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” held its award ceremony and exhibition of works opening ceremony at Kam Pek Community Centre on 18 October 2020. The organiser presented award certificates to 56 first, second and third prize winners, and to 160 merit prize winners. Officiating guests included Deputy Director of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macau SAR Mr. Diao Peng, Head of Division of Continuing Education of the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau of the Macau SAR Government Mr. Wong Chi Iong, Managing Director of SJM and Honourable Chairman of Associação de Cultura e Arte Chinesa de Macau Ms. Angela Leong, Committee Chairman of Associação de Cultura e Arte Chinesa de Macau Mr. Fok Chi Chiu, President of Macau Visual Arts Teacher Association Ms. Chiang Wai Lan, members from the judging panel, representatives from participating schools, award-winning students and their parents. In compliance with the government’s preventive measures, the award ceremony was held in three sessions.

Mr. Fok Chi Chiu, Committee Chairman of Associação de Cultura e Arte Chinesa de Macau, in his speech expressed gratitude to SJM for its great support and sponsorship, and to the two supporting entities Jornal do Cidadão and Macau Visual Arts Teacher Association for their efforts in promoting the event. He also thanked the judges for their valuable input, and the students and parents for their support.

Ms. Angela Leong, Managing Director of SJM, was delighted to note that the activity had received nearly 1500 entries from over 50 schools. She encouraged the students to further their efforts on painting and calligraphy, and to unleash their potential and creativity.

Chairman of Associação de Cultura e Arte Chinesa de Macau Dr. Ambrose So and Chairman of the Board of Directors of SJM Ms. Daisy Ho extended their congratulations to the students for their beautiful messages of love and blessings to the community by means of their calligraphy works and paintings.

With “Love in the Time of Coronavirus” as the theme, the activity was divided into the categories of Chinese Calligraphy and Painting. A total of 216 outstanding entries were selected from a judging panel comprising 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. The activity 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. First prizes in Chinese Calligraphy – Primary Junior, Primary Senior, Secondary Junior and Secondary Senior – went 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 – went 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 to the 216 awardees, all participating students and schools were each presented a Certificate of Encouragement and a Certificate of Appreciation, respectively, in recognition of their support.

The “Calling Macau Students to Fight Virus with Art” exhibition starts from 18 October until 24 October for seven consecutive days, 10:00am to 6:00pm, on the second floor of Kam Pek Community Centre. Around 1500 art works are exhibited. All are welcome.