MSAR Chief Executive Chui Sai On recently met famous Macao painter Lai Ming at Government Headquarters, with whom he discussed the preliminary intention to establish a painting gallery featuring the works of Gao Jianfu, acknowledged as one of the founders of the renowned Lingnan School of painting. Lai Ming made some suggestions, proposing he will donate his collection of 1,200 art works by Gao Jianfu and 300 of his own. The expectation is that the establishment of the gallery can promote the art of Lingnan School, whilst promoting the arts and cultural development of Macao.

The CE commended Lai Ming for safeguarding Chinese art and cherishing artistic values. Chui Sai On said he believed that the gallery showcasing paintings by Gao Jianfu and his student Lai Ming would benefit Macao residents.

Gao Jianfu, the Chinese painting master of Lingnan School, once stayed in and held painting courses in Kun Iam Tong (Temple of the Goddess of Mercy) in Macao during the Anti-Japanese War. The temple retains his paintings to this day.