HKSAR puts stamp on its achievements (hktdc.com)


	The bauhinia, Hong Kong’s national flower, features in the 10th anniversary of the reunification stamp



	Ten years of achievements are illustrated in a stamp set commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

How does a square inch of sticky paper or less help to commemorate a momentous occasion like the Handover*? The postage stamp, seen by many as a symbol for defining national culture and values, is doing just that with designs packed with significant Hong Kong establishments and details over a decade.

Hongkong Post has come up with two separate commemorative issues on July 1 with different design concepts, according to Aubrey Au, Senior Manager, Stamp Design and Procurement.

"The first concept celebrates the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR); the second emphasises the reunification of Hong Kong with China," she pointed out.

The first concept consists of a set of six stamps in different denominations, showcasing Hong Kong’s decade-old achievements. Graphic artist Benny Lau, who won the commission from scores of other stamp designers, said it took him a year from concept stage to the final product.

Mr Lau, who also designed the HKSAR 5th anniversary commemorative stamps, explained his winning concept. "I had to ask myself in the past decade what had changed and what changed us. I started to think about Hong Kong’s visible landmarks which can be put on a stamp. Each new establishment had to represent an industry sector of Hong Kong."

Decade of achievements

Each stamp in the set has a common number – 10 – running through it symbolising the 10th anniversary. The design features rainbow colours and moves from morning to night. There is the Hong Kong Heritage Museum representing traditions and culture; Tsing Ma Bridge showing modern infrastructure; Two IFC, Hong Kong’s tallest building, representing the financial sector; the Wetland Park showcasing the environment and the diversity of Hong Kong; and of course, the famous Hong Kong skyline illuminated by fireworks celebrating the Handover.

"Against Hong Kong’s impressive physical achievements, I’ve added a human element – a group of 10 children linking hands to show that people are Hong Kong’s most important element and children, our future,” added Mr Lau.

Ms Au said there is also a stamp sheetlet showing Hong Kong’s famous night skyline bathed in a symphony of light. "This is the first time that this transparent hologram technique has been used for Hong Kong stamps,” she enthused. "You can see the ‘fireworks’ blooming if viewed from different angles.”

The other concept emphasising Hong Kong’s reunification with China includes "Forever Blooming Bauhinia” sculpture, given by the Central Government on the day of reunification. The design was done by Feng Xiahong, a Chinese mainland teacher of design from Tsinghua University. It is the first time that Hongkong Post has had a joint issue with China Post.

Lengthy planning

Each theme for the stamp design was planned two years in advance, which is the standard practice. Suggestions are invited from Government departments, universities and related organisations, and the ideas are presented to the nine-member Stamp Advisory Committee chaired by the Postmaster General. Similar to monetary notes, all stamps are printed by security printers, mostly in the Netherlands, France, UK, Australia, Canada and the Chinese mainland.

Hong Kong stamps have clutched many prizes on the international philatelic scene. The round Giant Panda stamp released on 25 April 1999 won fifth prize in the Postal Administration Awards 2001 at the 6th Stamp World Cup organised by French stamp magazine, Timbres Magazine. The Personal Greetings $1.30 stamp issued on 1 February 2001 was awarded fourth prize for "World's Most Beautiful Stamp" and "Most Beautiful Stamp of Asia" at the 7th Stamp World Cup. The Beijing - Kowloon Through Trains (issued on 9 June 2002) won the Gold Medal in the "Pride in Print Award 2003" organised by the Designers Institute of New Zealand.

* "The Handover" refers to Hong Kong's return from British to Chinese rule on July 1, 1997.