Many people associate creativity with art or new discoveries, failing to realise that creativity is equally important when it comes to problem-solving, be it minor obstacles or matters of life-changing importance.
'It helps in decision-making, problem-solving, also process-solving,' says Dion Chen, acting principal of YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College, the first secondary school sponsored by the YMCA of Hong Kong.
'It can also improve self-esteem and motivate students' learning,' Chen adds, noting that creative thinking is an important survival skill and it is 'the key force behind personal growth and the development of culture and society'.
The requirement for creativity, problem-solving skills and thinking out of the box is specified in many job advertisements, but sadly these traits seem to be on the wane.
At Highgate House School and International Steiner Waldorf Pre-School 'creativity is happening all day', says founder and education co-ordinator Julie Lam. 'It's a life-skill learned in kindergarten and even before that, and has a very far-reaching effect on adult life. These days, we see a lack of creativity in our children and more and more people in the workplace need to be taught it. It is a phenomenon in major cities around the world.'
Developing creativity is a two-pronged process. Whether pre-schoolers or 15-year olds, children are equipped with natural curiosity if they are allowed to experiment. From this point of view, the most important thing is not to fill up every minute of a child's schedule with classes, but to allow them enough time to try out things, to fail and learn and try again. In self-initiated play, they develop their imagination, interact with other children and learn to express themselves, learn co-operation and social behaviour, consider opinions other than their own and develop resilience - trying again and again when they fail. The role of adults is to observe them and provide an environment where children feel safe, Chen explains.