Wonder what it is like to be flying two of Qatar Airways’ flagship aircraft – the 787 Dreamliner and the A380 superjumbo aircraft – using state-of-the-art flight simulators? Hey kids, you are in for a taste of what the adult world is like!
KidZania is where your dreams would finally come true. For us adults too, childhood dreams can become a reality – temporarily.
KidZania is an indoor family education and entertainment centre which offers kids an opportunity to role-play various jobs in a kid-centric city experience designed to educate and inspire kids. It is like a real city accept that it is run by minions. Oh, I mean kids.
It is the second KidZania developed by Themed Attractions Resorts and Hotels Sdn. Bhd. Currently, it is not open to public yet. This family edutainment centre,which is 7,600 square metres facility, is slated to open in April 2016!
Kids can choose activities – such as being a pilot, police officer, doctor, fashion model, journalist or a customer – and managed their own money, which they can then spend or save. Children can earn KidZos which can be deposited in the bank or spent on food and beverages in KidZania. This is way better than playing Monopoly!
The official currency used at KidZania is caled KidZos and kids can use this currency to pay for goods and services. Besides getting to experience the various jobs, they get to learn about values and important real-life skills.
The brainchild of KidZania is Xavier López Anoca, a young entrepreneur who dream of creating a unique experience for children that could promote global citizenship and build strong community awareness in children through a fun and entertaining hands-on experience. The first KidZania was opened in Mexico in 1999.
I was at KidZania Singapore – Qatar Airways Industry Partner Announcement event held at Palawan Kidz City. It was my first hearing about KidZania actually and I was so honored to be there to grace the event with all the VIPs there.
Tunku Dato’ Ahmad Burhanuddin, Group managing director and Chief Executive Officer of Themed Attractions Resorts and Hotels together with His Excellency, Mr Akhar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Execuive, pushed down the throttle to unveil the airplane!
And the moment of truth…
Finally, we got to see what it is like in KidZania Singapore! When they draw the curtains, we are welcome with the sight of this decommissioned Boeing 737 that measures over 25 metre long with a full wingspan of 28 metres wide! Yes, it looked like it just flew through the building and got stucked there.
I haven’t flew by Qatar Airways before and how I wish I can fly on Qatar Airways someday. There’s still Turkey and Dubai which I’ve yet to visit!
During the press conference, some of the journalists asked about Qatar’s partnership with KidZania and KidZania Singapore will be an enriching learning centre for the kids in Singapore.
Upon entering KidZania Singapore, you will be greeted at the Qatar Airways branded airport terminal, complete with check-in desks and staff dressed in Qatar Airways uniforms. This facility is also home to the Aviation Academy where children can immerse themselves in the world of aviation and travel. Ready to check-in, kids?
I can’t wait for the opening of KidZania and I am pretty sure many parents and kids can’t wait to hop over to KidZania which is housed at Sentosa.
For more information, check out www.kidzania.com.sg and www.facebook.com/KidZaniaSingapore
