PARENTS’ GUIDE The summer issue
CONTENTS 6
COVER STORY
Trendy Asian cities rival China for study tours May Chan Rhodes
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DISCUSSION Lost for words Carrie Chan
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SCHOOLING OPTIONS
Cross-border schooling offers new choices John Cremer
PARENTS’ GUIDE 2015 | THE SUMMER ISSUE
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CONTENTS
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BETTER HEALTH
Five top tips to stay fit playing summer sports Wilson Lau
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CELEBRITY PARENTING More than skin-deep Ginn Fung
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FINANCING
Cost factor makes big difference in pre-schools John Brennan
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HANGOUTS
Children-friendly eateries Carmen Tao
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FASHION
Summer outfits Carmen Tao
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FUN TIME
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PARENTS’ GUIDE 2015
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COVER STORY
Trendy Asian cities rival China for study tours Taipei, Singapore and South Korea are hitting the mainland’s popularity as a destination, writes May Chan Rhodes
PARENTS’ GUIDE 2015
Photo: iStockphoto
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ummer holidays are coming, with the promise of fun and freedom for the little ones, and study tours seem to be an attractive option that satisfies the burgeoning sense of independence and brings textbook knowledge alive. For primary school-age children, the mainland, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia may be more suitable choices for a three- to-four-day study tour before they are ready for long-haul trips. It will also be easier to set parents’ mind at rest as schools or tour operators will not advise parents to accompany their children during the trip. While the market is saturated with different study tour products, Matthew Nicholson, co-principal of the primary section at Yew Chung International School, has a few pointers as to what makes a study tour a truly meaningful experience for young students. The school has a World Classroom programme for Year 5 and 6 students to go on study tours, mainly in Asia. Year 5 students can visit comparatively nearby destinations such as Xian, Beijing and Taipei. When students reach their secondary years, they enrol in China Classroom, a tailor-made study tour programme that takes them to a wider range of mainland destinations such as Huangshan and Shanxi.
The key to making these study tours meaningful, Nicholson says, is to ensure that it is an organic part of their overall learning experience. For example, he recently took a group of students to Xian as part of their study of ancient China. Before they went on the trip, both parents and students were briefed about its learning goals, enabling them to make preparations beforehand. Apart from fun things such as making dumplings, seeing the Terracotta Warriors and Horses and cycling on the city wall, they also had to complete certain tasks and projects both during and after
the trip, to ensure that they were able to analyse it critically in relation to what they have learned in the classroom. Nicholson believes that real-live experience of different places, social groups and cultures plays a vital and irreplaceable role in shaping children to become global citizens. “For many children who may not have experienced China, going to Xian and seeing the things that they can affects their mindset when they think about various subjects,� he says.
Short-haul study tour destinations for primary students at a glance China
Beijing | national education, ancient and contemporary Chinese history Xian | ancient Chinese history, Chinese arts and culture Sichuan | geology, nature conservation, agriculture Yunnan | minority culture, agriculture and horticulture, mining Guangzhou | leadership training, adventure-military camp
Taiwan
Taipei | life education, language exchange, history and culture Central-Southern Taiwan | nature conservation, green education
Singapore
Language exchange, mathematics-science camp, space technology, marine park, nature reserve and night safari
South Korea
Technology and innovation, digital technology, popular culture, beauty and fashion
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COVER STORY
TAIWAN AND THE MAINLAND BOAST A RICH AND EXOTIC HISTORY AND CULTURE
“Experience is life-changing,” Nicholson adds. “People always keep a little part of that place in their heart for the rest of their life.” Doubts about China trips However, he acknowledges that some Hong Kong families have a fear of mainland China, which they perceive as less safe or clean than Hong Kong. For example, after some particularly bad press about Beijing’s pollution, traffic problems and a bad outbreak of bird flu, the school was obliged to explore other mainland destinations to make anxious parents feel more comfortable with the idea of a mainland tour. Bridgette Po, a parent of two children, says she would not feel comfortable signing her children up for mainland
PARENTS’ GUIDE 2015
study tours. Working in a professional services company, negative experiences with mainland clients have led her to doubt the enforcement of law and order across the border.
should any emergency happen.”
“I have had clients who would blatantly ignore what had been agreed in black and white in a legal document, and suddenly pulled out of important business decisions despite all the legal repercussions,” Po says.
The appeal of Taiwan Po prefers Taiwan as a Chinese-language study tour destination because it seems to promise better safety, and also because of a closer affinity with its culture. “I am more culturally familiar with Taiwan,” she says. “I can tell you who their authors are, what food they sell on the street, and what songs they make. The mainland is a blank spot for me.”
“I don’t doubt the educational value of mainland cities in themselves,” she adds. “However, as a parent, safety always comes first. I don’t need my children to check into five-star hotels when they are on a study tour, but I have to know that they are in a safe environment where they eat and drink properly, and where they will be well taken care of
Cheung Yung-pong, principal of SHK St James’ Primary School and vice-chairman of the Hong Kong Island School Heads Association, says that while the mainland had been a traditional exchange destination for 10 years, Taiwan is becoming increasingly popular for educators, parents and students alike for study tours.
Photo: iStockphoto
Photo: Xinhua
Cheung says the political climate at home, marked by events such as the row over the national education curriculum and the controversy over a possible hidden agenda behind government-funded mainland study tours, have created scepticism in society about the purpose of mainland exchanges.
Photo: AP
I DON’T NEED MY CHILDREN TO CHECK INTO FIVE-STAR HOTELS WHEN THEY ARE ON A STUDY TOUR
In the 2013-14 financial year, the government spent at least HK$87.4 million sponsoring mainland exchange tours and internship programmes for primary, secondary and post-secondary students. It recently announced plans to further step up exchanges by earmarking another HK$190 million to facilitate exchange and sister-school schemes in the next three years. “Ironically, the more the government advocates it, the more sceptical people
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COVER STORY
K-pop culture, delicious cuisine and thrills-and-spills adventure make South Korea an exciting study tour option.
become,” Cheung says. “As the general public grows more doubtful about mainland China, the demand for short-haul study tours is spilling over to other destinations such as Taiwan, or even South Korea.” Cheung says Taiwan does not have the same political burden. Apart from being an opportunity for students to practise their Putonghua skills, it is also a leader in the field of life education, with primary students being taught about the concept of life and death, of care and empathy, and religion and spirituality through various ways. The countryside also offers students a glimpse into life on a farm and exposure to various green education topics such as nature conservation, reusable energy, and environmental protection. PARENTS’ GUIDE 2015
K-pop culture, Singapore safari South Korea, on the other hand, is also on the radar of primary schools, but for different reasons. “Parents and students are not strangers to South Korea, thanks to the immense success of their pop culture,” Cheung says. “But even for educators, South Korea is an increasingly interesting place because of their success in technology and innovation,” Cheung adds. “The language barrier may be a consideration, but it has become easier because more and more schools are teaching Putonghua.” Jacky Chiu, general manager of Hong Kong Student Travel, says mainland China remains the most popular shorthaul destination for primary students.
