News
blackx and Japanese Music Icon Haruomi Hosono Begin a New Chapter in Sound and Legacy
Chee Meng has over 25 years of experience in senior roles across media, technology, and both independent and major music labels, with deep insights into Asian cultural nuances, evolving industry trends, and business practices.
He was twice recognised on Billboard Magazine’s International Power Players List for his role in shaping the digital music landscape in Asia and driving explosive industry growth across the region in recent years.
Garand is a veteran musician and former Managing Director of Universal Music (China), where he led the company’s expansion across the region and pioneered multi-label operations as the first international major to do so in China.
With over 25 years of senior experience across live entertainment, media, and music in Asia, Garand brings deep expertise in strategic marketing and label management, especially in Greater China. As a senior A&R executive producer, he has bridged East and West, signing notable artists including Ouyang Nana, Guo Ding, and Tanya Chua.
An expert in IP creation and copyright development, Garand has driven innovative revenue models that empower artists to monetize content directly with fans. He is widely recognised for advancing digitisation and copyright development in China’s music industry.
Originally from Taiwan, Garand was part of UFO Records’ founding team and has held senior roles at EMI and MTV.
With extensive expertise in Japan as well as the UK, Hiroki has established himself as one of the most respected artist managers as Co-Founder of Giant Artist Management, ESEA Music, and EarthPercent. Widely recognised for consistently developing and delivering critically acclaimed, innovative, and globally successful artists in the last 15 years, the veteran music executive has worked with some of Japan’s biggest artists such as Fujii Kaze and Hikaru Utada. Hiroki has been actively connecting Asian artists and the world and strives to improve Asian representation in the global music industry.
Haruomi Hosono is one of Japan’s most influential musicians with a career spanning more than five decades. From founding folk rock band Happy End to establishing the electronic trio Yellow Magic Orchestra, Hosono has continually pushed the boundaries of sound. His genre-defying solo work explores everything from ambient and exotica to experimental pop. A quiet radical with global influence, Hosono’s music has shaped generations of artists from Tatsuro Yamashita and Cornelius to Depeche Mode, David Bowie, and Harry Styles. His work remains a living archive of innovation.
ASOBISYSTEM is a powerhouse in Japanese entertainment, shaping youth culture through music, fashion, and digital media. Managing over 100 artists, models, actors, and creators, they lead with talent, IP, and brand partnerships. Their roster includes pop icon Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, genre-defying Atarashii Gakko!, Harajuku-style idol group Fruits Zipper and electronic music legend Yasutaka Nakata. ASOBISYSTEM stands at the cutting edge of Japan’s creative scene.
Tanya is the most decorated female artist in Taiwan’s prestigious Golden Melody Award history, winning Best Female Singer a record-breaking four times. Beyond performance, the Singaporean singer-songwriter and producer is a creative force who keeps pushing artistic boundaries. Most recently, she made her debut as music director for a TV series, composing the full soundtrack and score for the 2024 hit Taiwanese drama Imperfect Us. A long-standing icon in Mandarin pop, Tanya continues to redefine excellence on her own terms.
An influential figure in the Chinese music industry, Taiwan-based Frances Wang is known for her signature blend of poetic prose and complex emotions. One of Taiwan’s most sought-after songwriters, she has crafted timeless hits for award-winning artists like A-Mei, Faye Wong, Jeff Chang, and Wakin Chao. More than a hitmaker, Frances transforms raw emotion into universal anthems, bridging artistry with mainstream appeal. Her lyrics transcend time, giving voice to generations through Mandarin pop’s most iconic songs.
