These coins mark Singapore’s progress as a nation. The Monetary Authority of Singapore made this announcement on 21 February 2013. The exact date of issue has yet to be announced, but MAS has indicated that all denominations of the new coin will be issued “simultaneously by the middle of 2013″.

These coins will be struck by the Royal Canadian Mint with enhanced security features. The lion head is found on the reverse of each coin in the series as a unifying symbol. Also, the coins feature larger denomination numerals for easier identification. The obverse of the third series coins remain as the Singapore Coat of Arms, and “Singapore” in the four official languages.

The one dollar coin will be struck on a bimetallic planchet. It also features a laser mark micro-engraving of Singapore’s national flower – the Vanda Miss Joaqium. The new $1 coin will be larger than the current $1 coin, while retaining the octagonal frame along the coin rim. With a diameter of 24.65 mm, the new $1 coin is approximately the same size as the current 50c coin (at 24.66 mm in comparison).

Coins of the third series will be progressively sized by denomination.

The first series of coins was issued back in 1967, in denominations of 1c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c and $1. The second series of coins featuring flowers in the garden city was issued in 1985 and is currently in general circulation.

To commemorate Singapore’s golden jubilee in 2015, the Association of Singapore Philatelists has won the bid to host the World Stamp Exhibition here. Four sets of stamps featuring designs from previous years will be issued each year leading up to 2015. They include Queen Elizabeth II Definitives (1955), Fishes, Orchids and Birds Definitives (1962-1966), National Day (1960) and Osaka Expo (1970). These stamps have been selected to revive the memories of collectors and to showcase Singapore’s progress and developments over the years.

The first series released on 31 August 2012 feature two designs from the Fishes, Orchids and Birds Definitives (1962-1966).

The Yellow-breasted Sunbird (Leptocoma jugularis) is commonly seen near Singapore’s shorelines. When taking off, this sunbird produces a chipping sound made by knocking two pebbles. Attracted to red flowers in particular, it is depicted in front a firecracker plant (Russelia juncea) on the stamp.

The White-bellied Sea Eagle is also often spotted around the coastal areas and on offshore islands. It can also be seen hovering the skies in circles at Labrador Park. To feed on crabs, these eagles drop the crabs from a height onto rocks in order to break their hard shells.

The collectors’ sheet containing two $5 stamps is sold for $12.80. The stamps feature the same design as their $2 counterparts.

Denomination: 2 designs of $2
Miniature Sheet: 2 designs of $2
Stamp size: 29.5 mm by 39.5 mm
Miniature sheet size: 102 mm by 81 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet content: 10
Designer: Chan Willie

This is a very special set of stamp in terms of design. Firstly, it is printed with hot stamp foiling on most stamps. In addition, the 60 sen stamps featuring the coins are hexagonal in shape, complete with embossing to bring out the intricate details on the coin.

The RM 5 stamps featuring the banknotes contain silver foil hot stamping to carefully represent the security thread on the notes, including that of the RM 50 note.

These new notes are to replace the previous series that has been in circulation for over ten years. The coins have also been released into general circulation earlier in the year. Banknotes can be exchanged over the counter at most major banks in Malaysia.

Denomination: 8 designs of 60 sen
Miniature Sheet: 6 designs of RM 5
Stamp size: 35 mm by 40 mm, hexagon
Miniature sheet size: 100 mm by 70 mm
Stamp in Miniature Sheet: 60 mm by 40 mm
Perforation: 14
Sheet content: 20
Designer: Reign Associates Sdn Bhd

Singapore’s $50 banknote now carries the one triangle symbol on the reverse (below the word Arts). The signature on the new paper money has also been updated to that of Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam. This is the first denomination of banknotes to reflect his appointment as the new Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

The first prefix for this variety is 4AA. Currently, other prefixes including 4AC, 4AD, 4AE, 4AF, 4AG, 4AJ, 4AL and 4AQ, 4AT and 4AU have been observed in circulation.

Update (12 July): Prefixes 4AH, 4AM, 4AR were spotted.

Update (14 July): Prefix 4AP was spotted.

Update (20 July): Prefixes 4AK, 4AS were spotted.

Update (25 July): Prefixes 4AA, 4AB were spotted; unseen prefix 4AN.

Update (10 August): Prefix 4AV was spotted.

