introducing KidZania as a revolutionary marketing tool, providing local and international brands a new way of extending brand awareness.” added Tunku Dato’ Ahmad.
He went on to explain that the experiences that children are involved with at KidZania will help them to look forward towards their future ambitions and enable them to identify with “the brands’ corporate values and respective work ethics”.
Themed Attractions currently manage KidZania Kuala Lumpur and will manage and operate KidZania Singapore in partnership with Boustead Holdings Berhad via Rakan Riang Pte Ltd. Sentosa is also celebrating their 40th anniversary this year and are looking forward to welcoming the island’s 150 millionth guest this year.
