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With 50 tutorial centres, interest-class providers and art studios, Nan Fung Plaza is more than just a shopping destination – it’s the largest educational hub in the district and long a vibrant gathering place for students. This mid-January, the plaza came alive with the “Animal Fun Carnival x Admission Day”. Featuring captivating performances from tenants such as a Taekwondo club, a ballet school and the young talent of the charitable group Green Grass Notes, the event set the stage for early Lunar New Year festivities.
Among the highlights of the day were elegant and professional ballet performances by students from the DC School of Ballet, a tenant of Nan Fung Plaza. Nine-year-old Jovie Yu performed a solo piece, Cupid Variation, earning rousing applause from the audience. “I started learning ballet when I was three years old, and this was my second time performing at a mall. The audience's applause made me very happy.” Jovie shares, crediting her polished performance to three months of dedicated practice.
For Jovie’s mother, the event was more than just a showcase – it was a meaningful way to connect with their community. Living close to Nan Fung Plaza, she felt immense pride watching her daughter perform for neighbours and friends. “My daughter dreams of becoming a professional dancer. Events like this in the shopping mall are wonderful because they give children more opportunities to shine,” she says, hoping for similar initiatives in the future.
The grand finale of the event featured an inspiring performance by eight young people with special educational needs (SEN) from Green Grass Notes. The group delighted the audience with popular songs spanning different eras. Among the performers was Form 2 student Yoko Keung, who played the drums. A member of Green Grass Notes for five years, Yoko reflects modestly on her performance: “I think I did okay today. I’ve performed at malls several times before, so I wasn’t nervous – actually, I felt quite relaxed.”
Yoko’s mother, Coco, was proud and supportive in the audience. “Performing in shopping malls has boosted my daughter’s confidence. Events like this help her connect with society in a meaningful way. Today’s event was not only entertaining but also educational,” she shares.
Founded in 2016, Green Grass Notes is a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowerment. The group’s founder and chairperson, Helen Tsui, explains that its Green Grass Notes Band uses music as a bridge, helping SEN students to not only enjoy creative expression but also improve their concentration, confidence and social communication skills through performances, thereby expanding their social engagement. “We help them discover their potential by learning drums and percussion instruments. SEN students might be overlooked in regular classes due to their slower progress. Here, there’s no pressure. Some students may take six months to master a skill, while others might need a year. They’re encouraged to progress at a pace that suits them,” Helen says.
Helen expresses pride in her students’ performances: “At Nan Fung Plaza, they performed on a circular stage with audiences on all sides. It was a special experience with a wonderful atmosphere. I noticed people taking videos and photos, gathering around to watch – it was very encouraging and meant a lot to us.”
As part of its community engagement initiatives, Nan Fung Plaza has launched a “Forest Exploration” themed zone in its atrium. This immersive display features towering installations of rare animals, including red pandas, capybaras, sloths, koalas and moles. Each installation offers more than just a photo opportunity. Visitors can scan QR codes placed nearby to uncover fascinating details about the animals’ habits and preferences, making it an engaging educational activity for children and adults alike.
