Wang Leehom speaks at Oxford Union
24 Apr – Taiwanese singer Wang Leehom became the first Chinese singer that was invited to speak at Oxford Union at the University of Oxford.
According to Asianpopnews website, the singer attended the event after an invitation was made by its organiser, who felt that Wang Leehom has an influence in the Asian music world, and is qualified to propagate the Chinese culture.
Speaking on the theme of "Understanding Chinese Pop", Leehom shared about how he felt alienated in his younger days despite seeing himself as an American, and also shared how music had helped him to integrate in the Western society.
The singer revealed, "I lived in New York and rarely spoke a word of Chinese. But when I was in my third grade, I got teased for being a Chinese. Nonetheless, as soon as I started playing music or singing, the other kids would forget about my race and my skin colour and will see me for who I am."
Leehom also took the opportunity to introduce some of the big names in Chinese music, including A-Mei, David Tao, Teresa Teng and Tsai Chin, saying that he hopes people can enjoy the classic works of these talented artistes.
When asked about his thoughts on the invitation from the union, the singer enthused, "I am very happy that I have another opportunity to fulfil my mission, and that is to promote Chinese pop culture to the world."
Wang Leehom joins the ranks of distinguished speakers that include Albert Einstein, Michael Jackson, Richard Nixon, Johnny Depp, Margaret Thatcher and Winston Churchill, all of whom have been recognised by The Oxford Union.
