In a league of its own
THIS year marks the 19th anniversary of Smart Reader Worldwide’s foray into the world of franchising. Since its inception, Smart Reader Worldwide has always remained at the helm of the industry, setting the trend and pace for others to follow suit.
This global brand has revolutionised the landscape of preschool education by providing a holistic learning platform, a system that hones creativity and thinking skills, hence creating students of excellence.
True to its tagline of being “Every Child’s Dream School”, this award-winning preschool has become the first choice among parents when deciding on their children’s early childhood education. Having been endorsed twice as the Largest Chain of Child Enrichment Centres in Malaysia, this innovative and vibrant preschool education provider is in a league of its own.
The growth and achievement of Smart Reader Worldwide has made it a big name in the industry. The organisation has bagged numerous awards and broken many records, both locally and internationally.
Most recently, Smart Reader Worldwide was selected by the World Confederation of Businesses (WORLDCOB) to receive its business award, THE BIZZ. This is the 10th time Smart Reader Worldwide has received the award, enabling it to also win the Decade of Excellence award, which grants it the status of WORLDCOB platinum member.
At the same award ceremony, group executive director Datuk Dr K.H. Wang was bestowed the Global Educator Extraordinaire Icon Award. True to the name global educator, Dr Wang has an outstanding track record in early childhood education, and her effective teaching approach, the Smart Reader Creative Teaching Methodology (SRCTM), has benefited hundreds of thousands of children around the globe.
In October, at the Malaysia Franchise Awards 2019, Smart Reader Worldwide won the Best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) award for its One Child One Hope Education (OCOH) Scholarship Programme. The programme, initiated by Dr Wang, is the first early childhood education provider in Malaysia to provide scholarships to preschoolers. She strongly believes that every child, regardless of circumstances, deserves high quality early childhood education while in their formative years.
It was a double celebration for Smart Reader Worldwide at the Malaysia Franchise Awards when Nazreena Devi and Liyana Nisha, the mother-daughter duo from Smart Reader Kids Bayu Mutiara, Bukit Mertajam, Penang, took home the Best Homegrown Franchisee of the Year Award.
“Once we are in the lead, we must strive to remain in that position. This is not easy; it takes a lot of effort. We must maintain high standards of excellence and quality as an example to our franchisees,” said Smart Reader Worldwide chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Richard Ong.
New Islamic programme ambassador
In July, Smart Reader Worldwide introduced pencetus ummah Azman Syah Alias as the new face of the Smart Reader Kids Islamic programme. The appointment of Azman Shah is a means for Smart Reader Worldwide to create awareness, take this programme to greater heights and highlight the importance of building a strong foundation in Islamic knowledge from a young age.
The Smart Reader Kids Islamic programme, a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses the main components of Islamic teachings, was first introduced in 2014. This programme has been carefully designed and developed by a panel of experienced writers and experts from Masjid Negara, with the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail as royal patron.
Fund-raising – An annual affair
Throughout the history of education, it is a known fact that scholarships are given mainly for tertiary education. Smart Reader Worldwide has created a first by awarding scholarships to preschoolers so that they can experience quality early childhood education. This year, three major events were organised to raise funds for the national One Child One Hope (OCOH) Education Scholarship programme.
The first was held in Kuching on Sept 21. Participants of all ages gathered at Plaza Merdeka for the Kuching Family Fun Walk, an event held to raise funds for a good cause. The event was graced by Tuanku Syed Faizuddin. Also present were Sarawak Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. He says events such as these were excellent opportunities to engage with people, parents and educators as well as promoting love for the city and encourages health and recreation. He also praised Smart Reader Worldwide’s effort to encourage families to spend time away from modern technology and focus on quality time with loved ones.
Smart Reader Worldwide also organised a non-profit cycling event on Oct 20. The
“Cyclelah – Together We Unite” event was officiated by Tuanku Syed Faizuddin and Raja Puan Muda Perlis Tuanku Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil.
