Singapore APEC FDC

Singapore FDC
Name: Asia - Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2009 Meetings
Date of Issue: 09 November 2009

Formed in 1989, the Asia - Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is the only inter-governmental grouping in the world operating on the basis of non-binding commitments, open dialogue and equal respect for the views of all participants. Each year, the APEC meetings bring together 21 economies from the Asia - Pacific region and member economies take turns to host the meetings. Singapore is proud to host the APEC meetings for 2009. A year-long event from February to November, it will see more than 15,000 delegates from the 21 APEC member economies attend some 123 meetings and events in Singapore. This will culminate in the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November where Leaders of the 21 APEC member economies will meet.

Singapore's hosting of APEC 2009 is significant as it is the first time the 21 APEC Economic Leaders will meet in Singapore. Singapore last chaired the APEC meetings in its second year in 1990, when the forum had only 12 members who met at the Ministerial level. This year also marks APEC's 20th anniversary as an inter-governmental grouping since its formation in 1989.

APEC's mission is to enhance economic growth and prosperity for the region and to strengthen the Asia - Pacific community. Over two decades, APEC has made positive contributions to businesses as well as individuals through the reduction of tariffs and trade barriers across the Asia - Pacific region, creating efficient domestic economies and in creasing exports.

As Chair of the APEC meetings for 2009, Singapore has chosen the theme "Sustaining Growth, Connecting the Region" which reflects the continuing efforts of APEC to facilitate trade and investment in the Asia - Pacific region. Such efforts have gained greater importance in the face of a challenging global economic environment. The year-long APEC meetings will see representatives from the 21 APEC member economies convene to discuss measures to support economic growth; address the global economic crisis; support the multilateral trading system; accelerate regional economic integration; and explore avenues to strengthen APEC as an inter-governmental grouping.

With more than 15,000 participants in Singapore during the year-long event and up to 1,500 local and international media during the APEC Leaders' Week from 8 to 15 November itself, it is a golden opportunity for Singapore to play host to our foreign guests, and to showcase what Singapore has to offer - not just in terms of being an attractive business venue, but also to promote Singapore as an exciting place to work, live and play, with our vibrant multicultural heritage, efficient infrastructure, and thriving entertainment scene.

Singapore Attractions JI FDC

Singapore Joint Issue FDC
Name: Tourist Attractions (Indonesia - Singapore Joint Issue)
Date of Issue: 28 October 2009

Singapore and Indonesia enjoy warm and friendly ties. Both countries are close neighbours and each other's major trading partners. Ministers and officials from both countries work closely together bilaterally, as well at international fora such as ASEAN to advance common interests. In this stamp issue, selected attractions of both countries are featured.

Denominations:
1ST LOCAL: Singa Ambara Raja Statue
Singa Ambara Raja statue is the landmark of Singaraja City on the northern part of Bali. Adapted from Buleleng regency symbol, this statue uniquely depicts a winged lion holding a big corn in one of its front leg. The statue was officially inaugurated on 30 March 1971 to signify the historical struggle of Singaraja people against Dutch colony.

65c: Merlion
The iconic Merlion is Singapore's most enduring symbol. The name of the half-lion, half-fish creature is a combination of both Singapore's ancient name "Temasek" (meaning "sea town") and original name "Singapura" (meaning "Lion City").

80c: Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesian Miniature Park)
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah or "Beautiful Indonesian Miniature Park" is a recreational spot with splendid cultural highlights of the grandeur of Indonesia. Officially opened on 20 April 1975, it covers nearly 250 acres of area at the eastern side of Jakarta. The park is a summary of Indonesian culture, with virtually all aspects of daily life of each provinces of Indonesia encapsulated in separate pavilions with collection of architectures, clothing, dances and traditions.

$1.10: Sentosa
Sentosa was a British military fortress until 1967 when it was handed back to the newly independent Singapore Government. In 1968, the Government decided to develop the island into a holiday resort for local visitors and tourists. The public was invited to suggest names for the island and "Sentosa" - meaning peace & tranquility in Malay - was eventually chosen for the island resort in 1972.

Singapore Attractions M/S FDC

Singapore Minisheet FDC
Name: Tourist Attractions (Indonesia - Singapore Joint Issue)
Date of Issue: 28 October 2009

Singapore and Indonesia enjoy warm and friendly ties. Both countries are close neighbours and each other's major trading partners. Ministers and officials from both countries work closely together bilaterally, as well at international fora such as ASEAN to advance common interests. In this stamp issue, selected attractions of both countries are featured.

Denominations:
1ST LOCAL: Singa Ambara Raja Statue
Singa Ambara Raja statue is the landmark of Singaraja City on the northern part of Bali. Adapted from Buleleng regency symbol, this statue uniquely depicts a winged lion holding a big corn in one of its front leg. The statue was officially inaugurated on 30 March 1971 to signify the historical struggle of Singaraja people against Dutch colony.

