First UOB Learning Playzone teaches financial literacy to kids

Business Times

04-05-2025

[SINGAPORE] UOB has turned part of multidisciplinary children's art centre The Artground into a treasure trove of engaging activities centred on financial literacy, including a bumboat 'marketplace' where kids can pretend to be buyers and sellers.
Dubbed the UOB Learning Playzone, the island-themed interactive space in Goodman Arts Centre aims to teach children financial skills such as budgeting through role-play and art.
More than 50 kids aged four to six from social service agency Child at Street 11 and education group Global EduHub – as well as their teachers – got to experience the play zone at its launch on Apr 30.
Noting that financial literacy is part of UOB's core competency, Leonard Tan, the bank's head of group corporate social responsibility, said: 'We want to be in a position to help communities – especially emerging ones or those from disadvantaged backgrounds – learn early about the value of money management practices.'
At the play zone's bumboat marketplace, for instance, children are invited to role-play as store owners and shoppers. They can learn about the basics of trade by buying and selling staple foods such as fish, fruits and vegetables.
Upon entry, each child is given a kit with a money stamp card and items based on the Singapore dollar. The card helps the kids track their earnings and expenses in UOB's Learning Playzone.
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There are also interactive displays on the evolution of money, along with tips on budgeting wisely – such as by saving money in the bank and setting aside funds for daily needs, leisure activities, education or charity donations.
'This kind of experience (gives) the children a more hands-on approach in learning how to budget and manage simple calculations,' said Natalie Seet, an English teacher at Child at Street 11.
A separate play area showcases how the S$50 note incorporates two artworks by local artists. Here, kids can design their own island-themed currency using recycled materials.
Nearly 20 UOB volunteers were at the play zone's launch to interact with the children. Denise Wong, one such volunteer and a group retail senior officer at the bank, called it a 'meaningful' experience.
'(This initiative) allows me to contribute to the children's development and well-being in a fun and engaging way. At the same time, I get to give back to the community while exploring my creativity and self-expression together with them,' she said.
Denise Wong (second row, centre) was among the UOB volunteers interacting with kids from Child at Street 11 at the bank's Learning Playzone. PHOTO: UOB
In addition, the UOB Learning Playzone touches on all of the bank's focus areas for its giving-back efforts, said Tan.
He added: 'The Artground is very strong in delivering art experiences. Because UOB is focused on art, children and education, we are trying to connect the dots and make sure that we... deliver the programmes in an artistic environment, but with the content of financial literacy.'
He also noted that such initiatives foster creative thinking and problem-solving skills in children.
The play zone is open until Oct 20 at The Artground.
A valuable start
The UOB Learning Playzone builds on the bank's other community-focused financial literacy efforts, such as its support for Fresh, a programme run by charity Children's Wishing Well.
Twice a month, UOB volunteers bring groups of up to 15 kids – aged between seven and 12 – from lower-income families to a supermarket and teach them about budgeting and nutrition. Each child is paired with a volunteer and given S$50 for the shopping experience.