The 2014 Kuala Lumpur World Youth Stamp Exhibition (KLwyse) takes place from 1 December until Dec 6 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur – held in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2014 – touted as the biggest philatelic event in the world, the first-of-its-kind exhibition. It features over 300 stamp exhibitors from around the globe.

The KLwyse is organised by the Communications and Multimedia Ministry, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Philatelic Society Malaysia and POS Malaysia Bhd. This exbition also formed part of 29th Asean Stamp Exhibition.

700 frames of stamp exhibits were on display. More than 30 trade booths had been set up by stamp dealers and postal administrations from around the world. Participating countries include Malaysia, Bangladesh, Lithuania, Azerbaijan, Namibia, Burundi, South Africa, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Solomon Islands, Togo, Uganda, Niger, Sao Tome and Principe, Maldives, India, United States, Canada, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, Indonesia, Kuwait, Oman, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Cuba, Spain, United Kingdom and the Philippines. 

MCMC chief industry regulations officer Toh Swee Hoe says the exhibition commemorates 160 years of stamp usage in Malaysia. It is also a commendation of the country’s rich postal history and its role in socio-economic development.

“KLWYSE hopes to cultivate interest in philately as a hobby. The exhibition also serves as a networking arena among world renowned philatelists and will accelerate stamp development in Malaysia and the region,” says Toh.

Commemorating the international event, Pos Malaysia launched six special sets of miniature sheets as part of the daily highlights. The six miniature sheets are Heritage Building which was released on 1 December, 160th Year of Postage Stamp Usage in Malaysia (2 December), Fauna (3 December), Flora (4 December), Malay Folk Stories (5 December) and Cultural Dance (6 December).

Heritage Building

This miniature sheet features the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, one of the most historic, iconic and recognisable landmarks in Kuala Lumpur. Heavily influenced by Moorish architecture and colonial aesthetics, the legendary building with its 40-metre clock tower provides an irresistible old world charm while standing majestically against the robust and ever-changing Kuala Lumpur skyline.

160th Year of Postage Stamp Usage in Malaysia

This collection commemorates the 160th anniversary of the postage stamp usage in Malaysia. It features a letter, dated 19 December 1854 showing the earliest known usage of Four Annas (four denominations) - Half Annas, One Anna, Two Annas and Four Annas stamps within the Straits Settlements, cancelled using the 'Diamond of Dots' postmark which was the first standard postmark used to cancel stamps throughout the East India Company postal region.

Fauna
Fauna collection features "A Jungle Warrior and The Man of The Forest" - The Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni) and Orang-utans.

Flora

The flora-themed miniature sheet highlights the Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) which is a symbol of national pride. It is officially chosen as the national flower in 1960 by Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia's first Prime Minister. The Rafflesia (Rafflesia arnoldii), a rare flower that is native to Malaysian rainforests and known for its exotic and unique appearance also features in the sheet.

Cultural Dance

Mak Yong, a traditional dance-drama which was declared a "Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO in 2005 is selected to feature in the cultural dance-themed miniature sheet. This enchanting piece of art originated centuries ago in Kelantan as court entertainment and combines acting, vocal and instrumental music, gestures and elaborate costumes with an evocative story telling.

Malay Folk Stories

The Malay Folk Stories-themed miniature sheet depicts one of the most captivating tales of Malaysian folklore, the Princess of Gunung Ledang.

1 December 2014: Malaysia Day
2 December 2014: Philately Day
3 December 2014: Communication Day
4 December 2014: Postal Day
5 December 2014: Youth Day
6 December 2014: International Friendship Day
   
Credits
Photos of Lim, Azman and Rosnan were taken from myfdc.me