Organised by Associação de Cultura e Arte Chinesa de Macau (Macau Chinese Culture and Arts Association) and sponsored by Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A. (“SJM”), the activity “Calling Macau Students to Fight Virus with Art” received a total of 1,489 entries from Macau’s 52 primary and secondary schools. The overwhelming response signified the students’ determination to fight the disease together with society.

With “Love in the Time of Coronavirus” as the theme, the activity, divided into the categories of Chinese Calligraphy and Painting, aims to encourage students to express their feelings of concern towards the epidemic, contributing to the concerted efforts of society in fighting the disease, while promoting Chinese culture and creativity in arts amongst the younger generation.

The judging panel was comprised of nine veteran calligraphers and art professionals, Ung Si Meng, Lai Ieng, Lok Hei, Kuan Kun Cheong, Li Tak Seng, Chan Heng Sang, Ho Loi Seng, Ieong Keang Sang and Fok Chi Chiu. 216 outstanding entries were selected, including one first prize, two second prizes, four third prizes, and twenty merit prizes for eight different levels, each will receive cash credit for book purchases and an Award Certificate. First prizes in Chinese Calligraphy – Primary Junior, Primary Senior, Secondary Junior and Secondary Senior – go to Liao U Hei of Fu Luen School, Leong Wai I of Escola Hou Kong (Primário), and Leong Hio Cheng and Ng Weng Lam of Hou Kong Middle School. First prizes in Painting – Primary Junior, Primary Senior, Secondary Junior and Secondary Senior – go to Leong Sam Ut of Premier School Affiliated to Hou Kong Middle School, Ngan Cheng I of Pui Ching Middle School, Yu Pui Lam of Keang Peng School and Ng Weng Lam of Hou Kong Middle School.

In addition, each participating student and school will be presented a Certificate of Encouragement and a Certificate of Appreciation, respectively, in recognition of their support. Due to the epidemic, the dates for the awards ceremony and exhibition of works will be announced in due course.

Dr. Ambrose So, Chairman of Associação de Cultura e Arte Chinesa de Macau, said, “We are impressed by the great number of entries, and the overall standard is very high. We sincerely thank all participating schools - principals, teachers and students - for making this activity a fruitful success during this challenging time. We can deeply feel the young people’s concern towards the global epidemic from their artworks. Love in the Time of Coronavirus - this is exactly what we want to convey to society through organising the activity.”

Ms. Daisy Ho, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SJM, said, “The students’ artworks have not only reflected their skills and creativity, but also their positive attitude in combating the disease. SJM is delighted to collaborate with Associação de Cultura e Arte Chinesa de Macau in this activity, enabling students to convey their message of love and blessings to the community by means of calligraphy and painting.”

The activity has SJM as the sponsor, and Jornal do Cidadão and Macau Visual Arts Teacher Association as the supporting entities.