The final of the Anti-drug Supernova Singing Contest jointly organised by the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN), the Narcotics Division (ND) and Metro Radio was held tonight (December 11) at Music Zone @ E-Max in the Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre. Nine young finalists made use of their singing skills to encourage young people to steadfastly pursue their dreams while developing healthy and drug-free lifestyles. In addition, pop singers and a music group urged members of the public to remain vigilant in standing firm against drug temptations, in particular during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
 
     The Anti-drug Supernova Singing Contest offered promising young people who strive to become singers an opportunity to showcase their talents publicly and encouraged them to develop positive attitudes and stay away from drugs. The top three prize winners of the final were awarded audition contracts with a record company to help make their dreams come true.
 
     The nine contestants who entered the final today are aged between 18 and 28. They reached the final by defeating other contenders during the six preliminary rounds of the singing contest in November. During the preliminary rounds of the singing contest, music professionals not only gave comments and guidance to all entrants but also shared with them information related to drug harms, relieving stress and channels for seeking anti-drug help.
 
     Pop singers and a music group including Phil Lam, Alan Po, Mischa Ip, Jay Fung and Lil' Ashes were invited to tonight's event. Apart from performing for the audience and cheering for the contestants, the artistes also promoted anti-drug messages to the audience, including speaking on the harmful effects of taking cannabis, cocaine and methamphetamine (commonly known as "Ice").
 
     Noted music professionals Suzan Guterres, Samson Ling, Alan Cheung and Barry Ip were invited to be adjudicators of the contest. Aside from rating contestants and giving them advice on their singing skills, the adjudicators also encouraged them to stay positive when facing challenges and continue to pursue their dreams with passion and determination. An audience of more than 200, including young people from tertiary institutions and secondary schools as well as families and friends of the competitors, attended the event. The enthusiastic cheering and chanting from the audience in support of the contenders raised the excitement of the occasion.
 
     After rounds of intense competition, Michelle Siu and Emiko Tsui eventually won the champion and second runner-up awards respectively. Andy Lai was awarded the first runner-up and the Highest Popularity Award.
 
     Guests attending tonight's event included the Chairman of the ACAN Sub-committee on Preventive Education and Publicity (PE&P SC), Mr Chan Wing-kin; PE&P SC member Professor James Chan; and the Commissioner for Narcotics, Ms Ivy Law. 
 
     In addition to the anti-drug singing contest held tonight, the ND and the ACAN in collaboration with Metro Radio also jointly held a series of anti-drug education and publicity activities from September to this month including an anti-drug seminar and radio interviews that targeted parents and focused on the drug harms of cannabis. Artistes and financial professionals also helped record anti-drug radio segments to enhance understanding and awareness of the drug problem among members of the public, and encourage listeners to stay away from drugs. The segments are being aired on both Metro Info and Metro Finance.

Ends/Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Issued at HKT 22:45

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