Anita Shum
MUMPRENEUR, & FOUNDER OF MINI MANDARINS
Introduce yourself and what you do in a sentence!
I am a mumpreneur and founder of Mini-Mandarins, an award winning language school inspiring children to learn and to love Mandarin through a combination of traditional and modern interactive-based pedagogy.
How did Mini Mandarins start?
I was born in Hong Kong and raised in Sydney Australia, so I understand why children are finding Mandarin so difficult and dreading to learn as a second language. I want to put a stop to this and make a positive change. Mini Mandarins focuses on helping children build a solid Mandarin foundation for emerging literacy learners through interactive play, practice and real-life application.
"Choosing your career is like choosing your outfit, there are no perfect styles that fit everyone, but certainly one that fits perfectly for you."
What does a typical working day look like for you?
I usually start my work at 7:30 am, planning a checklist of things to be done before everyone comes in. With a clear checklist marking the top priorities, it is the only way that I can make sure I am making progress on a daily basis. Most days I will be at the campus in class with children and talking to parents for their feedback and suggestions. My day always ends at home to be with my 2 boys ages 11 and 8. We all need a good work & family balance!
How did you come up with the role play concept at Mini Mandarins?
Imaginative play is a powerful tool to help young children nurture their love for learning. In our themed play area “mini metro”, it allows kids to practice their lessons in real-life environments. Together with songs, stories and games led by native Chinese speaking teachers, students quickly build up a Chinese vocabulary that they use functionally.
Supermarket theme is definitely my all time favourite. Not only because it’s my first setting, but the glow I see in every student’s eye when they interact with our teachers there, turns their fear into confidence, reluctance to love. Parents tell us they have not encountered their children asking when they are coming back to Mini Mandarins the moment their class is finished.
What was the funniest thing a kid said to you?
One day when you are gone, can I be principal of Mini Mandarins?
What’s the most rewarding thing you’ve experienced while journeying with Mini Mandarins?
The most rewarding part is seeing the way it has evolved over the years. At the beginning, people were perplexed why I created such a big scaled role play scene at my school, but I have proven that by designing a program through the interest from a child’s perspective is the greatest creative force. Try to think about possibilities first, rather than just practicality. That’s how Mini Mandarins managed to keep driving what we’re doing and maintain innovation.
Who or what’s been inspiring you lately?
I think what inspires me the most are our student families. I specifically set aside time to read these chats, reading the positive comments of course is awesome, but I also get a lot of value from the things that we can improve on. I read those conversations and get inspired to do things better, change things and develop based on that feedback. This year has been exceptionally hard for everyone but many parents showed immense support to us through text messages as well as videos of our students showing their caring message and practicing their Mandarin. That inspires me every day to make sure I continue on with our mission “Make Mandarin Matter”.
What is your personal (secret) indulgence after a really long day? Or where is your favourite spot in Hong Kong and why?
I love to take the ferry across the Hong Kong harbor, the beauty of Hong Kong’s skyline is my favorite and always bedazzles me. (I must say though; online shopping still is one of the best indulgence after a long day of work!)
MORE ABOUT ANITA >
