The story behind lai see: An age-old Lunar New Year tradition that’s rooted in meaning

There’s a reason why red envelopes have become ubiquitous during the Lunar New Year. Whether you’re giving lai see or receiving them, here’s the significance behind these little red packets.

Dr Manson Fok

Dr Manson Fok is Dean of Health Sciences at Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) and Director of the MUST hospital. He has launched the city’s first degree course to train doctors, which will begin in September 2019.

Carlos Couto

Carlos Couto is founder of CC Atelier de Arquitectura, Macao’s largest private architecture practice. He also manages the Portuguese restaurant Tuga in downtown Taipei, Taiwan and is Taiwan’s biggest importer of Portuguese wines.

James Wong

James Wong is a Macao artist. He is the President of the Printmaking Research Centre of Macao and also Chief Curator of the Macau Printmaking Triennial.

Nacky Kuan Sio Peng

Nacky Kuan Sio Peng is Executive Director of Macao Water Supply Company Limited. She is fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin and English.

Lei Heong Iok

Lei Heong Iok is the first Chinese President of Macao Polytechnic Institute, a post he has held since 1999. Lei speaks Mandarin, Portuguese and English.

Lio Man Cheong

Lio Man Cheong is one of Macao’s most renowned painters, having designed award-winning postage stamps and exhibited internationally. His works are owned by private collectors in mainland China and Japan.

Terry Sio

Terry Sio is founder and president of the Rainbow Group, a prominent international luxury brand retailer located in both mainland China and Macao. She is fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin and English.