Singapore is also becoming popular for short-haul destinations, due to its cultural diversity and the great variety of learning experiences it can offer, Chiu says. Both education institutions and tourist attractions in Singapore are ready and willing to adapt to the needs and interests of schoolchildren. For example, Wildlife Reserves Singapore organises activities for different interest groups at the Singapore Zoo, Bird Park and Night Safari according to the age and interests of the visitors. Similar arrangements are also offered at other educational tourist attractions such as the Marine Life Park and Underwater World. For those who prefer a more structured way of learning, there are also a handful of learning centres specialising in different areas such as mathematics,
Photo: iStockphoto
science, English, and even space technology. These cater to primary school students from across Asia, including the mainland, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. “Singapore’s multicultural background is very appealing to schools,” Chiu says. “It also offers a lot of ideas for educational activities that look at how people of different cultural backgrounds get along so well.” Too young for study tours? On the other hand, Chiu finds there is a trend for parents to sign up increasingly young children for even longer study tours. In the past, most parents might not have considered long-haul destinations for children under 10. However, parents nowadays will consider sending children as young as six to long-haul
Photo: EPA
SOUTH KOREA IS AN INCREASINGLY INTERESTING PLACE BECAUSE OF THEIR SUCCESS IN TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
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COVER STORY
destinations such as Britain and the United States for more than two weeks. “Parents want to send their children further and further away for an extended period of time at an increasingly young age,” he says. “In the past, most longhaul study tours would be made up of 10 or 11 year-olds. Now we have pupils as young as eight, seven or even six years old.” Anusha Kumar, a mother of an eightyear-old who is studying in the international system, says she would prefer overseas study tours of a longer duration, i.e. two to three weeks.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS SAFETY, AND BUILDING UP THE CONFIDENCE OF BOTH PARENTS AND CHILDREN “Most of the trip will be spent on flights and logistics if it is only a three- or fiveday study tour,” Kumar says. “That is why I prefer longer tours. Two to three weeks would be a good duration.” However, Kumar says she will wait until her son reaches the age of 10 or so before signing him up for any overseas study tour. It is important, she says, for parents to feel confident that their children have the organisational and life skills to cope with different people and
PARENTS’ GUIDE 2015
Photo: Reuters
situations before sending them away from home. A spokesman from an independent tour operator founded by a group of previous school teachers, and who preferred not to be named, says longer trips do not necessarily benefit junior students. He says that that primary and secondary students have different learning needs and appetites, and these should be taken into consideration in designing a study tour for children. For example, safety is especially important for primary students, and their learning experience will focus on the formation of values. For secondary schools, the focus will be on developing subject knowledge, critical thinking and self-discipline. The spokesman also advises parents to ask the right questions about study tours such as the educational materials
to be included, the goals to be achieved, and what exchange opportunities with local schools and organisations the trip can offer. This is especially important when many so-called “educational tours” on the market are packed with shopping trips and sightseeing activities, and offer little educational value in return, he says. Chiu says parents have to be clear what they want for their children, and what the children are ready for. They can always choose a thematic family tour to combine family and learning time if they feel their children are not yet ready to go solo. “There are different ways to enhance your children’s exposure,” Chiu says. “The most important thing is safety, and building up the confidence of both parents and children to explore the world.”
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DISCUSSION
Lost for words
A narrow focus on good grades and status means students are poorly equipped with the language and writing skills they need for all-round development, writes Carrie Chan
Photo: iStockphoto
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tudents’ low incentive to cultivate language skills at secondary school can directly affect the quality of their research and writing at university, educators warn. The secondary school system has long been criticised for being result-oriented. While university admission has become increasingly competitive, there is a stronger focus on getting the right grades in entrance examinations instead of mastering the skill of writing with style and flair. Chan Hung, a former secondary school principal who now offers free tutorial services, says Hong Kong pupils still concentrate on finding formula or shortcuts to good grades. The results-oriented approach has intensified with the keener competition among schools in recent years – a direct result of the government policy of terminating schools whose admission figures are unsatisfactory. “When their language skills are needed outside exams, it is not easily applicable. When they enter university, they can be weak at research, thinking from different angles and reaching conclusions,” Chan says. Kyoung Soo Paik and Ziver Olmez, founders of The Extra Mile Program, say the current curriculum does not address the essential skills needed for college success such as good writing and information management skills. Paik and Olmez are now launching a summer pro-
gramme to address this education void. “The aim of doing well in college is not as big a priority as scoring high in standardised exams or entering college,” Paik says. “I have students who do not know how to synthesise essays. The curriculum is simply delivered without personalised teaching [in writing]. The best US schools have teaching assistants in writing.” Heavy workloads in the traditional school system, and reliance on parental decision-making, mean students have less time for introspection and character development. This also may hinder them in developing their own style and forming their own opinions when writing. “Many decisions have been made for them. They don’t really feel empowered to make long-term decisions and it is a weak way to grow up,” Olmez says. “They also don’t feel passionate about what they are learning.” University writing and research often requires students to address issues laterally, meaning they need to find connectedness in different spheres of knowledge. However, such training is often lacking in Hong Kong’s education system. Paik and Olmez say parents are unaware that these skills are essential for excelling at college, but have no qualms in spending money on tutoring centres which market their services as the bridge to Ivy League schools.
