Malaysia ASEAN FDC

Malaysia FDC
Name: 40th Anniversary of ASEAN(Joint Issue)
Issue date: 2007 Auguest 8th

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN was founded on August 8, 1967 in Bangkok. The objectives of this collaborative regional organization are to promote political cooperation and security, to enhance trade and economic growth and to encourage the social development of the progress of Southeast Asia.

Its members are Indonesia, Malaysia, The Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Burma and Cambodia.

Designs: Architectures from 10 ASEAN countries. (From left to right)

1. Secretariat Building, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam
Built in 1952, the Secretariat Building houses the Prime Minister’s office and other government office. It is located at Jalan Elizabeth II and is one of the most remarkable contemporary buildings in Bandar Seri Bagawan.

2. National Museum of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cambodia
The museum inaugurated in 1920 by King Sisowath houses amongst others the collection of Cambodian culture and traditions.

3. 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.

4. Lao Typical House, Lao
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, livestocks and a loom for weaving cloth.

5. 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, housing its many administrative offices, including the Chairman’s office.

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

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

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

9. 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.

10. Presidential Palace, Hanoi, Vietnam
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.