Spotlight On YAFies: Jaedus Fung

Jaedus Fung 
Former participant with the Voices Unleashed music programme

When did you become interested in music?
Music has always been a part of my life. Growing up, I loved listening to bands from Hong Kong and Taiwan. Their songs gave me strength, perspective and joy. When I was at school, I joined the school choir. Now, as an adult, I often go to live performances. I love how infectious live music can be.

You’ve participated in Voices Unleashed twice. What drew you back to the programme?
In the first year, I joined as a choir member and was fascinated by how the original songs were created. I’ve always been interested in creative media like writing, painting, dance and theatre, but songwriting was new to me. Encouraged by my choir friends, I returned to the programme for the second time as a songwriter.

Which of the stories you learned during the programme impressed you most, and how did you translate them into music and lyrics?
Throughout the workshops, we heard a lot of powerful stories, but my interactions with deaf participants and wheelchair users inspired me the most. They showed me that we’re all multifaceted and shift between giving and needing care. In one workshop, we were asked to write down meaningful moments on sticky notes, and this line came to me: “Strength can flourish, yet weakness can show / A million souls, a million reflections.” The line resonated with the group and became the hook of our song, and eventually a complete song.

What was your most unforgettable experience working with individuals with disabilities?
Our choir performances are choreographed, and I remember one blind member, Siu-ying, struggling to keep up with the movements. I helped her by holding her hands and describing each step. It was challenging but her determination to keep up was inspiring. The whole choir shared that same passion, and it felt like we were truly on this journey together.

What advice do you have for anyone hesitant about joining the programme?
I doubted my musical skills at first, and was hesitant to join. But you don’t need to be an expert in music theory or songwriting. Everyone's learning and experimenting. Give it a try, and you’ll see how people with different abilities can work together and have fun.

Who is your favourite artist?
Luke Ching is one of my favourite artists. He uses his work to raise awareness of issues impacting workers, advocating for chairs for cashiers, for example, or drawing attention to retail workers’ work conditions during adverse weather. He even worked undercover as a cleaner and security guard to highlight labour issues. His actions have made me rethink what artists can do. Besides creating artwork, we can use our creativity to highlight overlooked issues and encourage social change.

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