Asean 40th Anniversary Stamps Launched

Bandar Seri Begawan - Commemorative stamps co-issued by Brunei Darussalam and other Asean member countries to mark the 40th anniversary of Asean were unveiled at the Stamp Gallery of the main post office in the capital yesterday.

The stamp launching ceremony, which was the first of its kind in the Sultanate, was organised by Brunei Postal Services Department and the administration of postal services of Asean member countries. According to the chairperson of the ceremony, Awang Hj Abd Kadir bin Tengah, the launching of the commemorative stamps to mark the 40th anniversary of Asean was the outcome of the 10th Asean Postal Business Meeting, which was held in Surabaya, Indonesia in September 2003.

Meanwhile, he said that the Brunei Philatelic Association would now officially be known as the `National Philatelic Association of Brunei Darussalam`. The association, which was established in 1978, was re-registered in April 2003 in order to promote activities related to stamps and other philatelic products, he added.

Present as chief guest was Dato Paduka Awang Hj Md Yusof bin Hj Md Hassan, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications. Also present were representatives of delegates from Asean member countries.

Aside from the 10 different stamps priced at 20 cents each, members of the public can also purchase first day covers priced at $2.65 (with stamps) and 45 cents (without stamps). An eight-dollar `presentation pack` is also available.

The stamps and first day covers were designed by Pg Hj Mohd Yamin bin Pg Setia Jaya Pg Hj Abdul Momin.

Following the launching ceremony, the chief guest presented awards to students who represented Brunei in the recent Asean Youth Stamps Exhibition Competition 2007. In the competition, Brunei won a silver medal in Category A (for 12 to 13 year olds) and a bronze medal in Category C (for 16 to 18 year olds).

Adinah Maimunah bte Khanafiah, a Secondary Two student who is an avid stamp collector from Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College, was one of the students who represented the Sultanate. She said that her team`s presentation was on "Brunei Development & Technology".

The Asean Youth Stamps Exhibition Competition 2007, which was held in Singapore from August 31 to September 2, was organised by the Asean Committee of Culture and Information (COCI).

The stamps and first day covers are available at all post offices around the country.

Source: www.brudirect.com
Credit Photo: www.13theaseansummit.org.sg

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