Hong Kong, as an international metropolis, has always been loved by leading brands and often serves as one of their first markets for overseas expansion. These brands recognize the importance and advantages of establishing a presence in the local market, especially among the younger generation who constantly seek inspiration. Consequently, companies are increasingly venturing into the field of edutainment and utilizing their industry expertise to engage with families and children. Edutainment, through interactive experiences, extends learning beyond the classroom and unleashes children’s full potential. HSBC, one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organizations, is at the forefront of this movement. It places significant emphasis on educating the younger generation about banking and wealth management. Recently, HSBC announced a partnership with KidZania Hong Kong, located in 11 SKIES within Hong Kong’s SKYCITY, to co-curate the edutainment experience of the first KidZania site in Greater China.

KidZania is an interactive city that offers realistic role-play experiences for children aged 2-15, combining exploration and learning. These experiences ignite children’s curiosity about various careers, provide insights into societal functioning, and introduce the concept of money management. Currently, KidZania has a presence in 27 regions worldwide.

(Image 1: The first KidZania site in Greater China has landed in 11 SKIES.)

HSBC Partners with KidZania Hong Kong Educating Children on Banking and Wealth Management Knowledge

Situated in 11 SKIES, KidZania Hong Kong is a three-storey scaled city that brings career experiences to life. Collaborating with nearly 30 international and local brands, KidZania Hong Kong enables children to experience and immerse in around 50 professions. It also features seven Hong Kong-unique experiences, including the first wealth management center in the region’s KidZania in collaboration with HSBC.

With the growing popularity of edutainment in the parenting industry, HSBC recognizes the value of this collaboration with KidZania Hong Kong. The partnership aims to establish the first wealth management center for children within KidZania Hong Kong. Brian Hui, Head of Customer Propositions and Marketing, Wealth and Personal Banking Hong Kong, HSBC, highlights that HSBC is the largest bank in Hong Kong with over 5 million customers across different age groups, including children and teenagers. This partnership not only allows children to gain insights into the daily operations of a bank and learn about banking and wealth management, but it also serves as an innovative platform to showcase HSBC’s services in Hong Kong.

(Image 2: Brian Hui, Head of Customer Propositions and Marketing, Wealth and Personal Banking Hong Kong, HSBC)

Cultivating Tomorrow’s Financiers Through Role-Play

Children inevitably encounter money in their daily activities, even if they don’t fully grasp its concept yet. Mr. Hui believes that edutainment will give children a taste of working and enable them to understand the income source of their parents, thereby fostering the concept of money and wealth management through fun and interactive learning. He emphasizes that financial well-being is crucial for all age groups, and introducing children to relevant knowledge at an early stage equips them with valuable skills for the future.

Mr. Hui explains, “We provides children with the opportunity to manage their own finances within the HSBC branch in KidZania Hong Kong. Through role-play and simulation experiences, we introduce them to fundamental banking and wealth management concepts, simplifying abstract ideas like investment and wealth management.” Inside this child-specific HSBC branch, they can engage in various activities, such as opening accounts, checking balances, saving and withdrawing the KidZania currency, KidZo, etc. By participating in these activities, children also learn about essential money-related concepts such as saving, making purchases, investing, and understanding associated risks. These experiences aim to cultivate children into future financial experts.

(Image 3: HSBC Wealth Management Centre at K11 ATELIER Victoria Dockside)

Joined by World’s Leading Brands Across All Sectors

KidZania Hong Kong has collaborated with renowned brands from various sectors to co-create the lifelike miniature city, enhancing their brand image and reaching diverse target audiences.

Dettol

Dettol is a leader in germ protection helping families protect themselves and those they love for over 90 years through better hygiene. Good health is essential to the good life, while good hygiene habits are the foundation of good health. By establishing a hospital within KidZania Hong Kong, children can learn about teamwork and proper handwashing steps through engaging in games and activities to build long-lasting good hygiene habits from an early age.

Mead Johnson

Mead Johnson is committed to nourishing the world’s children for a better start in life and  providing parents with safe, high-quality, and scientifically-based pediatric nutrition products. Through their collaboration with KidZania Hong Kong, children can assume the role of a childcare specialist in a hospital setting. They can perform physical examinations and assist with bathing, diaper changing, and feeding infants. Apart from learning about the significance of nourishing babies and nurturing their well-being, children also develop empathy, care, patience, communication skills, and teamwork. These experiences facilitate their ongoing growth and exploration in life.

Merries

The Japanese diaper brand Merries is derived from the word “Merry”, which means happiness and smiles, highlighting its commitment to bringing laughter to babies and parents. Merries and KidZania Hong Kong have teamed up to curate an interactive Baby Gym Room under the theme of Merries Rabbit. It encourages infants to unlock and explore their senses together with their parents and the Merries Rabbit, while establishing a positive and interactive parent-child relationship for a healthy upbringing.

