As the sun rises over Tsuen Wan, the streets come alive with the energetic footsteps of primary and secondary students rushing to school. In the afternoon, they gather in groups and walk along the skybridges and shopping centres, reflecting the boundless energy and growth of the Tsuen Wan district.
Within a short walk of Tsuen Wan MTR station, D · PARK is a vibrant shopping and dining hub, and also home to a diverse array of learning centres. We decided to take a closer look at two education-focused tenants: the well-established Step Ahead Educational Centre and the recently opened Wing’s Music & Art Centre, each with their unique teaching styles, but sharing a common goal of nurturing holistic development in children and fostering their multiple interests.
As we walked into Step Ahead, our eyes were immediately drawn to the multitude of trophies displayed. Iris Lam, the head of the centre, beamed with confidence. “Our students consistently win awards in the annual Mandarin recitation competitions,” she told us excitedly. These accolades were not just a source of pride, she added, but a testament to the value of recitation training in building students’ self-confidence. By mastering the art of voice, tone and eye contact, students learned to express the emotions embedded in poetry, honing their public speaking skills and courage – essential soft skills for their academic journey.
Iris also aims to cultivate the next generation of all-round leaders by offering courses in Chinese martial arts culture, telling us that a large-scale contest would be held at D · PARK’s atrium in late September. “Some of our students have been maintaining their dedication to martial arts into adulthood, with some even becoming members of the Hong Kong team and international medallists,” she said proudly. Having operated in D · PARK for almost two decades, Iris often bumps into her former students and their parents, feeling a sense of warmth and connection.
Wing’s Music & Art Centre, which opened its doors at D · PARK last year, also puts high priority on a balanced development for young learners. Dr. Hugo Wong, the centre’s head, has nearly 20 years of teaching and administrative experience. His roles have spanned from secondary school teacher to senior university lecturer and manager of education projects. Partnering with famous actress Koni Lui Wai-yee, known for her role as Mary Hung in the popular TV series “Come Home Love, Lo and Behold”, the centre offers education programmes in music, art, and early childhood.
Photo: Koni Lui Wai-yee (Left), Dr. Hugo Wong (Right)
Dr. Wong noted candidly that the opportunity to set up in D · PARK came through an invitation from the mall’s leasing department. “The upscale, high-quality image of D · PARK aligns perfectly with our brand. Its ‘education + entertainment’ theme, spacious environment, and ample natural light attract the right clientele,” he explained, adding that Tsuen Wan’s connectivity also helps draw students from surrounding areas like Sham Tseng, Tsing Yi, and even as far as Tung Chung.
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