65c: Merlion
The iconic Merlion is Singapore's most enduring symbol. The name of the half-lion, half-fish creature is a combination of both Singapore's ancient name "Temasek" (meaning "sea town") and original name "Singapura" (meaning "Lion City").

80c: Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesian Miniature Park)
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah or "Beautiful Indonesian Miniature Park" is a recreational spot with splendid cultural highlights of the grandeur of Indonesia. Officially opened on 20 April 1975, it covers nearly 250 acres of area at the eastern side of Jakarta. The park is a summary of Indonesian culture, with virtually all aspects of daily life of each provinces of Indonesia encapsulated in separate pavilions with collection of architectures, clothing, dances and traditions.

$1.10: Sentosa
Sentosa was a British military fortress until 1967 when it was handed back to the newly independent Singapore Government. In 1968, the Government decided to develop the island into a holiday resort for local visitors and tourists. The public was invited to suggest names for the island and "Sentosa" - meaning peace & tranquility in Malay - was eventually chosen for the island resort in 1972.

Singapore Attractions FDC

Singapore FDC
Name: Tourist Attractions (Indonesia - Singapore Joint Issue)
Date of Issue: 28 October 2009

Singapore and Indonesia enjoy warm and friendly ties. Both countries are close neighbours and each other's major trading partners. Ministers and officials from both countries work closely together bilaterally, as well at international fora such as ASEAN to advance common interests. In this stamp issue, selected attractions of both countries are featured.

Denominations:
1ST LOCAL: Singa Ambara Raja Statue
Singa Ambara Raja statue is the landmark of Singaraja City on the northern part of Bali. Adapted from Buleleng regency symbol, this statue uniquely depicts a winged lion holding a big corn in one of its front leg. The statue was officially inaugurated on 30 March 1971 to signify the historical struggle of Singaraja people against Dutch colony.

65c: Merlion
The iconic Merlion is Singapore's most enduring symbol. The name of the half-lion, half-fish creature is a combination of both Singapore's ancient name "Temasek" (meaning "sea town") and original name "Singapura" (meaning "Lion City").

80c: Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesian Miniature Park)
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah or "Beautiful Indonesian Miniature Park" is a recreational spot with splendid cultural highlights of the grandeur of Indonesia. Officially opened on 20 April 1975, it covers nearly 250 acres of area at the eastern side of Jakarta. The park is a summary of Indonesian culture, with virtually all aspects of daily life of each provinces of Indonesia encapsulated in separate pavilions with collection of architectures, clothing, dances and traditions.

$1.10: Sentosa
Sentosa was a British military fortress until 1967 when it was handed back to the newly independent Singapore Government. In 1968, the Government decided to develop the island into a holiday resort for local visitors and tourists. The public was invited to suggest names for the island and "Sentosa" - meaning peace & tranquility in Malay - was eventually chosen for the island resort in 1972.

Singapore Bridges JI FDC

Singapore Joint Issue FDC
Name: Bridges (Philippines - Singapore Joint Issue)
Date of Issue: 28 August 2009

The Philippines and Singapore enjoy a warm bilateral relationship. Both countries also work closely together in ASEAN as well as various international and regional fora. On the economic front, the Philippines is also one of Singapore's major trading partners within ASEAN. Issued against the backdrop of the 40th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Philippines, this set of stamps commemorates the warm relationship between both countries.

Denominations:
1st Local: Bamban Bridge
"Bamban Bridge", crossing the Sacobia-Bamban River system, along the MacArthur Highway between Mabalacat, Pampanga and Bamban. Tarlac, is one of the modern and sleek-looking bridges in The Philippines. The bridge's arch has a span of 174 metres and contains 1,400 tons of steel. It is one of the longest bridges of its type in the world and was completed sometime around 1998.

65c: Cavenagh Bridge
"Cavenagh Bridge", built in 1868, is the oldest bridge on the Singapore River. Built to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of the Straits Settlement, it was converted to a pedestrian bridge. Now, with lighting added in the 1990s to accentuate its architectural features at nightfall, it provides the most convenient pedestrian link between the cultural district at the north bank and the commercial district to the south of the Singapore River.

80c: Henderson Waves and Alexandra Arch
"Henderson Waves" and "Alexandra Arch" , both found along the Southern Ridges, were opened May 2008. Presently Singapore's highest pedestrian bridge, standing 36m above Henderson Road. Henderson Waves connects Mount Faber park to Telok Blangah Hill Park, while the smaller bridge Alexandra Arch, connects Kent Ridge Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park via the Flora Walk.

$1.10: Marcelo Fernan Bridge
"Marcelo Fernan Bridge" is an extradosed cable-stayed bridge located in Metro Cebu, Cebu in the Philippines. It spans across Mactan Channel connecting Cebu Island to Mactan Island. Opened in August 1999 to decongest the traffic from the older Mactan-Mandaue Bridge, the bridge has a total length of 1237 metres with a centre span of 185 metres. This bridge is one of the widest and longest bridge span in the Philippines, and is named after Senator Marcelo Fernan from Cebu City.