Modern Dental Group

As a leading global dental prosthetics device provider and consultant, Modern Dental Group operates in over 20 countries, offering comprehensive and innovative dental solutions that drive the digital transformation of dentistry. The group will launch the world’s first Digital Oral Scanning Experience Center in KidZania Hong Kong. Tailored for children, this groundbreaking career experience enables them to unlock their potential and promotes early comprehensive dental education.

CTF Life

CTF Life, a renowned local insurance brand, is committed to providing families in the Greater Bay Area with a comprehensive quality of life experience across four major life categories: GROWealth, EDUtainment, PowerUp, and FAMmunity. In collaboration with KidZania Hong Kong, CTF Life has constructed the region’s first Sports Center infused with sportsmanship and wellness for children. Children will transform into professional athletes and engage in specially designed sporting activities to enhance their physical and mental well-being. Through play, they will develop team spirit and sportsmanship.

There is no shortage of unique local arts, culture and traditions in Hong Kong. Yet, as society advances, there is also a gradual loss of the city’s intangible heritage, including related industries and professions. Goods and traditions that were once commonly seen in the past are becoming increasingly rare for the next generation. With KidZania making its Greater China debut in 11 SKIES in Hong Kong’s SKYCITY, the world-renowned children’s theme park has created around 50 occupational experiences in a “miniature Hong Kong” with some of them featuring unique Hong Kong elements. Not only will children get an early taste of the workplace and discover their passion, but they will also go on an edutainment journey that enables them to learn about Hong Kong’s unique traditional culture and occupations.

(Image 1: The three-storey KidZania Hong Kong is designed as a miniature city)

Landing in the New GBA Hub – 11 SKIES
Introducing 7 Occupational Experiences Exclusive to KidZania Hong Kong

KidZania, with 18 sites in 27 regions globally, has now arrived in Greater China, bringing exclusive occupational experiences that reflect the local culture in Hong Kong. KidZania has chosen 11 SKIES, the city's largest retailtainment landmark, as its regional home. Spanning 3.8 million square feet, 11 SKIES offers over 800 retail and dining options and is strategically located between the Hong Kong International Airport and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, making it a vital hub for the Greater Bay Area. Beyond attracting global travelers, 11 SKIES also provides a variety of dining and entertainment choices for visitors to the nearby AsiaWorld-Expo and those embarking on their journeys.

KidZania Hong Kong, housed in a three-storey building, collaborates with nearly 30 renowned international and local brands to deliver lifelike occupational experiences for children. Among these experiences are seven unique offerings exclusive to KidZania Hong Kong. Notably, SPARKLE by Karen Chan presents the world's first modern Chinese fashion studio. Children can dress up in adorable mini cheongsam outfits, showcasing their style as young supermodels on the fashion runway while immersing themselves in the traditional and intangible cultural heritage of the cheongsam.

(Image 2: Connected with the Hong Kong International Airport and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, 11 SKIES is set to become a gateway to the Greater Bay Area. In the future, thanks to its full connectivity, showgoers at AsiaWorld-Expo will be able to enjoy the dining and shopping options at 11 SKIES before their show.)

Connecting with Children: Quality Time and Personal Experience

Parents often have aspirations for their children to pursue certain professions like doctors or lawyers. However, as children grow, they may discover different passions, leading to regrets about missed opportunities. Karen, the founder and creative director of SPARKLE by Karen Chan, encourages children to explore their vocational interest at an early age, and expresses her appreciation for experiences that blend entertainment, play, and education. Before KidZania arrived in Hong Kong, Karen would take her son to explore various professions at KidZania sites around the world. “Quality parent-child time is crucial to me! KidZania's occupational experiences teach children the importance of choosing a profession wisely.”

Karen's personal experiences also fostered an immediate connection with KidZania. She explains, “Many people have fantasized about being a model, thinking it's all about posing and taking photos. But what is the reality of being a model? Children will understand it's not as easy as it seems once they experience it themselves!” At the first modern Chinese fashion studio in KidZania Hong Kong by SPARKLE by Karen Chan,children can try on meticulously designed mini cheongsam outfits blending Eastern and Western elements. They can also experience the thrill of being a supermodel, strutting down the catwalk under the spotlight.

