Myanmar Participation at Hong Kong Stampex 2026

Hong Kong Stampex 2026 was held from 13 to 15 March 2026 at the 6/F Exhibition Hall, Sheung Wan Civic Centre, Hong Kong. The exhibition featured 30 competitive exhibits and 7 literature entries, with participants from Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, mainland China, Myanmar, and Singapore. The jury awarded 9 Gold, 8 Large Vermeil, 5 Vermeil, and 2 Large Silver medals. 

Hong Kong Stampex 2026 Logo

From Myanmar, U Thiha Lwin and U Kyaw Htet Aung participated in the literature class. U Thiha Lwin was awarded a Large Vermeil medal (83 points) for his book Myanmar Postage Stamps, while U Kyaw Htet Aung (Dr Kyaw Si Thu) received a Vermeil medal (77 points) for The Legends of the Philatelic World. In addition, U Toe Kyaw Kyar displayed his 8-frame exhibit British Burma Postal Stationery (1857–1947). The Palmares Dinner was held on 14 March 2026 at North Garden Restaurant, 2/F, 8 New Market Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, where Ko Toe donated a special prize in the form of a traditional Burmese lacquerware plate.

Award Medal

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the journal of the Hong Kong Philatelic Society. Congratulations to the Society on this significant milestone and its long-standing contribution to philately.

Ko Toe’s Postage Rates Book Wins Large Gold at NZNPLE 2025

Ko Toe’s book, Postage Rates of Burma (Myanmar) 1937–2024, was awarded a Large Gold Medal, together with Felicitations for Research and a Special Prize, at the New Zealand National Philatelic Literature Exhibition (NZNPLE 2025) held on 6 December 2025 in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The literature exhibits were displayed at the Christchurch Philatelic Society’s library, providing an appropriate scholarly setting for this specialist exhibition. Open to exhibitors from both New Zealand and overseas, NZNPLE is a prestigious biennial philatelic literature exhibition, held since 1989, and is widely recognised for its high judging standards. The full list of the Palmarès can be accessed here.

Literatures displayed

The special prize awarded was an art print entitled A Garden Enclosed (1980) by Eileen Mayo. The original work is a screenprint and forms part of the collection of the Christchurch Art Gallery.

This marks the second international award for the book. Its first major recognition was a Gold Medal at the Thailand 2025 FIAP Asian International Stamp Exhibition, further affirming its contribution to the study of Burmese and Myanmar postal history.

Ko Toe Philately Celebrates LV Medal at AusVipex 2025

Myanmar Philately by Ko Toe (www.kotoephilately.blogspot.sg) has reached another proud milestone by receiving a Large Vermeil medal (83 points) at AusVipex 2025—the Australian Philatelic Federation’s National Multi-Frame exhibition held online from November to December 2025. The exhibition welcomed participants from Australia and abroad, making the achievement even more meaningful.

Exhibition Logo

Exhibition Website

After eleven years of continuous blogging and knowledge-sharing, this recognition marks the second award ever presented to the Myanmar Philately by Ko Toe website. It stands as both an endorsement of its contribution to philatelic research and an encouraging milestone in its ongoing journey to promote Burma (Myanmar) philately to a wider audience.

THAILAND 2025 Asian International Stamp Exhibition

The THAILAND 2025 Asian International Stamp Exhibition was held at the Grand Postal Building, Bangkok, Thailand. It was organized by the Philatelic Association of Thailand under the Patronage of H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, together with Thailand Post Co., Ltd., and under the patronage of FIAP.

Myanmar participated in the exhibition with remarkable achievements. Notably, the Gold Medal awarded marked the first-ever gold medal in Myanmar’s philatelic history for my book Postage Rates of Burma (Myanmar) 1937-2024. The Burma StaMPS journal Volume 3 also received a Large Silver Medal—its highest award to date. 

My 8-frame picture postcard exhibit titled "People of Burma and Their Lifestyles" won the Large Vermeil medal, and the new stationery exhibit titled "Postal Stationery Envelopes of Burma (Myanmar) 1988 - Present" won the Large Silver medal award in this exhibition. In addition, the Myanmar Philatelic Society presented a lacquerware painting as a special prize.

On 11 August, at 10:00 AM, U Toe Kyaw Kyar attended the FIAP Executive Committee meeting as an observer, followed by representing Myanmar at the 24th FIAP Congress at 11:30 AM on the same day.

The exhibition concluded successfully, leaving participants and visitors with lasting joy and fond memories.

JAKARTA 2024 Asian International Stamp Exhibition

Jakarta 2024 was held from July 3 to 7, 2024, at Pos Bloc Jakarta. Pos Bloc Jakarta is a historical building; it was the first post office in Jakarta, then known as Kantor Filateli Jakarta (Jakarta Philatelic Office).

