MTR teams up with FAMA to share CNY luck with commuters

With the Lunar New Year fast approaching, MTR Corporation has collaborated with local hip-hop duo FAMA to release a seasonal version of their classic hit “風生水起” to spread celebratory vibes.

This is part of MTR’s Lunar New Year campaign, running until 24 February, in collaboration with creative agency Cheil Hong Kong. The campaign includes a series of activities across the railway network, MTR shops, MTR malls, and the MTR Mobile app to celebrate the season with the community.

This idea is rooted in a familiar scene across Hong Kong — tourists checking in and taking photos at different MTR stations. Therefore, MTR has transformed this everyday moment into a festive gesture that speaks to both Hongkongers and visitors alike, by reinterpreting station names as Chinese New Year blessings inspired by local culture and everyday life. 

By thoughtfully combining station names, the concept creates blessings that express universal new year wishes — for health, luck and fortune — allowing both locals and tourists to take part in the joy of the season. 

The journey links residential stations such as Hang On and Siu Hong, which represent home and everyday life in Hong Kong, with iconic festive destinations and tourist favorites such as Racecourse and Wong Tai Sin — places closely associated with Lunar New Year traditions, prayers and celebrations that visitors naturally seek out during the season. 

Together, the stations form a familiar MTR journey that invites everyone travelling through the city — locals and tourists alike — to experience Chinese New Year the Hong Kong way: starting from home, moving through tradition, and sharing hopes for a smoother, better year ahead. 

While the song “風生水起” is cherished across generations and FAMA is known for their comedic and lucky image, it has been selected to celebrate prosperity in the Year of the Horse. With FAMA's recent return in the popular online game show "Cuttlefish Game 2 and 3" on the YouTube channel Trial & Error, MTR seeks to leverage their rising popularity, which resonates well with a broad audience. For those who haven't seen the show, FAMA's previous hit songs are also well-remembered. Additionally, FAMA embodies humour and joy, making them an ideal fit for this campaign.

The music video features FAMA visiting stations, including Wong Tai Sin, Mong Kok, and Racecourse, as they share festive blessings set to a special Year of the Horse version of their hit song. It includes lucky messages created by combining station names; for example, the word "大" from Wong Tai Sin station and “旺” from Mong Kok station combine to form "大旺”, wishing citizens great prosperity. Additionally, the word “安” from Heng On station and “康” from Siu Hong station combine to create “安康”, wishing citizens peace and health.

The music video seeks to invite citizens to join FAMA on their journey and discover their lucky destinations for the year ahead. It is promoted on social media platforms and through MTR channels, including train and station TV.

To maximise the festive vibes at MTR stations, selected stations are adorned in Lunar New Year colours. Various areas are transformed into themed photo spots, inviting passengers to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere. 

For example, at Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui, Tai Wai, and Racecourse stations, the designs from the Lunar New Year commemorative tickets come to life. These tickets feature calligraphic work by retired MTR architect Abe Au Kit Tong and an illustration by local artist Joe Wong Man Hon. The stations include traditional paper-cutting patterns and windmill decorations, symbolising a continuous flow of good fortune, while the ticket gates receive a makeover.

Passengers are invited to take selfies with the themed installation at these selected stations, excluding Racecourse Station. Plus, by checking in at the Tai Wai Station photo spot, passengers can scan a QR code to receive exclusive coupons for The Wai shopping mall. 

Furthermore, MTR has introduced special voice greetings by FAMA at these stations, featuring the new year version of their hit song to spread festive vibes. The initiative aims to deliver unexpected Lunar New Year greetings during passengers' journeys. By using common touchpoints in their commute, such as in-station gates, public announcements, and gate sounds, MTR turns these moments into unique greeting opportunities. Instead of the usual "beep" at the gate or standard reminder messages, passengers will hear greetings from FAMA.

To further engage with the broad audience, MTR’s virtual service ambassador, AI Tracy, will debut her festive new outfit from 13 to 26 February. MTR Mobile members who exchange new year greetings with AI Tracy at nine designated stations can participate in the “Year of the Horse lucky draw” for a chance to win prizes, including MTR shop and mall vouchers. A grand lucky draw will also be held, featuring incredible prizes such as the latest smartphone model , MTR annual passes, and MTR mall shopping vouchers. 

Furthermore, MTR’s mascots T Chai, K T Chai and Captain Go will make appearances at 10 designated MTR stations to greet everyone and give away MTR red packets from 11 to 19 February. Each packet includes Airport Express, MTR e-store, MTR shops and MTR mall coupons.

Diane Chiu, general manager – marketing and revenue management of MTR Corporation, said: “From the first train in the morning to the journey home, we’re honoured to be part of everyday life in Hong Kong. This Chinese New Year, from our stations and every member of our staff, we wish both Hong Kong people and visitors a year that goes smoothly every step of the way, filled with good health, fortune and joy as they travel through the city.” 

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