Chan Hung
YOUNG TEACHERS BORN IN THE LATE 1980S OR 90S DO NOT LIKE READING BOOKS. THIS IS BECAUSE THEY TOO CAME FROM AN EDUCATION SYSTEM WHICH PLACED AN INCREASINGLY HIGH FOCUS ON ACADEMIC RESULTS
“Students are weak at imbibing the most relevant information and internalising, digesting and applying it. They are
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DISCUSSION
taught to think linearly, and are unable to find the interconnectedness of subjects. Good writing doesn’t happen,” Olmez says.
is because they too came from an education system which placed an increasingly high focus on academic results,” Chan says.
For example, Paik and Olmez argue, Hong Kong students should be taught to understand how an event in another country or continent may have a potential impact on their lives.
He adds that there is very little time for children to read books beyond the designated reading list. They also see reading as “homework”, because it is compulsory for getting good grades.
Educators also raise questions about the quality of language teachers, pointing out that they can be weak at grammar and that few have been properly trained to think laterally. Chan says teachers might not even have the chance to read the books on the designated reading list. As a result, they can only grade reports based on writing, when reading may enhance their own understanding of literature or a specific area of knowledge. The pitfalls of Hong Kong’s education system have led to a vicious cycle of producing students with mediocre writing skills. “Young teachers born in the late 1980s or 90s do not like reading books. This
EDUCATION SHOULD [ENCOURAGE] GOOD SELFEXPRESSION. IF YOU LOOK AT ANY LEADERS, WHO AMONG THEM DOESN’T KNOW HOW TO WRITE WELL?
PARENTS’ GUIDE 2015
“Reading is very robotic [for them]. There is little time for students to really absorb the information and cultivate their writing knowledge,” he says. “When they are at university, they will not want to go further in establishing their own thoughts.” Poor writing training affects not only their performance at university, but also in the long run their self-esteem, Paik points out. “Writing and self-confidence go hand in hand. Education should [encourage] good self-expression. If you look at any leaders, who among them doesn’t know how to write well?” she asks. While making changes is a challenging mission, Olmez says that enrichment programmes are needed to cultivate students’ independent learning and their passion for it. This applies not only to language classes but other subjects too. Chan agrees that students need a breathing space to discover their interests outside the examination framework. Teachers should not merely hand out books to children, but also arouse their interest by designing related activities.
Kyoung Soo Paik
Ziver Olmez
“There need to be more diversified activities and alternative teaching methods,” he says. “More experimentation in teaching is needed. Fundamentally, the focus should not be just on examinations.” Paik says parents need to stop focusing on the status they will be able to demonstrate if their children graduate from Ivy League schools. “So many students [of this calibre] come back and are tutoring. They have no transferable skills,” she says. “Building character is more important.” She adds that parents also need to understand that people nowadays may switch careers two or three times in their lives – meaning the ability to think, reason and solve problems is more crucial than knowledge gained from prior learning.
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SCHOOLING OPTIONS
Parents concerned at the scarcity of international school places in Hong Kong now have alternatives, thanks to new schools opening in the mainland, writes John Cremer
PARENTS’ GUIDE 2015
Photo: iStockphoto
Cross-border schooling offers new choices
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persistent worry for many parents in Hong Kong, or those planning a move to the territory, is the limited number of places available at international schools. The government is obviously well aware of the issue, while influential voices in the wider business community have also taken up the cause, highlighting the possibly detrimental impact on the city’s appeal as a regional headquarters and a home base for top executives. New schools have been built, such as Harrow International School in Tuen Mun, which opened in 2012. There are also plans to increase capacity on other campuses and, subject to the usual administrative processes, allocate suitable land for new institutions. Of course, all that takes time. However, locally based parents can quickly expand their options if they are prepared to look just across the border in Shenzhen. Responding to the demand from both mainland and expatriate families for high-quality education built around an international curriculum, investors there have teamed up with the relevant authorities to develop new schools. For instance, Mission Hills International School (MHIS) is planned as a co-educational, bilingual day school teaching in English and Putonghua. It will accept students from kindergarten up to university entrance-level and offer boarding for children in Grade 7 and above. In the first phase, the Shenzhen campus will see a pre-school for three- to five-yearolds in September this year. Phase two, set for completion in September 2017,
will bring the opening of the lower and upper schools in purpose-built, state-ofthe-art facilities. A sister school, due to open at the same time, is planned for Haikou. The intention is to offer the IB (International Baccalaureate) middle years and diploma programmes in the upper school. Before that, younger students will follow an internally designed curriculum with significant elements derived from the Ministry of Education in Ontario, the Chinese primary school syllabus, and other best practice international frameworks.
Top A rendering of Mission Hills International School
Bottom The new campus of ISNS in Shenzhen will open this year
“Much of the pedagogical approach will be based on inquiry, guided discovery, and both structured and free formats as a foundation for learning,” says John Jalsevac, head of MHIS in Shenzhen. “The school is being built on a spacious parcel of land within the Mission Hills resort complex, so students will have the opportunity for extra-curricular activities such as golf, tennis, ice skating and ice hockey.” As with any start-up initiative, there are ongoing challenges to address. At present, these range from working with the architects to establishing an admissions team, hiring teachers, securing a licence, and lining up all the teaching and learning resources. “It helps that we have staff on board who have significant experience with school start-ups,” says Jalsevac, who for 10 years until 2014 was principal at the Canadian International School of Hong Kong. “We have actually exceeded our projected first-year enrolment in the pre-school.”
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SCHOOLING OPTIONS
Dual status as both an international and a foreign-language school has already attracted applications from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, as well as from countries including Germany, Japan, Singapore, India and the United States. “Parents are confident about our programme, leadership capacity and resources,” says Anna Packman, preschool associate principal at MHIS. “We understand their concerns, so we are aligning with all local and national standards and requirements. We also have an expert team of designers, consultants and educators working together to provide a safe and harmonious environment for the school community.” A key objective of the early-years curriculum will be to develop skills in problem solving, critical thinking, communication and collaboration. Dual language learning will be supported by a range of linguistic approaches which include cued articulation, synthetic phonics and US-derived assessment scales. A certain stress will be placed on traditional Chinese virtues and texts which illustrate values like respect, service, happiness, motivation and holistic development. Alongside this, there will be opportunities to understand and explore modern-day aspirations. “Our intention is not to reinvent the wheel, but to take elements of best practice and hone them to our philosophy to create a unique, empowering curriculum,” Packman says. Another goal is to keep fees generally “affordable”. As a not-for-profit institution, this will mean pitching fees somewhere between the longer established international schools and those at local
PARENTS’ GUIDE 2015
MHIS students will enjoy playing golf at Mission Hills.