Jakarta 2024 involved 24 countries with a total of 241 exhibits comprising 1036 frames. Myanmar submitted three exhibits. Toe Kyaw Kyar's exhibit "British Burma Postal Stationeries 1857 - 1937" scored 80 points and won a Vermeil medal award. Additionally, his one-frame exhibit titled "Prepaid Propaganda Postcards of Burma (1964-1972)" scored 72 points in the One Frame Class. Myanmar Philatelic Society's journal, "The Burma StaMPS Volume 2 (2023)," scored 67 points and won a Silver Bronze medal award.

First Day Cover Seminar

Myanmar Philatelic Society donated a "Burmese Harp Model" as a special prize, which was awarded to an exhibitor from China.  Along with the exhibition, philatelic seminars were also held. I attended the "First Day Cover" seminar and the "Picture Postcard" seminar, both presented by Glen Stafford. Additionally, I attended the FIAP Exco meeting as an observer, which was held from 2 to 4 PM on July 6, 2024.

FIAP Exco Meeting

TAIPEI 2023 39th International Stamp Exhibition

TAIPEI 2023 - The 39th Asian International Stamp Exhibition was organized by the collaborative efforts of Chunghwa Post Co., Ltd., the Chinese Taipei Philatelic Federation, and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council. This prestigious event garnered patronage from FIAP and recognition from FIP.

Exhibition Logo

The exhibition was held at held from 11 to 15 Aug 2023 at Hall 1 Area A, World Trade Center. The exhibition displayed over 202 exhibits in around 1010 frames and 41 literatures.  Myanmar submitted two picture postcard (PPC) exhibits and one literature exhibit.

Commissioners' Photograph

U Thein Tun Kyaw's PPC exhibit, titled "The Nostalgia of Burma in British Colonial Time," earned a score of 76 points, awarding a Large Silver medal. U Toe Kyaw Kyar's exhibit, "People of Burma and Their Lifestyles," secured a remarkable 85 points, awarding a Large Vermeil medal.  In addition, the inaugural volume of the Journal and newsletter of the Myanmar Philatelic Society, "The Burma StaMPS Volume 1 (2022)" commanded attention with a score of 68 points, awarding Silver Bronze medal. These exhibits are set to grace the international stage once again at the forthcoming Thailand 2023 FIP World Stamp Championship Exhibition, scheduled for the end of November.

Notably, the Myanmar Philatelic Society donated a special prize—"Burmese Lacquerware Tray"—to the organizing committee. This esteemed award found its deserving recipient in an exhibitor from Australia.

"STAMP LOVER" solo exhibition by U Sit Aung

MPS Vice President U Sit Aung organized a captivating solo stamp exhibition called "STAMP LOVER" at the Artist Gallery Café in Yangon. The exhibition took place from June 26th to 28th 2023 at No. 99, Lamai Condo, Myaynu Road, Sanchang Township. The exhibition was open for visitors between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.  The event showcased a diverse collection of Burma and International stamps, along with other philatelic items. Enthusiasts and individuals interested in stamps had the opportunity to attend the exhibition and explore these captivating artifacts. The event received support from both attendees and MPS team members, contributing to its success. 

New Zealand 2023 FIAP 38th International Stamp Exhibition

New Zealand Philatelic Federation hosted the FIAP exhibition from 4 to 7 May 2023, at Ellerslie Event Centre, Auckland.  The exhibition includes 1121 frames of exhibits from 231 entries.  I participated my "British Burma Postal Stationeries 1857 - 1937" exhibit under Postal stationery class.  The exhibit won Large Vermeil medal award.

Exhibition Logo

First frame of the exhibit

NZ2023 Medal

Fournations Stamp Exhibition 2023

I participated 4NSE2023 Thailand. My one frame exhibit scored 81 points at its first participation in the exhibition. I enjoyed my days in Bangkok, foods, and friendship. I had a great opportunity to network with my friends and get to know new friends. Thanks to our friends from Thailand for their hospitality.

FourNations Stamp Exhibition Singapore 2022

Ko Toe participated in FourNation Stamp Exhibition Singapore 2022.  The exhibition was held from 16 to 18 December 2022 at Safra Toa Payoh, 293, Lor 6 Toa Payoh, Singapore 319387.  This is the first ever FourNation exhibition after the COVID-19 pandemic.  Together with FourNations namely Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, Vietnam was invited to participate in this exhibition as well.

Ko Toe's new exhibit titled "British Burma Postal Stationeries 1857 - 1937" scored 93 points and won Gold Medal.  The award made this exhibit qualified for international and world stamp exhibitions.  

It is a great opportunity to meet with our philatelic friends and I had a wonderful time. For more information about the exhibition, please browse the Chinese version report by Philately Museum. 

