The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has officially launched the Music Entrepreneurship and Popular Practice (MEPoP) initiative, a groundbreaking program marking a significant step in music education across Asia. Announced on September 1, 2025, this practitioner-driven initiative is the first of its kind in the region, aiming to bridge the gap between academic learning and the dynamic realities of the contemporary music industry. MEPoP seeks to equip a new generation of creators and executives with the essential skills and insights needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving global music landscape.
A New Era for Music Education in Asia
MEPoP emerges as a response to the increasing complexity and rapid growth of the Asian music market, which now features three of the world’s top ten music markets: Mainland China, Japan, and South Korea. The initiative is designed to address existing gaps within the popular music ecosystem and the broader creative industries. By fostering a unique platform for collaboration, MEPoP brings together industry professionals, accomplished artists, esteemed scholars, and critical thinkers. This convergence of expertise aims to generate meaningful dialogue and knowledge exchange, ultimately re-centering Hong Kong as a vibrant hub for popular music innovation in Asia.
Professor Daniel Chua, Chair Professor of Music at HKU and MEPoP’s chief advisor, highlighted the university’s long-standing commitment to integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application. “HKU has always been a leader in fusing theoretical learning with practical applications,” Professor Chua stated. “We believe this exciting initiative will provide participants with an extra set of skills to succeed in the music industry, both as executives at the highest levels and as creators of the hits of tomorrow.” This sentiment underscores MEPoP’s dual focus on nurturing both artistic talent and entrepreneurial acumen.
Core Pillars and Curriculum
The MEPoP initiative is structured around two primary pillars: Music Business and Entrepreneurship, and Popular Music and Creative Practice. This dual focus ensures a comprehensive approach, catering to diverse career aspirations within the music sector.
In its inaugural phase, MEPoP is offering three intensive courses:
* Music Business and Entrepreneurship: Designed to provide a robust understanding of the commercial aspects of the music industry, including market analysis, finance, and strategic planning.
* DJ Practice: Focusing on the technical skills, creative curation, and performance aspects relevant to modern DJ culture.
* Songwriting: Aimed at developing the craft of creating compelling musical and lyrical content, a crucial skill for any aspiring artist or producer.
These core courses are complemented by a robust schedule of public-facing activities. MEPoP plans to host a variety of events, including lectures, roundtables, specialized workshops, and masterclasses led by industry veterans. Additionally, songwriting camps and innovation competitions are part of the broader vision to foster a collaborative and dynamic learning environment. This outreach aims to engage the wider public and cultivate a community passionate about the future of music.
Industry-Academia Synergy
The initiative is co-directed by Mr. Jonathan Serbin, a seasoned executive with extensive experience in the global music business, including his former roles as Co-President of Warner Music Asia and CEO of Greater China of Warner Music, and Professor Rujing Stacy Huang, an Assistant Professor of Music at HKU. Their collaboration signifies a strong industry-academia partnership, drawing on Serbin’s deep practical know-how and Huang’s critical-cultural insights.
“The music markets across Asia continue to grow rapidly,” noted Mr. Serbin. “Music is the perfect example of an industry where theory and real-world skills can mesh to provide a powerful toolbox for those who wish to excel in the field.” He emphasized that combining fundamental theoretical knowledge with the lived experiences of industry professionals is key to empowering students to identify and capitalize on opportunities within the music and creative cultural sectors.
MEPoP’s foundational strength lies in its unique industry-academia partnership, designed to bridge the divide between art and business, and between practice and scholarship. While academic foundations provide intellectual rigor, MEPoP aims to supplement classroom learning with invaluable industry perspectives, equipping participants with the essential skills to navigate and succeed in the vast opportunities present in the music and creative cultural landscape.
Shaping the Future
With its comprehensive curriculum and industry-led approach, MEPoP is poised to make a significant impact on the development of future music professionals. The initiative not only enhances HKU’s standing as an innovator in arts education but also contributes to the growing recognition of Asia’s vital role in the global music business. By fostering unparalleled artistry and responsible entrepreneurship, MEPoP is set to empower the next generation of artists, entrepreneurs, and executives, ensuring their success and shaping the future trajectory of popular music. This news marks a pivotal moment for aspiring music talent in Asia, offering a unique pathway to professional development and industry leadership.
