KidZania Kuala Lumpur launches “ArchaeoKidZ” school-holiday programme
KidZania Kuala Lumpur today officially launched its “ArchaeoKidZ” variable school-holiday programme, where children get to experience a series of themed role-play activities in history and archaeology. The initiative is aimed at developing historical and archaeological understanding in young minds through innovative and engaging learning experiences.![]() |
Mr Shahrul Nizar Ahmad (3rd
from right) alongside representatives of KidZania Kuala Lumpur ArchaeoKidz
collaborating partners, namely Faber-Castell, UHU, Malaysian Palm Oil Council
(MPOC), F&N, Mission Foods, Canon and Emborg; and Professor Dato’ Dr Mokhtar Saidin (4th from right)
officiating the launch of KidZania Kuala Lumpur’s ArchaeoKidz programme.
|
The launch was officiated by Guest of
Honour, Professor Dato’ Dr Mokhtar Saidin, Director of the Centre for Global Archaeological
Research (CGAR) in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), who also served as the
Vice-President of the Ikatan Ahli Arkeologi Malaysia (IAAM).
Speaking at the launch, Professor Dato’
Dr Mokhtar Saidin commented, “I applaud the effort made by KidZania Kuala Lumpur
in taking the initiative to develop this programme, which I am certain will be an
effective way to raise awareness among children and their parents of the
importance of history and archaeology. Teaching children to understand the past
will help them to understand change. It teaches them to think, which helps to
develop their intellectual growth and skills such as cognitive skills. It is
important when children are in the process of learning to be adults.”
Also present were Shahrul Nizar Ahmad,
Mayor of KidZania Kuala Lumpur and representatives from collaborating partners
comprising of Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), F&N, Canon, Faber-Castell,
Mission Foods, Emborg and UHU.
Mayor of KidZania Kuala Lumpur, Shahrul
Nizar Ahmad said: “This programme definitely will be an enriching and
unforgettable experience for the children and their parents. We explore the
most engaging ways for teaching history and archaeology to children with a
series of fun learning, kid-centric activities and workshops, resulting in more
than a chance for children to have fun, but they will also glean many skills
and gain some hands-on archaeological experience too. This will also open the
door for us in conveying the excitement of history and archaeology to them.
“At KidZania, we always aim at creating
quality programmes, which are educational and filled with fun. With the
expertise of our partners, the ArchaeoKidZ programme is geared to inspire
interest in history and archaeology. I’m excited about replicating the success
of our “Science & Space” programme held in May where we implemented
engaging activities to educate kids on the wonders of science and space. Moving
forward, we will be actively rolling out more programmes like this,” he added.
KidZania Kuala Lumpur’s ArchaeoKidZ
programme runs from 10 - 25 August 2019 to coincide with the school holidays in
Malaysia. Two main activities, three weekend workshops and a special activity for
loyalty programme members will be featured amidst other establishment activities
to take place around different locations within KidZania to bring history and
archaeology to life, which is in line with KidZania’s philisophy to empower children
to “Learn Life Today”.
In essence, the programme is designed to encourage exposure to history and archaeology, providing opportunities for the young community to learn how the world came to be with interactive workshops and hands-on activities, equipping them with vital skillsets for the future.
The main activities include a Fossil Excavation to introduce
participants to basic principles and techniques of archaeological excavation
with proper Archaeologist tools. Meanwhile, kids will learn about the type of
dinosaurs and their profile in the Know
Your Dino activity. Both activities by Canon are a form of sensory play
that will help them to develop and improve their gross and fine motor skills.
![]() |
Mr Shahrul Nizar Ahmad (left) and Professor
Dato’ Dr Mokhtar Saidin (right) get a briefing on how Fossil Excavation is done
by a Kidzania’s CongreZZ Kidz.
As part of
the programme, KidZania Kuala Lumpur will also be conducting a BkidZanian
special activity supported by F&N namely Spell the Dino, where the kids have to spell dinosaur names
correctly to redeem prizes. Participants will also have the opportunity to make
primitive-inspired bead bracelets, design their very own brand of dinosaur with
handprint and paint, enjoy earth-coloured manicure service, and listen to a
live program with in-house radio DJs who will discuss about archaeology and
dinosaurs.
Last but not
least, parents and kids are in for some squeaky clean experiences at the Dino Soap workshop run by the Malaysian
Palm Oil Council (MPOC) where they will learn how to make their own
dinosaur-shaped soap using palm oil!
More information about the programme and
further details about activities can be found at https://bit.ly/2LUqt1C.