Singapore Bridges M/S FDC

Singapore Minisheet FDC
Name: Bridges (Philippines - Singapore Joint Issue)
Date of Issue: 28 August 2009

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Philippines. To commemorate this anniversary, Singapore and the Philippines will be releasing this joint stamp issue with the theme "Bridges", which aims to illustrate the close and multifaceted ties between both countries. Chosen bridges include Henderson Waves & Alexandra Arch and Cavenagh Bridge from Singapore, as well as Bamban Bridge and Marcelo Fernan Bridge from the Philippines.

Denominations:
1st Local: Bamban Bridge
"Bamban Bridge", crossing the Sacobia-Bamban River system, along the MacArthur Highway between Mabalacat, Pampanga and Bamban. Tarlac, is one of the modern and sleek-looking bridges in The Philippines. The bridge's arch has a span of 174 metres and contains 1,400 tons of steel. It is one of the longest bridges of its type in the world and was completed sometime around 1998.

65c: Cavenagh Bridge
"Cavenagh Bridge", built in 1868, is the oldest bridge on the Singapore River. Built to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of the Straits Settlement, it was converted to a pedestrian bridge. Now, with lighting added in the 1990s to accentuate its architectural features at nightfall, it provides the most convenient pedestrian link between the cultural district at the north bank and the commercial district to the south of the Singapore River.

80c: Henderson Waves and Alexandra Arch
"Henderson Waves" and "Alexandra Arch" , both found along the Southern Ridges, were opened May 2008. Presently Singapore's highest pedestrian bridge, standing 36m above Henderson Road. Henderson Waves connects Mount Faber park to Telok Blangah Hill Park, while the smaller bridge Alexandra Arch, connects Kent Ridge Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park via the Flora Walk.

$1.10: Marcelo Fernan Bridge
"Marcelo Fernan Bridge" is an extradosed cable-stayed bridge located in Metro Cebu, Cebu in the Philippines. It spans across Mactan Channel connecting Cebu Island to Mactan Island. Opened in August 1999 to decongest the traffic from the older Mactan-Mandaue Bridge, the bridge has a total length of 1237 metres with a centre span of 185 metres. This bridge is one of the widest and longest bridge span in the Philippines, and is named after Senator Marcelo Fernan from Cebu City.

Singapore Bridges FDC

Singapore FDC
Name: Bridges (Philippines - Singapore Joint Issue)
Date of Issue: 28 August 2009

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Philippines. To commemorate this anniversary, Singapore and the Philippines will be releasing this joint stamp issue with the theme "Bridges", which aims to illustrate the close and multifaceted ties between both countries. Chosen bridges include Henderson Waves & Alexandra Arch and Cavenagh Bridge from Singapore, as well as Bamban Bridge and Marcelo Fernan Bridge from the Philippines.

Denominations:
1st Local: Bamban Bridge
"Bamban Bridge", crossing the Sacobia-Bamban River system, along the MacArthur Highway between Mabalacat, Pampanga and Bamban. Tarlac, is one of the modern and sleek-looking bridges in The Philippines. The bridge's arch has a span of 174 metres and contains 1,400 tons of steel. It is one of the longest bridges of its type in the world and was completed sometime around 1998.

65c: Cavenagh Bridge
"Cavenagh Bridge", built in 1868, is the oldest bridge on the Singapore River. Built to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of the Straits Settlement, it was converted to a pedestrian bridge. Now, with lighting added in the 1990s to accentuate its architectural features at nightfall, it provides the most convenient pedestrian link between the cultural district at the north bank and the commercial district to the south of the Singapore River.

80c: Henderson Waves and Alexandra Arch
"Henderson Waves" and "Alexandra Arch" , both found along the Southern Ridges, were opened May 2008. Presently Singapore's highest pedestrian bridge, standing 36m above Henderson Road. Henderson Waves connects Mount Faber park to Telok Blangah Hill Park, while the smaller bridge Alexandra Arch, connects Kent Ridge Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park via the Flora Walk.

$1.10: Marcelo Fernan Bridge
"Marcelo Fernan Bridge" is an extradosed cable-stayed bridge located in Metro Cebu, Cebu in the Philippines. It spans across Mactan Channel connecting Cebu Island to Mactan Island. Opened in August 1999 to decongest the traffic from the older Mactan-Mandaue Bridge, the bridge has a total length of 1237 metres with a centre span of 185 metres. This bridge is one of the widest and longest bridge span in the Philippines, and is named after Senator Marcelo Fernan from Cebu City.

