KFC and Mandai X are sending little explorers on a wild mission

KFC Singapore is teaming up with Mandai X’s Ranger Buddies for a year-long collaboration aimed at bringing wildlife education and interactive play into its family dining experience.

Launching on 1 October, the partnership will see KFC outlets across Singapore transformed into "Ranger Buddies outposts", with themed trayliners, customised Lil’ Buckets and table stickers. The collaboration will run until 30 September 2027 and marks the first tie-up between KFC Singapore and Mandai X.

At the centre of the campaign is a series of KFC x Ranger Buddies collectible cards, with five new cards to discover each month. The cards will be given out with every purchase of a 'Lil’ bucket meal' or 'Lil’ bucket family meal'.

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Each pack will also contain a mission card that unlocks monthly digital adventures, where children can complete activities for a chance to receive rewards ranging from KFC treats to tickets to selected attractions at Mandai Wildlife Reserve.

The collaboration extends into the KFC app through its 'Lil’ bucket world', a dedicated digital space featuring games and rewards. Children can also enter the Ranger Buddies tree house to learn more about the programme and its wildlife-focused activities.

KFC will also release a limited-edition KFC x Ranger Buddies card binder, available exclusively at KFC Kallang and through its online merchandise store from 1 October.

The collaboration was previewed at a media event on 25 September, where attendees were introduced to the Ranger Buddies experience through interactive activities and appearances by Ranger Buddies mascots Al and Min.

“At the heart of the partnership is a shared belief that meaningful learning happens through play,” said Jaslyn Lam, director of marketing and food innovation at KFC Singapore.

She added that while KFC's 'Lil' bucket meal' was designed to encourage children's imagination and family bonding, Ranger Buddies takes that sense of discovery beyond the dining table through interactive storytelling, collectibility and digital missions.

Terrence Tang, head and general manager, edutainment at Mandai X, said the partnership allows Ranger Buddies to bring purposeful play and learning into moments that are already part of children's everyday lives.

“Through our partnership with KFC Singapore, we can create more opportunities for children to build curiosity and care for the world around them,” he said.

Tang added that bringing Ranger Buddies into a familiar family setting supports the programme's broader aim of nurturing future-ready global citizens.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out for more information.

The Ranger Buddies tie-up follows KFC Singapore's recent efforts to turn its restaurants into experiential destinations through character and entertainment partnerships.

Earlier this year, KFC tapped into Pokémon's popularity with "The ultimate launch", a nationwide campaign that transformed all 71 of its Singapore outlets through merchandise, themed restaurant experiences and gaming activations. The campaign included Pokémon GO integrations and Trading Card Game tutorials alongside a limited-time Japanese-inspired menu.

Five outlets were also transformed into destinations inspired by different Pokémon types, with themed décor, photo opportunities and Pokémon visuals. KFC NEX represented Water, JEM Fire, Kallang Electric, Compass One Ghost and Jurong Point Grass.

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