Minister Barr: CBR company launches new TV show to help kids dance and learn
- Written by ACT Government
Released 26/04/2017
Canberra company Skoolbo, which is part of the ACT’s largest business delegation to Singapore this week, launched a new television program called Preschool Play in Singapore today.
This announcement demonstrates the opportunities now available to local businesses through direct international flights between Singapore and Canberra. Skoolbo is one 15 Canberra businesses that pitched their goods and services to more than 100 Singapore-based investors this week in a bid to further expand their businesses in the South-East Asia market.
The program was globally launched at the Australian International School in Singapore and features more than 500, eight minute episodes that can be played at the beginning of the school day to get 3 to 5 year olds up and dancing and learning while they play. The Preschool Play launch also provided the opportunity to see the soon to be opened Australian International School’s Early Learning Village which brings to life the latest research in creating the best learning environments for young children.
Skoolbo worked collaboratively between Canberra, Singapore and Houston to develop Preschool Play, which features more than 1,200 songs in English, Mandarin and Spanish.
The success of Skoolbo also highlights the importance of the ACT Government’s ongoing investment in supporting local innovators and entrepreneurs. Skoolbo has benefited from the CBR Innovation Network, established by the ACT Government with Canberra’s leading tertiary institutions to foster and support local start-ups. With threats from the Federal Government to further reduce their presence in the territory, it is important that the ACT Government continues to diversify our economy, particularly by playing to our strengths in education, research and innovation.
Skoolbo and its team of 12 writers, graphic artists and developers, some of whom are fresh graduates of University of Canberra, Australian National University and Academy of Interactive Entertainment, have done a fantastic job creating this new way for kids to learn.
Visitors from Singapore increased by 73.5 per cent in 2016 after regular flights between Canberra and Singapore began and the ACT Government is looking to encourage more two-way visitation. During this trip, I have met with Singapore Airlines to discuss the success of these flights up to this point and the possibility of increasing the number of flights out of Canberra.
While the focus of flights to Singapore has been on passenger services, there are clear benefits to international air freight. I have toured the freight facilities at Changi Airport to further understand the infrastructure requirements needed to cater for international air freight. The introduction of international air freight to Canberra Airport has the potential for 293 more jobs in the ACT and an ongoing economic benefit of up to $37 million a year to Canberra and the region.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
