ASEAN Joint Issue Stamp

The Malayan Railway Headquarters Building, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Malayan Railway Headquarters Building in Kuala Lumpur is an architectural wonder unlike any other. Its architect, Mr A.B. Hubbock envisioned a landmark highlighting the best of Moorish Islamic, Gothic and Greek influences.

The complex's lower level floors 97 massive Gothic arches and 4 smaller arches, incorporated with wide verandahs work in harmony, instilling a cool and tranquil atmosphere. The building's outside facade was constructed out of pre-cast concrete blocks and carved pre-cast columns with semi-circular Gothic arches. With vast Gothic and circular arches numbering in the hundreds magnificent domes and entwining columns, the building is a perfect example of magnificent 14th century Greek architecture. The building was completed in November 1917.

However, as beautiful as it was, the building has its share of unfortunate incidences. During World War 2, the Northern section was damaged due to bomb attacks and again in 1968, when a fire caused severe destruction in the area. Today, it remains a Malaysian pride and serves as the headquarters of the Malayan Railway (Keretapi Tanah Melayu), housing its many administrative offices, including the Chairman's office.

Secretariat Building, Brunei Darusalam

Built in 1952, the Secretariat Building, houses the Prime Minister's office and other government offices. it is located at Jalan Elizabeth II and is one of the most remarkable contemporary buildings in Bandar Seri Begawan.

National Museum of Cambodia

The museum inaugurated in 1920 by King Sisowath houses amongst others the collection of Cambodian culture and traditions.

Fatahillah Museum, Jakarta, Indonesia

Located at the historical site of old Jakarta, the museum also known as the Jakarta museum of History preserves the historical facts related to the development of the city.

Lao Typical House

The thatched wooden structure, found in rural areas, is built on stilts to avoid floods and to catch the breeze on warm days. The space beneath is for storage of grains, livestock and a loom for weaving cloth.

Yangon Post Office, Myanmar

One of the largest post offices is Myanmar, the Victorian brick-structure is one of the most historical places and national heritage building in Yangon City.

Malacanang Palace, Philippines

Located along the north bank of the Pasig River in Manila, Malacanang Palace is the official residence of the President of the Philippines.

National Museum of Singapore

The refurbished National Museum was officially opened in December 2006. It features an architecture that merges the old and the new.

Vimanmek mansion, Bangkok, Thailand

Built by the royal command of King Rama V, the Victorian-style structure which is the first permanent residence in the Dusit Garden is the world's largest golden teakwood mansion.

Presidential Palace, Hanoi, Vietnam

The French colonial building designed by Auguste Henn Vildieu bears a resemblance to Italianate Renaissance and Baroque palaces in Europe. Once the headquarters for the Governor General of Indochina, today, it is used to host important government meetings.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 8-Aug-2007

Denomination : 50 Sen (10 Designs)

Stamp Size : 32mm x 27mm

Perforation : 14

Sheet Content : 20

Stamps Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn Bhd

Stamp Designer : Reign Associates Sdn. Bhd.

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Folder Value : RM 5.00

POS Malaysia 6 August 2007 , Monday Press Release

ASEAN JOINT ISSUE STAMP PRODUCED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF ASEAN

Pos Malaysia will issue a special collection of ASEAN Joint Issue Stamps on 8 August 2007. The ASEAN Joint Issue Stamps are produced to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the establishment of ASEAN since 8 August 1967. The special collection of stamps will feature some of the most historically significant buildings in the countries of the South East Asian region.

Among the buildings featured in the ASEAN Joint Issue Stamps includes the Secretariat Building in Brunei Darussalam, the National Museum of Cambodia, the Fathillah Museum in Indonesia, the Lao Typical House, the Yangon Post Office in Myanmar, the Malacanang Palace in the Philippines, as well as the Vimanmek Mansion in Thailand and the Presidential Palace in Vietnam.

As for Malaysia, the Malayan Railway Headquarters Building has been selected to be featured as part of the stamp collection.

“It is indeed an honour for Pos Malaysia to be part of the celebration of ASEAN’s 40th Anniversary of its establishment and we are proud of the opportunity to represent Malaysia. The production of the Joint Issue Stamps reflects the concerted efforts of the postal organizations of the ASEAN region with the aim to enhance the knowledge and understanding of the people of ASEAN through stamps and other philatelic items,” said YBhg Dato’ Idrose Mohamed, Managing Director of Pos Malaysia.

“The buildings and architectural landmarks featured in the ASEAN Joint Issue Stamps symbolize the pride of the wonderful culture of their respective countries, grandeur of past excellence as well as nostalgic remembrance of the nation’s history. We hope that the stamp enthusiasts will take the opportunity to add these exclusive, unique and beautiful stamps into their collection,” Dato’ Idrose added.

The stamps, 32mm x 27mm in size are printed in sheets of 20 on SPM watermark, phosphor coated paper and are available in 2 strips of 5 designs at 50sen each. There are 10 designs featured in the stamps that includes :

• Secretariat Building, Bandar Seri Begawan The E-shaped building which stands for Queen Elizabeth II houses the Prime Minister's office and other governmental offices.

• Lao Typical House The thatched wooden structure, found in rural areas, is built on stilts to avoid floods and to catch the breezes on warm days. The space beneath is for grain, livestock and a loom for weaving cloth.

• The Malayan Railway Headquarters Building This architectural wonder that was completed in 1917 highlights the best of Moorish Islamic, Gothic and Greek influence. It serves as the headquarters of the Malayan Railway.
  


• Malacanang Palace, the Philippines Located along the north bank of the Pasig River in Manila, Malacanang Palace is the official residence of the President of the Philippines.
  


• National Museum of Singapore The oldest museum in Singapore with a history dating back to 1849, it features the architectural design that merges the old and the new.
  


• Vimanmek Mansion, Thailand Built by the royal command of King Rama V, the Victorian-style structure which is the first permanent residence in the Dusit Garden is the world's largest golden teakwood mansion.
  


• Presidential Palace, Hanoi The French colonial building designed by Auguste Henri Vildieu bears a resemblance to Italianate Renaissance and Baroque palaces in Europe. Once the headquarters for the Governor General of Indochina, today, it is used to host important government meetings.
  


• Cambodia National Museum Designed by George Groslier and the Ecole des Arts Cambodgiens and built in traditional Khmer style, the museum, inaugurated in 1920 by King Sisowat, houses the world's foremost collection dating from the Angkorean and pre-Angkorean eras.
  


• Fatahillah Museum, Jakarta Located at a historical site of old Jakarta, the museum also known as the Jakarta Museum of History preserves the historical facts related to the development of the city.

First Day Cover at 30sen each can be purchased at all post offices nationwide. Folders at RM5 each is only available at selected post offices.