- Professor Gillian Choa, director of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, is one of the judges for the Performing Artist category for the 2022 SOTY Awards
- She advises candidates about the importance of the arts as a universal language that can bring people together
Professor Gillian Choa is the director of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Photo: May Tse“Stay positive and test negative” is not only a slogan – young Hongkongers should remain optimistic, keep learning and serve the community as the local outbreak stabilises. These are important qualities for the winner of the Performing Artist award.
One of the judges for the Student of the Year (SOTY) Performing Artist category, Professor Gillian Choa, director of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, suggested how performing arts students should adapt to the changes caused by Covid-19.
Choa said: “Performing arts students cannot rely solely on online learning, as rehearsals and performances on stage are valuable learning experiences for them.”
She highlighted the importance of seizing the opportunities that exist now and in the future.
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Choa shared her views on the power of performing arts as a universal language that could transcend words and bring people together.
“Performing arts has the power to foster empathy and compassion,” the judge emphasised, adding that she expected students to reflect on how to better serve society and support those in need.
“I hope [performing arts students] could have an exceptional level of commitment and dedication to the art forms they love, and inspire others to pursue their passion for the performing arts,” she said.
This year’s SOTY Awards competition, with the theme of “Together we grow and achieve”, is organised by the South China Morning Post, and sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club. Interviews for a total of 11 awards across nine categories will be conducted in June, and the award ceremony will be on July 23.