Chief Executive John Lee said the government will work hard to arrange for local pianist Aristo Sham to perform in Hong Kong.

The intention was made clear after the Hong Kong-born pianist won the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, a top classical music contest held every four years in the United States.

Speaking ahead of the weekly Executive Council meeting on Tuesday, Lee said Sham’s excellent achievement has made every Hongkonger proud.

“If Aristo will find time to make a few performances in Hong Kong, it will really get us even more excited,” he said.

“We will work hard to see whether we can make it happen.”

Lee said Hong Kong artists are doing well in different areas and that the Hong Kong Arts Development Council will monitor their potential to offer assistance.

The 29-year-old Sham is the first local pianist to win the classical music contest, receiving US$100,000 in prize money.