The event attracted more than 1,000 participants, ranging from children as young as four to their parents and even grandparents. The event was aimed at fostering a spirit of togetherness as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle within families.
The Labuan Family Fun Walk was the third major charity event organised by Smart Reader Worldwide. This event, held on Nov 2 at Labuan International Sea Sport Complex, attracted more than 300 participants.
Labuan member of parliament Datuk Rozman Isli expressed his gratitude and admiration towards Smart Reader Worldwide for its efforts to raise funds for underprivileged children as well as organising an exciting event in Labuan that can be enjoyed by both adults and children.
It is in Smart Reader Worldwide’s plan to bring this fund-raising event to different locations in the country in the near future. Last year, the Family Fun Walk was held in Bintulu. Smart Reader Worldwide believes that through the OCOH programme, countless children will be able to experience quality preschool education.
Franchisee Award Nite
The glamourous and colourful award ceremony saw high performing franchisees of Smart Reader Worldwide receive accolades for their untiring efforts and excellent achievements. At the event, more than a hundred franchisees walked away with prestigious awards from various categories.
A special recognition, termed the New Impressive Award, was awarded to franchisees who performed extremely well in the first year of operations. The two most outstanding franchisees for the year were given their due recognition this year. Koh Chi Hui, who operates Smart Reader Kids Taman Putra Jaya, Bintulu, Sarawak, was named Emerging Franchisee of the Year, while Joginder Kaur Darvinder Singh from Smart Reader Kids Subang 2, Shah Alam, Selangor, won the coveted Franchisee of the Year Award. The event was held at the Sunway Resort Hotel and Spa in Petaling Jaya.
What’s in store for 2020?
For the past two decades, Smart Reader Worldwide has given nothing but the best to the development of preschool education. Through its unique teaching approach, STCRM, learning can become fun and exciting. This learning method helps to enhance creativity, stimulate critical thinking and assists children develop psychomotor skills, all of which are at the core of 21st century learning.
STCRM founder Dr Wang says, “Smart Reader Worldwide is committed to providing the best preschool education for children.”
Through continuous research and development of its programmes, next year, Smart Reader Worldwide once again paves the way to create a more holistic teaching methodology by integrating three brand new programmes in its curriculum.
The STE(A)M curriculum is based on the idea of educating students in five specific disciplines – science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics – through an interlinked approach. Rather than teach the five disciplines separately and as discrete subjects, Smart Reader Kids’ STEAM programme integrates them into a cohesive learning paradigm based on real-world applications.
The Smart Fun Play Mindfulness programme inculcates good values and social behaviour and encourages children to be relaxed, calm and focused. It also teaches other life skills, which will create a happier, wiser and caring child. The programme emphasises rest and relaxation, boosting the memory, team building and managing emotions. Every child deserves to be in a healthy, supportive and positive learning environment. Watch your child grow and
become well-nurtured and resilient individuals through this programme.
I Enjoy Play-learning (IEP) is a unique fullday programme which incorporates a playbased learning approach in its curriculum. In this programme, learning becomes exciting and thrilling as children are introduced to many hands-on activities. The IEP programme provides an avenue for children to explore and learn things on their own, which is very crucial in the child’s formative years. The four main components in the IEP Programme are the Smart Mindfulness programme, Curriculum Reinforcement, Inspirational Book Series and Intensive English programme.
Dr Wang believes that the learning process should be made as enjoyable and interesting as possible and becomes an experience that children can look forward to when they wake up every morning.
Smart Reader Kids continues to be committed to meet the demands of learners and always strives to provide the best to the children of the world. Parents are welcome to visit any Smart Reader Kids centres nationwide and learn more about its international award-winning programmes, facilities and enrolment options.
Smart Reader Kids centres nationwide will be hosting an open day on Dec 7 from 2pm to 6pm and invites parents and children to experience this exciting journey together.
This global brand has revolutionised the landscape of preschool education by providing a holistic learning platform, a system that hones creativity and thinking skills, hence creating students of excellence.