Many of you may have watched the news yesterday about Hong Kong where tens of thousands of young students and citizens went on demonstration and protested against the Chinese central government’s decision to allow only Beijing-approved candidates to stand in the city’s elections for chief executive. Following the violent acts of the police with pepper sprays, tear gas and batons to the unarmed students, the Hong Kong Academy of Performance Arts (APA), which is one of the most important music institutions in Hong Kong and situated right in the middle of the protest area, has graciously offered safe shelter and served as a medical station to students in need, despite the pressure to close the building from “unofficial channels.”
While it is APA’s mandate to “provide students with an innovative, multidisciplinary and globally focused education,” it has also contributed to the greatness of humanity during these troubled times in Hong Kong. Thank you APA!