A Rare Philatelic Treat
The Pacific Ballroom and Gateway Room at Pan Pacific Hotel were transformed into international showcases of philately as postal administrations, stamp dealers and some 30,000 visitors gathered at the hotel for the Singapore National Cum 1st FIAP International Youth & Thematic Stamp Exhibition.
Hailed as the largest stamp exhibition ever to be held in Singapore, Singpex '90, as the exhibition is known in short, created ripples amongst the local philatelic community. Mr Mah Bow Tan, Minister of State for Communications & Information and Trade & Industry, who officiated at the opening ceremony on 16 Aug 90, said: "..... An exhibition of this scale always generates considerable enthusiasm and excitement among stamp collectors .....". He had earlier welcomed the participants from abroad to Singapore and expressed belief that this spirit of co-operation and support evident in Singpex '90 will carry over to 1995 when Singapore hosts her very own World Stamp Exhibition.
There was something for both collectors and novices. Crowds, including the uninitiated, thronged the exhibition halls to catch a glimpse of world class displays such as Mr Ryohei Ishikawa's "Philatelic Gems of Japan and the United States of America" (touted to be worth a million dollars!) and Mr Prakaipet Indhusophon's magnificent collection of Siamese classics which had won the coveted grand prix d'honnoeur (Champion of champions) at India '89.
Another crowdpleaser was a special exhibit by Singapore Telecom - "Stamp of Success". In keeping with Singapore's jubilant celebrations of its 25 years of independence, this exhibit traces the success story of Singapore from its untimely birth as a sovereign, independent state to the bustling economic hub that it is today.
To mark Singapore's silver jubilee of independence, the Singapore Philatelic Bureau issued the "25 Years of Independence" commemorative stamp issue on 16 Aug 90, to coincide with Singpex '90. Stamp collectors received this issue with much enthusiasm. Long queues formed at the Singapore Philatelic Bureau's booth, appropriately numbered 25, as collectors and well wishers jostled to ensure that they do not miss out on this issue. Also available with this issue was a stamp booklet. Proceeds from the first day sales of this booklet went towards funding Singpex '90.
For the first time in the history of local philately, stamp collectors were able to purchase a philatelic passport from the Singpex '90 Secretariat booth. This passport was a hit with the crowds. Even non-collectors and children derived much fun from going around to each booth to collect their passport stamps and beautiful datestamp impressions from different countries. At the same time, they got to learn a wee bit more about these countries through their stamps.
Another highlight was the Youth Corner, specially dedicated to our youths. With promises of prizes and souvenirs like stamp kits, first day covers, presentation packs and souvenir covers, there was no end to the number of participants wanting to try their hand at the "Spin-A-Wheel".
Children were equally delighted with the computer games like "Guillotine" and crossword puzzles. Through the Youth Corner, youths had a fun and painless introduction to the fascinating world of philately.
Standholders had a field time attending to the seemingly endless number of customers. Sales at the British Post Office stand was so good that they had to indent additional stocks from the Singapore Philatelic Bureau. Singpex '90 also saw the first ever international stamp auction to be held in Singapore. This auction reaped $500,000 for its organiser, Stanley Gibbons. Mr Neill Granger, the auctioneer for Stanley Gibbons, said:
"We are encouraged by this result which indicates that Singapore is one of the important international philatelic centres."
With such rousing response and encouraging comments from participants and visitors alike, organisers will surely be even more motivated as they look towards 1995 when Singapore holds its very first world stamp exhibition.
Till then, adios!
