Thursday, August 28, 2008

Treasures of the Nation's Visual Arts Stamp

The National Art Gallery of Malaysia was formed in 1957. In a period of 50 years, it has collected an estimated 3,700 pieces of artworks. The treasures of national importance in its collection are artworks by some of Malaysia's most distinguished and renowned painters who pioneered and laid the foundation of what is known as modern art in the country. The works chosen here are based on themes that represent the figurative and landscape which is presented here in the styles of realism, expressionism and cubism.

Some of the most important works by local and foreign artists produced since the early 19th century until now are to be found in its

Dato' Syed Ahmad Jamal received his early education in Johor and continued his tertiary education overseas. Many of his works addresses global issues as well as national ones related to the arts of the nation. The works here uses the legendary Mount Ledang as a point of reference to the glorious history of the empire of Malacca, the role of its king, the legendary Hang Tuah, the Princess of Mount Ledang and Tun Mamat.It also symbolised the rising spirit of the young generation as the new leaders of the country.

Dato' Chuah Thean Teng was the artist who in 1950's elevated batik from textile to modern art by introducing figures and scenes of everyday life as its subject matter. His favorite subject matter is the everyday scenes of ordinary Malaysians going about their daily lives, especially in the rural areas.

The fruit season is a situation that is synonymous with our country that is rich with local fruits. Another favourite subject of the artist is women and children or more specifically mother and child themes like the one depicted here, where the bond between parent and child grows stronger by sharing fruits together. It is a message that drives home the need to not just develop the spirit of love and compassion between people buyt also extends to our natural environment.

A graduate from West Berlin, he presents a style that is known as German Expressionism but with ideas and forms inspired by arts of Oceanic tribes from the Pacific states found at the Berlin Museum of Anthropology and Oceanic Arts. Hiss effort to shape a unique artistic identity are clearly presented in this work, a biomorphic tropical landscape composed and stylised with floral forms that touch on cultural iconographies of the region.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 28th August 2008

Stamp Value : 30 sen, 50 sen, RM1

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm (30 sen)

30mm x 40mm (50 sen)
35mm x 35mm (RM1)

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Folder Value :RM 5.50

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : National Art Gaallery

>>> Read more about "Treasures of the Nation's Visual Arts Stamp" <<<

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Centenary Celebrations of the Scouts Association of Malaysia Stamp

The logo for the Scout Association of Malaysia 100th Anniversary Celebration was created based on the founding principles of the worldwide Scout Movement with the theme One World One Promise. The numeric “1” in the logo represents PPM as a distinctive movement where education and knowledge is the essence. The Scout Association of Malaysia Emblem, flanked by the World Scout Emblem and the Jalur Gemilang (National Flag) symbolizes the development of the Malaysian Scout Movement and the nation’s aspirations. The dove stands for the unity and vision of the Scout Movement in realizing the development plans of the Scout Association of Malaysia.

Scouting in Malaysia
Scouting is a popular co-curricular activity and is a form of training and education method for students. Through scouting activities, a lot can be learnt and experienced such as leadership, working in a group (patrol system), scouting skills, job-week, games and singing. The variety of scouting activities have raised great interest among members who also carry out assorted skills and knowledge tests. Those who pass the tests would be awarded proficiency badges and awards by their Scout Masters. The highest award available is the King Scout Award. The King Scout Award is endorsed by DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang DiPertuan Agong and all State Rulers.

The Beginning of Scouting (1908)
Map reading is a survival and navigation skill that was introduced in scouting as early as 1908. By learning this skill, scouts are able to understand and various environments, terrains and landforms on the earth’s surface. This skill can also be practiced more effectively during journeys, expeditions and exploration activities.

Era of Growth (1957-1987)
Building and crossing a Monkey Bridge is a fun activity that builds confidence and inculcate teamwork among scouts. These scouting activities are a form of self-development program that promotes character building and leadership development.

Today’s Scout Movement (1988-2008)
Various water activities such as kayaking, swimming and diving were introduced by the Scouts Association of Malaysia through the Sea Scout Unit which has attracted a lot of public interest to join the scout movement. With proper training and exposure, scouts are more confident in water-based activities. These activities are not limited to recreational only, but also include progressive training like Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross by the Life Saving Society. The Sea Scout Unit has also formed the Life Guard and Rescue Unit pioneered by Rover Scouts



Technical Details

Date of Issue
: 14th August 2008

Stamp Value : 30 sen, 50 sen (2 design)

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Zonice Rovers

>>> Read more about "Centenary Celebrations of the Scouts Association of Malaysia Stamp" <<<

Friday, August 1, 2008

IDBF Club Crew World Championship 2008 Stamp

Dragon boat racing is a team sport that originates from China. The dragon boat is a long and narrow boat that combines the power, speed and endurance of 12 or 20 crew members in each team. During racing events, the dragon boats are always rigged with decorative Chinese dragon heads and tails and carry a large drum on board. At other times, the decorative regalia are usually removed, although the drum often remains aboard fro training purposes.

The tradition of dragon boat racing in Penang, Malaysia can be traced back to 1934 when “unofficial” races were staged by teams from communities living at the waterfront.. The first Penang International Dragon Boat Festival (PIDBF) race was held in 1979 with local teams racing against teams from Hong Kong and Singapore. Since then, 28 PIDBF racing events have been staged in Penang successfully.

Penang’s bid to host the 6th IDBF Club Crew World Championship 2008 (CCWC) was approved at the 10th International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) Congress on 5th August 2005 in Berlin, Germany. This year, the Pearl of the Orient host the biggest dragon boat racing events ever staged in South-East Asia – the first Asian Club Crew World Championship and the 8th Asian Dragon Boat Championships simultaneously at a scenic and beautiful fresh water reservoir, the Teluk Bahang Dam.

For this stamp issue, there are 3 designs of stamps and Miniature Sheet which portray the dragon boat race as a sport that promotes positive values including teamwork and friendship. Members from each team can be seen to be full of concentration at the respective roles; paddlers rowing hard to a synchronized drumbeat by a drummer and the steerer at the rear of the boat controlling the direction of the boat. Dragon Boat racing is an ancient traditional sport which is now shared and enjoyed by people all over the world.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 1st August 2008

Stamp Value : 30 sen, 50 sen & RM1

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Hazel Design Sdn. Bhd.

>>> Read more about "IDBF Club Crew World Championship 2008 Stamp" <<<

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