Krista strengthens foothold on the early-learning market

As education is the key to the future, Krista Group of Companies aspires to provide the best tools to secure children’s success.

KUALA LUMPUR: If you want children to have good jobs after they become adults, the best time to train them is when they are three years old.

Empirical evidence indicates that high-quality preschool helps children develop soft skills that will be beneficial when they become adults.

“High-quality early learning can substantially increase the likelihood of academic success,” its managing director, Lee Seng Chee, said.

In children, Lee said, creativity develops from their experiences with the process, rather than concern for the finished product.

“By exposing children to creative experiences, we give them the gift of a rich and memorable childhood, while laying the foundation for a lifetime of creative expression,” he said.

Creativity is not to be confused with talent, skill, or intelligence. It focuses on the process of forming original ideas through exploration and discovery, Lee said.

In Malaysia, the early childcare market is largely untapped with a low four per cent enrolment rate. Although private sector participation in preschool education has been more significant, there is an increasing demand for better quality preschool education.

Lee said the demand for early childhood education continues to grow and more early childcare centres are opening.

In an interview with Business Times recently, Lee said Krista will continue to strengthen its foothold in Malaysia and, at the same time, expand its presence internationally.

In 2008, Krista took part in the Vietnam International Trade Fair in Hanoi, in an effort to introduce the Krista brand to neighbouring countries.

Following this, various partnerships are being firmed up to provide the right platform for Krista to move into Vietnam by the middle of this year.

“We are venturing into the international scene in our business expansion plans, and we have laid the groundwork to establish the Krista brand in Vietnam as an attractive and quality international preschool education brand that meets the local needs,” Lee said.

Besides the Vietnamese market, Krista is eyeing Indonesia.
Recently, Krista came up with a franchise package for entrepreneurs interested in operating enrichment centres in commercial establishments.

“This is in line with the growing demand in this business segment, which caters to the current lifestyles adopted by urbanites, consumers and entrepreneurs alike.”
Moving on, Lee said, Krista is sowing the seeds for more franchisees this year.

“We are looking at 20 more franchisees,” he said, noting that Krista has some 120 franchisees nationwide currently.
This year, Krista expects to achieve up to 15 per cent growth in net profit and revenue.

Established in 1996, Krista offers its pupils a wide range of programmes and services in early childhood education.