or foreign language schools in China. “Parents recognise the value of a high-quality international programme and understand there are costs associated,” Jalsevac says. “Tuition fees will increase in a reasonable and responsible manner as the programmes become more complex and expensive, but so will the number of students, which should provide the necessary buffer.” Already up and running, the International School of Nanshan Shenzhen (ISNS) was founded in 2002, but has gained a heightened profile as a current IB candidate school planning to introduce the International Baccalaureate curricula at all levels. As a result, students will be able to graduate with dual Canadian (New Brunswick) and IB high school diplomas. At present, the school offers an English-based curriculum, which reflects Canadian values such as multicultural-
ism, equality, open and transparent discussion, and respect for others. As from August, there will also be the advantages that go with a new campus offering first-rate labs, sports facilities and boarding accommodation for Grades 7 to 12. “The new campus is designed to be flexile enough for long-term growth,” says Mary O’Connor, director of marketing and student recruitment, ISNS. “The Chinese and Canadian governments have both been very supportive, and this has helped us to meet the changing market demands.” In essence, that entails attracting and retaining well qualified teaching staff – many are currently recruited through the New Brunswick Ministry of Education – fostering a diverse student body, and instilling a love of learning and the ability to think independently.
INVESTORS THERE HAVE TEAMED UP WITH THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES IN ORDER TO DEVELOP NEW SCHOOLS
Regarding admissions and income, besides enrolling mainland-based students, it makes sense to offer a viable alternative to Hong Kong and elsewhere around the region.
Anna Packman (middle) and John Jalsevac (right).
“We are a private international school, and our only income is from fees, with no additional government funding,” O’Connor says. “It is very important for us to keep fees affordable for families while, at the same time, being able to meet the costs of hiring the best teachers, building a top-notch facility, and maintaining an up-to-date curriculum. One way is by expanding our scholarship and bursary programmes for the 2015-2016 academic year.”
ISNS students can graduate with dual Canadian and IB high school diplomas.
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BETTER HEALTH
Five top tips to stay fit playing summer sports Following these five handy hints can help youngsters avoid falling ill when they venture outdoors to play in the hot sun, writes Wilson Lau
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ummer is just around the corner and this is the season when many youngsters will have a lot of free time to enjoy themselves in a wide variety of outdoor sport activities.
Photo: iStockphoto
However, because summer in Hong Kong usually sees the mercury rise above 30 degrees celsius, and the scorching heat is often accompanied with high humidity, junior outdoor sports enthusiasts should take adequate precautions to avoid such problems as sunburn, fungal skin infections and heatstroke. Prevent sunburn To prevent sunburn, it is best for youngsters to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight when the UV light is at its strongest, usually between 10am and 4pm. If that is not possible, at least they should try not to do outdoor exercise between 2pm and 4pm. “Parents should check the UV index before their children start any outdoor sports,” says Regina Sit, an assistant professor at the school of public health and primary health care, faculty of medicine, Chi-
PARENTS SHOULD CHECK THE UV INDEX BEFORE THEIR CHILDREN START ANY OUTDOOR SPORTS nese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). Children should also wear proper clothing and accessories to reduce UV light exposure. For instance, Sit recommends wide-brimmed fisherman hats that properly shield the face from UV light and long-sleeved tops in light colours and materials that provide good ventilation. Sunscreen lotion is essential for sunburn prevention. “The sunscreen should be SPF 20 or above,” she notes. The SPF rating is a measure of the fraction of sunburn-producing UV rays that reach the skin. For example, “SPF 20” means that 1/20th of the burning radiation will reach the skin. “The higher the number, the greater the protection provided and the stickier the sunscreen lotion will be. Some children simply cannot tolerate it. So they can just use SPF 20 sunscreen, but re-apply every 15 to 30 minutes as recommended by the guidelines issued by the World Health Organisation,” Sit notes. When skin suffers from sunburn, youngsters should stop exposure to di-
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BETTER HEALTH
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THEY WEAR CLOTHES THAT PROVIDE EFFECTIVE VENTILATION AND DRINK A LOT OF WATER DURING SPORT ACTIVITIES rect sunlight right away. They can get a cool shower and apply some moisturising lotion on the affected areas. “If blisters occur in over 20 per cent of the body, a doctor’s consultation is recommended,” Sit adds. Fight fungal infections Some young sports enthusiasts have trouble with athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), a contagious skin fungal infection that causes irritations in warm, humid crevices. Children with high foot perspiration are prone to athlete’s foot. They should carefully select sports trainers with fewer rubber components and wear all-cotton socks for good ventilation and sweat absorption of the feet. “To keep their feet dry, they can also spray anti-perspirant on their feet before the sports activities,” Sit notes. “Used socks should be washed immediately.” To prevent skin fungal infections or prickly heat rash, used clothes should also be washed immediately after use. “If children cannot take a shower immediately after the sports activities, they should at least take off their clothes, wipe themselves down with a dry cloth and change into dry clothing,” Sit says. Reduce mosquito menace The incidence of mosquito-borne dengue fever is highest in summer. Children taking part in outdoor activities can pre-
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vent it by using mosquito repellent and wearing light-coloured, long-sleeved clothes. Mosquito nets are essential for camping. Guard against heatstroke Youngsters involved in outdoor sports should also pay attention to heatstroke (or sunstroke) prevention. The human body has natural temperature-control mechanisms such as perspiration and faster breathing. However, when the environment is excessively hot and humid, the body may encounter difficulty in perspiration, which in turn hinders temperature control. When the body’s core temperature rises quickly to above 40.6 degrees celsius, symptoms of heatstroke will emerge. Staying in a cool, shady place is the best prevention against heatstroke. Children who may have symptoms of heatstroke should seek a cool place, if possible an air-conditioned indoor area, immediately. “Youngsters should also avoid doing rigorous sports activities in a very humid environment, which can easily cause heatstroke even when the temperature is not too high,” Sit cautions. “It is recommended that they wear clothes that provide effective ventilation and drink a lot of water during sport activities. Excessive amounts of tea or coffee should be avoided because they cause dehydration. Caffeinated drinks have a mild diuretic effect
Regina Sit
that spurs the need to urinate.” Children with initial symptoms of heatstroke, such as cramps and fainting, should immediately go to a cool place and drink lots of water. If ignored, the symptoms will worsen into heat exhaustion. Severe heatstroke symptoms include disorientation, confusion and seizures. “Heatstroke sufferers should be moved to a cool place,” Sit says. “You can help the sufferer drink some water when they are awake and provide cool air by fanning them. Their clothes should be unbuttoned and sprayed with cool water.” Watch what you eat Large meals should be avoided two hours before any energetic sports activities. “Children should stay clear of fare that is not easily digestible, such as very greasy food and potato chips,” Sit cautions. “Tea or coffee should also be avoided. During sports activities, they should frequently rehydrate their bodies by drinking lots of water. “Above all, children should pay attention to safety when playing sports,” she adds.
