Press Release

(Hong Kong – April 10, 2024) – The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (HKAGE or Academy) and Tsz Shan Monastery have signed a Collaboration Framework Agreement (CFA) today to strengthen their partnership in co-organising programmes to provide unique spiritual experiences for gifted students, aimed to promote their mental wellness and foster their appreciation of Buddhist culture and art, emphasising the humanities perspective.

Mindfulness Programmes for Mental Wellness

Gifted students exhibit exceptional intelligence and learning abilities, often displaying different interests and passions compared to their peers. Some may endure prolonged feelings of isolation and experience emotional and behavioural challenges. Recognising the need for guidance in developing emotional balance among gifted students, the HKAGE has developed various mental wellness programmes to enhance their self-awareness and equip them to face adversity with tranquillity. Examples include mindfulness programmes such as singing bowl yoga workshops and fluid painting workshops, etc.

Nestled amidst serene hills and woodland in Tai Po, Tsz Shan Monastery provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The meticulously designed monastery layout, together with the invaluable Buddhist statues and cultural artefacts sourced from around the world and displayed in the Buddhist Art Museum, enriches the impact of the mindfulness programmes offered at the Monastery.

Enhancing Self-awareness Through Mindfulness

Dr Jimmy WONG, Executive Director of the HKAGE, expressed his delight in signing a CFA with Tsz Shan Monastery, “The HKAGE has always been cognizant of the holistic development needs of gifted students. In recent years, students have faced increasing challenges arising from societal changes and the global pandemic. Gifted students, inclined towards perfectionism, may experience heightened stress compared to their peers. Their needs for guidance to achieve physical and mental relaxation become even more critical."

Gifted students, often enthusiastic about a wide range of interests, may find it challenging to slow down and find inner balance. Mindfulness programmes aid in managing their emotions and enhancing their overall well-being. Dr WONG highlighted the significance of partnering with Tsz Shan Monastery, stating, "The serene environment, rich Buddhist cultural heritage and the abundant artistic resources of the Monastery offer gifted students unique spiritual experiences. Through this collaboration, we hope to further promote the mental wellness and inner equilibrium of gifted students by helping them manage their emotions and stress and cultivate a higher sense of self-awareness.”

Ms Olivia LOW, the Deputy Secretary General of Tsz Shan Monastery, also expressed her excitement for the upcoming collaboration, ‘Inherited thousands of years of philosophical wisdom, Tsz Shan Monastery manifests Buddhism’s vitality and enhances the positive awakening of mankind through spiritual education in the current era of rapid AI technology development. Tsz Shan Institute, an educational department established in 2016, has held various wellbeing programmes and mindful activities throughout the years. The training of Buddhist philosophy is to help us understand ourselves, be aware of our mind, and learn to let go our attachments. Through meditation training and loving-kindness practice, we can enhance our concentration and awareness, balance our emotions, and live in harmony between people and nature, allowing ourselves and others to live freely. We will design a new programme to provide more diverse opportunities for gifted students in Hong Kong by integrating the wisdom of Buddhism and the concept of gifted education. These learning opportunities will help them develop physically and mentally, and may the wisdom of mindfulness accompany them along their life journey.’

Inaugural Programme Launching in May

The HKAGE and Tsz Shan Monastery will collaborate to introduce a series of courses and activities integrating Buddhism and Western Forest Therapy. These initiatives aim to restore the inherent self-healing capacity and vitality of gifted students by immersing them in natural surroundings, where they can learn to slow down, focus, and awaken their five senses for physical and mental relaxation. Gifted students can also develop a higher sense of awareness of the present moment through mindfulness activities and gain a fresh perspective on the world.

The first co-organised activity is scheduled for May this year. Student members of the HKAGE will have the opportunity to visit the monastery complex in depth and deepen their understanding of the Buddhist culture as they appreciate the intricate statues, meticulous layout, and architectural style of the Monastery. For more details, please visit the HKAGE website and follow their social media pages.