Singapore Sports FDC

Singapore FDC
Name: Countdown to the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games
Date of Issue: 14 August 2009

On 21 February 2008, Singapore celebrated with fanfare when the International Olympic Committee announced its decision to hold the inaugural Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2010 in Singapore. Preparations for Singapore 2010 are on track, with progress in the development of an integrated sport, culture and education programme. To commemorate the countdown to this international multi-sport event on 14 August 2009, this set of stamps portrays the warm welcome from the host city (65C), and how Singapore 2010 aims to inspire youths to embrace, embody and express the Olympic values of Excellence (Ist local). Friendship ($ 1.10) and Respect ($ 2.00).

About Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games:
Singapore will be hosting the first Youth Olympic Games (YOG) from1 4 to 26 August 2010. It will receive some 5000 athletes and officials from the 205 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), along with estimated800 media representatives, 20,000 local and international volunteers, and more than 500,000 spectators. Young athletes - aged between14 and 18 years - will compete in 26 sports and take part in the Culture and Education Programme.

The Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games will create a tasting sports, culture and education legacy for Singapore and youths from around the world, as well as enhance and elevate the sporting culture locally and regionally.

Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games Series:
2008 Youth Olympic Games
2009 Countdown to the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games

Singapore Sculptures S/S FDC

Singapore Souvenir Sheet FDC
Name: Sculptures
Date of Issue: 09 August 2009

The art of sculpture has always proved to be a challenge in the arts arena, with sculptors needing ample space to work in and to store the finished pieces. However, thanks to the dedication of Ms Han Sai Por, Mr Tay Chee Toh, Mr Teo Eng Seng, Mr Wee Beng Chong, the late Mr Anthony Poon, the late Brother Joseph McNally, and the late Dr Ng Eng Teng, the art of sculpture is still very much alive and flourishing in Singapore today. Centering on the theme of Sculptures, this year's National Day stamp issue will see works such as the Standing Figure by Mr Wee Beng Chong, Wealth by the late Dr Ng Eng Teng, Nude 2 by Mr Tay Chee Toh, We're Happy. Are Your Happy: by Mr Teo Eng Seng, Aspirations by the late Mr Anthony Poon, Art Trees by Ms Han Sai Por and Signature by the late Brother Joseph McNally, be featured.

Singapore Sculptures FDC

Singapore FDC
Name: Sculptures
Date of Issue: 09 August 2009

Denominations:
50c: Mr Wee Beng Chong
Wee Beng Chong is a painter, sculptor, print-maker, calligrapher and seal-carver. On his ability to move between traditions, he believes that there is no clear boundary between eastern and western art and being an artist, one must also infuse our work with our traditional values and cultural heritage. He was awarded the Cultural Medallion in 1979.

50c: Dr Ng Eng Teng
The late Dr Ng Eng Teng aimed to express humanist themes in his works and felt that the human figure best expresses feelings and ideas because it is closest to us. His works are reflections of his thought and experiences in visual form. Dr Ng passed away on November 4, 2001 and was awarded the Cultural Medallion in 1981.

50c: Mr Tay Chee Toh
Tay Chee Toh, a painter and sculptor took paths in varied media and modes of visual expression. His sculptural artworks of welded steel, expressed in sensuous curvilinear forms, refer to the artist's allusion to the figure. Yet the lines of the organic abstract forms in their clean arabesque echo the postures and contortions of his two-dimensional figures. He was awarded the Cultural Medallion in 1985.

50c: Mr Teo Eng Seng
Teo Eng Seng, being sensitive to his environment has been his impetus for creating works and striding out in fresh directions. While his career is closely associated with paperdysculpt, he continues to search out and experiment-ing with new materials including plastic wastes and fibreglass for sculptural works and installations. He was awarded the Cultural Medallion in 1986.

50c: Mr Anthony Poon
The late Anthony Poon's works of pure abstraction shy from statement-making and emotive imagery. They stand as self-referential pure form, demanding attention to their physical presence and materiality. His penchant for making large works manifested itself in public commissions of large-scale relief and sculptural works for indoor and outdoor spaces. He passed away on September 2, 2006 and was awarded the Cultural Medallion in 1990.

50c: Ms Han Sai Por
Han Sai Por has made a name as a stone sculptor. With nature as the source of inspiration and reference comes with strongly held views that modernity has severed ties with nature, her sculptures are intended to be evocative while she is most concern about the subject and idea she wanted to deliver. She was awarded the Cultural Medallion in 1995.

50c: Brother Joseph McNally
The late Brother Joseph McNally is a prolific sculptor whose work consists of salvaging discarded wood to make sculpture assemblages of glass and bronzes. While evoking a spiritual “world vision”, his works also fused elements of his Irish heritage and the diversity of Asian cultures he grew to learn while spending most part of his life being an influential art educator and artist in Singapore. He passed away on 27 August 2002 and was awarded the Singapore National Day Meritorious Service Medal in 1997.

