Taipei to host 39th Asian International Stamp Exhibition

Themed “Wandering in the Stamp World,” the 39th Asian International Stamp Exhibition will run from Aug. 11 to 15 at the Taipei World Trade Center Exhibition Hall 1 (Area A), inviting philatelists as well as exhibitors from 26 countries and territories, who are also members of the Federation of Inter-Asian Philately, to participate in the event. By exhibiting different stamps, the exhibition is poised to take all participants on a magical trip around the world while presenting the stories behind the stamps as well as the beauty of cultural diversity. It also aims to promote stamp collecting and convey important aspects of the philatelic culture.

The exhibition kicked off with a grand opening ceremony featuring colorful and alluring dances by a professional performance group Vitality Dance Theater, which symbolizes the vitality and cultural soft power of the 39th Asian International Stamp Exhibition. The dance performance “Angelic Wings of a Butterfly,” which embodies the elements of power and beauty, is expressed through rhythmic movements of the dancer’s body. At the invitation of Chairman of Chunghwa Post Wu Hong-mo, Premier Chen Chien-jen, Executive Yuan Secretary-General Li Meng-yen, spokesperson Lin Tze-luen, Transport Minister Wang Kwo-tsai, Director of National Palace Museum Hsiao Tsung-huang, Chunghwa Post President Chiang Jui-tang, President of FIP and FIAP Dr. Prakob Chirakiti, FIAP coordinator Richard Tan, FIAP Vice President Chen Yu-an, Chunghwa Postal Workers’ Union Chairman Michael Ho, Taiwan External Trade Development Council Executive VP Felix Chiu, and other distinguished guests were present at the ceremony.

The Taipei 2023 - 39th Asian International Stamp Exhibition is divided into multiple areas and showcases about 1,050 frames of stamp collections that have won awards both domestically and internationally. The highlights include the "Earliest Known Cover with Imperial China Stamps," "Taiwan Commercial Postage Stamp," "Taiwan Stamp," and other classic Chinese stamps. Twenty-one sets of Grand Prix award-winning collections will also be on display, with the most eye-catching display being the world's most valuable stamp " British Guiana one-cent magenta," which will be displayed in Asia for the first time. The central exhibition area, decorated with imagery of Taiwan blended with stamps from around the world, is split into five thematic areas: Magical Tunnel of Stamps, The Beauty of Formosa, Youth Dance Zone, Gourmet Zone, and Classic Stamps Zone; there will also be an additional area that focuses on the topic of the pandemic.

Besides the exhibition, there will be an exciting line-up of performances at the main stage area, including a circus performance by On.P.Young Circus. Director of the National Palace Museum Hsiao Tsung-huang will attend the expert sharing session to share more about the century-old treasure that is printed on stamps and its history. At the same time, Taiwanese TV host Lin Wei-yi will also share his travel tips and experiences while exploring the characteristics of the local spots that are printed on the stamps.

The Taipei 2023 - 39th Asian International Stamp Exhibition will be held for five consecutive days from Aug. 11 to 15. Based on the different daily themes, Chunghwa Post will issue limited-edition stamps such as the “TAIPEI 2023 – 39ᵗʰ Asian International Stamp Exhibition Commemorative Issue,” “TAIPEI 2023 – 39ᵗʰ Asian International Stamp Exhibition Souvenir Sheet: Colorful Porcelain,” “TAIPEI 2023 – 39ᵗʰ Asian International Stamp Exhibition Souvenir Sheets: SANRIO CHARACTERS,” “TAIPEI 2023 – 39ᵗʰ Asian International Stamp Exhibition Postage Stamps: Taiwan in Literature,” “TAIPEI 2023 – 39ᵗʰ Asian International Stamp Exhibition Postage Stamps: Myriad Butterflies,” and “Purple Crow Butterfly Postage Label.” Everyone is invited to visit the exhibition and experience the charm of stamps. Please visit the official website of the exhibition for more information (https://taipei2023.post.gov.tw).

Contact:Zheng Li-huaDeputy Director, Dept. of Philately02-23921310 (ext. 2452)