Childhood education franchising ideal business for women
KOTA KINABALU: Early childhood education franchising is an ideal opportunity to propel women successfully in the business world.
Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid said the business is sustainable progression for women in Sabah.
“Early childhood education is synonymous with women. In fact, most franchisors and teachers in early childhood education are women. This is because women have been granted with a high level of patience in dealing with children,” said Jainab.
“Therefore, early childhood education franchise is the ideal choice for women. I believe this franchising opportunity is developing and not just a trend,” she added, when officiating at the opening ceremony of a child development centre, Smart Reader Kids at Inanam Kapital here yesterday.
The Smart Reader Kids Inanam Kapital is among the ten newly opened centre in Sabah and Sarawak since December 2016.
Smart Reader Worldwide has made a firm impression in Asia, Australia and Middle East. In Malaysia, there are 300 franchise members and another 150 are located in the Philippines, China, Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia, Australia, Middle East, Syria, Jordan and United Arab Emirates.
Jainab said women could also play an integral role in establishing early childhood centres that contribute to the expansion of English-oriented preschools, which are in line with the government’s call to prioritize English language proficiency.
“The ability to speak in English will determine how far children can go in life. It is important to learn the English language from an early age as they can adapt quickly and easily,” the minister said.
“I understand Smart Reader Worldwide has also introduced an innovative and creative program called Smart Tadris. This program is the foundation of Islamic Smart Reader and was built to enable children to understand the basics of Islam,” she added.
The minister also urged other early childhood businesses to emulate the franchise’s role in the nation’s educational industry growth.
“The volatile economic situation has affected businesses, including in the services and education sector. In early childhood education, for example, the escalating tuition fees has, of course, been a burden to parents,” said Jainab.
“I am highly appreciative of Smart Reader Worldwide for not raising its fees for the last three years. This is a wise move and indeed shows that Smart Reader Worldwide really understands the burden of parents,” she added.
As part of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) project, Smart Reader Worldwide Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Dato’ Sri Dr Richard Ong presented a RM50,000 One Child, One Hope Education Scholarship donation to 10 underprivileged children in Sabah during the ceremony.
Aim Smart Academics Sdn Bhd Open East Malaysia Operations and business development manager, Norma John, and Smart Reader Kids Inanam Kapital franchisee, Datuk Aminah Ambrose, were also present at the ceremony.