Singapore Desserts FDC

Singapore FDC
Name: Local Desserts
Date of Issue: 17 July 2009

Eating out is, for many, a daily routine and this habit has virtually created a national identity defined by the cuisine, especially coffee shops, hawker centres, restaurants, food courts, cafes and snack shops dot the numerous well-ordered streets of the island city and its suburbs. This is a country where food is a constant topic of conversation and a wonderful Singaporean dinner will be somehow incomplete without having any of the wide variety of desserts that can melt the hearts of many, and satisfy the taste buds of food lovers.

Few Singaporeans know the origins of what they are eating in this multi-racial society and what matters is the taste and flavour. Desserts in Singapore, as with most of the food, are actually a blend of many elements brought by the different immigrant groups and races that have settled here. With such a unique characteristic of having different races in the country, many of the boundaries have been blurred when it comes to the food. One is likely to find any stall offering a wide variety of desserts.

Denominations:
1ST LOCAL: Ice Kacang (also known as Ais Kacang)
2ND LOCAL: Ondeh-ondeh (also known as onde-onde)
65¢: Ang Ku Kueh
80¢: Lapis Sagu (also known as 九层糕 in Mandarin)
$1.10: Mithai (Assorted Indian sweets)

Singapore Botanic Gardens S/S FDC

Singapore Souvenir Sheet FDC
Name: 150 Years of Singapore Botanic Gardens
Date of Issue: 19 June 2009

When Sir Stamford Raffles established the first Botanic Gardens in 1822, its main purpose was to evaluate for cultivation, crops that were of potential economic importance. However, without a full-time salaried director and sufficient funding, the garden languished and was closed in 1829. It was not until 30 years later, in 1859, that the present Singapore Botanical Gardens was founded by the Agri-Horticultural Society. Planned as a Lesure Garden and Ornamental Park, the Society organized flower shows and horticultural fetes.

It is fair to say that the history of the Gardens is in many aspects the history of its dedicated administrators. The Garden's first Director, Henry Nicholas Ridley, came to the Gardens in 1888 and worked tirelessly for the next 23 years to usher the Gardens into the twentieth century and its most productive period historically. It was also during Ridley's administration that Singapore's national flower, Vanda Miss Joaquim, was named.

Beginning in 1928, Professor Eric Holttum, Director of the Gardens from 1925 -1949, set up laboratories and conducted the first experiments in orchid breeding and hybridization. His techniques led to Singapore being one of the world's top centres of commercial orchid growing. Today, it also has a world-renowned orchid garden.

In mid 1960s, when the 'Garden City' campaign was launched, the Gardens took a leading role in the greening of Singapore. To meet the need for urban landscapes and recreational areas, the Gardens became involved in supplying planting material and in plant introduction to rapidly increase the intensity in road side and park plantings.

In 1973, the Botanic Gardens merged with the Parks and Trees branch of the Public Works Department, to form the Parks and Recreation Department.

In 1988, Dr Tan Wee Kiat became Director of the Gardens and refocused the Gardens as a tropical botanical institution with roles in research, conservation, education and recreation. To better fulfill these roles, the National Parks Board was formed in 1990. it was under his direction and vision that masterplan for the redevelopment was formulated in 1990. By 1995, the 3-hectare National Orchid Garden, a major tourist attraction today, was opened.

In July 1996, the Ministry of National Development merged the National Parks Board and the Parks and Recreation Department into the new National Parks Board, with Dr Tan as CEO. Dr Chin See Chung took over the role of Director of the Gardens. Besides continuing the Gardens' traditional roles in research, education and conservation, Dr Chin steered the completion of the redevelopment masterplan to provide better public facilities and amenities and new botanical attractions. Major projects completed include the Visitor Centre, Ginger Garden, Evolution Garden, Children's Garden and the Botany Centre. These are keeping the Gardens relevant as a leading destination and botanical institution.

Today, the Gardens is geared towards entrenching itself as a tropical botanical institution of international renown, a key tourist destination and a flagship park. Significant new attractions are being planned in a continuing renewal programme.

Singapore Botanic Gardens FDC

Singapore FDC
Name: 150 Years of Singapore Botanic Gardens
Date of Issue: 19 June 2009

When Sir Stamford Raffles established the first Botanic Gardens in 1822, its main purpose was to evaluate for cultivation, crops that were of potential economic importance. However, without a full-time salaried director and sufficient funding, the garden languished and was closed in 1829. It was not until 30 years later, in 1859, that the present Singapore Botanical Gardens was founded by the Agri-Horticultural Society. Planned as a Lesure Garden and Ornamental Park, the Society organized flower shows and horticultural fetes.

It is fair to say that the history of the Gardens is in many aspects the history of its dedicated administrators. The Garden's first Director, Henry Nicholas Ridley, came to the Gardens in 1888 and worked tirelessly for the next 23 years to usher the Gardens into the twentieth century and its most productive period historically. It was also during Ridley's administration that Singapore's national flower, Vanda Miss Joaquim, was named.

