KUALA LUMPUR: CIMB Holdings Bhd recently launched its first childcare centre for its employees at the Bumiputra-Commerce Tower (MBC) in Jalan Raja Laut, here.
The centre was set up in partnership with Krista Education, an established early childhood education service provider.
Krista@MBC, which was set up in January this year, serves as both daycare and early childhood learning centre.
Located on the fifth floor of the building, the centre houses a library, a game section, an activity corner and classrooms.
CIMB Group Holdings Bhd group chief people officer Hamidah Naziadin said the move was in line with the government’s call to encourage more organisations in the private sector to build childcare centres at workplaces as part of the government’s initiatives in empowering women.
“We built the centre to cater to the needs of our employees who have young children.
“Some parents face difficulties to get maids or caretakers to look after their children and some find it hectic to rush to the daycare centre after working hours.
“We are concerned with the welfare of the parents. They want a safe environment and quality care for their kids.
“The main reason we invested in the establishment of our daycare centre is to help and motivate our employees.
“Now they can heave a sigh of relief knowing that their kids are in the same building.
“This way, they can focus on their work and improve their productivity,” she said, adding that the daycare centre enjoys a monthly subsidy of RM600 from CIMB.
Hamidah said CIMB chose to team up with Krista because of its flexibility and good reputation.
“It is a well-established childhood education provider that offers holistic and comprehensive programme for children. It also has flexible operation hours. Sometimes our employees have to work long hours and Krista is willing to accommodate the request.
“We plan to build more childcare centres at other CIMB main buildings,” she said.
Krista Education managing director Lee Seng Chee said 19 parents have registered their children with the daycare centre.
“This is Krista’s first workplace childcare centre and we are honoured to collaborate with CIMB.
“The centre can accommodate a maximum of 50 children and has 10 trained teachers and caretakers.
“We provide fun and educational activities to benefit the children during their stay here. We want to ensure that our young children receive proper care and education.
“Krista is also known for its flexibility. The official operation hours are from 7.30am to 6.30pm but if the staff has to do overtime, we will take care of their kids.
“To date, Krista owns 100 kindergartens and childcare centres nationwide.
“We hope more companies will set up their own daycare centres for their staff. We will also reach out to various organisations to enlighten them on the importance of having such facilities,” he said.
At the launching ceremony, guests were treated to a cultural show, dance performance and fashion show by the children.
Also present were Krista Education chairman Tan Sri Dr Yahya Ibrahim, CIMB Bhd executive director Datuk Sulaiman Mohd Tahir and Krista Group of Company programme adviser Wong Wai Kuen.