2% Preschool, Damansara Jaya
by on 28/10/2025 112
Also available in : Bahasa Malaysia
Highlights
- Nurtures entrepreneurial thinking through real-world play that builds creativity and confidence
- Instils the 2% philosophy of courage, curiosity, and character
- Fosters holistic growth with academics, emotional intelligence, and sports
- Builds strong parent partnerships through daily updates and open communication
- Offers a safe, home-like space with low ratios, healthy meals, and caring coaches
In a world where most stay within the lines, 2% Labs Preschool inspires children to colour beyond them. Founded by Ms. Eve Kok and Ms. Cindel Yong, the school was built to nurture the 2% who dare to dream differently and think independently.
“Many children are taught what to think, not how to think,” says Ms. Eve. “2% represents those who step beyond comfort zones — brave, resilient, and confident enough to turn challenges into opportunities.” At 2% Labs, learning goes beyond memorisation; it’s about cultivating mindset whereby children learn through play, purpose, and real-world experiences to think like innovators, speak like leaders, and care like changemakers.
A Preschool That Thinks Like an Incubator
What makes 2% Labs truly stand out is its entrepreneurial preschool concept — the first of its kind in Petaling Jaya. While most early education centres focus on academic readiness, 2% Labs focuses on life readiness. The school integrates real-world learning, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial values into everyday play.
Children don’t just pretend to sell; they actually run bazaars, create their own products, and manage play money budgets. These hands-on projects teach them to think critically, communicate clearly, and collaborate effectively — essential skills for the future.
“Our aim is not to produce mini businesspeople,” explains Ms. Eve. “Entrepreneurship is a mindset. It’s about seeing opportunities, solving problems, and being resilient — qualities that will serve them in any path of life.”
The 2% Pillars: Courage, Curiosity, and Character
2% Labs’ philosophy is built on three core pillars that reflect the traits of a true innovator:
1. Courage to Try
Through sports, outdoor challenges, and team games, children develop mental fortitude and learn to handle failure with a positive attitude. These experiences help them cheer for others, manage emotions, and stay determined when faced with setbacks.
2. Curiosity to Discover
Here, curiosity drives learning. The school emphasises divergent thinking, encouraging children to explore ideas, make connections, and find creative solutions. Whether it’s a role-playing project or a construction activity, every task nurtures problem-solving and innovative thinking.
3. Character to Care
Beyond intellect, 2% Labs nurtures the heart. Empathy, kindness, and communication are at the centre of daily lessons. Children learn how to express their feelings, resolve conflicts, and care for others — developing the human side of intelligence that traditional classrooms often overlook.
Growing the Human Side of Education
While STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) builds logical and technical thinking, 2% Labs focuses on developing the human side — emotional intelligence, adaptability, and communication.
“STEM builds the brain, but entrepreneurship builds the person,” says Ms. Cindel. “We help children build soft skills — how to speak up, collaborate, and handle challenges — because these are the skills they’ll use for life.”
Instead of strict punishment, teachers guide children to reflect and express themselves calmly. Mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn — a key part of nurturing emotional intelligence.
Preparing for Primary School
For the founders, academic success means little without a love for learning.
That’s why 2% Labs focuses on developing mindset and motivation first. Children are taught why learning matters — why writing helps them express ideas, or why languages help them connect with others.
This purpose-driven approach makes children eager learners who take ownership of their education. By the time they enter primary school, they will be ready and excited. “A child who enjoys learning will always excel,” says Ms. Eve. “We want them to go to school not because they have to, but because they want to.”
A Living Classroom That Feels Like Home
At 2% Labs, the environment is an extension of the philosophy — open, warm, and filled with light. The school is designed as a living classroom, where children move freely between indoor and outdoor zones: creative corners for art and storytelling, an expansive outdoor area for sports, and a “calm corner” where they can self-regulate or simply read a book.
“We want children to feel at home,” says Ms. Eve. “When they feel safe and comfortable, they can explore, express and learn more.”
Coaches Who Inspire
Teachers at 2% Labs are affectionately called coaches — mentors who nurture rather than lecture. “We hire teachers who live the 2% mindset; passionate, creative, and caring,” says Ms. Eve, “We want warm, empathetic individuals who see potential in every child.”
All coaches are qualified in early childhood education and receive continuous training in leadership, reflective teaching, and classroom engagement. The low teacher-to-student ratio — 1:5 for younger children and 1:8–10 for older ones — ensures that every child receives personalised care and attention.
Nutritious Meals and Safe Spaces
The school’s commitment to well-being extends to health and safety. All meals are prepared in-house by a dedicated cook and planned to ensure balanced nutrition.
“Children enjoy wholesome meals like French toast or cereal for breakfast, a nutritious lunch with vegetables and protein, and fresh fruits for tea time,” shares Ms. Cindel. “We keep things simple, balanced, and healthy — just like home.” Daily sanitation, CCTV monitoring, and child-safe facilities provide parents with complete peace of mind.
Partnering with Parents Every Step of the Way
At 2% Labs, parents are seen as collaborators in their child’s journey. Communication is constant, transparent, and two-way.
“Before a child even joins us, we sit down with parents to understand their goals, concerns, and challenges. We work together — because consistency between home and school makes a greater child,” says Ms. Cindel.
Through the School2Me app, parents receive daily updates with reports, photos, and observations, so they never miss a moment of their child’s progress. Coaches also maintain direct contact through WhatsApp, sharing feedback and addressing challenges together.
The preschool also hosts Sports Days, Mooncake Bazaars, open houses, and field trips where parents join the fun — reinforcing the community spirit that defines the school.
Looking Ahead: Building a Full Ecosystem of 2% Thinkers
Looking ahead, the founders envision a future far greater than a single preschool. 2% Labs aims to grow into a full ecosystem of entrepreneurial education, from preschool to primary and beyond, where the 2% mindset can continue to flourish.
“We want children to keep learning in an environment that values innovation, independence, and character,” shares Ms. Eve. “If we stop nurturing this mindset too early, they’ll lose the freedom to think and speak for themselves.” Together, Ms. Eve and Ms. Cindel dream of building an Entrepreneurial International School that will redefine what education means — a place where archetypes are built.
As Ms. Cindel adds thoughtfully, “We want to break the herd mentality and raise a generation who knows who they are, what they want, and how to make a difference.”
Here, the vision is clear: to ignite a movement that inspires every child to belong not to the 98% who follow, but to the 2% who dare to lead. Parents, make your child a 2% today!
2% Preschool, Damansara Jaya
No. 114, Jalan SS 22/32,
Damansara Jaya, Petaling Jaya, Selangor 47400
Malaysia
