HM King Tupou VI commissioned His Majesty's Armed Forces new Music Center on 12 December, at Taliai Camp in Fua'amotu.

Accompanied by Queen Nanasipau'u and Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, the King inspected the building constructed with a grant-aid from the People’s Republic of China.

Chinese Ambassador HE Mr. Cao Xiaolin said the music center is more than 1,000 square meters has several functional areas, including a band rehearsal hall and several rehearsal rooms, a VIP lounge, office space and storage rooms.

We can see that the general layout of the main building is a symmetrical cross shape with a six-pointed star roof, which is an inspiration from the coat of arms of Tonga. The design is Tongan, the concept is Tongan and this music center has become a new landmark in Tonga, he said.

"Music is an international language and the most beautiful language of human beings. I believe that all of us would agree that Tonga is a Kingdom of Music. Many Tongan boys and girls are good at singing and playing musical instruments. Some of them are born tenors and sopranos with beautiful voices."

“HMAF has an excellent band and deserves having a music center to show the good images of Tonga to the world. This music center will be a new platform for countries of different cultural backgrounds to communicate with and to know more about Tonga through music.”

The project contractor was China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and construction was completed in July of this year.

Tonga and China defence cooperation

Prime Minister Hon. Hu'akavameiliku said the the music center, completed at a cost of 37 Million RMB, was conceptualised in 2016, after the approval of the final building designs and the challenges of the global pandemic.

The centre is also part of an ongoing development of the Taliai Camp with further developments planned for implementation in the coming years.

“For over 15-years of defence cooperation between HMAF and the People’s Liberation Army has fostered significant strengthening of HMAF’s capability and forged mutual collaboration between Tonga and the People’s Republic of China. 

“HMAF benefits from an annual defence cooperation financial grant of approximately 6 million RMB with a program that focuses on materials, equipment and training which will be reviewed after every three to four-years.

“At the same time, the posting of a Military Defence Adviser to the Embassy here in Nuku’alofa demonstrates a commitment to sustaining this relationship. HMAF looks forward to continued collaboration and fostering of a stronger partnership,” the Prime Minister said.

"It is envisaged that the music center will provide fit for purpose facilities for His Majesty’s Royal Corps of Musicians enabling HMAF to organise, train and maintain this Unit. I understand that the Royal Corps of Musicians intend to expand from brass band to other musical instruments and ensembles, this was not possible in the past with the lack of proper facilities.

HMAF aims to promote its community engagement through fostering and developing musical talent amongst the youth at the school, community and church brass bands." 

The Prime Minister said in his capacity as the Minister for Education and Police portfolios, a concerted effort has been developed and maintained to address truancy and inter-college tensions.

"HMAF has supported these programs through strong intervention measures with leadership and mentoring programs. It is my hope that the music centre will provide the impetus for further development in these youth programs."