Kinderland International Education (KIE) received the Commendation Award (Corporate with Special Mention) from the Singapore Armed Forces Reservists Association (SAFRA). The award was presented at the Golden Jubilee celebration and 16th SAFRA Awards on 1 December 2022.

The Award is in recognition of KIE’s significant contribution and valued corporate partnership with SAFRA over the last 12 years. NurtureStars (NS) is jointly managed by SAFRA and KIE. KIE operates the Crestar Education Groups’ premium preschool brand Kinderland. NurtureStars preschools and childcare services serves the members and families of the SAFRA Association since 2001.

Senior Minister Mr Zaqy Mohamad (middle) presenting the Commendation Award with Special Mention (Corporate) to Mr Robert Leong, KIE’s CEO

Mr Robert Leong, KIE’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), received the award from Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Senior Minister of State for Defence & SAFRA President, during the anniversary event. KIE was given a similar award at the 15th SAFRA Award Presentation in September 2019. Out of nine organisations, only KIE and DBS Bank Ltd received the Commendation Awards (Corporate – With Special Mention).

The SAFRA Commendation Award citing Kinderland’s significant contribution and valued partnership with SAFRA

Since its inception of NurtureStars, KIE has worked closely with SAFRA to expand the brand into all the existing six SAFRA clubhouses. The seventh NurtureStars Preschool is scheduled to be opened in the new Choa Chu Kang SAFRA clubhouse in 2023. NurtureStars has a unique curriculum focusing on physical education, provided by Japan’s largest preschool sports academy, the JACPA Corporation.

NurtureStars has been participating actively in SAFRA’s campaigns and events, such as Singapore Armed Forces Day, SAFRA Family Days, Clubs’ Open Houses. It has also partnered with SAFRA annually to show appreciation to National Servicemen through Total Defence Day,  ‘We Thank NSmen’ and ‘Art Jam” activities.

Through joint efforts, the preschool has also published a book ‘Our Dad, Our Hero’. The book helps children understand and appreciate the contributions of our NSmen to nation building.

Today, SAFRA has six clubs island-wide, serving close to 475,000 members.

NS child demonstrating her strength and confidence jumping over a vaulting horse, a programme part of the Active Learning Curriculum.

Coding Is Fun! Children are enjoying themselves through Code-A-Pillar activities!