Children aged five to 12 learning to aim a fire hose with help from firemen during the Sunway Explorer Rangers programme. — Photos: Bernama
Initiative provides them exposure, interaction with nature and people
FOR many children today, learning often begins with a screen.
But for those who join Sunway Theme Parks’ Explorer Rangers programme, learning happens through wildlife encounters and hands-on experiences.
Sunway Theme Parks chief executive officer Calvin Ho said: “It goes beyond introducing wildlife.
“The programme seeks to nurture empathy, sustainability awareness and a broader understanding of global challenges from a young age.
“It is structured to help children understand that animals and nature exist within a wider ecosystem that requires responsibility and care.”
“These early experiences,” he told Bernama in an interview, “play a role in shaping how they view sustainability and stewardship in the long run.”
A young Sunway Explorer Ranger learning how to put out a fire safely during an outing to the Subang Jaya Fire and Rescue Station.
“Another key component of the programme is learning about careers, through interaction with real-world professionals and gaining insight into professions that may not be traditional or visible to them.
“By exposing children to fields like veterinary science, conservation and environmental management, we broaden their perspective on the many ways they can contribute meaningfully to society.
“While the outcomes might not be immediate, the long-term impact could be significant,” said Ho.
“If these experiences encourage children to grow up valuing conservation, safety and sustainability and later carry those values into their careers or decision-making, that in itself is a meaningful outcome,” he added.
In recent sessions, participants visited the Subang Jaya Fire and Rescue Station where they learnt about fire safety and emergency response.
Under the guidance of station chief Muhammad Iskandar Zul Akbar Abdul Aziz and his team, the children learnt what firefighting was about.
“Early fire safety education builds awareness and habits that can potentially save lives.
“Practical exposure helps children understand risks more clearly than theory alone,” he said.
Another fun and thrilling experience was learning how to slide down the fire pole.
The children learnt how to identify fire hazards, stay calm during emergencies and how to contact the fire department.
Later, they were allowed to practise using a fire extinguisher, turning theory into action and transforming safety lessons into lasting memories.
Explorer Rangers is part of Sunway Theme Parks’ broader commitment to community, education and sustainability under its environmental, social and governance (ESG) framework.
The collaboration with the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), supported by a two-year memorandum of understanding, reflects a shared mission to build a community that is informed from a young age.
Through strategic partnerships with organisations such as Sunway Medical Centre, Pos Malaysia, Universiti Malaya, Sunway X Farms, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and JBPM, the programme equips children with essential life skills – from safety awareness and teamwork to stewardship.
For the children who take part, learning does not end when the programme does.
It continues in the questions they ask, the values they carry and the future they begin to imagine.
