(Left to right) Senior fire superintendent I Farid Asyhadi Assa’ad, Pos Malaysia group chief marketing and communications and sustainability officer Fiona Liao, Sunway Medical Centre chief executive officer Dr Seow Vei Ken, Sunway University president Professor Sibrandes Poppema, Ho, Sunway Group deputy president Evan Cheah, RHB Bank group community banking consumer finance head Sien Vee Loc, Sunway XFarms chief operating officer Eleanor Choong, Farm Fresh Jom Cha Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Eddie Lim and PDRM Subang Jaya district police chief ACP Wan Azlan Wan Mamat at the memorandum of partnership signing with Sunway Lagoon.—CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
Sunway Theme Parks is proving that play can be a powerful tool for sustainability
WHAT does it take to build a sustainable future? For Sunway Theme Parks (STP), the answer lies in empowering the next generation.
Through its Explorer Rangers programme, Sunway is not just creating memorable experiences—it’s shaping young minds to become champions of sustainability, safety and cultural preservation.
By blending education, adventure and environmental awareness, the programme is inspiring children to think creatively about their role in protecting the planet.
And with recent partnerships that expand its reach and impact, Sunway is proving that theme parks can be more than just places of fun—they can be catalysts for change.
Learning through adventure
Since its inception in 2009, the Explorer Rangers programme has been a cornerstone of STP’s commitment to sustainability and education.
Designed for children ages five to 12, the programme combines hands-on learning with adventure, teaching participants about wildlife conservation, the environment and sustainability.
Sunway Theme Parks executive director Calvin Ho explained, “The Explorer Rangers programme is about making learning fun while instilling a sense of responsibility in the next generation.
Ng (Left) and Ho announcing the exciting partnership along with a new line of collectibles, marking Tiny’s debut in the Malaysian market.
“We want our children to love nature, protect our forests and become advocates for sustainability.”
One of the programme’s standout features is its wildlife hospital, where participants can observe veterinarians in action and learn about animal care.
“Seeing how an animal doctor works inspires children to think about their role in protecting wildlife,” said Ho.
The programme’s impact is evident in stories like that of Dr Ramon, a former junior ranger who is now a veterinarian at Sunway Wildlife Park.
“Dr Ramon was just seven years old when he joined the programme. Today, he’s one of our veterinarians and his journey is a testament to the power of early inspiration,” Ho enthused.
Play as a force for good
To further amplify its impact, STP has forged new partnerships with nine organisations and public bodies.
These are RHB Bank, Sunway University, Sunway XFarms, Sunway Medical Centre, Farm Fresh Malaysia, POS Malaysia, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (Bomba) and the Faculty of Creative Arts of Universiti Malaya.
These collaborations are set to bring diverse expertise, from financial literacy to emergency preparedness, ensuring that the ERP is holistic and impactful.
The Explorer Rangers programme cultivates curiosity and ecological awareness, inspiring a love for nature and conservation. - Filepix
While the number of participants per batch is limited to maintain safety and learning quality, the initiative ensures that underprivileged children have access to valuable educational experiences.
“The programme also practices inclusivity by offering free memberships to children from B40 households in the Sunway area. We want to ensure that no one is left behind.
“These children not only gain knowledge but also receive meals during their time with us. It’s about creating opportunities for everyone,” Ho emphasised.
From junior to master
Building on the success of the current Explorer Rangers programme syllabus, STP is set to launch a new tier aimed at 13 to 17-year-old participants in this third season: the Master Rangers.
This initiative will delve deeper into sustainability practices, equipping participants with a more advanced understanding of environmental conservation, biodiversity protection and responsible resource management.
Through hands-on experiences, workshops and mentorship opportunities, the programme will empower young individuals to take proactive roles in advocating for sustainability.
By equipping participants with these skills, Sunway is addressing environmental challenges while nurturing future leaders who can drive Malaysia’s sustainability agenda.
Through these partnerships, STP is setting a new standard for ESG leadership—one that proves theme parks can be a force for good.
Tiny toys, big impact
On the same day as the Explorer Rangers programme partnership announcement, STP also signed a memorandum of understanding with Tiny Hong Kong to create exclusive Malaysian-themed collectibles, which serve as a tool for educating younger generations about Malaysia’s history, culture and biodiversity, while fostering a sense of national pride and identity.
Tiny Hong Kong founder and director Steve Ng shared, “Our goal is to create toys that resonate with Malaysians, capturing the essence of their culture and history.
“These collectibles are not just toys; they are a way to keep Malaysia’s heritage alive.”
Ho hinted at some of the designs, which included iconic buses and car models from different eras in Malaysia. By showcasing vehicles from different time periods, the designs capture the nostalgia of Malaysia’s past while celebrating the progress and innovation that have shaped its modern transport system.