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CELEBRITY PARENTING
More than skin-deep A good balance between career and family is the very essence of life – ask any working mother. Things are no different for Anina Ho, CEO of global skincare enterprise ZENSATION, and widely known as the “Hang Seng Daughter-in-law”. The mother-of-three and wife of Terence Ho, grandson of Hang Seng Bank co-founder Ho Sin Hang, chats to Ginn Fung about work, parenting and family life. PARENTS’ GUIDE 2015
WE WERE ABLE TO BENEFIT FROM THE SUCCESS OF OUR PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS BECAUSE THEY WORKED VERY HARD FOR THEIR BUSINESSES
As a successful entrepreneur, how do you manage your time with your children and husband? My family always comes first. I always get up very early so that I can finish work early and then spend the remaining time with my kids. I love picking them up from school, teaching them their homework, and monitoring their learning progress. I enjoy cooking and feel contented when I cook a nice dinner for my husband and wait for him to return home. As a “celebrity” mother, what can or can’t you do compared to others? The term “celebrity” does not have any special meaning for me because I do the same thing I normally do. It might help my business a bit – especially when I introduce my skincare products to my clients. It might sound more convincing. To you, what makes a good parent? Who is your ‘mentor’ or role model? A good parent goes beyond raising kids with good academic results. It is more important to instill values, thus fostering good character. I always deliver positive messages. Talking about a ‘mentor’ or role model, I would say Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer of Facebook. As everyone knows, Sheryl is a very hardworking business woman yet she is able to strike a perfect balance between work and family. The Hos are a Hong Kong tycoon family. How do they influence or inspire you as a mother of three, housewife and entrepreneur? Have
you seen change, or even transformation, in yourself or your husband since your marriage? I seldom talk about my family background and tend to focus more on my personal business. I am fortunate enough to be part of a very successful family. We were able to benefit from the success of our parents and grandparents because they worked very hard for their businesses. I also work very hard so that I can be an example and deliver a positive message to the public. There have indeed been lots of changes. For example, I am a fast-paced person who does not have much patience. On the contrary, my husband is very solid and likes to give things deep thought before making a decision. After marrying him, I gradually began following his way of doing things – listening and thinking carefully before implementing a plan. Describe a typical day for you As CEO of a global business with important business partners including Evine television, Lord & Taylor and Ron Robinson in the US, Harvey Nichols in Britain, and other online giants such as NetA-Porter, Dermstore, Amazon Luxury Beauty, I need to communicate with my LA team and New York staff members from all over the world. I also need to deliver results for what I am doing, both for my business and my family. Regarding parenting, what is most important for your children? Spending time with my kids is important. My eldest boy turns five this year and I feel that time really flies. I want to
spend more time with them while they are young and still love to hang out with mum and dad. Children should have good character and a happy childhood. It is much more important than academic results. A holistic and balanced education is preferable to excelling only in one particular area of academic performance, for instance. If they like exercises or painting, I will let them do what they enjoy. What do you really want to see in them now and in the future? Fostering good character is the first and foremost thing that a parent should do. If a child is raised to be of good character, they will naturally follow the right path. Secondly, creativity is equally important. I take issue with those who only stress academic results. As a parent, I will encourage my kids to ask questions, observe their environment and think outside the box. What is your plan for your children’s education? I send all of them to international schools because of my own personal experience. I studied in a local school when I was young and then went to Canada for my secondary and tertiary education. I can tell the difference between the two education systems. Children studying in local schools tend to have higher levels of obedience and really work hard on their studies. However, one thing I found they are missing is guts and the courage to ask questions. When I studied abroad, I was more proactive in asking questions and doing lots of group projects. I found that effective communicaTHE SUMMER ISSUE
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tion was vital – it is much more important than just working hard on school work. What are the criteria for you in choosing a school? The crucial criterion that I look at is whether they care about the students. I don’t want them to focus simply on academic results. I hope they can give students more opportunity to ask questions and collaborate with other children, as well as inspire their students to take initiatives and be problem-solvers. What are the most child-friendly places or restaurants you would recommend in Hong Kong? The restaurant that I recommend is Cafe Deco on the Peak. It is spacious and they offer a wide range of food that children like. For instance, they have spaghetti, French fries and burgers. Their children’s playground and weekly magic shows are fabulous. They really keep children amused. What is the most touching or memorable moment with your children so far? Have there been any times when your children upset you? The most touching moment was when my eldest son performed in the end-of -year show at the kindergarten graduation ceremony. Sitting there in the audience area, I felt he had made lots of progress and had completed the first stage of his life. It was also delightful to see that he enjoyed performing with other kids and didn’t have stage fright at all. The moment I felt sorry was when my boy cried after attending a primary school interview. He was ashamed at his performance. I did not put him under any pressure before the interview and the questions were indeed hard. It was a really heart-breaking moment because PARENTS’ GUIDE 2015
I felt that the competitive environment of Hong Kong education had pushed our children too much. How do you plan and spend holidays with your husband and children? We usually spend our holidays abroad. If the destination is hot, we will choose resorts with swimming pools or beaches. Sometimes, we choose places with zoos or themed parks. What books and games would you recommend to our readers? The books I would recommend are the Read with Biff, Chip and Kipper series of learning-to-read books and Di Zi Gui, (Standards for being a Good Pupil and Child), written during the Qing Dynasty by Li Yuxiu and based on the ancient teaching of the philosopher Confucius. I would also recommend fun learning games from Orchard Toys, such as the Lunch Box Game, Crazy Chefs and Tell the Time. What are your best dishes? I am pretty good at cooking Chinese cuisine. Steamed minced pork, steamed fish and curry chicken with potatoes are easy for me. Cantonese soup is a must-have item in our dinner and so, I prepare fresh Cantonese soups for my kids every day. I will make their diet as balanced as possible – the right ratio of rice, meat or fish and vegetables is the key. How many marks out of 10 would you give yourself as a mother? I would say seven. There is lots of room to improve. For example, I need to do better on time allocation (close-up). As my twins grow older, I will need to spend more time with them. So, better and more balanced time management is something I need to focus on.
