18 November 2016

200 disadvantaged children try out dream professions at exclusive KidZania Singapore outing with Maybank volunteers

18 November 2016

More than 200 children supported by The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund enjoyed an evening of fun and excitement at KidZania Singapore, as part of Maybank’s continued support of the Fund for the third year running.

Maybank, the official banking partner for KidZania Singapore, booked the attraction for an exclusive after–hours private party for the children. The children went around the theme park role-playing different professions for three hours, accompanied by Maybank staff volunteers.

Children at the theme park get to earn kidZos from their role-playing, and can deposit or withdraw them from their own Maybank account in KidZania Singapore, or via a debit card which can be used at ATMs and iKiosks throughout the city. They can also take on a number of banking-related jobs at the Maybank outlet such as being a Service Manager, Wealth Manager or Cash Officer.

Mr Choong Wai Hong, Head, Community Financial Services, Maybank Singapore, said, "We find our partnership with KidZania Singapore to be especially meaningful as we believe in helping children to aim for their personal aspirations while having fun. At the same time, it is also a great opportunity to encourage them to be more independent and learn the importance of managing their own finances."

Ms Tan Bee Heong, General Manager of The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund said, "This is a very meaning experience for our students from low-income families as it inspires them to pursue their dreams and ambitions. We are especially grateful to Maybank for their generous donations and for giving our children these opportunities which will enable them to understand more about the various professions."

Donations raised from fund-raising drive

Maybank also presented a cheque of S$13,000 to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund at the KidZania Singapore event. This was raised through an online campaign, where public donations were matched dollar-for-dollar by the Bank. The Bank also donated S$50 to the Fund for every successful Maybank Education Loan application from 1 July to 31 October 2016.

The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund supports over 14,000 cases of children and youths from low-income families yearly. One of the beneficiaries, featured in Maybank’s online campaign, is a 16-year-old student, Pearlyn. Her family gets by with just S$700 a month, and she has to juggle between school and caring for her family as her mother had suffered a stroke last year. View her story and others at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClyybuMoizRg-Km_IJ7Xs5g.