Indonesia 2022 World Stamp Championship Exhibition

Indonesia 2022 World Stamp Championship Exhibition was successfully held at JIEXPO convention center in Jakarta from 4 to 9 August 2022.  The official hotel is within 5km distance from the exhibition hall.  Shuttle buses were provided between official hotel and exhibition hall every hour.  

Myanmar submitted three exhibits and one literature to this competition.  U Thein Tun Kyaw exhibited his PPC exhibit titled Nostalgia of Burma in British Colonial Time.  His exhibit scored 82 points and won Vermeil medal.  U Toe's PPC exhibit titled People of Burma and Their Lifestyles scored 80 points and won Vermeil medal.  U Kyaw Myint Maung's book "Postage Stamps of Myanmar" also awarded Silver medal with 72 points. It is first time for these three exhibits to appear in FIP exhibitions. 

 U Toe's aerogramme exhibit which won Large Vermeil in China 2019 was awarded the same medal with one point increased (87 points).  MPS members U Thein Tun Kyaw and U Sein Minn attended the exhibition whilst U Toe Kyaw Kyar served as Myanmar Commissioner.  All attendees were invited to Welcome dinner by the Organizing Committee at Bandar Djakarta restaurant on 4 Aug.  The Palmares dinner was held at the Parliament House on 7 Aug.

National Commissioners

 The Indonesian Philatelic Federation hosted 76th FIP congress on 9 Aug.  U Toe Kyaw Kyar attended the congress as an observer.  Myanmar has yet join the FIP but only FIAP.  Myanmar Philatelic Society donated the Burmese lacquerware tray as a special prize and noted that the prize was awarded to an exhibitor from South Korea.

The exhibition hall was quite lively, always full with young and enthusiastic students visitors. 

BANGABANDHU 2021 FIAP 1st Virtual International Stamp Exhibition

BANGABANDHU 2021 FIAP 1st Virtual International Stamp Exhibition was virtually held from 10 Dec 2021 to 30 Dec 2021.  The exhibits were hosted on http://www.exhibit.bangabandhu2021.com.  Initially, it was planned to hold as Regional exhibition at Dhaka, Bangladesh.  But, due to COVID-19 situation, it was changed to virtual exhibition.  It was later recognized by FIAP as its 1st virtual exhibition.

BANGABANDHU 2021 was organized to celebrate Golden Jubilee Independence of Bangladesh and to commemorate birth centenary of its founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.  It displayed 543 frames of 160 exhibitors from 21 countries.  

Award Medal

 

Ko Thein Tun Kyaw exhibited his PPC exhibit titled Nostalgia of Burma in British Colonial Time.  His exhibit scored 78 points and won Large Silver medal.  Ko Toe's PPC exhibit titled People of Burma and Their Lifestyles scored 79 points and won Large Silver medal.

PHILANIPPON 2021 37th Asian International Stamp Exhibition

PHILANIPPON 2021 was originally planned as FIP World Stamp Championship.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the exhibition was changed to 37th Asian International Stamp Exhibition.  It was successfully held at Pacifico Yokohama Hall B/C from 25th Aug to 30th Aug 2021.  Total of 186 exhibits participated and 100 are literature exhibits.

I served as a Myanmar Commissioner for PHILANIPPON 2021.  For and on behalf of Myanmar Philatelic Society, the special prize was donated to PHILANIPPON.

Special Prize donated by Myanmar

 

My own exhibit was withdrawn due to some logistics issues.  Myanmar submitted one entry in literature class.  The book "Postage Stamps of Myanmar" by U Kyaw Myint Maung (Reggie) has scroed 78 points and won Large Silver medal award.  My congratulations to Reggie.

This book is the complete compilation or survey of Burma and Myanmar stamps. Every stamp has its own reason of issues and historical background on the topic matters. Based on author’s lifetime study and familiarity with all the many necessary sources, the most thorough and comprehensive book to date can now be published.

In this book, every stamp issues of Myanmar are discussed and illustrated in color, from the 1937 overprints to the Htamanè Festival stamp of 2019 February. For every stamp issues of Myanmar, the detail design study in terms of historical background and design elements are discussed. The motives that make the issue possible are also researched and discussed. Most importantly, the printing methods, printers, and other technical aspects are also studied in this book. The extremely complex BIA peacock overprints characterizations and Showa surcharges of the Occupation period are sensibly summarized.

