Connecting communities through music, dreaming beyond borders: Prof Raymond Chan in conversation with and HSBC scholarship recipient Terence
From Left: Prof Raymond Chan Hon-fu, Vice-President (Academics) cum Provost and Lam Man Tsan Chair Professor of Scientific Computing; and Terence Leung Ting-hei (Government and International Affairs, year 4), HSBC Overseas Scholarship recipient.
Lingnan University is committed to nurturing students for holistic development and encouraging them to make meaningful contributions to society. This year, Terence Leung Ting-hei, a Year 4 student in the Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Government and International Affairs programme at Lingnan University, was awarded the prestigious HSBC Overseas Scholarship for his outstanding academic achievements and community service - an embodiment of Lingnan’s spirit.
Terence served as a music instructor in Lingnan’s community initiative, “Link Sound Sinfonia”, where he taught guitar and piano to adults with special educational needs. Through music, he helped build bridges between individuals and the wider community. This experience inspired him to pursue a career in music therapy, using music as a tool for healing and communication.
In this special feature, Lingnan Touch invited Prof Raymond Chan Hon-fu, Vice-President (Academics) cum Provost and Lam Man Tsan Chair Professor of Scientific Computing at Lingnan University, to sit down with Terence and explore how he lives out Lingnan’s motto: “Education for Service.”
Music as a Bridge to Society
Prof Chan: Terence, congratulations on receiving the HSBC Overseas Scholarship! What are the key criteria for applicants?
Terence: Besides academic performance, the most important aspect is social contribution. I participated in the “Link Sound Sinfonia”, a community project launched by Lingnan’s Wong Bing Lai Music and Performing Arts Unit. We helped adults with special educational needs connect with the community through music. I served as a music instructor, teaching guitar and piano. I believe this experience was crucial to my receiving the scholarship.
Prof Chan: Are the people with SEN in this programme primary school students, secondary school students, or older?
Terence: They’re all adults over 18 years old. We go to sheltered workshops and invite them to join the programme. Rehearsals are usually once or twice a week and occasionally we play in public; sometimes we visit retirement homes. We use music to reach people.
Prof Chan: Did you face any challenges?
Terence: I mainly needed patience and perseverance teaching. Due to certain chemical imbalances in the students’ brains, there can be learning barriers, and I didn’t have much prior teaching experience. But so far this year has gone smoothly, and we’ve held a lot of concerts.
Terence serves as a music instructor in Lingnan’s community initiative, “Link Sound Sinfonia”, where he teaches guitar and piano to adults with special educational needs.
Terence participates in the “Link Sound Sinfonia” activities.
“Link Sound Sinfonia” occasionally performs in public to connect with people through music.
Expanding Horizons Through Overseas Exchange
Prof Chan: Now that you’ve received the scholarship and will study abroad, how will you use the scholarship?
Terence: I’ll be going to the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, UK for a semester. Besides tuition, I hope to use the scholarship to buy a local instrument - like the Scottish bagpipes - and make music with locals to experience different cultures.
Prof Chan: Why did you choose the University of Aberdeen?
Terence: I’m fascinated by Scottish history and the political dynamics between the UK and the EU. My major is Government and International Affairs, so I’m keen to explore topics like the EU and the UN. I want to experience and understand local politics, society, and culture. I’ll also be studying history, which is deeply intertwined with political science - wars, treaties, political parties, and regime changes all help us understand political systems and societal transformations.
A Dream of Music Therapy
Prof Chan: After you return and graduate, what are your plans?
Terence: After my experience with Link Sound Sinfonia, I’m considering becoming a music therapist. Although I major in politics, courses in political philosophy helped me realise that even in a diverse society like Hong Kong, many people are still overlooked. I believe music can offer them a way to connect with society and bring about positive change.
Terence with staff from Lingnan University's Office of Global Education.
Prof Chan: Is there anyone you’d like to thank for supporting you?
Terence: So many people! First, the Office of Global Education (OGE) and the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) - they helped me a lot with the preparation, particularly with my application and information to solve problems. Also, Conner, the previous HSBC Overseas Scholarship recipient from Lingnan, who shared valuable insights. And the Link Sound Sinfonia gave me a platform to contribute to society, and I hope to continue working with them. Of course, I must thank my family and HSBC for recognizing my efforts.
Prof Chan: It’s wonderful to hear your story. I hope your time in Aberdeen is enriching and joyful, and that you’ll achieve your dream of becoming a music therapist while continuing to shine in Link Sound Sinfonia.