MY ELDEST BOY TURNS FIVE THIS YEAR AND I FEEL THAT TIME REALLY FLIES. I WANT TO SPEND MORE TIME WITH THEM WHILE THEY ARE YOUNG AND STILL LOVE TO HANG OUT WITH MUM AND DAD
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Cost factor makes big difference in pre-schools Along with quality and language benefits, affordability still looms large when parents have to decide on a place for their child, writes John Brennan
T
here are a number of factors that can influence the choices parents make when looking at pre-school options for their children.
There is the percentage of children going on from that pre-school to good primary schools; the activities their children will be engaged in, which can vary from simple play to more formal learning; the language used by the teachers and staff; the qualifications held by those people, the teacher-child ratio, and the nature of the facilities provided. But there is no denying the significant role the level of fees charged for preschool education in Hong Kong plays for many parents. “Everything in Hong Kong is either on a
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non-profit basis or private, there are no government pre-schools or kindergartens,” explains Ruth Benny, who runs Top Schools, an education placement and information service for parents in Hong Kong. From the age of two, children are permitted to attend school for three hours a day, five days a week, unaccompanied. For this standard half-day, the fees at a local non-profit pre-school or kindergarten can be as low as a couple of hundred dollars a month, if a government voucher can be used to offset part of the cost. In contrast, at a private, international one fees can reportedly be as much as HK$14,000 per month. Beyond the “headline” fee, the main other cost, if any, at a private institute is likely to be a refundable debenture.
Photo: Simon Song
Benny acknowledges some of the factors driving such prices. “The amount of rent a new kindergarten opening up in Hong Kong has to pay can be crippling, and the sort of large, shiny new spaces parents want come at a price. Also, ultimately, the private ones are businesses that are run on a commercial basis,” she says. One of the myriad of options open to parents is Woodland Pre-Schools. This organisation, which has been active in Hong Kong for 36 years, runs preschools and Montessori pre-schools
across Hong Kong Island, along with a pre-school in Sai Kung. The monthly fees for its pre-schools range from HK$7,150 to HK$9,700, and for its Montessori pre-schools, from HK$8,750 to HK$9,300. No debenture needs to be paid, however.
AT A PRIVATE, INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN FEES CAN REPORTEDLY BE AS MUCH AS HK$14,000 PER MONTH
The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest provider of international education programmes in Hong Kong. Its affiliated company, ESF Educational Services Limited (ESL), currently runs four kindergartens – in Clearwater Bay, THE SUMMER ISSUE
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on Stubbs Road on Hong Kong Island, in Tsing Yi and Wu Kai Sha – with a fifth due to open in Tung Chung in August next year. However, unlike the five secondary schools, nine primary schools and a school for students with special educational needs that the ESF runs directly, these kindergartens do not receive any funding from the government. The kindergartens’ proposed monthly fees for the 2015-16 year, subject to final approval by the Education Bureau, are HK$6,800, though the Abacus International Kindergarten in Clearwater Bay also offers a bilingual stream, at a cost of HK$7,800 per month. In addition, parents have to pay an application fee of $300 and purchase a refundable debenture for HK$7,000, if their child is accepted. “We aim to provide children with a fun and stimulating environment where they learn through play,” Ann Pearce, the organisation’s chief operating officer, explains. “The kindergartens are part of ESF and its rich provision of resources, expertise and experience. The IB Primary Years Programme curriculum that is offered in the kindergartens provides excellent continuity for the many children – over 90 per cent – who move into primary at an ESF school, including the two ESF Private Independent Schools.” Local, as opposed to international, pre-schools and kindergartens are usually a cheaper option – even more so for families qualifying for the government’s Pre-primary Education Voucher Scheme.
PARENTS’ GUIDE 2015
WE’VE GOT MORE AND MORE PARENTS THAT WE ARE SUPPORTING TO GO THROUGH THE LOCAL SYSTEM, EITHER FOR FINANCIAL OR LANGUAGE REASONS
Under the terms of this scheme, the government subsidises part of the cost for a child of three or older to attend a non-profit kindergarten. For either its morning or afternoon threehour sessions, Lingnan Kindergarten in Siu Sai Wan charges HK$30,020 for the school year, payable in 10 monthly installments. After the redemption of the Education Voucher, this translates into HK$10,020 for the year. Meanwhile, the fees at Kowloon Ling Liang Church Kindergarten are HK$22,000 per year, payable in 11 installments. With an Education Voucher, the cost for the year is HK$1,990. Though the medium of instruction is most likely to be Cantonese in local schools, some expats and non-Chinese speakers also see this as an advantage: possibly, a once-in-a-life time chance for their children to pick up the language, and also an opportunity for them to integrate at a deeper level into the culture of their home town. “We have more clients, non-Chinese parents, choosing local kindergar-
tens,” Benny says. “It’s a trend I’m very happy to see and support all the way. We’ve got more and more parents that we are supporting to go through the local system, either for financial or language reasons. “However, they should expect their children to get more homework, especially when they get to K2 and K3. It’s not for everyone, but what I’d say to parents is: give it a try.” Benny advises parents not to look at a kindergarten as a stand-alone choice. “It’s always got to be looked at in the context of what it leads to. As consultants we work backwards from their preferred primary schools to choose a preschool,” she says. On the other hand, she adds, parents who both went to a local school in Hong Kong, and who can speak Cantonese, sometimes look back and think their school life was pretty harsh. They may then opt for something that is a little more fun for their children, such as an international school.
Ruth Benny
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Childrenfriendly eateries Text: Carmen Tao
Looking to impress out-of-town guests and your children?
