Kids can now go cashless -(KidZania Touch ‘n Go eWallet Innovation Hub launches Z-Wallet app A game changer in promoting financial literacy among Malaysian kids )

Petaling Jaya, 21 August 2019 – Following its latest partnership with TNG Digital Sdn Bhd, KidZania Kuala Lumpur today launched the Touch ‘n Go eWallet Innovation Hub and Touch ‘n Go Z-Wallet app — the first of its kind among its KidZania franchise.

Exclusively downloadable only when in KidZania Kuala Lumpur, the kids will be able to trade in KidZos (the KidZania currency) using their own mobile phones or for those without one, a phone loan is made available for their transaction within the award-winning edutainment centre.

Kids will learn about financial literacy through spending their hard-earned KidZos via the mobile application or just by tapping at contactless payment terminals located throughout KidZania Kuala Lumpur.

“The app enables kids to check their balances online which would make them start thinking about saving and to be more financial-savvy. This is indeed a milestone for us as a role- playing indoor theme park in line with our motto of ‘Learn Life Today’. Helping kids understand financial aspects of earning a living is a key component of what we do here,” said Shahrul Nizar Anmad, Mayor of KidZania Kuala Lumpur.

He said experts have suggested that financial literacy should be imparted to children as young as kindergarteners, citing preschools in England and Wales, where children are taught to use money, save and donate, which promotes responsible living.

Shahrul Nizar said although Malaysians are more attentive towards financial education and financial planning, the financial literacy gap in the country is acutely pronounced with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reporting Malaysia ranked 20th out of 31 countries tested on financial knowledge, attitudes and behaviour.

“This is across the general Malaysian population, what more among the young and children,” he said, adding: “Thus, what we’re doing here at KidZania Kuala Lumpur together with TNG Digital Sdn Bhd is crucial to inspire positive change among our young Malaysians!

“As the Malay proverb goes ‘Melentur buluh, biarlah dari rebung’, which means if we must nurture and mould someone, it is best to begin while they are still young’. Meanwhile, TNG Digital, which is setting its sights on being the No.1 eWallet player in Malaysia is well on its way to shift Malaysians’ mindset towards embracing a cashless future by making cashless transactions more accessible, seamless and safe for all Malaysians.

Apart from lifestyle offerings such as purchasing movie and flight tickets, shopping, mobile reloads, and food & beverage; the Touch ‘n Go eWallet is also championing urban mobility through the introduction of RFID system, its’ partnership with EzCab and Public Cab, as well as PayDirect for toll payments. At the moment, the Touch ‘n Go eWallet has close to 5 million registered users and more than 70,000 merchant acceptance points to-date.

lis newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer Ignatius Ong, who was the guest of honour at the event said, “Children in today’s world live in a technology-first environment, with some as young as 10 years owning and proficient with smartphones. As a cashless champion, we want to encourage all Malaysians — whether young or old — to embrace technology and consider going cashless. Through this partnership with KidZania, we are empowering the younger generation to learn about technology as well as financial education in a safe and controlled environment.”

“The younger generation can also act as cashless ambassadors, educating their parents who may be resistant to hop onto the cashless bandwagon on the benefits where convenience at one’s fingertips is key to a cashless lifestyle,” said Ignatius Ong.

With the Touch ‘n Go eWallet, get ahead at KidZania Kuala Lumpur with speedy entrance via the #terusgo lane at the ticketing counter. What’s more, visitors can enjoy 35% off tickets and 10% off merchandise when they use their Touch ‘n Go eWallet!

KidZania Kuala Lumpur is a 80,000 sq feet, kid-sized City offering children the opportunity to try their hands at 100 professions through role playing activities spread across 60 various establishments. Through this experiential journey, children learn to adopt positive behaviours that will help to groom them to handle the demands and challenges of everyday life.