Young's Kingdom, Uda Utama, Johor

Johorean parents will no doubt be familiar with Young’s Kingdom. Established in 2011, the homegrown preschool brand has over 20 branches across the state, including in Eco Cascadia, Taman Daya, Mount Austin, Bukit Indah, Setia Tropika, and more.

Young’s Kingdom’s flagship school in Uda Utama, Johor Bahru remains a top choice for parents who are looking for a vibrant preschool for children aged three to six, where they can build not just academic skills, but also traits such as creativity and social aptitude.

A play-based approach, a lifelong love for learning

A core part of Young’s Kingdom’s philosophy is its play-based approach, which includes integrated education and activities, thematic teaching, and an emphasis on tri-language learning in the country’s three main languages, namely English, Bahasa Melayu, and Mandarin.

Rather than drilling children to study, the school creates an exciting environment that encourages discovery and expression, so that students look forward to their time in school. This sparks a natural love for learning, which is crucial for future success.

This fun and interactive approach is evident in the school’s spaces, which include an indoor playground complete with areas for sand play and water play, a Young’s Chef Kitchen where they can engage in cooking activities, a gardening corner, as well as a little gym. These facilities allow children to immerse themselves in creative play while also gaining essential life skills.

Strong foundations

At the same time, Young’s Kingdom balances hands-on activities with structured lessons, so that children are well-prepared for primary education. Language proficiency, in particular, is emphasised: English is the main mode of communication, but equal importance is given to helping children improve their fluency in Bahasa Melayu and Mandarin.

For six-year-olds, the school offers a Cambridge English programme. As one parent noted, “Both of my children graduated from Young’s Kingdom, and their confidence in the English language, especially through the Cambridge courses, has been outstanding.”

Languages aside, the school also has subjects such as Mathematics, Science, and Jolly Phonics, a well-known phonics programme from the UK that boosts early literacy. Small class sizes of about 10 to 15 students allows teachers to focus on each child’s individual needs and tailor their teaching according to different learning styles – supporting the development of a confident, well-rounded individual.

Speaking of teachers, Young’s Kingdom recognises the importance of developing their teachers to deliver the best quality education. Teachers attend regular training sessions and monthly meetings to ensure they are always on top of the latest trends in pedagogy and are able to apply these teaching methods to make lessons engaging and interesting.

Thematic learning and integrated activities

Children learn best by doing, which is why Young’s Kingdom has designed their curriculum around thematic learning, where children can explore subjects in a contextual and engaging manner, whether it’s art, music, movement, or language.

The role play corner, for example, allows children to apply their critical thinking and problem-solving skills by reenacting real-life scenes. They are also encouraged to do presentations – a critical skill for 21st century learners.

These approaches are part of the school’s broader mission to provide a well-rounded educational experience. It ensures that children develop a strong emotional quotient (EQ), a trait often overlooked in more traditional academic settings.

By focusing on emotional management and promoting healthy relationships with their peers, Young’s Kingdom helps children build resilience, empathy, and effective communication skills – qualities that are essential for success both in and outside of the classroom.