Expressing diversity in music
CUHK’s Got Talent unites multicultural student performers
16 April 2025
Music is a universal language, one that everyone speaks. To celebrate cultural diversity and inclusiveness on campus, CUHK held the music contest CUHK’s Got Talent, providing a platform for students to showcase their creativity.
Jointly organised by the Office of Student Affairs and the Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages, the contest attracted over 60 performers to an initial audition, with 10 groups securing their spots at the final showcase on 27 March. From French opera to Japanese anime songs, the local, non-local and exchange students’ performances delighted the audience and adjudicators at the Shaw College Lecture Theatre.
Local Anthropology student Angel Li (above, right) and Psychology student Cherrie Wong (above, left), who are both in their fourth year and formed the duo K4, were awarded the championship and the Cheerleading Award for their powerful rendition of Into the New World, the debut single by South Korean girl group Girls’ Generation. “We participated in the contest for fun and did not expect to win,” said Angel, still thrilled and enthused after the performance. “Into the New World is a powerful anthem. In South Korea, the song appears in many events symbolising hope and unity. I hope our performance instils courage in the audience and inspires them to pursue their dreams.”
In contrast to the original performance by the Korean idols, the group chose to wear hanbok. “Hanbok is the traditional Korean clothing worn at celebrations and ceremonies. We hope to deepen the audience’s understanding of Korean culture,” said Cherrie, who believes that music is an effective way to bring people together. “CUHK’s Got Talent is a platform for us to meet new friends from diverse cultural backgrounds. CUHK is an inclusive community where students support one another regardless of our race, gender or culture.”
Apart from uplifting pop music, the contest also featured instrumental performances. An exchange student from Türkiye, who won the Best Showcase of Cultural Diversity Award, captivated the audience with his solo performance on the bağlama, a type of lute, of Anadolu kaşık havası, or Anatolian spoon song, a type of lively folk dance music traditionally accompanied by percussion using wooden spoons.
After the performance, Omer Ege Ozyaba spoke with CUHK in Focus about his musical journey and the important role music plays in his life. He said: “I started playing the guitar by myself when I was six, without receiving formal music education. I can play 12 instruments without knowing how to read or write music properly.”
Although originally from Türkiye, Omer is an incoming exchange student from Canada who studies computer science. “Ever since I left my motherland Anatolia [the eastern part of Türkiye, which makes up the majority of the country], I have been carrying the bağlama with me everywhere I go,” he said. The multi-instrumentalist believes that music plays a crucial role in fostering cultural diversity on campus. “The way I learn about the history and culture of other countries is mainly through music. It is a unique way of communication which transcends barriers.”
Sophia Wong, a first-year local student majoring in hospitality and real estate, amazed the audience with her expressive rendition of Bang Bang by Ariana Grande, Jessie J and Nicki Minaj, which blends R&B, rap and pop. She was awarded the first runner-up and the Most Popular Award.
Sophia said: “Originally sung by three singers from different cultural backgrounds, Bang Bang showcases diversity through its fusion of various musical styles. I hope to share feelings of joy and enthusiasm through my performance and uplift the audience with my energy.”
Like her fellow competitors, the talented student sees music as a bridge to connect people from different cultures. “Melodies, even without lyrics, can tell a story which is shared by both the performer and the audience. CUHK’s Got Talent is a meaningful experience which allows me to make new friends and learn about other students’ cultures.”
Harry Ng Chung-hang, renowned local composer, arranger and music producer, was one of the adjudicators of the contest. Impressed by the creative performances, he said: “I had an enjoyable evening. Watching students on stage brings me back to my university years when I participated in music competitions.”
The University Dean of Students Professor Ko Wing-hung added: “I am really proud of our students. The performances showcased a wide range of skills and cultural expression, highlighting the unique backgrounds of CUHK talents. The contest fosters a more inclusive and thriving CUHK community.” Director of Student Affairs Elaine Tam Yi-lam also expressed her hopes to see students from different countries and regions collaborating and building friendships with one another.
By Gillian Cheng
Photos provided by Office of Student Affairs