As well as the philatelic details, much of the text is devoted to the historical context and subject matter of each issue, making the book accessible to the interested beginner, as well as a detailed reference.
A brief introduction provides a historical overview, and then eight colour coded sections cover each era of stamp issues, set by set. Each era shows depicts different administration, historical artifacts, and most interestingly political instability through the stamps. The era covered in this book are

• British Burma Era (1937-1947)
• Japanese Occupation Era (1942-1944)
• Parliament Democracy Era (1948-1961)
• Revolutionary Government Era (1962-1973)
• Burma Socialist Party Era (1974-1985)
• State Law and Order Restoration Council Era (1990-1997)
• State Peace and Development Council Era (1998-2010)
• Republic Myanmar (2010-2019)

Finally, there are some technical details, and useful tables and charts, covering aspects such as designs with flags, national titles, etc. This section includes the analytical study of stamp issues in different era, quantitative study of Myanmar stamps related to United Nations, Sports, Buddhism, Capital City, etc. It’s a measure of the regard with which the book has been received that a number of forewords are included by interested personalities, including U Htin Kyaw, ex-President of Myanmar.

Yangon University Centenary Philatelic Show

Myanmar Philatelic Society organizes a remarkable philatelic shows as part of the centenary celebration of Yangon University.  The show is running from 7 to 8 March 2020, at the recreation center of Yangon University.

Invitation card

Numismatic collectors also turned up with their collections to complement the show. Many MPS members participated in the shows with their exhibits. I exhibited my one frame exhibit titled as "Postal System in Myanmar and their Development 1990-1999".  The exhibit includes the developments of Myanmar Post postal system and their efforts for speedy delivery in 1990s with the study of hand stamps varieties.  Also the postage rates changes, registration labels introduced, modern mail censorship and postage due processing are presented in the postal history aspect.

First page of my exhibit

Yangon University Post Office open the PO counter at the exhibition.  The normal and registered mails are accepted, and sell stamps.  An official commemorative postmark is prepared.

PO Counter [Kamayut aka Yangon University PO]

<From left to right> U Sit Aung, U Mya Thaung, U Bo Bo,
U Khin Maung Yee, U Zaw Htun Lin, U Thein Tun Kyaw, U Sein Min

SINGPEX 2019 36th Asian International Stamp Exhibition

SINGPEX 2019 36th Asian International Stamp Exhibition was held at Suntec Convention and Exhibition Center from 31 Jul to 4 Aug 2019.  Competitive exhibits of 1207 frames and 38 literature exhibits from 26 countries participated in the show.

Exhibition Logo

I served my duties as a Commissioner for Myanmar.  Myanmar participants entered two exhibits under the competitive classes.

Commissioners

My own exhibit titled "The Development of Letter Sheets of Burma (Later Myanmar) 1946-2001" participated under the postal stationary class.   It scored 83 marks and won Vermeil medal.  The other exhibit under Literature class is the book written by Dr Kyaw Myint Maung.  The book named "The Articles on Stamp Collecting Hobby" scored 70 marks and won Silver medal. 

CHINA 2019 World Stamp Exhibition

CHINA 2019 World Stamp Exhibition was held at International Expo Center, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China from 11 to 17 June.  811 Exhibits in around 3433 frames and 145 literature exhibits from 87 countries participated in the show.

Logo of the exhibition

I served my duties as a Commissioner for Myanmar.  This is the first time for Myanmar to participate in World Stamp Exhibition under the patronage of FIP.  Myanmar participants entered two exhibits under the competitive classes. 

National Commissioners

My own exhibit titled "The Development of Letter Sheets of Burma (Later Myanmar) 1946-2001" participated under the postal stationary class.   It scored 86 marks and won Large Vermeil medal.  Since the last national exhibition at which it attained qualifying status beyond national level, this exhibit has been improved all the way to FIP LV medal.

The other exhibit under Literature class is the book written by Dr Kyaw Myint Maung.  The book named "The Articles on Stamp Collecting Hobby" scored 73 marks and won Silver medal.  Both exhibits will be entered into FIAP Singpex 2019 exhibition as well.

Although it is the first time participation for Myanmar, exhibitors grab nice ranking medals.  During the palmares night, Mr Tay Peng Hian, the Honorary President of FIP and Consultant to CHINA 2019, mentioned and acknowledged the first participation of "Myanmar" in FIP World Exhibition and welcomed us.

Four-nation Stamp Exhibition, 2018

Four-nation stamp exhibition aka Baliphex (2018) was held at I AM Bali 3D Interactive Museum, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia from 7 to 8 August.  I have exhibited my five frames exhibit titled as "The Development of Letter Sheets of Burma (Later Myanmar) 1946 - 2001" under the postal stationary class.  And this exhibit hit 78 points and won the Vermeil medal and this exhibit is now qualified to be exhibited in international exhibitions.

This is the first time entry for this exhibit.  It show the various development of the letter sheets of Burma through the years from the first issue up to the year 2001.  The study of paper types, shades and colors, the different varieties, types of watermarks, their usages and new designs with postal rates.  It shows all the known air letter types of Burma through the total of 153 sheets.