ANN/THE STRAITS TIMES – Sarah Ziyaa Mohd Syukran is only six, but she can be proud of the fact that one of her artworks is displayed at the Museum of Science, Arts and Innovation for Children (Mosaic) in Jalan Tun Perak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Mosaic is Malaysia’s first museum dedicated to children and Sarah Ziyaa’s painting of a honeybee, together with paintings by her classmates from a kindergarten in Kuala Lumpur, is currently featured there.
“I feel happy that my painting is at Mosaic. It took me three months to complete the artwork. I hope people like my artwork. Maybe I can have more of my drawings at Mosaic,” said Sarah Ziyaa during Mosaic’s soft launch on January 24.
Mosaic, a MYR600,000 project co-founded by brand strategist Fiza Zin, 49, and social activist Karimah Koh, 62, is funded by contributions from Think City and private supporters. While it is a private initiative, Mosaic has also been recognised and supported by Think City as part of the Kuala Lumpur Creative and Cultural District strategic masterplan.
“As a parent, I noticed that children’s activities often have to take place in spaces meant for adults, like malls or galleries. It’s time for Kuala Lumpur to have a dedicated space for kids to express themselves, be it in arts, science or hands-on activities like woodworking,” Fiza said.
Mosaic aims to bridge socio-economic gaps by providing affordable learning opportunities for children aged between four and 12, with some programmes extending to teenagers.
The museum officially opened on February 1 and welcomes visitors from Wednesdays to Sundays, 9am to 5.45pm.
Fiza’s and Karimah’s initiative to establish Mosaic is highly commendable, as it provides children with a space to nurture their creativity in a fun and interactive environment.
It took the women five years to conceptualise Mosaic.
Children’s museums are not a new concept; they have been designed for kids in many countries around the world. The Brooklyn Children’s Museum in New York was established in the late 19th century, making it one of the first children’s museums in the world.
Fiza’s aim of having this museum is to enable children to have the chance to discover their potential, no matter their background. She wants it to be an inclusive space where creativity, play and discovery come together, fostering lifelong friendships and shared learning experiences.