(Image 3: SPARKLE by Karen Chan creates new experiences by blending Chinese and Western cultures; it tells Hong Kong’s unique stories through modern Chinese attire)

Strategic Location Where East Meets West – Telling Great Hong Kong Stories

Karen highlights that 11 SKIES, situated at the heart of the Greater Bay Area and near the airport, offers a unique experience for Mainland and foreign tourists to encounter Hong Kong's local brands and discover another side of the city. KidZania Hong Kong, located within 11 SKIES, is a three- storey miniature city that benefits from its strategic position between the Hong Kong International Airport and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. This location not only ensures excellent connectivity but also serves as a fusion of Chinese and Western cultures.

Karen believes that each city should have its distinct characteristics. Her modern Chinese attire, inspired by traditional cheongsam and mandarin gowns with playful Western design elements, incorporates Hong Kong nostalgia into its details. The designs feature iconic elements full of childhood memories such as the red-white-blue bags, old metal gates found in housing estates, mailboxes, pinwheels, and the distinctive “watermelon ball” patterns. Collaborations with institutions like the Hong Kong Heritage Museum and the Hong Kong Museum of Art, as well as cheongsam masters, celebrate the intangible cultural heritage and create a “walking encyclopedia of Hong Kong.” This provides a rare opportunity for Hong Kong children to learn about and experience the history of their own city. For overseas visitors at KidZania Hong Kong, they can immerse themselves in professions that showcase unique Hong Kong characteristics. They can explore the city-like environment of KidZania Hong Kong, admiring the old metal gates and mailboxes depicted on Karen's modern costumes and learning about their stories. This sparks their curiosity to explore lesser-known places such as To Kwa Wan, Sham Shui Po, and Ap Lei Chau, promoting local Hong Kong culture through in-depth exploration.

(Image 4: Hong Kong’s culture, history, and art are often incorporated in the works of SPARKLE by Karen Chan. Among them is a collaboration with the Hong Kong Museum of Art to create cheongsam inspired by the paintings of master artist Wu Guanzhong, allowing wearers to understand and appreciate the city’s arts and culture.)

Unique Occupational Experiences at KidZania Hong Kong: Discovering Hong Kong's Distinctiveness

KidZania Hong Kong offers not only the opportunity to try on modern Chinese cheongsam by SPARKLE by Karen Chan and walk the fashion runway but also a range of distinctive professions unique to the city.

Cathay Pacific

As a world-class international airline, Cathay Pacific has always been a purveyor of safe and high-quality services. Rooted in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific is committed to contributing to the local community, including promoting youth development. At the KidZania Hong Kong Aviation Academy, children can don pilot uniforms and step into a simulated cockpit to “fly” an aircraft, gaining insights into the pilot's role and exploring the thrilling world of aviation.

Kee Wah Bakery

Kee Wah is dedicated to the principle of “baking with care, winning through quality.” It upholds time-honored traditions that have defined Kee Wah for generations. Through the bakery, children can have a hands-on experience in baking traditional Hong Kong-style pastries and buns, fostering an understanding of the traditional art of baking. This initiative aims to promote and preserve the rich baking culture of Hong Kong.

Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut first arrived in Hong Kong in 1981. Since then it has grown to become the city’s largest of pizza and pasta restaurant chain. With the corporate culture of “customer obsession”, Pizza Hut is devoted to providing quality service, and evolving with time. Around the world, every Pizza Hut carries items that reflect unique local cultures. At KidZania Hong Kong, children have the opportunity to experience pizza-making while gaining insights into Pizza Hut's impressive “customer obsession” culture.

Wai Yuen Tong

Established in 1897, Wai Yuen Tong is a prestigious brand with over a century of history. Guided by the philosophy of “preparing medicine with dedication”, Wai Yuen Tong develops and manufactures Chinese medicine and health supplement products tailored to the needs of urban dwellers. It has been recognized as the “Most Trusted Traditional Chinese Medicine” brand and the “Best Traditional Chinese Medicine Quality”*. Wai Yuen Tong brings its expertise in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and medicine manufacturing to KidZania Hong Kong, providing a unique platform for children to learn about and develop an interest in TCM. It aims to inspire and cultivate future Chinese medicine practitioners at Wai Yuen Tong.

*Based on a study of Hong Kong traditional Chinese medicine health supplement brands conducted by Ipsos from March to April 2023. It surveyed 502 Chinese health product consumers in Hong Kong. (Copyright owned by Ipsos Hong Kong Limited)

Imagine stepping into an unmanned supermarket, shopping effortlessly without a physical wallet, or riding in a driverless bus across town — as smart city applications become increasingly prevalent, it is crucial for the new generation to master the latest information and communication technology to keep pace with future developments. 11 SKIES, the first one-stop retailtainment and tourism landmark in Hong Kong, is introducing KidZania Hong Kong, the first KidZania site in Greater China, providing children with captivating career experiences. As one of the partners of KidZania Hong Kong, HKT will establish the region’s first “5G Smart City Technology Hub”. This Workshop aims to inspire children's interest in technology and encourage them to utilize advanced 5G technology in designing future cities.

