HONG KONG (SE): “Young people have amazing talents if we don’t limit them. What the Church needs to do is to set up a platform for them to celebrate their gifts and talents. We are very happy to do it here tonight,” said Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., after watching the Youths Got Talent show organised by the Friends of Caritas at the front of a lit-up Cathedral of Immaculate Conception on November 8.
He also expressed hope that the young people present at the fundraising event would also be inspired to pursue their faith inside the cathederal. “Today, this square belongs to all of you. Come inside later, as the place belongs to you too, so that you can find your inner serenity, and everlasting love of God.”
The show was co-organised by Caritas Hong Kong Youth and Community Service and produced by Boom Theatre. A few months ago, Caritas arranged auditions for over a hundred young people. Eighteen young performers were selected by the show’s director and producer, Tom Chan of Boom Theatre
Dong Baihong, 22, joined the audition organised by the Boom theatre to challenge himself and overcome his stage fright. Dong, who usually sings at home, was encouraged to participate in the competition by Caritas’ community centre staff. Through the performance, he realised the significance of teamwork and how important it is to express his passion with confidence.
What touched me most was that many experienced performers and professionals helped with a belief that young people deserve to be loved, and this love warmed the hearts of the young, empowering them to show their talents
Chan Wai-leung
Another performer, 20-year-old Henry Lee, admitted that he felt nervous at first, particularly when he met Chan, a renowned director with high standards. He expressed his eagerness to learn and grow as a freelance actor, noting that Chan’s guidance had a profound impact on him.
Throughout the show, Henry gained self-confidence, discovered his strengths and weaknesses, and improved his communication and professional skills.
The advisor for the show, former media executive Selina Chow Liang Shuk-yee, explained that the show’s main concept is to create opportunities for talented youth throughout the city. “Young people with potential but limited opportunities are given the chance to participate in various performance activities. Through Caritas, these individuals can showcase their talents, giving them access to a unique and never-before-seen performing venue,” she said.
In order to foster a sense of mentorship, Chow said they connected these individuals with professionals. “The masters invited were eager to help the young, showing a lot of encouragement and unconditional love in their training.”
Young people from various backgrounds were encouraged to showcase their talents through the show, according to Chan Wai-leung, the head of Caritas Youth Community Service. He hopes it can inspire young people in Hong Kong and ignite a sense of hope, aligning with Cardinal Stephen’s commitment to youth. “What touched me most was that many experienced performers and professionals helped with a belief that young people deserve to be loved, and this love warmed the hearts of the young, empowering them to show their talents,” he said.
The masters invited were eager to help the young, showing a lot of encouragement and unconditional love in their training
Selina Chow Liang Shuk-yee
Joining the young performers on stage were popular singers, Jay Fung and Gin Lee; former K-pop member, Elkie Chong; renowned magician, Louis Yan; calligrapher and painter, Cink Shan; dance master, Maverick Mak Chau-shing; beatboxer, Eric So, and new-generation stunt performers.
The show also featured guest appearances by acclaimed theater master, Jim Chim; action director, Chin Ka-lok; along with director and dancer Sunny Wong; showcasing the spirit of inheritance that the show embodies.
Also among those performing were young actors from Boom Theatre as well as students from Raimondi College, Good Hope School, and Fukien Secondary School Affiliated School.
The show was live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube to reach a wider audience.
Father Joseph Yim Tak-lung, executive director of Caritas-Hong Kong, as well as Father Dominic Chan Chi-Ming, parish priest of the cathedral, were among the audience to show support for young people. Father Chan said he feels glad to see the inspiring and creative performances put on by young people in his parish.
Theresa Ng Choi-yuk, chairperson of Friends of Caritas, expressed her happiness that the show resonated with young people and highlighted its collaboration with Caritas social workers to create meaningful initiatives.
