Yvonne Shen- Our Team

May Chen was born and raised in Ningbo, Zhejiang, with its lush sceneries and rich cultural heritage framing her interest in Chinese language and literature. She was first awarded a Bachelor of Arts in English followed by a Master of Arts degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language with Credit from Hong Kong Polytechnic University. She then obtained a Professional Diploma in Teaching Putonghua with Merit from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She is qualified professionally with a Certificate of Grade ONE Level B Putonghua Proficiency Test from the State Language Commission, a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and a Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Education from the Open University of Hong Kong. May was also recently selected as one of the judges for the 2nd Chinese Language Festival.

May has over 15 years’ experience teaching Mandarin Chinese to foreign and local students in bilingual kindergartens to international primary schools. She was most recently at Discovery Mind Primary School, where she was the Mandarin Chinese Teacher and Coordinator for Grades 1 to 6. She combines imaginative specialist methodologies with project-based learning in the classroom to enhance interactive teaching and engagement. To May, learning is not about comparing oneself to others, but to be a better version of yourself; even the smallest improvement each day makes a difference, each 1% change adding up to a long-term positive development that will allow students to grow and surpass themselves.

May’s son is starting his university education, while her daughter is entering her final years of secondary school. Besides enjoying quality parent-child time, May enjoys reading, cooking, swimming and traveling.

Kiki hails from Sichuan, China, a land whose rich cultural and historical background has profoundly influenced her. She holds a bachelor's degree in Chinese Language and Literature and obtained her master's degree in International Chinese Education from the Education University of Hong Kong. Throughout her academic journey, her passion for the Chinese language and culture has continually fuelled her pursuit of a career in education, dedicated to spreading Chinese culture through teaching.

During her undergraduate studies, Kiki not only excelled in Chinese language and literature but also achieved outstanding results in educational psychology, literature, and writing courses. Her experience at the Education University of Hong Kong allowed her to engage with scholars and educators from diverse backgrounds, further enriching her teaching methods and philosophies.

Kiki firmly believes that education is not about imparting knowledge, but rather igniting a passion for learning. She is committed to creating interactive and creative learning environments that inspire students' enthusiasm for learning. She emphasises the cultivation of students' humanistic qualities and cross-cultural communication skills, viewing Chinese language learning as a process of exploring a new cultural world. Kiki hopes that students can master language skills in a relaxed atmosphere. Through in-depth study of Chinese culture and literature, students can not only express themselves fluently but also understand and respect the perspectives and values of different cultures.

Jiang XiaoQi's academic journey and educational philosophy reflect her deep passion and persistent pursuit of the Chinese language and education. She will continue to delve deeper into the field of Chinese education, igniting more students' love for the Chinese language and culture.

In her personal life, Kiki is enthusiastic about outdoor activities, particularly hiking. She believes this not only promotes physical and mental health but also allows her to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural environment around her. Additionally, Kiki loves painting and visiting exhibitions. Amidst her busy work schedule, she finds inner peace and balance by immersing herself in artistic creation and appreciation.

Lainey Zhou is from Shanghai, China, where the city's mix of trendy fashion, advanced education, and technology sparked her passion for multiple domains.

During her undergraduate studies at Shanghai Engineering and Technology University, Lainey delved into various aspects of art design. She mastered the techniques of figure sketching and gouache painting and demonstrated remarkable skills in clothing production, matching, and design.

Through her studies of Teaching Chinese as an International Language at the Education University of Hong Kong, she understood the importance of the Chinese language curriculum, textbooks, and instructional design. Lainey believes that in art education, just like in language learning, providing students with the freedom to express themselves is crucial. It allows them to convey their inner world, emotions, and ideas. She also emphasizes that understanding the background and meaning behind different artworks is as important as grasping the cultural and historical context of a language. This helps students develop a deeper appreciation and connection.

She is committed to combining artistic principles with Chinese education to provide students with a broader perspective. With a background in art and further studies in international Chinese language teaching, she aspires to integrate art and Chinese education to create a more enriching and creative learning milieu for students. The diverse hues of the art world are like students with different cultural backgrounds and personalities, each boasting unique charm and expressive capabilities.

Lainey is passionate about traveling, art, photography, and sports. During her leisure time, she enjoys visiting art galleries and going hiking with friends. These travels expose her to diverse cultures, while hikes bring her tranquility and inspiration.