Before encountering Justin, a myriad of stories about him had already made headlines online.
A journalist who considers the pen as mighty as the sword, a meticulous umbrella craftsman, and the proprietor of Infinity Coffee shop – each narrative painted a picture of a highly intellectual and artistic persona. Justin, a graduate from the Department of Journalism at Zhejiang University, furthered his studies in industrial and clothing design at Tsinghua University and served as a visiting professor at a university in Japan. However, our fascination extended beyond these accolades. As the father of Alice, a founding pupil at Hiba, what is his real-life persona?
With this curiosity in mind, we ventured to the nearby café to engage in conversation with the owner himself.
For regular patrons of coffee shops, the unique charm of each establishment is often reflective of the owner’s taste and personality. Justin's coffee shop is adorned with books related on aesthetics and philosophy, complemented by beautifully crafted handmade umbrellas, creating an environment frequented by fellow supporters of the Hiba families. Immersed in the aromatic ambience of coffee, our senses were enriched, making it an ideal space for contemplation and dialogue.
Justin defied the conventional image of a parent. With a hint of stubble, and donned in slightly worn-out clothes paired with a handmade apron bearing traces of his creative endeavours, he exuded a casual atmosphere uncommon for someone who spends their days confined to an office.
"Would you like to step outside for a bit?" he asked.
The facade of the Infinity Coffee shop
The façade of the Infinity Coffee shop bore the inscription, ‘Blooming elegantly even in the storm.’
Justin elaborated on the significance, “The 'storms' symbolise the struggles one may encounter in life, while 'blossoming elegantly' is a choice made with confidence. It is a blessing to everyone and a representation of our companionship."
Contrary to our expectations, Justin proved to be much more talkative than anticipated. Unfazed by questions, he embraced discussions with divergent thinking and was considerate of our feelings, steering the discussion in an enjoyable direction. Despite his seemingly introverted appearance, he revealed an extroverted nature.
Back inside the coffee shop, Justin picked up a book he recommended to Hiba pupils – ‘On Beauty’ by Zhu Guangqian, a founder of the study of aesthetics in China. He believed that the book eloquently explained the unique traits and mindset of Chinese people while exploring the integration of international ideas and cultures. For children in bilingual schools, it would be an excellent read.
"Written by a Chinese author, this book was completed abroad and was preluded by Zhu Ziqing, a renowned Chinese poet and essayist. It is a milestone in the field of aesthetics."
Justin made many notes on the book.
Reading was one of his many interests and it opened doors to subsequent conversations on many topics. Following the book on aesthetics with the fragrant aroma of coffee, we embarked on a new journey of dialogue.
Whether it is from an aesthetic or creative standpoint, umbrellas are subject to our oblivion in daily life. Chances are that we may accidentally take the wrong one when leaving, forget it altogether, or lend a properly functioning one to someone else and never see it again.
On entry into Justin's coffee shop, we immediately noticed that his umbrellas were strikingly represented. This created a curious impression in you that you are where the umbrella is, ensuring you won’t lose it.
“Umbrella is considered to be one of the most elegant words recognised globally." Justin, who has 20 years of experience in umbrella-making and owner of over 300 international patents, shared with us some interesting history about the umbrella.
"In 1750, the British traveller Jonas Hanway brought an oilcloth umbrella from China to London. It caused a sensation when he walked around the streets holding it, sheltering himself from rain and wind. The conservative Catholics believed that using an umbrella was blasphemous because rain and wind are the arrangements of God. However, people gradually realised the practical necessity of protecting themselves during inclement weather, so they slowly accepted the idea of it from both a religious perspective and also as a reflection of the evolving needs of civilisation."
Justin explained that the main reason for choosing umbrella-making as a lifelong career is because umbrellas themselves have a cross-boundary feature.
From ancient times to the present, from East to West, from natural materials to industrial materials, from graphic design to sculpture and even to architecture, it includes everything; from literature and art to pop culture and even to quantum science, there are no boundaries. An umbrella is an all-inclusive, highly artistic and elegant object with various aesthetic appeals. It perfectly aligns with his pursuit of elegance and aesthetics, as well as his wide range of interests and hobbies, making it the most fascinating aspect of the umbrella for him.
As a renowned master of umbrella-making at home and abroad, Justin exclusively designed exquisite umbrellas for Wellington College Hangzhou, which are inspired by traditional Chinese umbrella-making techniques and integrated with cutting-edge modern aesthetic elements. Every umbrella is crafted with carefully selected materials. In Justin's view, umbrellas are no longer merely products; rather, they represent aesthetics outlook and pursuits of lifestyles.
The umbrella designed by Justin for WCCH
The Hiba umbrella speaks volumes of Justin’s craftsmanship. The frame is carved from high-quality alloy material, ensuring outstanding stability without compromising its light weight. The fabric is made of one-piece premium waterproof material, making raindrops slide off like silk without seeping in. When rain pitter-patters onto the umbrella, it is as if it creates a concert in a secluded place, harmonious and pleasing to the ear.
The creation of these umbrellas owes to the close collaboration between school and the parent community. We value every parent as an inseparable member at Hiba and demonstrate it in these exquisite umbrellas, our daily parent-school communication, cooperative parent-child activities and our continuous mutual support and encouragement.
Justin’s prudence extends beyond his umbrella-making and coffee shop business to his daughter Alice's education.
Their Hiba journey began when Alice joined Hiba as a founding pupil when the family relocated from Shangyu District, Shaoxing City to a small town in Xiaoshan District. What is the story behind this?
If you are a Hiba parent, please read through the following Q&A section with patience because Justin shared how his daughter grows at Hiba and his experiences in bilingual education and interest development. If you are not a Hiba parent, please also read it carefully, especially the sentences in bold because it might provide you with some insight, enlightenment and useful information.
As a parent, what role do you think your background and achievements have played in shaping your child's worldview?
Justin: We were open-minded in naming our daughter because we never had a set idea of what we wanted for her. We wanted Alice to experience beauty through her own eyes. We chose Hiba because we agreed with its education values and atmosphere. Hiba’s ethos of inclusivity, freedom, and respect for each individual aligns with our own belief in equal communication and free expression at home. We refrain from actively seeking tutoring classes for Alice; we only give her what she needs when she requests.
What are your thoughts on bilingual education, particularly in schools like Hiba where children are exposed to diverse cultural backgrounds?
Justin: Bilingual education is incredibly important for now and any other time. Over the past few hundred years of modern civilisation, English has become a ‘passport’ to the world, and Hiba has opened a ‘door’ for Alice to receive global information. Receiving bilingual education from an early age allows Alice to absorb exotic beauty in authentic English, whether they are books, movies, or art which enriches her life. Alice may just be an ordinary resident of Xiaoshan, and an ordinary student at Hiba, but at this school, she has had the world encompassed in her heart.
Why did you choose to transfer your daughter from a public school to Hiba, and how did she adapt to this process?
Justin: Alice transferred to Hiba from a public school five years ago. Although we only have vague memories about it now, we do remember that she felt little pressure at that time. Alice was not strongly inclined in English while learning at the public school, and we were not pushing her to learn English at home. Alice, however, as a founding pupil of Hiba, smoothly adapted to the school environment without intense competition anxiety; Hiba's environment relaxed her promptly. When she came home one day, she said to us, "The school is amazing. I cannot believe such a school exists. " She adapted quickly. I also suggest that if parents intend to send their children to bilingual schools, the earlier they act, the better. It can be as early as when the child is in grade one or two.
After joining Hiba, how has Alice been developing her interests and hobbies?
Justin: Many parents spend too much time ‘remedying shortcomings’ for their children and trying to do something with instant results, which might result in missing the opportunity to stimulate their strengths and what makes them unique. Dring her years at Hiba, Alice gradually discovered her passion for swimming. She then joined the artistic swimming training team, worked hard and eventually reached the school representative team standard. Swimming has been conducive to her physical and mental growth. Alice also persisted in piano practice and worked hard to achieve a higher level. We are pleased to see her play piano to express her emotions when she feels happy or unhappy – it is a demonstration of her music literacy. Hiba has provided Alice with sufficient space to explore herself, understand her interests and passions and explore this diverse world.
What do you think of the five Hiba values (namely, kindness, responsibility, respect, courage and integrity)?
Justin: I have seen the five Hiba values frequently on the walls at Hiba, and occasionally my daughter mentions them to me. Over the years, we have noticed the school’s efforts in developing the school's extracurricular activities, curriculum, and home-school communication, all developing towards a better direction. Among the five values, the one that is most profoundly found in Alice is ‘courage’. This courage is reflected in her equal communication with parents and teachers, her brave speech on social phenomena, and her bold expression of wishes. We believe that Hiba has planted the seed of ‘courage’ in her.
Talking about art and education, how do you perceive the relationship between them?
Justin: It is a significant relationship. Art is a visible and tangible form of beauty. The things that Hiba has carried and accumulated in Hangzhou over the past five years can be seen as a well-intentioned ‘screening mechanism’ and an artistic form of education: the selection of teaching materials and teachers, the educational environment, communication skills, etc., all moving towards the pursuit of perfection step by step. On the other hand, education can also be ‘aestheticised’ and reflected in any corner of the school. For example, the design of sharp edge protectors on the table in the nursery, and the selection of different colours and materials when making classroom layout and corridor beautification decisions. With attention to detail, Hiba takes action and works toward the goals with an aesthetic outlook, and the school itself is also an artistic blend of British education and traditional Chinese education.
What motivates one to become a lifelong learner? It is one’s inexhaustible interest and a willingness to bravely explore.
Experiencing ‘difference’ in a diverse cultural environment is not about becoming like the other side, but rather about becoming more rational, objective and inclusive. This was Justin's reason for choosing Hiba, as well as the initial aspiration of many parents to enrol their children in a bilingual school like Hiba.
During the hour-long interview, Justin was talkative, answering questions in a straightforward and genuine manner, while also passionately discussing his own experience and his daughter's journey at Hiba. With a belief in art and a commitment to self-reflection, he is a parent of candour and sincerity.
This is Justin, a master umbrella maker with over three hundred world patents, a parent of a Junior High pupil at Hiba Academy Hangzhou, and a person driven by artistic and idealistic pursuits. His pride and joy are evident as he witnesses his daughter’s growth and progress at Hiba.
"All of this is inseparable from Hiba's excellent educational environment, the attentive guidance of the teachers, and the enthusiastic assistance of classmates. I believe that in the future, Alice will continue to work hard, keep challenging herself, and realise her dreams. As parents, we will continue to support her and accompany her through every milestone in her life."
We are profusely grateful to Justin for generously sharing the story of himself and Alice which allowed us to have a deeper understanding of the trajectory of Hiba pupils. Facing challenges and opportunities in this ever-changing world, Hiba Academy Hangzhou will continue pioneering education to serve and help shape a better world, creating a pupil-led, immersive, bilingual, and bicultural learning experience, and providing every pupil with a broader development space and richer educational resources. We wish all Hiba pupils a future filled with prosperity in both learning and life.