Located in SKYCITY at Hong Kong International Airport, 11 SKIES is a premier retailtainment and tourism destination showcasing eight world-class entertainment facilities. Among these attractions is KidZania Hong Kong, a three-storey miniature city partnering with nearly 30 renowned international and local brands. Through these partnerships, KidZania Hong Kong offers authentic and immersive role-play experiences in innovative technology, wealth management, environmental protection, and health and hygiene.

(Image 1: HKT has established a 5G Smart City Technology Workshop at KidZania Hong Kong, giving children their first taste of 5G technology applications and experience in smart city planning.)

Fuelling STEAM Education with Diverse and Fun Learning Experience

STEAM education, which integrates interdisciplinary knowledge to foster problem-solving skills in the next generation, has gained popularity in recent years. Bruce Lam, CEO of Consumer at HKT, stated, “HKT is dedicated to promoting education for young learners. Through HKT education, it provides comprehensive e-learning solutions, along with related products and services, to support schools in their efforts to promote STEAM education and nurture students as future technology innovators.” One recent initiative by HKT is its first-ever 5G weather station set up in a primary school. The weather station collects a vast array of weather data, which is then transmitted in real time to the cloud for storage and analysis, encouraging students to learn independently through technology.

Going beyond the classroom, HKT is partnering with KidZania Hong Kong to establish the “5G Smart City Technology Hub”. Lam said, “KidZania offers a diverse range of occupational experiences that enable children to learn in a fun environment, embodying the concept of edutainment. We aim to provide children a new and exciting 5G adventure through this collaboration.”

(Image 2: Bruce Lam, CEO of Consumer at HKT, hopes that through the occupational experience at the lifelike 5G Smart City Technology Workshop, the next generation can build awareness of 5G technology and smart city development.)

Exploring 5G Applications: Designing the Future Smart Cities

Inside the Workshop, children can take up the role of 5G smart city engineers, simulating the planning of 5G base stations to ensure optimal network coverage for the entire smart city. They can also delve into robot programming and participate in building smart home systems, gaining knowledge in design thinking, augmented reality (AR), and more. Lam added, “We highly encourage children to participate in the Workshop. Through engaging experiences, we hope to pique their interest and cultivate their talent in technology, potentially inspiring their future career aspirations.”

The application of 5G technology is extensive and closely intertwined with daily life and smart city development. A notable example by HKT is its groundbreaking use of 5.5G technology and drones for the high-definition live broadcast of the 2023 National Day fireworks display, providing an unprecedented viewing experience for the audience. Apart from entertainment, 5G also drives digital transformation in enterprises. HKT has recently introduced the Hong Kong’s first 5G Private Network for Kwong Wah Hospital, empowering the development of smart healthcare through remote communications. Lam emphasised, “Hong Kong is moving towards becoming a smart city where technology and talent are essential. The Workshop, jointly organized by HKT and KidZania Hong Kong, aims to instill basic knowledge about smart city development in the younger generation, enabling them to contribute to a brighter future through technology.”

Enhancing STEAM Education: Exciting KidZania Brand Collaborations

KidZania Hong Kong has partnered with nearly 30 renowned international and local brands to provide children with a range of occupational experiences infused with STEAM education.

Magiclean Home Cleaning Company

Kao Magiclean utilizes STEAM to take children on a scientific exploration journey, emphasizing the significance of home cleanliness and hygiene. In a simulated home environment, Magiclean incorporates STEAM concepts into home cleaning practices, encouraging children to explore the scientific principles behind cleaning techniques and make informed choices regarding suitable products and tools. This activity applies scientific knowledge to real-life scenarios, fostering children's curiosity, problem-solving skills, teamwork, and environmental sustainability awareness.

MOOV Music Radio Station

MOOV will establish a music radio station at KidZania Hong Kong, allowing children to unleash their artistic creativity and cultivate a taste for music. Children will have the opportunity to receive professional training in hosting music radio programmes, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire journey, from song creation to radio broadcasting. This experience aims to empower children by boosting their confidence, enhancing their public speaking skills, fostering adaptability in conversations and establishing effective communications with others.

Panasonic University

Panasonic will introduce a “university program” at KidZania Hong Kong, dedicated to promoting STEAM knowledge among children. Upon completion of the courses, children will earn a “university degree” that will equip them for future careers as engineers and scientists. This program focuses on teaching children how to create 3D drawings and design electronic products. Through engaging experiments and interactive activities, children not only learn the fundamentals of science, physics, chemistry, and mathematics, but also develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and an innovative mindset.