Lessons for life: Hong Kong educator looks beyond exams and interviews

Christine Ma-Lau, a Hong Kong educator, places emphasis on teaching children more than just exam preparation or school interview skills. Instead, she believes in helping children understand their own identities, cultivate proper relationships, and contribute positively to society. In 2009, Ma-Lau founded JEMS Character Academy in response to her belief that existing character education programs didn't suit Hong Kong's unique needs. Her curriculum focuses on three key areas: identity, relationships, and community.

Ma-Lau is a finalist in the Spirit of Nurturing Award for the year's Spirit of Hong Kong Awards, a recognition co-organized by Sino Group and the South China Morning Post. She adamantly insists that the goal of education isn't to merely teach children good manners for the sake of performing well in an interview, but to instill genuine respect for others.

In terms of community service, JEMS has supported over 15 local non-profit groups and raised over HK$1 million (US$127,423) for children's charities. Children learn the value of empathy and respect by participating in visits to disadvantaged communities, reflecting afterward on the experiences and contributions of the people they met, rather than viewing them as mere recipients of aid.

Ma-Lau is confident that the true impact of these lessons might not be evident immediately, but could manifest years later. One participant later went on to establish an organization supporting Hong Kong students from less privileged backgrounds applying to top UK universities. This participant's mother expressed her gratitude during the initiative's 10th anniversary event, crediting Ma-Lau for teaching her daughter the importance of caring for others.

Similarly, another former student with a natural talent for communication and a knack for handling pressure shared that the lessons on time management and teamwork from Ma-Lau's courses became significant in his professional life. Ma-Lau emphasizes the importance of recognizing each child's strengths, as not everyone learns effectively under the same methods. She believes that understanding one's own strengths and how they can contribute to group efforts is vital for effective teamwork.

Beyond her work with JEMS, Ma-Lau is also the chairperson of the Character Education Foundation, serves on the board of Mother's Choice, and co-chairs its services committee. Additionally, she is an adjunct professor at the Education University of Hong Kong. She dedicates a significant portion of her time to causes related to children, including her service on the board of LEAP, an organization promoting healthy choices and drug prevention among young people.

The Character Education Foundation, under Ma-Lau's guidance, has integrated character education into schools and the community through initiatives like Character Day and the Children’s Character Festival, which will focus on resilience in 2027.