The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts ranked first among performing arts schools in Asia in the 2021 QS world university rankings unveiled recently.
Director Gillian Choa notes that the education standards of HKAPA have been among the best, with outstanding performance in areas that include stage and set design.
Graduates are highly marketable both locally and abroad. Just a while ago, a student was immediately hired after completing an internship in Britain.
Before taking her position as director, Choa was the school's academic deputy director. She says new elements have to be added to the curriculum in tandem with advancements in technology.
To keep abreast of the times, theater and props have to incorporate technology. So must performing arts as a whole as they express a bit differently online than in the traditional formats.
IT components will also be infused into the new master's programs to be introduced by the school.
Apart from course content, the school's mode of education delivery has changed too as online teaching becomes the new normal under the pandemic.
The school began online teaching soon after the outbreak started, but as production work has to be completed offline, some students' graduation had to be postponed.
To accommodate this, the school is making the very thoughtful arrangement of having two graduation ceremonies this year - one for the students affected by the delay, the other for the current year's graduating class.
Choa is a pet lover. Apart from dogs and cats, she has also kept a talking African grey parrot at home for many years. The "most senior" member among her pets, the bird is extremely intelligent and expands its verbal repertoire constantly.
Recently, it was heard pulling rank on a newcomer puppy, admonishing it with new words it has just picked up.
From the sound of it, this feathered friend no doubt possesses talents in the performing arts. If allowed to take a few courses at the HKAPA, I dare say it might even become an internet star one day.
Siu Sai-wo is publisher of Sing Tao Daily
