One for the album
DID you know that Malaysia started issuing stamps after the country gained independence from Britain on Aug 31, 1957? Malaysia has a very interesting stamp history that appeals to stamp collectors. Among the many special collections is a series of stamps depicting some of the country’s exotic animals such as the flying fox and the moon rat. It is a novel way to increase awareness of these nocturnal animals.
Stamps carry a country’s identity and collecting stamps is an educational and fun hobby that is enjoyed all over the world. The collecting of stamps is not limited to kids alone. In fact, there are more adult stamp collectors than junior stamp collectors.
Imagine yourself as a postage stamp designer. What would your stamp designs look like? Would you design a collection of drawings featuring all things local?
Recently we asked Starchild readers to put on their creative hats and design their own stamps. Here is what they have to say.
Astrid Bek-Nielsen, seven, writes: “I designed my stamp with an oil palm and coconut tree because I live in a country with lots of oil palm and coconut plantations. We use palm oil and coconut oil for cooking as they are healthy options. Malaysia is one of the top exporters of palm oil and coconut oil in the world.”
“I have designed a very beautiful stamp for Malaysia,” says Nicole Ong Hui Ting, nine.
Merrah Amanie Azarul, 10, writes: “I have designed four stamps – my house, a bird, rambutans, and the Petronas Twin Towers which represent our country.”
“I have designed a blue-themed stamp which costs RM100. There are beautiful pictures in the stamp. I drew my house, my car, and a pond. It is my personal favourite,” writes Ong Jun Jie, 10.
Fatin Nur Aliah Mohd Azzahar, 10, says: “Stamps are beautiful and I like my stamps.”
ITEM: Most of us like to have a snack while watching television at home or at the movies. There is a wide variety of snacks out there, ranging from popcorn to keropok. There are also tasty delights that we can savour like ice cream, pudding and pancake. Tell us about your favourite snacks and why you like these treats.
All letters must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, e-mail, phone number and address.
Don’t forget to write your name behind the drawing and the topic, My Favourite Snack, on the envelope. All letters must reach us by Feb 24. Send your letters to:
Starchild, c/o Star2
Star Media Group Bhd
Menara Star, 15, Jalan 16/11 46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
You can also e-mail your contributions to star2@thestar.com.my. Please put “STARCHILD” in the subject line of your e-mail. Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200 dpi.