Beginning in 1928, Professor Eric Holttum, Director of the Gardens from 1925 -1949, set up laboratories and conducted the first experiments in orchid breeding and hybridization. His techniques led to Singapore being one of the world's top centres of commercial orchid growing. Today, it also has a world-renowned orchid garden.

In mid 1960s, when the 'Garden City' campaign was launched, the Gardens took a leading role in the greening of Singapore. To meet the need for urban landscapes and recreational areas, the Gardens became involved in supplying planting material and in plant introduction to rapidly increase the intensity in road side and park plantings.

In 1973, the Botanic Gardens merged with the Parks and Trees branch of the Public Works Department, to form the Parks and Recreation Department.

In 1988, Dr Tan Wee Kiat became Director of the Gardens and refocused the Gardens as a tropical botanical institution with roles in research, conservation, education and recreation. To better fulfill these roles, the National Parks Board was formed in 1990. it was under his direction and vision that masterplan for the redevelopment was formulated in 1990. By 1995, the 3-hectare National Orchid Garden, a major tourist attraction today, was opened.

In July 1996, the Ministry of National Development merged the National Parks Board and the Parks and Recreation Department into the new National Parks Board, with Dr Tan as CEO. Dr Chin See Chung took over the role of Director of the Gardens. Besides continuing the Gardens' traditional roles in research, education and conservation, Dr Chin steered the completion of the redevelopment masterplan to provide better public facilities and amenities and new botanical attractions. Major projects completed include the Visitor Centre, Ginger Garden, Evolution Garden, Children's Garden and the Botany Centre. These are keeping the Gardens relevant as a leading destination and botanical institution.

Today, the Gardens is geared towards entrenching itself as a tropical botanical institution of international renown, a key tourist destination and a flagship park. Significant new attractions are being planned in a continuing renewal programme.

Singapore SMRT FDC

Singapore FDC
Name: Launch of SMRT Circle Line
Date of Issue: 28 May 2009

On 28 May 2009, the 33.3 km Circle Line will join SMRT's rail network with the opening of its first five stations - Marymount, Bishan Interchange, Lorong Chuan, Serangoon Interchange and Bartley. A fully underground orbital network, the Circle Line with 29 stations links the existing radial Mass Rapid Transit lines running into the city, enhancing connectivity and convenience for the nation.

This set of four commemorative circular stamps presents a miniature exhibition of the Circle Line system - the Circle Line system map against the Singapore map, a new Circle Line station in the underground system, the new three-car Circle Line train, and the new Circle Line Operation Control Centre situated in Kim Chuan Depot - the world's largest underground depot for trains.

Denominations:
1ST LOCAL: SMRT Circle Line
The SMRT Circle Line will transform Singapore's public transport landscape when fully launched in 2010. Costing $6.7 billion, the line will interchange with the North-South Line, East-West Line and North East Line. It is intelligently designed to shorten travelling times and distance, allowing commuters to bypass interchanges link City Hall and Raffles Place, improving the efficiency of connections.

80c: Stations & Network
There will be a total of 29 stations, of which nine interchange with existing and future lines. They will be operated by SMRT staff committed to providing safe, reliable and friendly travel, enhanced through convenient and innovative services.

$1.10: Trains
Each Circle Line train is a three-car configuration (2 motor cars and 1 trailer car), measuring 70 metres long with a carrying capacity of 931 passengers. Train operation is fully automatic and driverless, directed through an onboard bidirectional signaling system. Each train is also equipped with advanced passenger emergency and information systems.

$2: Operations
The nerve centre of SMRT Circle Line is Kim Chuan Depot - the largest underground depot in the world. Measuring 800 metres in length and 160 metres in width, it occupies 11 hectares or the equivalent size of 17 football fields. The $290 million depot will hold the Operation Control Centre and provide maintenance facilities for up to 77 trains. It also houses Singapore's tallest underground automated warehouse storage system at 23-metre high, capable of storing more than 24,000 spare parts.

Singapore Flora FDC

Singapore FDC
Name: Flora & Fauna (Definitive Issue)
Date of Issue: 06 May 2009

In 2007, the new series of Definitive stamps featured a range of Flora and Fauna of which the Frangipanni and Torch Ginger were beautifully illustreated and featured. To make the Definitive series more varied, this year, another two flowering plants are added to the collection.

1ST LOCAL: The Blue Pea Vine (Clitoria ternatea)
The Blue Pea Vine (Clitoria ternatea), also commonly known as the Butterfly Pea, is a vine native to tropical and equatorial Asia. A perennial climber with a woody base, it can climb tall grasses and crops, grows well in moist neutral soil and requires little care. It has been used as a leguminous mulch within elephant grass to improve the grass protein levels. Now it is widely grown as an ornamental plant. The flowers are harvested and are a traditional source of a blue food colour.

