CALLING all stamp enthusiasts in Penang! The Stamp Fair and Exhibition is now underway at Berjaya Hotel, Burmah Road, offering visitors a rare glimpse into history through the lens of philately.
Organised annually by the Penang Philatelic Society, this two-day event runs from today until tomorrow (Dec 6 and 7). This year’s theme, ‘The Two World Wars Remembered’, sets the stage for a profound and educational showcase.
Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, who officiated the opening ceremony this morning, said the exhibition is more than a celebration of stamp collecting, but it is an act of remembrance and reflection.
“This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a milestone that continues to shape our understanding of peace, identity and history in Malaysia and across the region.
“While global narratives often focus on the European and Pacific theatres, it is equally vital to remember that the peninsula of Malaya and Borneo were deeply affected. Penang became the first British territory in Southeast Asia to be bombed in 1941, an event well documented by historians and preserved in the National Archives of Malaysia.
“The fall of Penang and the subsequent occupation left a profound impact on our people, from the hardships endured by civilians to the cultural and social shifts that followed.
“Exhibitions like this ensure that these stories, especially those unique to Malaya, are never forgotten,” Wong said.
He added that philately is not merely a pastime but one of the most accessible and authentic forms of historical documentation.
“Wartime stamps, postcards, postal orders and censored mail offer invaluable insights into daily life during conflict.
“They reveal how people communicated under duress, how administrations changed, and how societies adapted to survive.
“The collections presented here including those by Dr Chua Hock Khoon, Ng Wee Theng, Goh Kok Thye, Lim Ken Beng, and international historian Apratim Bhattacharya are world-class, award-winning and rich in rare materials seldom accessible to the public.
“Their dedication elevates this exhibition into one of Malaysia’s most comprehensive World War–themed philatelic showcases,” Wong said.
Wong also announced a RM5,000 contribution from his office to support the Penang Philatelic Society in organising the event.
“Preserving history is not an obligation to the past; it is a responsibility to the future. By nurturing historical awareness, we strengthen our society’s foundations of unity, tolerance and peace,” he added.
Meanwhile, Penang Philatelic Society president Ng Wee Theng said this year’s exhibition carries special significance.
“We are commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of a global conflict that reshaped the world.
“History is not only found in textbooks, but it is also preserved in stamps and covers. Every stamp tells a story of a nation, an event, a struggle, or a hope.
“Through philately, we connect with the past in a tangible and intimate way.
“Our association has always believed that this hobby is more than collecting small pieces of paper, it is a path to curiosity and lifelong learning,” he said.
Ng added that the exhibition highlights a wide range of World War II–related collections, featuring historical events, personalities and themes that serve as reminders of the importance of peace and unity.
“I hope every visitor, young and old, leaves with a deeper understanding of our shared history,” Ng said.
Also present was Penang Philatelic Society honorary advisor Dr Chua Hock Khoon.
Story by Riadz Akmal