Should you be a snowplow or helicopter parent? Neither, believes Kids’ Gallery CEO Joanna Hotung
- The Hong Kong educator discusses the importance of creativity in education and cuisine
- She opens up over a leisurely meal at Roganic, the Simon Rogan restaurant in Sino Plaza, Causeway Bay
Joanna Hotung is definitely not a Tiger Mum. Not that she doesn’t want her daughters to reach their full potential, but the founder and CEO of Kids’ Gallery does not believe in militaristic academic regimens, nor pushing children into rote professional streams at the expense of their artistic spirit.
Everyone is very skills-based and in the 21st century we talk about technology and teaching confidence, but at the base level, it’s about joy and creating something that makes children happy
Her arts education enterprise believes in enriching kids through their own creativity. Started in 1996, the enterprise has grown and segmented into streams for kindergarten preschoolers, English learners, and a performing arts academy for teens and young adults.
“Not everyone is going to grow up to be a performer so Kids’ Gallery is very much about creating a certain mindset,” Hotung explains over a leisurely lunch at Roganic.
“We try to keep track of our alumni and it’s fascinating how they’ve turned out. The other day I went to the dentist and this tall young man in a white coat says, ‘Hi Mrs Hotung. Do you remember me?’ He is now a certified dentist.”
Normally, the busy educator eats lunch at her desk. She also admits to a terrible eating routine. “I am really unhealthy. I have no breakfast, a small lunch and big dinners,” Hotung confesses.
“I love food but I’m not a foodie. I tend to get into a rut with restaurants and keep going back to the same places. It’s nice to have a reason to go to a new place. My husband is a good cook and we have a good helper but I cannot cook at all. I just eat.”
It’s no wonder Hotung is excited about a tasting lunch at chef Simon Rogan’s new restaurant in Sino Plaza, Causeway Bay, alongside the British chef’s experimental private room, Aulis.