1ST LOCAL: The Pigeon Orchid (Dendrobium crumenatum)
The Pigeon Orchid (Dendrobium crumenatum) is a member of the family Orchidaceae. This orchid produces white, fragrant flowers with a yellow tinted throat. From the side, the orchid resembles a flying pigeon, and hence, it is also commonly known as the Pigeon Orchid. This epiphytic plant, is common in Singapore and Malaysia, growing naturally on trees. It is a widely cultivated ornamental and landscape plant.

$5 Collectors' Sheet: The Pigeon Orchid (Dendrobium crumenatum)
The Collectors' Sheet uses the offset lithography with embroidery technique.

Singapore Theatres FDC

Singapore FDC
Name: Cinema Theatres of Yesteryear
Date of Issue: 20 March 2009

Movie-going has become a regular and favourite pastime for most Singaporeans since the first silent films hit our shores in 1902. The first public screening in Singapore is said to have taken place in April 1902 at a tent in an open space at the junction of River Valley Road and Hill Street and the first movie theatre opened its door in 1904. More theatres appeared with Shaw Organisation operating their own ‘proper' cinema known as The Empire in 1927, and Cathay Organisation raised the curtains at The Cathay Cinema in 1939. The Cathay Cinema was to be the first cinema complex as well as the tallest building in Singapore then.

Featured in this set of stamps are some of the grand dames of movie theatres. The majestic and beautiful structures of these theatres featured still stand today but all, with the exception of The Cathay, no longer screens any movies.

Denominations:
1st Local: Cathay, 1939
The cinema, raised it's curtains on 3rd October 1939, becoming Singapore's first air-conditioned cinema and the first skyscraper, the tallest in Southeast Asia during that time. On 24 March 2006, it was redeveloped together with Cathay Building (now known as The Cathay) and opened to public with 8 cinema halls including The Grand Cathay and The Picturehouse.

50¢: The Majestic, 1928
The Majestic is a historic building on Eu Tong Sen Street in Chinatown built in 1927 and completed in 1928. Located between the People's Park Complex and Yue Hwa Department Store, along the stretch of Eu Tong Sen street, it was known as Majestic Theatre, which used to be a Cantonese Opera House. In January 2003, the Majestic Theatre was reopened but as a shopping mall and renamed "The Majestic".

80¢: Capitol Building, 1933
Capitol Building is a historic building at the junction of North Bridge Road and Stamford Road. Completed in 1933, it operated under the name of Kyo-Ei Gekkyo until 1944 during the Japanese Occupation. After 1946, the Capitol was purchased by Shaw and rebuilt, becoming the organisation's flagship theatre and renamed as Shaw Building. Its use as a movie theatre ended with its last movie screening on 29 Dec. 1998.

$1.10: Queens, c1920
Queens first opened in the 1920s as Ritz Theatre, located between Lorong 42 Geylang Road and Paya Lebar Road, it was being renamed as "Nanyo Gekizyo" in 1942 – 1945 (during the Japanese Occupation) and became Queen's Theatre in 1946. It ceased operations in 1983 but the old theatre's classical colonial facade was being retained.

$1.10: Rex, 1946
A Shaw Brothers cinema opened in 1946 with the inaugural screening of The Jungle Book. It ceased operations in 1983, having screened its last film, "Jaws 3-D" (1983). The cinema was located at MacKenzie Road, conveniently next to the bus depot of the Singapore Traction Company, and Kandang Kerbau Hospital.

Singapore Greetings FDC

Singapore FDC
Name: Greetings - Let's Celebrate
Date of Issue: 11 February 2009

"Greetings" stamps are functional stamps designed for use on special occasions to convey joyous messages of love, care and concern. In this latest "Greetings" stamp issue, the theme of "Celebration" was chosen. Beautifully captured in this delightful set of stamps were some of the gleeful expressions commonly seen at such occasions. There are many occasions that call for celebrations – birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, winning and election, newborn, promotion, graduation etc… and linked to these celebrations are wonderful and precious memories.

Comment: I don't know whether this issue used special cancellation. At least, my FDC hasn't special cancellation and the local postmark is not very well this time, what a pity!

Singapore Year of the Ox M/S FDC

Singapore Minisheet FDC
Name: Zodiac Series - Ox
Date of Issue: 09 January 2009
Printing Process: Offset Lithography with high reflective index transparent Hologram with morphing effect.

There are a total of 12 animal signs in the Chinese calendar based on five cycles of 12 years each, with each cycle tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth. According to Chinese astrology and belief, the traits of these zodiac animals not only shape the personalities of people born under the respective sign but also their lives and the events of the year. Apart from the Ox, the other Chinese zodiac animals are the rat, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

The diligent, reliable and sincere Ox, second in the Zodiac Cycle, starts off yet another New Year on the Chinese zodiac calendar in 2009.

