Media

The Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS) at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) successfully hosted the "Keen Lyricist Quest (KLQ)" Outstanding Works Showcase on March 27, 2025, marking the conclusion of the third round of KLQ. The Showcase featured 13 outstanding student works selected from the Lyric Writing Competition, integrating lyrics and music to deliver an exceptional musical performance for the audience.

This year, the programme expanded beyond HKU students to include secondary school participants for the first time. Participating schools included Diocesan Boys' School, St. Clare's Girls' School, and Po Leung Kuk Ho Yuk Ching (1984) College. The performance was divided into three chapters, beginning with songs exploring “relationships”, leading the audience into the “inner world of the creators” and concluding with “'their stories”, inviting the audience to imagine the world through others’ perspectives.

The Showcase concluded with a song inspired by the story of a victim of the atomic bombing in Hiroshima. It was written, composed, and arranged by Matthew Hui, an undergraduate student from the Faculty of Dentistry, who visited Hiroshima to witness the historical scars of war. This deeply moving piece was performed by singer-songwriter Manson Cheung and accompanied by a contemporary dance choreographed by HKU Master of Expressive Arts Therapy student Joyce Cheung. Together, they created a powerful synthesis of music and dance that left a lasting impression on the audience.

Matthew shared, "This programme serves as a bridge, connecting different creators to exchange and inspire ideas while giving our works a platform to shine. Through the competition, participants not only showcased their creativity but also drew inspiration from each other's work. Keen Lyricist Quest has become a vital source of motivation for us to continue pursuing our creative dreams".

The Showcase also featured performances by musician Jing Wong, RUMBU, and Nicole Lee, a winner from the first round of KLQ. Esteemed guests included veteran culturist, Dr Wong Chi Chung, renowned music producer Edward Chan, lyricist and HKU alumna Cheng Man, and emerging singer-songwriter Luna Is A Bep.

After the event, students engaged in meaningful exchanges with industry professionals, gaining valuable insights into the creative process.

“This programme reignited my persistence as a creator and showed me the passion of others, inspiring me to continue my creative journey. It affirmed our value and broadened our horizons, revealing how vast the world can be.” Another participant, Megan Chow from St. Clare’s Girls’ School shared.

Professor Samson Tse, Dean of Student Affairs of HKU, highly recognised the success of the Showcase. "From lighting and staging to the performances, everything was meticulously crafted. The heartfelt emotions of the performers and music creators deeply moved the audience. I’m thrilled to see Keen Lyricist Quest continue for three consecutive years, providing students with a platform to learn and create alongside like-minded lyricists, musicians, and peers outside their formal curriculum." Professor Tse remarked.

Supported by the HKU Knowledge Exchange Fund granted by the University Grants Committee, Keen Lyricist Quest 2025 aims to encourage more students to participate in creative endeavours, empower the creative expression and language literacy of students and the public, enhance lyric appreciation skills, and promote the exchange of knowledge.

For enquiries about KLQ 2025, please contact:
Ms Karen Lam or Mr Tony Ng (Phone: 39175044 | Email: gened@hku.hk)