Why not take them all for a leisurely meander on the Peak Circle Walk? The threeand-a-half-kilometre paved trail takes about an hour and a half to complete, is stroller- and grandparent-friendly and has plenty of vantage points to rest at. After working up an appetite and enjoying the visual feast, sate your guests’ hunger by treating them at the largest restaurant on the Peak. Open every day of the year, Cafe Deco has spectacular panoramic views of Victoria Harbour. Chefs serve a wide array of international fare which also features WWF-endorsed sustainable seafood. The Sunday brunch, at $488 per adult and $238 per child (aged three to 11), is a big hit with families. A children’s entertainer keeps the little ones amused while adults enjoy free-flowing Clair Diamant Blanc de Blancs N.V., Nugan Estate Third Generation Semillon Chardonnay and Chateau Fontaubert. A children’s menu lists healthy, delicious options in the “super foods” section such as salmon quinoa cakes with mushroom risotto ($76) and mild spinach, mushroom, corn and potato aloo gobi ($54). Firm favourites in the comfort foods section include golden US chicken nuggets and french fries ($65) and Hawaiian pizza topped with ham, pineapple and corn ($76). The thoughtful menu also keeps children occupied by serving as a canvas for them to express their creativity. The highlight is the enlarged kids’ corner. Children can play with built-in interactive
PARENTS’ GUIDE 2015
A Hyatt haven in the city.
An impressive skyline (top) and international smorgasbord at Cafe Deco.
The spacious play area at Cafe Deco will keep little diners entertained.
games on LED screens, read books, complete puzzles and mazes, play with toys and make new friends. This gives parents peace of mind and a bit of hands-free time to relax, enjoy their meal and talk.
Dreaming of a getaway?
Then consider Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin’s “Swim and Dine” package, for a brief cooling respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Priced at $390 per person on weekdays, and $450 on weekends and public holidays for each four-hour time slot, this is a perfect baby step to trial before venturing beyond the city’s borders on your next foray. Reserve a time slot from a choice of 9:30am to 1:30pm, 2pm to 6pm or 6:30pm to 10:30pm and relax in the spacious 25-metre outdoor swimming pool. The package includes $300 dining credit at the pool bar, while the cafe’s a la carte menu features light, healthy dishes such as a grilled vegetable wrap with Sha Tin honey and mayonnaise. Free admission for children under three. After finishing your alfresco meal with a refreshing drink such as the green apple raspberry sherbet with soda water or the signature ginger pomelo, why not explore the sights of Sha Tin? There’s a hotel shuttle bus with complimentary transfers to and from the Hong Kong Science Park. Guided visits can be arranged to view the exhibits and technology showcases.
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Fancy dim sum?
Bored with the usual dim sum fare and having difficulties persuading the little ones to eat their greens? “Kawaii” Hello Kitty dishes will bring a smile to their face. Handcrafted daily with natural, healthy organic food by chefs with more than 40 years’ experience in Cantonese cuisine, plus stints in Japan, the character-themed fare both looks good and is good for you. Combining Japanese food aesthetics with authentic Cantonese ingredients, the wide choice of Hello Kitty-inspired dishes does not disappoint. The 3D Hello Kitty custard bun ($62) is crafted with natural colouring, eyes dyed with squid ink and a bow of beetroot and carrot juice. Other dishes include steamed egg white with prawn, while Hello Kitty Rice ($128) pairs egg white with fresh spinach juice, prawns and Hello Kitty-shaped rice. The restaurant is full of Hello Kitty elements. Nearby attractions include King George V Memorial Park and Kowloon Park, or you can pop to Elements and take the children ice-skating at The Rink.
Babycinos and a natural play space makes TREE Cafe a firm family favourite.
Time for a coffee?
Head to the TREE Cafe in Horizon Plaza for a well-deserved break. With hearty fare such as sandwiches, pies, soups, salads, cookies, cupcakes, and chocolate brownies, there’s something to suit all cravings. Children can enjoy a free babycino and a play area filled with toys. Parents can relax on comfy sofas with an organic fair trade coffee or sustainable tea and newspaper while keeping an eye on their little ones. There is also a spacious baby changing room and sofa where breast-feeding mums can nourish in privacy. Don’t miss the chance to check out bespoke home furnishings, including outdoor, nursery and children’s furniture, carpets and rugs, bedding, lighting, food and wine, plus discount outlet fashion from the likes of Lane Crawford and Ralph Lauren, children’s book stores and the ultimate Bumps to Babes store!
“Too cute to eat” dim sum.
PARENTS’ GUIDE 2015
Photo: AFP A perfect summer picnic spread.
Picnic in the park anyone?
Many children love a picnic at the weekend. Even the simplest food always seems to taste better eaten outdoors. But who has time to prepare picnic fare for fussy eaters? Invisible Kitchen lets you set a date with family and friends, choose your location, set down your blanket and let them do the rest. Private chef Tom Burney’s seven courses of traditional picnic favourites tantalise the taste buds, allowing you to enjoy a wicker basket chock full of goodies at $395 per person (minimum order, four people). The menu includes canapés of miniature black pudding with scotch egg, pesto pasta salad starters, picnic loaf and chicken tikka skewers. Other delights include artisan cheeses and cured meats, strawberry Eton Mess dessert, tea and coffee and green tea macaroons. There is a vegetarian menu and the option to turn it into a bubbly picnic with a bottle of Moët & Chandon ($395).
Cafe Deco Level 1 & 2, The Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, The Peak | T: 2849 5111 Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine Shop A-C, G/F Lee Loy Mansion, 332-338 Canton Road, Kowloon | T: 8202 8203 Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin 18 Chak Cheung Street, Sha Tin | T: 3723 1234 Invisible Kitchen Unit 08, 24/F Honour Industrial Building, 6 Sun Yip Street, Siu Sai Wan | T: 2711 5788 TREE Cafe 28/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau | T: 2870 1582
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FASHION
S ummer Outf ts
Text: Carmen Tao
This season’s fun t-shirts featuring quirky prints and summer-inspired patterns pair well with bright boardies and make great active boyswear. Send your little explorers out equipped with a sturdy backpack, sun protection rash guard, a shady fedora, gumboots for trekking through creeks, and swim shorts for cooling off, to make this summer an unforgettable one filled with exciting boyhood adventures.