Being the second of the 12 animal signs, those born in the year of the Ox are often said to possess character traits such as dependability, strength and determination. Oxen are tolerant individuals who believe that the road to success involves hard work and scrupulous behavior. They are kind, caring souls, logical, positive, filled with common sense and with their feet firmly planted on the ground. Security is their main pre-occupation in life, and they are prepared to toil long and hard in order to provide a warm, comfortable and stable nest for themselves and their families.

Famous personalities born in the Ox year include Walt Disney, Charlie Chaplin, Johann Sebastian Bach, Napoleon Bonaparte, Vincent van Gogh and Adolf Hitler.

Comment: This is a special Minisheet as usual, It has Hologram image on both stamps. You could see Rat to Ox Hologram image in different angle on the left stamp, and Ox to Tiger Hologram image in different angle on the right stamp. What a pity, I can't scan this effect, so you'd better possess it and see it.

2009 Year of the Ox
Canada FDC
China Stamp, Sheetlet II, Booklet.
Hong Kong Stamps FDC, Minisheet FDC, Souvenir Sheet FDC, Pre-stamped Postcard.
Indonesia Stamps FDC, Souvenir Sheet FDC.
Singapore Stamps FDC, Souvenir Sheet FDC.
Taiwan Stamps FDCs, Souvenir Sheet FDCs, Pre-stamped Postcards.
USA FDC

Singapore Year of the Ox FDC

Singapore FDC
Name: Zodiac Series - Ox
Date of Issue: 09 January 2009

There are a total of 12 animal signs in the Chinese calendar based on five cycles of 12 years each, with each cycle tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth. According to Chinese astrology and belief, the traits of these zodiac animals not only shape the personalities of people born under the respective sign but also their lives and the events of the year. Apart from the Ox, the other Chinese zodiac animals are the rat, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

The diligent, reliable and sincere Ox, second in the Zodiac Cycle, starts off yet another New Year on the Chinese zodiac calendar in 2009.

Being the second of the 12 animal signs, those born in the year of the Ox are often said to possess character traits such as dependability, strength and determination. Oxen are tolerant individuals who believe that the road to success involves hard work and scrupulous behavior. They are kind, caring souls, logical, positive, filled with common sense and with their feet firmly planted on the ground. Security is their main pre-occupation in life, and they are prepared to toil long and hard in order to provide a warm, comfortable and stable nest for themselves and their families.

Famous personalities born in the Ox year include Walt Disney, Charlie Chaplin, Johann Sebastian Bach, Napoleon Bonaparte, Vincent van Gogh and Adolf Hitler.

Comment: Please check this FDC carefully, it has 5 ox stamps on this FDC, but the complete set is 3 stamps. :)

2009 Year of the Ox
Canada FDC
China Stamp, Sheetlet II, Booklet.
Hong Kong Stamps FDC, Minisheet FDC, Souvenir Sheet FDC, Pre-stamped Postcard.
Indonesia Stamps FDC, Souvenir Sheet FDC.
Singapore Stamps FDC, Souvenir Sheet FDC.
Taiwan Stamps FDCs, Souvenir Sheet FDCs, Pre-stamped Postcards.
USA FDC

Singapore Fruits Special FDC

Singapore Special FDC
Name: Fruits (Singapore – Vietnam Joint Issue)
Date of Issue: 18 November 2008

In Asia, one can find a wide variety of fruits. Fruits, from the tropics to those found in temperate countries, are all easily available from the supermarkets and wet markets.

In this joint stamp issue with Vietnam, the very well-known King of Fruits, Durian and its equal, whose flower, named Queen of the Night, grows into the fruit people know as Dragonfruit are featured.

Denominations:
65c: Dragonfruit
Dragonfruit, an oval pink fruit covered with large rubbery spurs, is a tropical fruit equally popular, with a completely contrasting taste as to the durian. It is sometimes likened to that of the kiwifruit due to a prevalence of sesame seed-sized black crunchy seeds found in the flesh of the fruit. The Dragonfruit is said to have loads of vitamin C and can aid in digestion. Vietnam is known to be the main commercial producer in the region.

$1.10: Durian
Large, oval and thorny, the Durian is the region's most infamous fruit. It is renowned for its strong smell – a scent heavenly to those who love it, but a terrible stench for those not used to its pungent aroma. In the past, the peak season for durian and with truckloads of the spiky fruit rolling in from the Causeway and as far as Thailand occurs usually between the months of June and August. However, now, one can easily find the King of Fruits almost at any parts of the year. Variety range from Mao Shan Wang, D24, XO, Golden Phoenix etc…excites all the durian lovers who will scramble to Sims Avenue, Balestier Road, Joo Chiat Place and Yio Chu Kang Road etc.

Comment: This is the first time that I have received a joint issue's FDC like this. You can see both countries' stamps on this FDC. Vietnamese stamps' size is bigger than Singaporean's, but I think the Singaporean stamps are more colorful than Vietnamese. How about your opinion?