The much anticipated "Macau Gallery" in Malacca, Malaysia opened this afternoon (26) and the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Cheong U led a delegation to Malacca to attend the opening ceremony and gala dinner. While in Malaysia, Cheong U paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Tourism, Malaysia, Y.B. Dato' Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen in Putrajaya. Secretary Cheong U and Director of Macau Government Tourist Office João Manuel Costa Antunes were joined by Chief Minister of Malacca Y.A.B. Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd Ali bin Mohd Rustam and Mayor of Malacca Y.Bhg. Zainal bin Hj. Abu to officiate at the ribbon cutting and eye-dotting ceremony to mark the opening of "Macau Gallery". Cheong U had a meeting with Y.A.B. Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd Ali bin Mohd Rustam and Mayor of Malacca Y.Bhg. Zainal bin Hj. Abu before the opening. "Macau Gallery" is located only ten minutes away from central Malacca in the number 6 of Bukit Peringgit. The original house was a Pre-War English bungalow in typical Siam style. It was later used as a governmental department of the authority of Malacca and now it is part of the historical heritage in Malacca. Designed and managed by MGTO, "Macau Gallery" is divided into zones with different themes, namely Macau World Heritage, Maritime Routes, Macau Events, Origins and Cultures, where Macau's history, culture, economy and intangible cultural heritage are displayed through multimedia, images, models, ceramic and handicrafts. The gallery also features an information counter, library, multi-function room and esplanade. To supplement the exhibition, 12 art pieces by Macau's painters will be displayed at the "Macau Gallery" from the opening day to the end of September to depict some of Macau's valuable world heritage sites. To promote and increase the exposure of "Macau Gallery", tourism authorities of Malaysia and Malacca includes this venue in the itinerary for its familiarization tours for trade and media and the first familiarization tour consists of media and trade members from Singapore and Malaysia will visit "Macau Gallery" tomorrow. When former Chief Executive Edmund Ho paid an official visit to Malacca in 2007, Chief Minister of Malacca Y.A.B. Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd Ali bin Mohd Rustam invited Macau SAR to set up a gallery to promote its tourism and culture in one of Malacca's historical building. In 2009, Chief Executive Chui Sai on, who was the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture at that time, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of Macau SAR government with Malacca authority for the management and usage of the architecture and a renewal construction would be made to transform this property into a center for promotion and exhibition of Macau without compromising and changing the appearance and architecture that mark the origin of the building. The gala dinner was held tonight at Renaissance Melaka Hotel where Antunes addressed the guests saying that the gallery that opened its doors today will serve as an ideal venue for both the people of Malacca as well as its visitors, and also friends from Malaysia at large, to learn about Macau, in particularly its history, culture and tourism elements. He added that given the common ground Macau and Malacca share in their historical link with the Portuguese and being recognized by the UNESCO as world cultural heritage site, the Macau Gallery will also be a platform for mutual exchange to enhance understanding, strengthen friendship and consolidate cooperation. During the dinner, together with the Portuguese folk dance group from Malacca, Macau Lo Liang Athletic Association, Dóci Papiaçám, handicraft artists and singers including Chui Chi Iong, Priscilla Chow and Vivian Chan from Macau brought wonderful performance to the guests, showcasing the unique and yet related cultural charm of the two places. Members of the delegation include Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Cheong U, MGTO Director João Manuel Costa Antunes, MGTO Destination Promotion Department Head Betty Fok, Macau Museum Director Chan Ieng Hin, Maritime Museum Director Wu Chu Peng, representatives from University of Macau and Macau Artist Society.
