Chinese singer-songwriter Yuan Yawei, better known for her stage name Tia Ray, signed an exclusive global publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group, a leading global music publisher.

"Music is a language that transcends all boundaries and connects people. I am happy to work with UMPG, which allows me to work with international artists," says Yuan. "UMPG has a large music network and music creation system, which will help me to explore new possibilities and discover my full potential. I hope that we can reach to more audience around the world through music."

The agreement strengthens the partnership between Yuan and the Universal Music Group through exclusive rights on the singer-songwriter's music and lyrics.

With four albums under her belt, including hits Love Can Fly and Lucky Rain, Yuan has gained a large fan base for her soulful voice and her ability to cross genres, from love ballads to soul, and R&B and performing both in Mandarin and English. She rose to fame by participating in the Voice of China, a popular reality show aired by Zhejiang TV in 2012

UMPG has established partnerships with Chinese musicians and music groups, such as rock band Hanggai and singer-songwriter Zhang Weiwei.

"She has the ability to become an international artist and we look forward to further amplifying her voice and songs across the globe," says Joe Fang, the company's managing director.