Interviewing with U Sit Aung, the burmese stamp collector

The following interview was published in The Myawaddy Daily newspaper on 2014 Jan 14, page 20.  I translated for the sake of sharing and education.

Interviewer - A Thu

Interviewee - U Sit Aung  

“You can recall history of the nations by browsing your stamp collection.”

Interviewing with U Sit Aung, the stamp collector.

The moment of interviewing U Sit Aung, the enthusiastic stamp collector, who collects not only stamps of Myanmar which reflects her history, but international stamps….

Q: When did you start collecting stamps?

A: My hobby of stamp collecting started since 1970 when I joined “Burma Stamp Society”.  I was still young then.

Q: How many exhibitions did you organize as the society?

A: Three times. First ever exhibition was at Kyaik Ka San. Second exhibition was held at Taw Win Hnin Si (Royal Rose) Restaurant and at the YMBA hall this time round.  Total members of society reached around 60.  Most of the members are elders.  

Q: What are the benefits you are getting from your stamp collections?

A: Among the hobbies, mine is the hobby of collecting stamps.  The benefits include recalling the history of the country by browsing your stamp collection.  You can remember the special events of the country by just looking at stamps, whereas these events usually are not in your mind.  And you will have the habit of keeping the things safely, nicely and neatly.

Q: How does the stamp collecting make the country benefited?

A: Not only for the country, but for the youth future, stamp collecting will be the history.  On Januray 4, the independent day stamps are usually issued.  By collecting these stamps, we can explain and educate the students why and when these stamps were issued, at the school exhibition and talk.  

Q: Can you, as the stamp collector, leave some message for the youths?

A: I want to say “Collecting is the nice job”.  Stamps or Coins, you may collect whatever you want.  But, there is historical record on the collectables.  Please make the history by sharing your collection to the youths of next generations.