The familiar Orang Utan, endearingly referred to as Ah Meng, will once again be star. This time, on 30¢ postage stamps. Sharing the spotlight are the Sun Bear (20¢ stamp), Slow Loris (75¢ stamp) and Large Mouse Deer ($2 stamp). Together, they make up the caste for the Animal Series - Southeast Asian Mammals issue scheduled for release on 13 Jan 93.

Meticulously drawn by veteran stamp designer Eng Siak Loy, the stamp designs have "double" illustrations. Each stamp shows a profile of the upper part of the animal and another illustration of it, full bodied. The stamps show the beauty of some of the endangered animals which can be found in Southeast Asia. They are a gentle reminder of the importance of conservation.

The first day cover and presentation pack echo the stamp theme. The Orang Utan, reproduced from the stamp artworks, form the first day cover design. The presentation pack features a photograph of the Orang Utan while the datestamp design is a graphic drawing of this animal.

Aside from the rarity of the animals depicted in this issue, "Animals" as a subject has also been rarely featured on Singapore postage stamps. The only other issue was that released in 1973 and designed also by Eng Siak Loy. Collectors who bought the first issue can study the design treatments in the two issues. For those who did not, this issue would be a good start to the study and admiration of these beautiful creatures at close range. Only postage stamps can make it possible for most of us to do that!