Expats share of encouragement in music video

A music video titled "Hope of the World — Go Shanghai!" and containing words of encouragement for health workers, community workers and volunteers in Shanghai was published online by The Expatriate Center on Wednesday.

The MV, produced by the center with the support of the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, featured nearly 70 expats from 23 countries and regions living in Shanghai.

In the series of self-recorded videos,  expats shared words of encouragement in their own languages, such as "Thank you Da Bai (the Chinese nickname for health workers in white hazmat clothes)", "I am confident of Shanghai", and "Together we will win the battle against COVID-19".

Salyonn Koh, a Singaporean business consultant who has lived in Shanghai for six years, wrote the lyrics and melody of the MV: "Look around, you'll see people with their hearts aligned. Keep the faith, you'll see the battle will someday be won." 

Koh said she composed the song when her community was in lockdown on March 18 to encourage others who are feeling anxious during this challenging period.

"This song is for them — people whose lives have been affected, people who are working hard to keep the situation under control, people who are looking for that light in the darkness," she said.

"All of our lives are now different from before. Most if not all of our activities have moved online, including children's school, our everyday work and so on," said Linda Painan, chairwoman of TEC who initiated the idea of making the MV.

"Communication is key in times like these for people to be assured and not panic. All of us understand the need for these control measures to ensure everyone's safety and are willing to comply. So it's really boils down to better communication so expectations are managed."

Painan said the meticulous work of combing through each district, sub-district, townships, and street levels with COVID testing made her believe that it is just a matter of time that the current outbreak in Shanghai will be put under control.

"When Shanghai puts its mind to doing something, it certainly will be done," she said.

Bristal Leung, managing director of TEC, said: "Shanghai has shown its ability in gathering all nationalities as one through its efforts for the entire community, their selfless services and professionalism have touched the hearts of many nations. 

"This is not just a music video, it is the nation's voice that turns the impossible possible! Thank you, Shanghai, for uniting us all under one roof, a place we truly call home."