The region’s largest educational event, SmartKids Asia returns this March school holidays. The  event will take place on 16 – 18 March at 10am – 9pm on Friday and Saturday (16 & 17 March) and 10am – 8pm on Sunday (18 March) at Singapore Expo, Hall 6.

This year, the event refreshes its focus on language and learning in the 21st century for
young learners between 2 and 12 years old. Fun, hands-on and interactive activities aim to help young learners develop competencies in line with the Ministry of Education, Singapore (MOE)’s Framework for 21st Century Competencies and Student Outcomes.

Here are some things you shouldn’t miss when you’re there.

Check out what these first-time exhibitors have to offer

DaVinci Labs participates for the first time at the event and is located at Booth C01. The
provider equips students aged 9 to 15 with the Computational Thinking foundation required to succeed in the algorithmic economy. By learning to code, DaVinci students develop a deeper understanding of traditional school subjects such as science and mathematics. They become better equipped with test-taking, problem solving and collaborating.

Also a first-timer at SmartKids Asia, YANG GUANG Chinese Enrichment Centre is located at B25 within The Learning Pavilion. The centre supports children in building character through values & helps build confidence in speaking and writing Chinese. As the first values-based enrichment centre in Singapore, it focuses on developing future-ready children and offers highly-interactive Chinese Composition Writing & Enrichment Classes to help children master the language.

CHALLENGE ISLAND, located at B27 within The Learning Pavilion debuts as well at the event. The programme was developed in the US and is a fast-growing international enrichment programme that combines GROWTH MINDSET development with S.T.E.A.M education elements. The programme builds Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, Sociability, Creativity & Perseverance which are core skills essential for the 21st Century.

Other first-time exhibitors include MusiKinder, Inspired Arts, Kodecoon LLP, Le Grand School of Dance, Writers’ Studio, Las Lilas to name a few.

Learn something new… and get free gifts too!

In conjunction with World Water Day, PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency will be leveraging the educational platform towards developing responsible water users for the future through an interactive exhibition and engaging activities at Booth B01. Redeem a free gift* at the event when you show a drop in their latest water bill. *upon availability

The first 200 participants to register and visit the first-ever Sensory Art Trail – a multi-sensory experiential trail that facilitates brain development – can also receive a mystery gift. Specially curated by a lecturer from Laselle College of the Arts, Singapore’s premium art school and three Singaporean artists, participants will encounter a carousel of textures, a lab of taste and smell, a land of instruments, a logic game space while navigating a conceptual tropical forest trail. Online registration opens in the first week of March.

Visitors to The Learning Pavilion, a dedicated educational pavilion focusing on language and enrichment programmes, can look forward to specially curated educational activities and games ranging from puzzle-solving, mini board games, word games, comprehension speed games, math quizzes, mini English challenges, craft activities such as make-your-own-musical-instrument, musical word of the day (Presto/Largo, Crescendo/Decrescendo as an example), pop quizzes on cards for all levels and more. All activities within this pavilion are free-to-play for children between 2 and 12 years old. Participants may get to walk away with small prizes and rewards upon completion of individual prizes conducted by participating exhibitors.

Don’t miss these too:

• Daily Lucky Draws with prizes worth more than $10,000 with every receipt of purchase.
• Goodie Bag Giveaway (Worth up to $50). Reserve a goodie bag through pre-registration on SmartKids Asia Facebook page or be the first 200 to queue at the door.
• Kids who complete the Fun Passport get to spin the prize wheel with exclusive prizes up for grabs. The first 200 to complete the fun passport daily could also redeem an ice cream from Milky Kreme.

Try out enrichment lessons from participating exhibitors for free

Three days of trial classes from educational and enrichment providers will happen from 10.30am – 8pm on Friday & Saturday and 10.30am – 7pm on Sunday. The programmes are tailored for ages 3-12 years old, encompassing English, Maths, Science, technology, arts and more. Online registration will be on Smartkids Asia website.

Sit back and be entertained

Be enchanted by theatrical plays and storytelling from timeless classics such as The Frog Prince, Pinocchio, The Sleeping Beauty, and more at the SmartKids Asia Storyland. Book your seat at the Smartkids Asia website.

There will also be daily stage performances and Meet & Greet sessions from ChuChuTV featuring ChuChu and friends, Larry from The Polliwogs and more from participating exhibitors.

Find out what other activities will be in store at http://www.smartkidsasia.com/.