Music Without Borders: Free concert showcases Hong Kong’s ethnic diversity and aims to give minorities a voice

Social inclusion through music is the message of a free open-air concert to be held in Hong Kong on Sunday, which organisers hope will showcase the city’s ethnic diversity and give minorities a voice.

The event, called Music Without Borders and organised by non-profit group We Care, will bring together aspiring Hong Kong-born Filipino and Indian singers, Indonesian domestic workers, and local musicians at Admiralty’s Tamar Park.

“When Hongkongers think about Filipinos and Indonesians, most of us think of domestic workers,” said Jonathan Wong Chun-him, the organiser. “We want to show that [ethnic minorities] have their voices too.”

LISTEN: Music Without Borders theme song 'All We Need' by Jonathan Wong and Wong Zion

Wong, a second year journalism student at the University of Hong Kong, joined We Care as a liaison officer in October last year. The concert is the 20-year-old’s first attempt to launch a social inclusion project for the organisation, which aims to bridge gaps between ethnicities in Hong Kong.

“I have always identified myself as a music lover, and to me, music has always been a way to connect with other people naturally,” said Wong, who formed a band five years ago and enjoys singing and playing the piano. “Music is great because there is no need to be perfect. All you need is passion and know what you are trying to do with it.”

Although Wong worries that Tamar Park may not be the best place to attract a huge crowd, he believes getting the message of social inclusion across is more important.