In a world where everything’s going digital, you’d think something as old-school as stamp collecting would be on its way out. But surprise, surprise — stamps are still going strong, especially here in Malaysia!
Let’s take a closer look at why this classic hobby is still alive and kicking, and why Malaysians might want to get in on the fun.
A Bit of Stamp History
First-day covers are unique pieces that mark the launch of new stamps, making them a prized addition to any collection. Source: myfdc
Did you know Malaysia’s first postage stamp was issued on September 16, 1963? This historic date, celebrated as Malaysia Day, marks the transition from the Federation of Malaya to the formation of Malaysia.
Since then, Malaysian stamps have celebrated significant milestones, capturing the nation’s growth and diversity. Each stamp serves as a combined small canvas of art, culture, and history.
Stamp Albums Are Like "Time Capsules"
Did you know? Limited edition stamps are quite sought after in the hobby, depending on the context of when they were launched!
Remember those school essays about collecting stamps as a hobby? Some collectors never outgrew that hobby and their stamp albums have become more than just a book of random stamps — it’s like a “time capsule” organised by year, country, or theme, with stamps celebrating big events like the Olympic Games, royal weddings, and Malaysia’s own milestones, like Merdeka.
Hardcore collectors, or “philatelists” as they’re called, go even further by collecting things like postmarks, first-day covers, and old-school envelopes. Put them all together, and you’ve got yourself a mini buku sejarah, with each page adding depth to the bigger picture.
The hype surrounding NFTs has died down but stamps still have a relatively strong fanbase worldwide. Source: SCMP
Memories and Investment Go Hand-in-Hand?
Unlike NFTs or digital trading cards, stamps give you a direct, touchable link to the past — so it’s quite nostalgic!
And hey, it’s not just about memories either. Stamps can be a solid investment too. Some rare Malaysian stamps have gone up in value over the years, so if you take care of them, you might be sitting on a treasure trove! From historic Kedah stamps to limited-edition prints, a well-kept stamp collection could end up being worth quite a bit, especially to serious collectors.
Here’s a glimpse of how diverse stamp designs are worldwide; stamps from Southeast Asia are well-received by stamp collectors everywhere! IG account 1 | IG account 2
Stamp Collecting in the Digital Age
Check out Instagram or TikTok — you’ll see collectors showing off their coolest finds and connecting with other stamp fans from around the globe. In fact, on Facebook, there are also online stamp clubs and communities where people can trade, chat, and even learn from each other. This way, the hobby stays fresh and relevant, and it’s even attracting younger Malaysians who never thought they’d find themselves geeking out over stamps!
Pos Malaysia’s Stamp Week 2024
Join us for Stamp Week 2024 from 5th to 7th December at the Pos Centre of Development (PosCODE) in Bangi! Enjoy exciting activities such as the Stamp Doodle Coloring & Design Competition and the One Page Stamp Workshop. Plus, attend all four days and you will receive a limited-edition date stamp. Entrance is free so don’t miss out!
In a Nutshell
So there you have it! Stamp collecting isn’t just for atuk or pak cik anymore; it’s something everyone can enjoy, young or old. Whether you’re looking to dive deep into Malaysia’s history or just want a unique way to connect with the world, stamps offer a one-of-a-kind experience. And who knows? You might just fall in love with this old-school yet ever-fresh hobby.
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