Beyond Notes and Staff: Using Music to Warm Elderly with Dementia

Ma Wing Heng’s Story
Awardee of 29th Recognition Ceremony
HKU Business School
BBA
 

Ma Wing Heng, Kenneth, founded “Embrace Chorus” (昔唱), Hong Kong’s first choir for the elderly with dementia. The initiative aims to reduce public misunderstanding of dementia and bring warmth to this vulnerable group. The idea was first born in his secondary school years, when he found music to be helpful for elderly people with dementia, not only by helping them to retain precious memories and stabilise their emotions, but also by building their confidence and facilitating their socialisation.

 

Kenneth served as a conductor at the HKU Inauguration in 2024.

As a pianist and choir conductor, Kenneth took the initiative to learn about dementia on his own. He gathered volunteers, including university music students and social groups, to run and collaborate on the project. Although he faced challenges in balancing his studies with the demands of operating the choir, he drew strength from witnessing the elderly’s clear progress, the families’ sincere appreciation, and support from the community.

Through running "Embrace Chorus”, Kenneth deepened his knowledge of dementia and the power of music, while also improving his own organisational, management, and communication skills. He aspires to work even harder to sustain the project’s long-term operation and expand its influence.

To fellow students, Kenneth also advises them to start with small actions, rather than just keeping ideas to themselves. “Share ideas, leverage the unique agility of youth! We can turn visions into reality and make a real difference in society,” he shared.

Kenneth was hosting a concert, with elderly participants to perform for each other and their family members.

Kenneth (left) in a panel discussion with Professor Teresa Tsien Wong Bik-kwan (middle) on how to prevent dementia and relieve stress and emotion.

Written by:

Hanson Ye

Year 1, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine

April 2026