From a humble fishing village to an independent, prosperous and thriving city-state - that's the unique story of Singapore.

On 31 August 94, at the launch of Singpex '94, an international stamp exhibition to be held in Singapore from 31 August to 3 September 94, the story of the nation's development will be retold in a set of stamps that commemorates Singapore's founding 175 years ago by Sir Stamford Raffles.

It has been said that pictures speak louder than words. Through the four stamps, Singapore's struggles for progress and prosperity are vividly portrayed. Using a combination of scenes of early Singapore and the Singapore of today, designer Lim Ching San aims to convey the achievements and aspirations of a country and its people.

The stamps depict the then and now in education (20cts), transport and communications (50cts), port activities (75cts) and the ever-changing city skyline ($1). The designs also incorporate an image of Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore.

A miniature sheet will be released as part of the issue. To reflect the release of this set of stamps at Singpex '94, the Singpex '94 logo will be specially printed on 20,000 of these miniature sheets. These will be sold together with the exhibition catalogue at the exhibition itself and at the Singapore Philatelic Bureau only.