NSW, Australia. Australasian Leisure Management. March 6, 2012. (English). KidZania has opened its first family ‘edutainment’ centre Kuala Lumpur, with the opening event marking a Foundation Day Ceremony, continuing a KidZania tradition that first originated in Mexico.Speaking at the opening YM Tunku Dato’ Ahmad Burhanuddin, Managing Director and Chief Executive of Themed Attractions and Resorts Sdn Bhd and ‘Governor’ of KidZania Kuala Lumpur explained “KidZania’s Foundation Day is a symbolic representation of the foundation of a new city. We are proud to bring the fastest growing educational and entertainment brand in the world to the children of Malaysia to enjoy and benefit from.

“The unique concept of fun and learning that KidZania has to offer will aid developmental growth and inspire confidence, creativity and innovation among children.”

“Kids love to role-play adults and with KidZania Kuala Lumpur now open, they can not only be photographers, engineers, models, TV hosts, pilots, doctors but experience the world of adults through 90 authentic role-playing activities.”

“Real-world brands are a key component to KidZania’s success. The involvement of various industry partners from renowned local and international brands will further add a sense of realism to the city for kids, thus enriching (their) educational experience.”

KidZania also honoured industry partners by presenting them with keys to the city, a host of partners from all over the world were present and the event itself was packed with industry leaders and delegates from other global KidZania family entertainment centres.

KidZania, Kuala Lumpur is an exciting addition to existing attractions in Malaysia and is conveniently situated in the Curve NX opposite the Curve shopping mall in Mutiara Damansara. The family entertainment centre offers over 90 different role-play in 60 establishments.

KidZania Founder and President Xavier Lopez Ancona added “we are excited to launch KidZania here in Malaysia and to introduce this unique edutainment concept for the Malaysian market. Partnerships such as this make KidZania the global brand that it is and one that we can be proud of.”

The opening event was a lively affair, featuring a live KidZania dance performed alongside a marching band. Children read out KidZania’s Declaration of Independence and sang the Malaysian national anthem as the KidZania flag was hoisted up to join the symbols of Malaysia and Mexico.

Following this, a Tan Sri Haji Muhyiddin had a ‘ walkabout’ in order to admire the various KidZania establishments. He was also treated to the spectacle of KidZania firefighters extinguishing a ‘burning building’.

The show wrapped up with a symbolic ribbon-cutting and the welcoming of the first official visitor to the attraction, local celebrity Datin Sofea Jane and her family.

Child visitors to KidZania begin their journey at the airport, where they receive a boarding pass, a map of the city and a cheque for 50 kidZos. They can then go on to choose an occupation, learn all about their new job and starting earning more of the special KidZania currency.

This fun way to learn encourages children to choose which parts of the city they would like to visit, encouraging a sense of independence and freedom in the kids. They can choose to work in various professions such as: chef, police officer, mechanic, pilot and much more – this is intended to offer a real-life work environment and is supported by various KidZania industry partners, who lend their advice and support on professional industry sectors in order to provide the ultimate in authenticity.

KidZania family edutainment centres offer an interactive and entertaining experience for kids aged between four and 14 years. The attractions combine role-play with real life and the kid-centric city is designed to both educate and inspire children. KidZania operates like a real city, complete with buildings, paved streets, a ‘functioning economy’ and recognisable destinations in the form of ‘establishments’ sponsored and branded by leading international and local brands.

KidZania Kuala Lumpur operates from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with weekends holding two sessions per day at 10am to 3pm and 4pm to 9pm. Tickets can be purchased at the KidZania airport ticket counter or online at the KidZania website.