Testing VIP Kindergarten, Sri Petaling

Headquartered in Sri Petaling, Kuala Lumpur, VIP Education is a known name in the education industry, having won multiple awards for their outstanding primary and secondary tuition services over the years. 

Their latest addition, VIP Kindergarten, follows the same passion and principles that have made the brand such a resounding success. 

Established in 2022, the preschool and kindergarten is located on the ground floor of their Sri Petaling headquarters and spans over 8,000 square feet of space, offering a holistic educational experience for children aged three to six years old. 

Readying pupils for an SJKC path 

The idea for VIP Kindergarten was mooted when founders Dato Lawrence Sim and Datin Crystal Moh observed a need amongst parents who wished to prepare their children to receive national Chinese vernacular education (SJKC). 

Although some kindergartens offer Mandarin as a subject, most have an English-centred curriculum with play-based approaches. As a result, some children may struggle to adjust to more structured classes when they move to Standard 1. They may also encounter language barriers, as subjects such as Mathematics and Science are also taught in Mandarin. 

VIP Kindergarten’s curriculum is specially designed to prepare them for an SJKC path, whilst blending a variety of approaches to ensure each child receives a well-rounded educational experience. 

IQ, EQ, and multiple intelligences 

The kindergarten’s approach focuses on three core areas: IQ (intelligence quotient), EQ (emotional quotient), and multiple intelligences.

As the name suggests, multiple intelligences involve different aspects of a child’s development, from bodily-kinesthetics, inter- and intrapersonal skills, linguistics, and logical-mathematical intelligence to naturalist and visual-spatial intelligence. 

VIP Kindergarten nurtures these areas through carefully curated activities, teaching techniques, and tools. Flashcards are used to help children sort out their emotions, and they are also given guidance by teachers, to reflect on how to better understand their own selves and how to interact with their peers. 

Hands-on activities such as cooking and gardening help the children to develop their bodily-kinesthetics skills. Educational field trips to places such as the fire station give them unique perspectives on society and career, while trips to the farm allow them to interact with animals and nature. 

“With the amount of information we have today that is easily accessible, obtaining knowledge is easy. But developing EQ–the awareness of our feelings and the feelings of others–that is what we aim to instil here. EQ is especially important as they grow into adults, as it teaches them how to be mindful of others,” says Datin Moh. 

A stairway to progress 

Aside from EQ and other aspects of intelligence, importance is also given to academics. The syllabus follows a gradual learning curve that encourages children to learn at a measured pace, so that by the time they move to Standard 1, they will have built solid foundations and can transition more smoothly to a formal school environment. 

“There are schools that are all about fun and play, while others focus heavily on studies. Our approach incorporates a balance of both, so that children can grow well in all areas,” says Datin Moh. 

For example, children in the three-year-old class spend 80 percent of their time at school learning through play-based approaches such as Montessori, while four-year olds would have a 60:40 play-study ratio. At six, they are introduced to a more structured classroom setting, with 40 percent play and 60 percent study. 

This step-like structure also extends to the subjects they learn. Some of the subjects that are taught here include Bahasa Melayu, English (based on the Cambridge English syllabus), and of course, Mandarin. Other subjects like science are also taught in Mandarin. 

Younger children are introduced to the basics like identifying characters and spelling, while older kids progress to making sentences, and then creating compositions. While classes are mainly conducted according to age group, the child’s progress and ability is monitored accordingly, and they may be moved to another age group if deemed suitable. 

Parents are kept updated through quarterly calls and biannual progress report cards. 

A conducive environment led by professional teachers

VIP Kindergarten prides itself in creating a secure and healthy environment for both pupils and teachers. 

Classrooms are clean, brightly lit, and come equipped with air-conditioning as well as child-safe, height appropriate furniture with rounded corners. The overall design is child-friendly, with cute and attractive elements in soft, pastel colours. There is also CCTV surveillance. 

Teachers are professionally certified with backgrounds in early childhood education, and some have over a decade in teaching the SJKC syllabus. 

Datin Moh and Dato Sim also believe in choosing what they call “five star” teachers, who embody five values that align with their organisation, namely care, responsibility, wholeheartedness, patience, and attentiveness.

“I think happy teachers make for happy students too. We provide in-house training and scholarships for teachers who wish to develop themselves,” Datin Moh explains. 

Conclusion

VIP Kindergarten prepares children for a primary Chinese vernacular education (SJKC) through the development of IQ, EQ, and multiple intelligences.

Its balanced approach, nurturing environment, and dedicated, professional teachers ensure children thrive academically and emotionally. By fostering a love for learning within a fun and structured framework, the kindergarten sets strong foundations for lifelong success.