(First row) Mrs. Fanny Hau (6th from right), Dr. Una Tang (6th from left), Mrs. Lily Chan (5th from right), Dr. Wendy Sun (5th from left), pictured with other guests and participants

The School of Continuing Education (SCE) of Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) hosted the Launch Ceremony for the Cantonese Opera Promotional Scheme (the Scheme) cum the Naamyam Singing and Composition Workshop (the Workshop) on 13 December 2025. The School is privileged to receive generous support from Dr. Una Tang, Honorary President of the Cantonese Opera Musician and Vocalist Association and Honorary Director of the HKBU Foundation, to launch this two-year Scheme, alongside the introduction of a new short course, the "Cantonese Opera Workshops: Mastering Cultural Context and Vocal Skills". The Scheme aims to deepen public understanding of Chinese culture and traditional opera, and to encourage the study of Cantonese opera, thereby together preserving this treasured cultural heritage.

The event was a resounding success, attracting nearly 100 enthusiastic guests and participants. Guests in attendance included Dr. Una Tang, donor of the Scheme; Mrs. Fanny Hau, Founder and Chairman of The HeArt Touch Charity Foundation and Honorary Director of the HKBU Foundation; Dr. Wendy Sun, Head of Continuing and Professional Education at SCE; and Mrs. Lily Chan, Director of University Advancement and Secretary-General of the HKBU Foundation. Members of the HKBU Foundation, including President of the HKBU Century Club, Ms. Esther Wong, and Ex-officio Director Mr. Kent Tsui, were also present to extend their support.

During the ceremony, Dr. Wendy Sun expressed SCE’s honour in launching the Scheme and introducing the new short course with the support from various sectors. She expressed hope that the Scheme will serve as a platform to connect academia, the arts and the community, thereby contributing to the preservation of Cantonese opera culture.

Mrs. Fanny Hau, supervisor for both the Course and the Workshop, noted that the Course combines academic knowledge with practical skill enhancement, making it suitable for beginners and those with foundational knowledge. She added that the Course will undergo continuous refinement to attract a broader audience to the world of Cantonese opera. Meanwhile, Dr. Una Tang shared her delight in collaborating with SCE to preserve this invaluable intangible cultural heritage.

Following the launch ceremony, the Workshop was conducted by renowned Naamyam composer Mr. Wan Chi Pang, with music leader Mr. Share Ka Lok providing live accompaniment with the ensemble. Through expert guidance, singing practice, and analysis of selected works, participants gained an in-depth understanding of Naamyam’s vocal techniques and artistic nuances, enriching their appreciation for this traditional art form.