In celebration of HKUST’s 35th Anniversary, the HKUST Talent Quest transformed the campus into a dazzling arena of talent expression. More than a competition, it was a unifying platform for our vibrant community, drawing enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
The journey began with over 70 show-stopping performances in the first and second rounds. This initial batch of entrants was whittled down to 12 finalists who displayed an extraordinary range of talent at the Grand Finale held at Shaw Auditorium on May 6.
The finalists presented a stunning spectrum of performances, from soulful vocalists, skilled instrumentalists, and charismatic duos to high-energy Indian dance and gymnastics-ballet. The mind-bending magic and the traditional game of kendama left the crowd in awe of the hidden mastery.
The overall champion, Ayush GURUNG, a Business and Management undergraduate, captivated the room with his accomplished acoustic guitar. He created a transcendent experience, making the audience feel as though they were wandering through a glittering galaxy.
He was followed by 1st Runner-up Rachel SIREGAR, also a Business and Management undergraduate, whose vocal power soared as she wrapped the hall in warmth and love, drawing passionate cheers from a dedicated group of fans from her hometown in Indonesia.
The brilliance continued with 2nd Runner-up ZENG Yuqiyu, a Public Policy postgraduate, whose haunting erhu performance blended traditional Chinese sounds with the dynamic energy of the HKUST campus.
Her fellow 2nd Runner-up, HKUST alumna Gloria CHAN, became the “Queen of the Night,” delivering the breathtaking aria for soprano, “Hell’s Vengeance Boils in My Heart,” from Mozart’s The Magic Flute.
“My dream to perform in my alma mater came true!” said Gloria with delight. “I really love this beautiful stage with the live feed. There were so many lovely moments with the supportive fellow performers in the green room and backstage”.
The Audience Choice Award went to The Rope Skipping Club, comprising undergraduate students who epitomized incredible teamwork and collective energy as they delivered gravity-defying backflips and complex acrobatic moves that brought the house down.
Adding to the night’s excitement, special guest and renowned pop singer Jason CHAN electrified the room with his latest hit song, Moved On and the English-language classic Out of the Loop. Beyond the music, Jason shared words of encouragement with the community, making the evening even more memorable.
The night celebrated the diverse passions flourishing at our campus, leaving the audience deeply moved as they shared their reflections:
• “They really demonstrated their talents and dedication. Feel so proud that they are part of the HKUST community!”
• “Love the atmosphere when everyone talks and laughs.”
• “I really have no idea how they pulled it off.”
• “The shows literally made people locked in watching the whole time.”
• “Thank you for sharing all your miracles!”
By providing a platform for self-expression, the Talent Quest reinforced HKUST’s commitment to holistic development, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community where every member can unleash their potential and inspire one another.
