Tuesday June 12, 2012

Stamp-ing their mark at fair

By FADZILAH NAJUMUDEEN
Photos by S.S. KANESAN

THE Philatelic Society of Malaysia organised their 4th stamp fair at the Petaling Jaya Community Library recently.

The fair included the display of an award-winning philatelic exhibit, dealers with a wide range of national, foreign and thematic stamps and first day covers, among others.

Children at the fair took part in the colouring contest while stamp collectors and enthusiasts alike got to view the extensive collection of stamps by dealers and collectors who set up booths at the fair.

Extensive: The collection of stamps on display by Pearl Traders at the stamp fair in Petaling Jaya Community Library.

Philatelic Society of Malaysia president Datuk Anuar Bashah Mohd Sohore, who has been collecting stamps since he was 10 years old, said: “This is a great place for the public and those who are interested in stamps to get to know more about the philatelic society as well as a chance for them to gain new knowledge about stamp collecting.

“Visitors can also buy stamps from the exhibitors to expand their very own collection as well as exchange views and get advice from the members of our society,” he said.

The Philatelic Society of Malaysia has been holding exhibitions in schools around Selangor to encourage the youger generation to take up stamp collecting.

They have also held exhibitions at the National Museum and have a permanent display within the Petaling Jaya Community Library.

“We are going to have another exhibition in collaboration with Pos Malaysia during their Stamp Week.

“The response that we have been getting from the youngsters at our shows has been good and that has motivated our sub-committee in charge of youths double their efforts in encouraging the younger generation in stamp collecting,” said Anuar.

The fair featured a display that won the silver medal award at the Federation of Inter-Asian Philately (FIAP) competition.

The collection took Subramaniam Aravandya Pillai, who was also the organising chairman of the fair, three years to complete.

Mohamed Abdullah, who was one of the stamp dealers at the fair, has been collecting stamps for 60 years and passed down the hobby to his daughter who helps him run his stamp shop — Pearl Traders — in Penang.

“Stamp collecting is such an educational hobby that teaches you about geography and history.

“I encourage the younger generation to take up stamp collecting, which is a far better and safer hobby than some others,” he said.

Up close: Visitors looking through the collection of one of the dealers at the fair.

Wee Cheng Kiat, 72 who used to collect stamps with his father when he was younger, visited the fair to see the evolution of stamp handling and collecting over the years.

“I can see a lot of improvements in how stamps are being stored now compared to the days of my youth.

“I have thousands of stamps in my collection and have given some to my nephew, who has taken up the hobby,” he said.

The fair also held a lucky draw where the winner received a special stamp.

The Philatelic Society of Malaysia has over 500 members.

For more information, visit www.psmonline.org.