Blue bear print t-shirt $660 | d
Elastic band ball t-shirt $660 | d
Scotch Shrunk chino shorts $890 | c
Pull-on shorts $255 | e
Tropical band fedora $255 | e
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Matte blue gumboot $320 | e
Best day ever rashie $255 | e
Whale print boardies $320 | e
Navy blue backpack $1,890 | d
Dino tee $255 | e
Scotch Shrunk swim shorts $660 | c
Fabric trainers $99 | b
Modern playful styles with fringing at the hem, subtle pom pom trim detailing and drawstring waists ensure these summer essentials are both comfortable and on-trend. And a splash of colourful accessories will have every little fashionista busy mixing and matching to keep their outfits both fresh and unique with their personal finishing touch.
Straw hat $79.90 | b
Dress $299 | b
Shoes $129 | b
Patterned bikini $149 | b
Patterned playsuit $99 | b
Hibiscus duffle bag $385 | e
Three-strand necklace $49.90 | b
Fringed top $99 | b
Scotch R’Belle fringe hem skirt $890 | c
Pom pom pouch $280 | e
Lip balm $29.90 | b
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S ummer Outf ts Keep your precious little ones cute and comfy with these adorable yet super practical onesies and breathable cheesecloth rompers that come with snap fasteners and functional buttons on shoulders for easy dressing. Baby boys will look dapper in the all-in-ones and baby girls angelic in pretty party dresses with matching bloomers. Complete the look with soft comfortable footwear for early walkers.
Cherry romper $360 | e
Molly dress $790 | f
Stripe woven onesie $320 | e
Flamingo rashie $220, bottoms $110 | e
Blue painted lion baby grow $730 | d
Blue bell dress $690 | f
Taylor swim all-in-one $790 | f
Yellow sandy overall $690, hat $360 | f
STORE DIRECTORY
Gold babycat baby shoes $1,050 | a
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Leo beige sandals $980 | a
a | Bonpoint Shop 325, Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central | T: 2526 9969 b | H&M Silvercord, 30 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | T: 3521 1171 c | Kids 21 Shop G03B, G/F Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui | T: 2682 3080 d | Paul Smith Junior 6/F SOGO, 555 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay | T: 2833 4533 e | Seed Heritage 41 Queens Road, Central | T: 2160 3171 f | Stella McCartney Kids Shop G32, G/F Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui | T: 2107 4222
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FUN TIME
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The Wind in the Willows
When good-natured Mole ventures from his underground home to explore the riverbank with his newfound friends Ratty, wise Badger and reckless Mr Toad, the foursome career from one adventure to the next. This much-loved tale is brought to life through action, dance, music and song by adept artists from Britain. Join the fun and take the opportunity to bond with your children at this updated stage adaptation of a timeless childhood literary classic. Date: June 5 - 7 Tickets: $195 - $435 Venue: Drama Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Road, Wanchai | T: 2547 7150
02 Italian Market For the third year running, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong is transporting a taste of Italy to Cyberport with its popular Italian Market. Showcasing the best food and beverages, visitors will be spoilt for choice sampling Italian specialities while enjoying live music and entertainment. Fine Italian cars will be on display outside the terrace and fabulous prizes will be up for grabs including a $1,000 dining certificate, a one-night stay at a hotel, a smartphone and even free airline tickets to Italy! Date: June 6, 2pm - 9pm and June 7, 12pm - 8pm Tickets: Free for ICC members and $50 for non-members Venue: The Arcade, 100 Cyberport Road, Cyberport | T: 3166 3800 PARENTS’ GUIDE 2015
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FUN TIME
Handmade Hong Kong at Ovolo Hotel Southside
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Handmade Hong Kong is hosting its first Saturday market at the new warehouse conversion hotel Ovolo Southside. With indie crafters, special artists and designers showcasing their DIY creations, there will be something for everyone. The market features more than 40 vendors, interactive crafting sessions and handmade items for children such as crocheted accessories by KnitterKnutter, Noella Designs’ personalised swimming bags, and eco-friendly Little Voyage toys made by mothers working from home. A Saturday brunch with free-flowing sangria, a seafood bar, a BBQ on the terrace and more is available at $448 per person. There will also be a kids’ corner, with brunch priced at $248 for children aged between three and 11. Visitors who spend more than $300 at the market can redeem a free drink at the hotel’s rooftop bar. Date: June 13, 11am - 6pm Admission: Free Venue: Ovolo Southside, 64 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang | T: 3460 8100
Ice Age Live! Hong Kong: a Mammoth Adventure As part of a five-year worldwide tour, more than 40 international artists will bring Ice Age characters to life in a colossal new adventure. Combining extravagant sets, exceptional talent in ice skating, dance, acrobatics and aerial arts, the exciting entertainment spectacular will delight the whole family. Keep your cool this summer with Manny, Sid, Diego and all the other familiar Ice Age favourites in this mustsee show. Date: July 23 - 26 Tickets: $380 - $680 Venue: AsiaWorld-Expo, Arena, Hall 1 | T: 3761 6661 PARENTS’ GUIDE 2015
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“We have a T-Rex” Jurassic Park screening
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With the new Jurassic World movie set for release in Hong Kong on June 11, why not take a trip back in time and revisit the first instalment in the blockbuster adventure series, Jurassic Park. Sai Kung Open Air Cinema Club is hosting an outdoor screening of the Steven Spielberg classic on the big screen at The Hive Sai Kung. Tickets include two drinks (juice, soft drinks, cocktails, beer and Prosecco) and a bag of popcorn or candy. It’s a guaranteed fun night out for the whole family, with a barbecue for those who fancy a hotdog. A group of African drummers will perform beforehand and a prize will be awarded for the best dinosaur/human dinosaur food costume. Don’t miss a chance to enjoy the balmy summer weather on comfy bean bags, watch dinosaurs seemingly come alive, and reminisce about what was seen as breakthrough use of computer-generated imagery 22 years ago. Date: May 30, 7pm Tickets: $120 per person Venue: The Hive Sai Kung, 5 Tsai Mong Road, Sai Kung | T: 2780 5844
Tai O Dragon Boat Festival Also known as the Deities Parade, this religious celebration, an annual event since the 19th century, is organised by three fishermen’s associations in Tai O. Temple deities are placed on brightly decorated sampans and pulled by dragon boats through the fishing village waters. After the parade, enjoy the dragon boat races in the midst of traditional stilt houses and check out the lively Tai O Fishing Village markets for fresh and dried seafood, famed shrimp paste and touristy trinkets. Date: June 20, 8am - 2pm Admission: Free Venue: Tai O, Lantau Island | T: 2985 7229
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