We love HKUST, and so do you! Now, to show your passion for our alma mater, it’s time to learn our university anthem! Unveiled in March, the first ever official anthem was created by alumni, staff, students and a team of professionals to show the world our core values. It all started when Council Member Edith Shih and Court Chairman The Hon. Andrew Liao began to consider how their love for HKUST could be encapsulated in a song.
A total of 45 entries comprising lyrics, melody and compositions had been submitted to the University Anthem Working Group by students, staff, faculty, alumni and friends of HKUST and HKUST (Guangzhou). Next, a selection committee consisting of University members and musical experts including Music Director Emeritus of Hong Kong Sinfonietta Yip Wing Sze, selected a melody composed by alumnus Prof. Kelvin Yuen (2014 MSc Economics), Affiliate Assistant Professor of Economics at HKUST and Assistant Professor from the Thrust of Urban Governance and Design at HKUST (Guangzhou), and he also took part in the lead vocal recordings. The anthem premiered at the “Timeout HKUST” event on the Clear Water Bay campus with a music video that proved both eye-catching and widely talked about.
Top winners share their passion
The winning lyrics were written by incoming HKUST postgraduate student Jia Xianzhang, who crafted inspirational lines in Putonghua. The Cantonese version was written by renowned lyricist Chris Shum, while the English version was produced by a team comprising HKUST Professor of Humanities Dr. Isaac Droscha, Convenor of the University Anthem Working Group Edith Shih and freelance writer Philip Yeung. The arrangement came from renowned musician Ng Cheuk Yin.
A team effort in harmony
Special thanks goes to our alumnus Lawrence Tsui (2001 BEng Computer Engineering), the music producer, who is himself a renowned professional drummer. We must also thank our three alumni professional singers and lead vocalists Lam Kwok Ho (2008 BBA Finance), Clara Lee (2006 BBA Accounting) and Edwin Wan (2011 BBA Global Business). Finally, the University Philharmonic Orchestra and the University Choir, under the baton of Dr. Ken Cheng (1999 MPhil Humanities, 2009 PhD Humanities) and Francis Mok (2008 BSc Chemistry) respectively, and with many alumni among their ranks, receive our gratitude for their stellar work.
Others contributing their talent included HKUST Pro-Chancellor Dr. John Chan Cho-Chak, Court Chairman The Hon. Andrew Liao, Council Chairman Prof. Harry Shum, President Prof. Nancy Ip, Founding President Prof. Woo Chia-Wei, HKUST (Guangzhou) Founding President Prof. Lionel Ni, as well as other Council members, senior management, staff and students of the two campuses.