GEORGE TOWN: The coming Chinese New Year might be merrier, thanks to a series of music videos by singer Aven Tan that incorporate local and traditional elements.

       The 38-year-old Penangite wrote six songs in two months with scenes of the videos shot at various attractions in Penang.

       “As a Penangite, I try to promote local scenes in Penang such as Bukit Katak and Suling Hill as well as Chinese temples like the Kek Lok Si Temple, Hean Boo Thean Kuan Yin Temple, Ang Sun Kong Temple and Tow Boo Kong Temple.

       “The songs are sung in Hokkien, Cantonese and Mandarin. It is my hope to preserve the local traditions of Chinese New Year,” he said.

       Tan expressed gratitude for the recording company’s support of his not-for-profit effort and for helping to complete the music video production during the pandemic.

       A pre-school teacher by profession, he has been singing for over 30 years but Covid-19 restricted his pursuit of the passion.

       “I joined and won many competitions before recording companies spotted my talent and offered contracts.“In 2008, I released my first Chinese New Year album and have been doing so until a break last year as events and celebrations were prohibited,” he said.

       Tan said when the lockdowns did not seem to end, his friends introduced him to the idea of performing live on social media and it spurred his popularity.

       “Before Covid-19, I had no idea what performing live on social media was. After I started, my supporters increased in number,” he added.

       Tan said although performances are still restricted to a small scale, he said everybody should be thankful if they have kept Covid-19 at bay and remained safe.