Over the past three months, the Government and the construction sector have been assisting the enterprises and workers affected by the COVID-19 outbreak to fight the epidemic and find a way out of difficulty. Recently, members of the construction industry have again joined hands with the Construction Industry Council (CIC), the Development Bureau (DEVB), the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD), as well as ten professional bodies and trade associations to record a song Sail through the Pandemic together. Frontline practitioners and workers were also invited to participate in the shooting of the music video (MV). It is hoped that the song, with its dynamic and energetic melody and rhythm, will promote mutual support among everyone at this difficult time, so that together we will manage to pull through.

This time, I have particularly invited the colleague who writes this song and several industry practitioners to share their feelings and wishes when recording Sail through the Pandemic.

A song that encourages mutual help in the face of adversity

The Deputy Head of the Sustainable Lantau Office (Works) of the CEDD, Mr WONG Chi-sing, Janson, who writes the music and lyrics of the song all by himself, says that he wanted to make a self-help song to encourage everyone to help each other during the hard time and fight the virus together. It was believed that with the spirit of mutual care and assistance, we would tide over the hardship. Mr Janson WONG thought that the delightful and lilting rhythm of his previous song Pass the Torch on exudes positive energy for inspiring people. Therefore, he replaced the lyrics with the core messages of “one heart” and “hopes” to produce the song Sail through the Pandemic.

Recording completed in two days

Mr Janson WONG describes the recording process as a “miracle”. It took only two weeks from making the decision, recording to completion of the MV, during which the recording was finished in just two days. Here, I would like to thank the industry players for their participation. The construction industry has been very united. The Executive Director of the CIC, Mr CHENG Ting-ning, Albert, expressed unhesitating support to the commencement and promotion of the song’s production when the Director of CEDD, Mr LAU Chun-kit, Ricky, reached out to him. Legislative Council members, Mr LO Wai-kwok and Mr TSE Wai-chuen, Tony, as well as ten presidents and chairmen of professional bodies and trade associations were willing to participate in the recording at the studio. Many frontline practitioners and site workers also took part in the shooting of the MV, showing that the industry shares “one heart”.

Sending a message through a song, working in one mind with Hong Kong

According to the Chairman of the CIC, Mr CHAN Ka-kui, despite the dire situation due to the epidemic, most of the construction practitioners, especially the frontline workers, stand fast at their posts for the continued operation of the industry. The song Sail through the Pandemic sends the message that the construction sector cares for Hong Kong and is fighting the virus together with all of us.

Mr LO Wai-kwok, Legislative Council member from the engineering constituency, says that the song has highlighted the solidarity of the engineering sector. Members of the sector are an important force both to win the war against the epidemic and to revive the economy afterwards. He hopes that we will appreciate the good intentions of the industry through the song. Mr TSE Wai-chuen, Tony, Legislative Council member from the constituency representing the architectural, surveying, planning and landscape sectors, says that he is delighted to have the opportunity to join industry practitioners in the making of this song with such meaningful and inspirational lyrics. He believes that, with one heart, the industry and Hong Kong people will definitely prevail against the epidemic so that the city will be prosperous again. Mr SHEK Lai-him, Abraham, Legislative Council member from the real estate and construction constituency, says that the industry is very serious in facing this battle and one of the measures is setting up a fund to help frontline practitioners in need. Quoting the lyrics to express his feelings, he wishes everyone safety and good health.

Setting aside differences and working hard to stave off the epidemic

I am extremely grateful to Mr Janson WONG for writing us a wonderful song, and to Mr WONG Hok-lam, William, Engineer of the CEDD, for his efforts in producing the MV. Sail through the Pandemic has reminded me of the song Sail On sung a few years ago by Mr Eason CHAN and Mr Jacky CHEUNG. Both of these songs have a very important message: since Hong Kong people are in the same boat, let us set aside our differences and work together to stave off the epidemic.

Same as Mr Janson WONG, I like the lyrics of Sail through the Pandemic very much, particularly the last line: “With the same heart, we fight against the epidemic, move forward and overcome the mountains.” The full lyrics (translation) of the song are as follows and we hope to share them with you:

Sail through the Pandemic
Music: Mr Janson WONG
Chinese Lyrics: Mr Janson WONG

Applauding with encouragement, we are determined to take every step to go on fighting against the epidemic
Receiving the baton with motivation
Sparing no efforts together
During the hard times, we fight with the same heart
Let’s face the challenge together and support Hong Kong once and again

We’re in the same boat, extending our hearts and unlimited love
Hoping to build up mutual trust in adversity to support each other
Together we fight the virus and go further

Despite the strong wind, we brave the waves with strong arms
With courage we persevere. In every moment, we encourage each other

Pushing hard for the finish line together, Hong Kong will prosper and start a new chapter after the epidemic

Let’s push hard and cheer on together with one heart and mind
Let’s brainstorm and solve the problem together in the face of changes and challenges

Selfless devotion with my heart and unlimited love
Hoping we can safeguard our future, side by side, hand in hand
With the same heart, we move forward and overcome the mountains

Let’s push hard and struggle together with one heart and mind
Let’s brainstorm and solve the problem together in the face of changes and challenges

We’re in the same boat with our hearts and unlimited love
Hoping we guard future, shoulder with shoulder, hand in hand
With the same heart, we fight against the epidemic, move forward and overcome the mountains

We care for Hong Kong!

Participants in the production of the MV (in no particular order):

Construction Industry Council, Development Bureau, Civil Engineering and Development Department, Legislative Councillors Mr LO Wai-kwok and Mr TSE Wai Chuen, Tony, The Hong Kong Institute of Architects, The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors, The Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects, The Association of Consulting Engineers of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Construction Association, The Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers, The Hong Kong Institute of Planners, The Hong Kong Construction Materials Association, and The Hong Kong Federation of Electrical and Mechanical Contractors