[SAN FRANCISCO] - "The sound of its music transports my soul to a bygone era albeit in just a couple of minutes all within the confines of my own room." A heartfelt testimonial from a listener in Malaysia affirms the power and popularity of HKVPRadio.com, a web-based Chinese-entertainment phenomenon that is fast reaching all corners of the globe. Hong Kong Vintage Pop Radio was founded by young Chinese American entrepreneur Anni Lam in 2002. It is an online radio station dedicated to bringing the best in Cantonese pop music from the 70s, 80s and 90s to the public. "I followed Cantonese pop music since I was 5 years old. After 1997, I stopped listening to Cantonese pop, all due to its deterioration in quality. I believe the Hong Kong entertainment industry has lost its way, and HKVPRadio.com is my first step in rebuilding the business the way I see it should be," says Anni in earnest.

Cantonese pop music, more chicly referred to as Cantopop, began in the mid-70s as a movement to appeal to the masses. Many of the earlier songs were inspired by Western hits and featured proletarian lyrics that reflected the sentiments of the people through some of Hong Kong's most turbulent times. Today, listeners of HKVP Radio find a deep visceral connection with the familiar music broadcasted. "I am once again connected to a culture that I grew up in," reminisces a Chinese American listener. The music experience at HKVPRadio.com embodies the essence of Cantopop with quintessential icons like Sam Hui, Anita Mui and Leslie Cheung.

It is with a Chinese American audience in mind that Anni first sketched out the framework for HKVP Radio. The modern Chinese Americans embrace a dual-culture identity of being both Chinese and American. They watch MSNBC, VH1, and ESPN but at the same time, they are also deeply rooted in Chinese popular culture. But when they look for Chinese entertainment, not much they find is presented in English. "Their challenge is searching for entertainment that ties them to their roots in a language they understand and in a style they're used to seeing," explains Anni. In fact, HKVP Radio is the first online radio station to market Cantonese music in English. "It was like finding an oasis in the desert of sites featuring Chinese music, many of which I found disconcerting due to my limitation with the Chinese language," says one listener when asked how he felt about HKVP Radio.

When a first time visitor logs onto HKVPRadio.com, he is greeted with a smart, stylish, and entertaining website presented in English. Not only will he be able to tune in to the best in Chinese music, but he can also read up on the latest Hong Kong entertainment news translated daily into English, chat with like-minded music lovers, post an opinion on the forum, or even vote for his favorite singer/song. The station routinely features independently produced programs that are enlightening and fun. Request Hour, hosted by Anni herself, allow listeners to dedicate songs to one another, unhindered by geographic boundaries or time zones. The site also boasts of a sophisticated online magazine, Rhythm, featuring the latest trends from the orient and tips for an enriched lifestyle.

HKVP Radio is relevant because it provides a universal platform for people to express their nostalgia and opinions for Chinese music and culture. "HKVP Radio not only brought back golden hits songs that I grew up with but it also provided an outlet for me to articulate my thoughts on Chinese music and other things Chinese... It is fun, exciting and extremely liberating. I've learned more about myself and Chinese from other parts of the world," cheered Jirehmy, another international HKVP member. Anni has always envisioned building a community where fellow music enthusiasts can converge and share their mutual love and interest. Much effort has been devoted to bringing people together at HKVP Radio. Recently, Anni has taken a step beyond the cyber-world by organizing a world tour to personally greet listeners across 3 continents in 9 different cities including San Francisco, London, and Kuala Lumpar. Such an endeavor is only made possible by the devotion and solidarity of its members.

HKVP Radio continues to attract fans from all over the world despite its humble beginnings from a quaint New York apartment. In just three short years, Anni has nourished an idealistic passion into a buzzing international hub for music excellence, good life and enriching entertainment. HKVP Radio can be heard in over 90 countries 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It constantly seeks to evolve and improve through member feedback and by keeping a close pace with modern society. With a steadily growing membership, many deem HKVP Radio to be the "premier Cantonese online station," while others simply consider it a safe haven where they can relax and have a good time.