From left: R.AGE editor Ian Yee and journalist Kevin Tan (right) posing for a photo with the cast of the Keep On Keepin’ On music video. The song was written and produced by Liang (third from right) in support of R.AGE and Nick Vujicic’s anti-bullying campaign.

KEVIN TAN alltherage@thestar.com.my

IF you have been a victim of bullying, you should know that you are never alone.

That’s the very message that StART society (an art academy for underprivileged children) is conveying through their song called Keep On Keepin’ On, in conjunction with R.AGE’s anti-bullying campaign, R.AGE Against Bullying.

Local R&B star Liang, who wrote and produced the song, said the lyrics are all about moving on and being strong. A music video for the song is also being produced, featuring various personalities in support of the cause, like Red FM deejay JJ, YouTuber Ho Ming Han, and the students of StART society.

“If eight out of 10 of us (according to statistics) have been bullied, that would mean the majority of us in this room have been victims before,” said Liang in an interview while he took a break from the music video shoot.

Sim Pojoo, a freelance video producer who volunteered to help work on the music video (and a former volunteer teacher for StART), shared that she had witnessed bullying among the students she has taught.

“Kids come to us and share their experiences of bullying. Sometimes they even express it through their art homework, because it’s what is constantly on their mind.

Sim said that she was surprised when she saw the statistics on bullying, and she hopes that through this project, it will instill hope to victims to tell them they are not alone.

“The ones that really affect them are the mental and emotional bullying. It sticks with them longer,” said Sim, referring to bullies who often bully verbally.

Liang pointed out that there are many videos about anti-bullying where people speak and address the issue, but there are almost none that is done through music or music videos.

“Music is a universal language, and we’re not just making a music video with different people in it. But we’re trying to say that all of us here have experience bullying as well; we’re just like you,” he said.

The music video of the song, which features vocals from both Liang and singer/model Emma Louise Liang, will also an appearance from motivational speaker Nick Vujicic, also known as the “man with no limbs”, who will be lending his support to the R.AGE Against Bullying campaign when he comes to Malaysia next week.

Vujicic will be sharing his inspirational story at a talk next week organised by StART Society and R.AGE. The students from StART will also be performing and showcasing their talent on the day of the event.

“The dance performances are choreographed by the kids themselves, and even the props are made by them too. It’s a good platform for them in performing arts,” said Liang

Keep On Keepin’ On’s music video will premiere during Nick Vujicic’s talk event called Up Close and Personal with Nick Vujicic on August 28, 8pm at Hilton Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

* R.AGE is the official media partner of Up Close & Personal with Nick Vujicic. For more information, log on to facebook.com/startsociety or email start.w.nick@gmail.com.