Fulfilling the Golden Years
October 15, 2025
Key Takeaways
- The Sunway Senior Park Ambassadors (SPA) initiative offers retirees a meaningful way to stay active and connected by sharing their life experiences with guests.
- By providing these opportunities, SPA shows a real commitment to social inclusion and the well-being of our community.
According to the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), Malaysia is set to become an ageing nation by 2030, with 15 percent of its population expected to be 60 years and above.
While some may believe hitting retirement age means slowing down, to others it is a chance to explore new passions, deepen connections or even dive into part-time work that sparks joy.
Sunway Theme Parks (STP) introduced the Senior Park Ambassadors (SPA) initiative to provide a meaningful platform for retirees to remain active and engaged while sharing their unique energy and wisdom to create authentic connections with guests.
A Fresh Start for Retirees
The SPA team kicked off when STP reopened its doors after the pandemic. The timing couldn’t have been better as industries were bouncing back, and many older adults were seeking meaningful ways to return to society.
The response? Overwhelmingly positive. Some even thought it was too good to be true!
“We had so many calls from people asking if the role was real,” shared Sunway Lagoon assistant manager of human resources, Mr. Vijayan Monoharan.
What makes the role of SPA so appealing? It provides meaningful engagement without the demanding pace of a full-time career. The golden years are not about winding down, but about finding new ways to share a lifetime of wisdom and feel joyfully connected to the community.
Meet the SPAs
Take 66-year-old Lionel Chang, for example. Despite retiring from the telco industry, he looked to stay active.
“Being a senior, we can’t handle stress the way we used to,” he shared. “But here, everything is calmer. Even waking up early and beating the traffic don’t feel stressful.”
Vijayan’s story echoes a similar sentiment. After working in corporate roles for years, switching to Sunway Theme Parks in 2023 was a breath of fresh air.
“I worked in two companies before this. The pay was good, but something was missing. I was stuck in a fast-paced environment, and I wanted to change. I wanted to do something I enjoyed, like chatting with customers. I love helping people out,” he said.
Now, Vijayan is thriving as an SPA: “When I’m at the Wildlife Park, I tag along with the rangers and learn so much from them. It keeps things fun and fresh.”
For Foong, who joined SPAs in 2023, the role was a natural fit. Her career in the newspaper industry was built on connecting with people from diverse backgrounds – a skill she now brings to her daily interactions at the park.
“I’ve met a lot of people and enjoy meeting new people and chatting with guests. Sometimes, our conversations go on for more than 20 minutes – I love it,” she shared.
More than just friendly faces, SPAs like Lionel, Vijayan and Foong are stationed at key locations across Sunway Lagoon and Sunway Lost World of Tambun, ensuring guests experience a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Whether pointing guests in the right direction or sharing a tip or two about hidden gems in the parks, they make every visit a little more special.
Purpose with Impact
As part of Sunway’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity, the SPA role is aligned with Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs). This goal calls for empowering the social and economic inclusion of all, irrespective of age, gender, disability or other status.
“People are important factors in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Senior Park Ambassadors of Sunway Theme Parks not only enrich our guests’ experience but also serve as an inspiration to other employees. Moreover, they benefit from continued income opportunities, allowing them to remain active and engaged, which contributes to their well-being and financial security,
said executive director of Sunway Theme Parks
Professor Calvin Ho.
As a testament to the Group’s commitment to providing equal opportunities across all career stages, from fresh graduates to retirees, Sunway’s inclusive workplace culture continues to earn industry recognition, including the Great Place to Work Certification 2025, Life at Work Award (LAWA) 2024, Top 1% Leading Employers in Malaysia, Five-Time Winner at the Talentbank Graduates’ Choice Awards 2024, and Employer of the Year at the HR Excellence Awards 2023.
The SPAs set an example for other industries to follow. After all, age shouldn’t be a barrier to finding purpose or contributing to society.
With the right opportunities, retirees can stay active, engaged and happy – proving that the golden years can be just as fulfilling as any other.
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