Sponsored by the CASH Music Fund and presented by the HKAPA, the ‘CASH Composition Scholarship 2024/25’ has been awarded to CHAN Lok Tim, a student of Bachelor of Music (Honours) Degree majoring in Composition and Electronic Music.

Under the mentorship of renowned composer Mr. TANG Man Ngai, Chan has received several prestigious awards, including:

• The Society of APA Merit Awards for Local Students (2023/24)
• The Academy Local Scholarship (2021/22 & 2022/23)
• The Lions Music Charity Foundation Scholarship (2021/22)

Chan has collaborated with multiple distinguished musical institutions, ensembles, and musicians, including the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, Hong Kong New Music Ensemble, Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble, Young Friends of the Hong Kong Arts Festival, and pianist Yoav Roth, winner of the Solange Jospé Award. His duet composition “Yin Yang” was selected by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and performed at the “25th Anniversary Music from the Heart” concert in 2024. Additionally, his orchestral work won the “Academy Concerto Feast 2025”, performed by the HKAPA Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Conductor Fan Ting.

Beyond composition, Chan actively participates in community cultural projects, having collaborated with the Hong Kong Maritime Museum as a co-producer for the “Family Fun Day” Music Exhibition, promoting the fusion of ocean-inspired music and arts within cultural engagement.

The CASH Music Fund remains committed to nurturing outstanding young music creators through its various scholarship and funding programmes.

Chan Lok Tim

The Hong Kong Volunteer Award 2025 is now open for applications. For more details, please visit the following webpage: https://hkv-award.hk/en/

The panel of professional judges Schumann, Alan Cheung, Joe Lei, and Cui Shi Xuan have selected the following eight songs from numerous submissions to the finals:

The finals will be held on 13 September 2025 at 7:30 p.m. at The Parisian Theatre, Macau. Registration for free tickets is open to the public via the link below. Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-7zsQ67GCRd19–uMnt_q0Arh0gHdKPCsKGFhtRABqc/edit

Please stay tuned for further details: http://www.maca.org.mo/

Jay Fung, Howie @ Dear Jane and Phil Lam received Gold Award, Silver Award and Bronze Award respectively of the ‘CASH Best Singer-songwriter Award’ at the 46th Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs Award. The award was co-presented by RTHK and CASH.

Jay Fung

Howie @ Dear Jane

Phil Lam

Photos provided by: RTHK and Sony Music Entertainment (Hong Kong) Ltd

Organised by CASH and partnered with Caritas Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Harmonica Association, the Harmonica Beginner Class was held across seven Caritas’ centres since March, this year, providing children from low-income families with the opportunity to engage with music. The harmonica classes, taught by professional instructors from the Hong Kong Harmonica Association, consisted of four sessions and concluded successfully in May.

The instructors adopted an interactive and step-by-step teaching approach, helping participants learn harmonica playing techniques and basic music knowledge from the ground up. The participants showed great engagement, and by the final session, they were able to play a simple folk song on their own. Two of the centres conducted the classes in a parent-child format, encouraging bonding and communication between parents and children through shared musical experiences. The classes proceeded smoothly, received positive feedback, and successfully brought music into the community.

Participating Centres:

1. Caritas Mok Cheung Sui Kun Community Centre
2. Caritas Jockey Club Integrated Service for Young People – Wong Tai Sin
3. Caritas Jockey Club Integrated Service for Young People – Tak Tin
4. Caritas Community Centre – Ngau Tau Kok
5. Caritas Community Centre – Kowloon
6. Our Common Home – Extended Living Space for Sub Divided Unit (SDU) Resident in Tsuen Wan
7. Caritas Community Centre – Aberdeen

The tutor explains the structure and sound production of the harmonica.

The tutor demonstrates the correct way to hold the harmonica with both hands.

The tutor patiently guides the children in practicing proper hand positions.

Participants are highly engaged and successfully perform a simple folk song in the final lesson.

Children receive certificates and take a group photo to commemorate the moment.