A NEW kindergarten project in Penang aspires to set a benchmark for early childhood education by combining green design, multilingual learning, and community engagement in line with the state’s vision of a family-oriented, smart, and sustainable Penang by 2030.
The project, known as Whytehouse Kindergarten, is designed as a family-focused, environmentally friendly and technology-integrated learning space that encourages children to learn through play, exploration and cultural exchange.
Whytehouse Education Group founder Jery Yeoh said the initiative supports the state’s smart city and family-oriented goals while positioning Penang as a regional hub for innovative early years education.
“We want Whytehouse to stand as a model preschool that promotes sustainability, inclusivity and play-based learning.
“Our aim is to provide high-quality early years education in a green environment where children can learn freely, explore nature and interact with different cultures,” he told Buletin Mutiara.
Yeoh said environmental sustainability would be a key focus through ample green space, tree planting and nature-based play areas.
“We also want to cultivate empathy, values and curiosity through unstructured play and inquiry-based learning,” he said, adding that Whytehouse will serve as a centre of excellence, open for visits, learning exchanges and collaborations with schools, agencies and international delegations.
According to Yeoh, the proposed kindergarten will be built beside the Silver Jubilee Home in Sungai Dua, covering an area of about 70,000 sq ft.
The existing Whytehouse Kindergarten branch in Bayan Baru will be moved to the new proposed site, which is scheduled for completion by next month.
It is designed as a family-friendly campus with open areas that encourage movement, play and learning.
Yeoh said about 20,000 sq ft would be dedicated to playgrounds and outdoor learning zones, while 10,000 sq ft would be used for eight classrooms catering to children aged three to six.
“Another 5,000 sq ft is allocated for staff rooms and learning resource areas, while 7,000 sq ft will cater to multipurpose halls, performance spaces, and parent engagement areas.
“Around 20 trees will be retained for shade and biodiversity as the layout balances safety with active learning,” Yeoh said.
Yeoh explained that the Whytehouse curriculum is based on a conducive learning environment.
“Children will learn science, empathy and values through play and interaction,” said Yeoh.
Whytehouse has already drawn international interest, receiving visitors and delegations from over 20 countries, including representatives associated with Unicef and Unesco.
“We have also hosted education officials from Cambodia and Uzbekistan, as well as visitors from Russia. The centre maintains close professional links with Singapore, including collaboration with the Early Childhood Association.
“We plan to continue hosting international conferences and practitioner exchanges,” Yeoh said.
On its operations, Yeoh said fees will be slightly above the lowest market rates due to maintenance costs and staffing quality.
Beyond education, he added that Whytehouse also contributes to the community and local economy by attracting young families and skilled professionals to settle and build their lives in Penang.
“We are more than a preschool,” Yeoh said.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting