Sino Group and POP MART bring students closer to MOLLY creator Kenny Wong

Moving from table to table, MOLLY creator Kenny Wong shared drawing tips and discussed ideas with 20 senior secondary students as they put the finishing touches on their own versions of MOLLY.

The opportunity came through the “Tracing MOLLY’s Starlight Footprint” art exchange programme, jointly organised by Sino Group and POP MART. The programme brought together students studying Visual Arts from a North District school and one of Hong Kong’s best-known creative figures for an afternoon of artistic exploration.
 
With her big round eyes, pouty lips and unmistakable charm, MOLLY is a familiar face to many Hongkongers. Born from the imagination of Hong Kong artist and designer Kenny Wong, the character has grown from a local creation into a beloved name in the world of art toys through his collaboration with POP MART.

For the students, however, MOLLY was more than a character to admire. She was a starting point for exploring their own ideas.

 The session formed part of the “Tracing MOLLY’s Starlight Footprint” art exchange programme, an extension of the “Shining Journey – Tracing MOLLY’s Starlight Footprint” exhibition, which showcased 55 MOLLY art renditions across Sino Group’s shopping malls. Extending the experience beyond art appreciation, the programme gave students an opportunity to engage directly with a creator and take part in the creative process themselves.

“He kept approaching us during the session to check if we needed extra colouring pencils, even lending us his own tools,” said student Yoyo. “Those small, thoughtful interactions completely broke down the sense of distance I initially felt towards a famous artist, allowing us to collaborate and create freely.”

For fellow student Yanly, Kenny’s willingness to engage with their ideas was equally memorable.
“He took the time to offer practical creative suggestions and techniques, while encouraging us to be more confident and bold with our artistic decisions,” she said.

The result was 20 interpretations of the same character, each shaped by a different imagination.

Finding their own MOLLY

The students’ creations were eventually incorporated into a stunning three-metre-wide canvas, set against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour.

For Kenny, the exercise was never about producing 20 versions of the same MOLLY. It was about giving each student the freedom to see her in their own way.

“MOLLY was born in Hong Kong, and these students are the future pillars of our society,” he said. “By introducing students to the character, I hope to encourage them to dare to imagine and let them experience the true power of creativity.”

He hopes MOLLY’s own journey will remind young people that an idea does not have to remain small simply because that is where it begins.

“I want young people to see that their vision can be much bigger than they think, and that they should always have the courage to dream.”

Kenny also had a lesson about the value of working alongside others.

During a Q&A session, Yanly asked how artists could stay true to their original passion in an increasingly competitive environment. Kenny answered with an analogy drawn from Mong Kok’s Goldfish Market.

“One goldfish shop alone cannot make a street. It is the coming together of dozens, even hundreds, of shops that gives Mong Kok its unique character and strength,” he told the students.

“With so many people in Hong Kong creating art, this collective spirit is one of the most valuable strengths of our local creative scene. Instead of viewing others as competitors, learn to draw on that collective energy to amplify your own work and help one another grow.”

“I resonated strongly with that message,” Yanly said. “It gave me a fresh perspective on creativity. Rather than seeing art as a competition with others, I realised the focus should be on personal growth, with each individual’s work contributing to something greater.”

From one Hong Kong idea to another

MOLLY’s story, too, began with a distinctly Hong Kong idea before reaching audiences far beyond the city. Bringing that story back to a new generation in her hometown therefore carried a particular significance for Kenny.

“The MOLLY renditions have been showcased across Sino Group’s shopping malls for quite some time,” he said. “As a Hongkonger, the support from Sino Group has given me a great sense of confidence.”

For Kenny, that kind of backing can help give local artists something equally important: an opportunity to be seen.

He believes platforms that bring art to wider audiences can help create more exposure and, in turn, open the door to new opportunities and resources for the local creative community.

Keeping the conversation going

For Sino Group, the programme formed part of its broader efforts to bring art and cultural experiences closer to the community spaces and create opportunities for young people to engage with creators.

Bella Chhoa, Chief Commercial Officer of Sino Group, said one of the most encouraging things was seeing the students engage so openly with Kenny and share their own ideas with confidence.

“Having students interact closely with a successful homegrown creator — learning how passion, creativity and perseverance can overcome challenges and fulfil dreams right here in Hong Kong — is deeply rewarding,” she said. “We hope experiences like this will inspire young people to stay curious, explore their interests and discover new possibilities for themselves.”

She also pointed to MOLLY’s journey from a Hong Kong creation to an internationally recognised IP as a reminder of the reach of the city’s creative talent.

Perhaps that was the most fitting lesson from the afternoon. Creativity does not always begin with knowing where an idea will lead.

Sometimes, it starts with a familiar face, a handful of colours and someone reminding you to dream a little bigger.

For these 20 young creators, MOLLY became a canvas for their imagination—and, for a few hours, the possibilities were entirely their own.