When a struggling student in Hong Kong said she would only study if singer-songwriter Chau Yan-ting sent her a personal message, little did she expect her teacher would share her wish with the rising star – or that he would show up at her school.
Last year, 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 had 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.”
This sense of purpose inspired Chau to launch a free concert series in July, with the goal of performing at Hong Kong schools over the next year to encourage students to chase their dreams.
He has since performed in more than 70 schools in the city.
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“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.”
After debuting as a singer in 2015, Chau’s career faced a period of stagnation that left him questioning his place in the industry. With no resources, he began by pitching himself to major record labels in hopes of a breakthrough.
Three years ago, his single, “Regret” (遲了悔改) – written as the theme song for a ViuTV drama – went viral. This year, Chau’s hit, “Three Lives of Luck”, not only topped local music charts but the self-directed music video has also amassed over 6.6 million views.
Now, Chau is one of the top five contenders for “My Favourite Male Singer” in the Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation next month.
“I need to embrace this moment completely because if I don’t, it’ll feel like waking up from a dream once it’s over,” the singer said.
Recognise Hong Kong students’ struggles
For Chau, his school concerts go beyond putting on a good show – they are also about addressing students’ emotional struggles.
“People often overlook or dismiss their emotions,” the singer explained.
“You hear things like, ‘That’s just how studying is,’ or ‘That’s what growing up is like.’ But even if that’s true, it doesn’t mean we should ignore the existence of these feelings or the struggles that come with them.”
Chau added that these pressures should not be downplayed simply because older generations had their own challenges: “In my view, stress only builds up over time, becoming heavier with each generation.”
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.
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While Chau is imparting wisdom to teens, he is also learning 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.”
These interactions have left a deep impression on the singer, who said he felt particularly touched when he saw students’ joy during his visits.
“Afterwards, 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.
Pushing creative boundaries
In recent years, Hong Kong’s music scene has seen a new generation of artists bringing vibrant energy to an industry that had remained relatively quiet since the golden years of Cantopop in the 80s and 90s.
“There are so many different artists, each representing something unique ... Everyone brings something special to the table,” he said.
Chau likened it to a video game where every character had distinct qualities, yet they all worked towards the same goal: to expand the reach of Hong Kong’s music.
“It’s not just about local audiences. We’re hoping to introduce Cantonese music to other regions and overseas listeners as well. That’s what makes it so exciting,” he said.
When Chau was 15, he had already set his sights on being a singer. Drawing from his journey, his songs urge listeners to push through challenges and find a place where they can shine.
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Of all the songs in Chau’s discography, one holds special meaning for him: “Morning Star”.
“‘Morning Star’ captures my entire journey,” he said. “It reflects the confusion, hope and loss I’ve felt, and it represents the many years I’ve walked this path.”
Chau expressed his gratitude for being voted as an award contender for the Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation in January.
“No one is obliged to support you, attend your shows or listen to your music. So, I’m deeply appreciative of everyone who has shown love for what I do,” he shared.
Looking ahead, Chau plans to push his creative boundaries: “I’m not the type of person who enjoys doing the same thing over and over,” he said.
“I’ll definitely be experimenting with genres I’ve never tried before. It’s about constantly challenging myself ... to be an artist who has tried it all.”
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Stop and think: Why is Chau Yan-ting visiting schools in Hong Kong?
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Why this story matters: Amid reports that Hong Kong youth are struggling with their mental health, this singer-songwriter is using his talents to give them comfort, resilience and hope.
