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South China Morning Post

Cantopop singer helps Hong Kong students set the stage for success

A struggling student in Hong Kong said she would only study if singer-songwriter Chau Yan-ting sent her a personal message. She did not expect her teacher to share her wish with the rising star – or that he would show up at her school. The Cantopop singer affectionately known as YT surprised the student with a live performance at her secondary school. 'A year later, I saw her again at an event and learned that she successfully got into university. That moment truly moved me,' shared the 34-year-old artist, who was born in Hong Kong and raised in Singapore. 'It made me realise that even the smallest actions can leave a mark.' Last July, this sense of purpose inspired Chau to launch a year of free school performances. He visited dozens of Hong Kong schools to encourage pupils to follow their dreams. 'Looking back at my secondary school days, there were moments when I doubted myself and lacked confidence. I wished someone had been there to lift me up,' Chau said. 'Now, if I have the ability to do that for others, I feel it's my privilege to try.' The singer's career Chau debuted as a singer in 2015. After a while, his career slowed down. It left him questioning his place in the industry. With no resources, he began pitching himself to major record labels in hopes of a breakthrough. A few years ago, his single, 'Regret' (遲了悔改) – written as the theme song for a ViuTV drama – went viral. Last year, Chau's hit, 'Three Lives of Luck', not only topped local music charts but the self-directed music video also amassed more than 6.6 million views. Chau was one of the top five contenders for 'My Favourite Male Singer' in the Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation earlier this year. Connecting with Hong Kong students Through his school tour, Chau hopes to inspire students to tackle stress by building resilience. Rather than sugar-coating life's difficulties, Chau uses his visits to encourage students to face reality head-on. 'I'm not here to paint the world as a beautiful place. I talk about its harshness, but I also emphasise that we still have to keep moving forward. It's about being real with them,' he said. Chau shares his advice with Hong Kong teens. He also learns from them. 'Interacting with them has taught me so much about what's on their minds,' he said. 'While I share my experiences, they also ask me many questions, which help me understand how I can better support them, whether through my music or meaningful discussions.' The singer said he was especially touched when he saw how happy the students were when he visited. 'Some even message me to share how much it meant to them ... I hope they know that someone in this city is truly listening to their voices,' he said. Sample answers Stop and think: Chau says that he hopes his music and school appearances can help students reduce their stress and allow them to push them through difficulties. He said the students help him by asking him questions, which allows him to understand their situations and how they need support.