Asked for his reaction to the event, McDonald said, " I'm happy as Hiroshi Fuji, one of the two Japanese artists participating in the exhibition, has won the Grand Prize for his installation. This is not the first time that a Japanese artist has won prize in the biennale in Bangladesh. Earlier a few Japanese artists won Grand as well as Honourable Mention Awards. This is for the 11th time Japan is participating in Asian Art Biennale, Bangladesh."

Of the remarkable aspects of the biennale, McDonald said, "The festival is unique. I have participated in many exhibitions and I have also initiated many in Japan and other foreign countries like New Zealand, Singapore, Norway and others. But, none of these festivals are like the biennale in Bangladesh. Until now only Asian and African countries used to participate here. This year the organisers have included some Latin American countries; however, no European and North American countries have been invited for the festival."

McDonald regards the festival as a key cultural event. However, as he says, "Bangladesh should focus on more contemporary media. While it is appreciable that installation has been included in the festival for the first time, more contemporary art forms such as photography should find a place."

McDonald believes that Japan can help Bangladesh give a boost to art. He said, "Many Bangladeshi artists are studying art in Japan, I believe that there may be more bilateral agreements between the two countries, as for instance developing the National Art Gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy as a world class venue. Moreover, in these days besides training for artists, training for the curators is equally important as they can develop patronage for art. Japan can help Bangladesh by offering six months or one year training for the curators. Moreover, Japan can help develop the infrastructure for art galleries."

McDonald is involved with teaching as well as writing on art.