Mainland students from six HK universities create an MV to celebrate New China’s 70th birthday

Light shows, music flash mobs, flag-raising ceremonies… people from all sectors across the nation are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China with various activities. In the southern part of China, at the foot of Lion Rock mountain, a group of mainland students are offering a special present for their motherland to celebrate its 70th birthday.

On September 29, a MV became a smash hit on the Internet. Eighteen mainland students from six Hong Kong universities starred in an MV “Me and My Motherland”, expressing their deep love for the country with melodious voice.

Expressing love with melody

Eighteen mainland students from six Hong Kong universities starred in an MV “Me and My Motherland”, expressing their deep love for the country with melodious voice. (Screenshot of the MV “Me and My Motherland”)

The idea was initiated by a student from Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) named Livy. “This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the PRC. People from all sectors are celebrating our nation’s 70th birthday with various activities. Hong Kong SAR is an important part of our country. On such a significant occasion, we, mainland students studying in Hong Kong, are brimming with a sense of pride and belonging,” said the 23-year-old.

“To welcome our motherland’s birthday, I, together with some of my fellow students, planned to film our own version of the song “Me and My Motherland”, expressing our love for the country at the foot of Lion Rock in Hong Kong.”

However, it was no easy task to turn this idea into reality, said Lam, the HKBU student that handled the camera shooting for the MV. In order to get it online before the National Day, the time reserved for coordination, filming and editing is very limited, he told People’s Daily Online. “We had to balance our study with filming. We had to grab and pack up our equipment right after each filming session, and then rush to MTR stations for class,” he noted.

Through unswerving efforts, after conquering enormous challenges, they finally presented this immature but sincere MV on the Internet. To their delight, the MV received wide recognition from mainland netizens, with many netizens giving them a thumbs up. “Many exhorted us to be careful about our safety, which moved us deeply. We have a powerful motherland behind us, with the support of 1.4 billion people,” said Livy.

Responsibility of post-95s

The MV “Me and My Motherland” became a smash hit on the Internet. (Screenshot/People’s Daily Online Weibo account)

These students, as part of over 12,000 mainland students studying in Hong Kong, voiced their love for the beloved nation in their own way. “In this special period of time, someone has to stand out and make their voice heard. Maybe we cannot represent all students, but we want to sing our firmest attitude out loud,” they said.

Michael from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) said he was so proud to be part of this MV. “When I saw the MV, it stoked my deep love for our nation. As mainland youngsters studying in Hong Kong, we should first be down-to-earth and fulfill our daily duties such as studying and working, and stand ready to become the pillar of our nation.”

These post-95 youths have witnessed the step-by-step and remarkable development of China. “The 70th anniversary of our nation is like a milestone. Ten years ago, we successfully held the Olympic Games and the World Expo. In recent years, industries like the internet and Artificial Intelligence technology have been booming. The 70th anniversary is also a starting point. We are delighted to witness the potential of our nation. We are very confident that our country will become more and more prosperous and influential,” said Lam.

Jarrett from HKBU also sent his best wishes to China. “Over the past 70 years, countless predecessors resolved difficulties one after another and strived for a greater nation. I feel very proud. On this occasion, I sincerely wish the motherland a happy 70th birthday.”