The MAS $50 banknote has three different signatures to date, including that of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (released in August 2004, 2AA) and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong (released in November 2009, 3AA). Both used to hold the position of Chairman MAS. Before the MAS issue, the Board of Commissioners of Currency Singapore (BCCS) has issued banknotes signed by Richard Hu (released in September 1999, 0AA; reprinted in 2011, 1AA to 1HF and 1JJ) and Lee Hsien Loong (released in 2002, 1HL to 1HZ and 1KA to 1KN).

MAS started issuing banknotes with symbols printed on the reverse since 2008 as an added security feature for their internal authentication. It has been understood that these symbols are used to indicate the print batch number for that particular denomination, and two of the future symbols will include the circle and star.

It is observed that two denominations printed during the same period may not have the same symbol. For example, the one triangle symbol is used on the $50 note (printed some time between 21 May 2011 and early July 2012) while the $10 banknote with one triangle was released in November 2010. The $2 note with one triangle was first spotted in circulation in February 2011.

On 11 July 2011, first reprint stamps for the 20c, 30c and 50c denominations will be made available at philatelic outlets across the island. They include the branches at Change Alley, Changi Airport, Chinatown, Jurong Point, Killiney Road, Singapore Post Centre, Robinson Road, Tanglin, Thomson Road, Toa Payoh Central and Woodlands.

Each stamp will be marked 2011B. These stamps can be purchased individually. For special requests including colour checks, plate numbers and reprint markings (“RP”), a minimum of a block of 4 stamps per denomination must be purchased, subject to the availability of stocks.

In addition, the first reprint of the Pond Life Definitives booklets (2012B) will be made available. At the bottom right corner of the stamp, the “2012B” is printed in black, instead of “2012A” in white. In addition, the “1RP” marking is found at the bottom right corner of the self-adhesive stamp booklet.

Among the three gardens at Gardens by the Bay, Bay South is the largest. Spanning 54 hectares, Bay South will feature the best of tropical horticulture and garden artistry through two contrasting sets of foliage, the Heritage Gardens and the World of Plants. Two cooled conservatories and man-made supertrees ranging from 25 metres to 50 metres in height form the backdrop of Bay South. The 32-hectare Bay East spans 2 kilometre along the Marina Reservoir to link Gardens by the Bay with East Coast Park. The 15-hectare Bay Central will provide access to cultural activities at The Esplanade Theatres on the Bay arts centre.

The new attraction is a short five-minute walk from Bayfront MRT. A free shuttle service operates between Marina Bay MRT station and Gardens by the Bay at ten-minute intervals, from 9 am to 9 pm daily.

Stamp size: 120 mm by 40 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet content: 10
Designer: Eng Siak Loy

Images and adapted text: Singapore Post

On 31 May 2012, Singapore Post has released a set of postage stamps to mark the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives (IYC) 2012. These stamps highlights five milestones in the Singapore Co-operative Movement, including Founders of the Co-operative Principles in 1844 ($1.10), Birth of Singapore’s First Co-operative in 1925 ($1.10), Birth of NTUC Co-operatives in 1969 (50 c), Birth of the Singapore National Co-operative Federation in 1980 (1st Local), and Singapore celebrating the International Year of Co-operatives 2012 (1st Local).

On 9 June 2012, President Tony Tan will launch ‘Co-opalicouz’, an event which will attract some 15000 members of the co-operative movement and the general public. The theme for the International Year of Co-operatives is ‘Co-operative Enterprises Build a Better World’.

Denomination: 2 designs of 1st Local, 1 design of 50 c, 2 designs of $1.10
Stamp size: 37.5 mm by 38.2 mm
Perforation: 14.40 x 14.61
Sheet content: 10
Designer: Alynn Teo

Images and adapted text: Singapore Post

51 Bishan Street 13
#01-03
Bishan Community Club
Singapore 579799

Operating hours as follows:

Mondays to Fridays: 9.30am to 6.00pm
Saturdays: 9.30am to 2.00pm
Sundays & Public Holidays: Closed

The new Bishan Post Office will provide a wide range of postal, remittance and agency services. In addition, the 24-hour SAM will also be available at this post office.

The following 5 metal datestamps will also be provided:

BISHAN
BISHAN A
BISHAN B
BISHAN C
BISHAN D

Bank Negara Malaysia has announced that the new Malaysian banknotes series will be introduced into circulation from 16 July 2012, replacing the current series that has been in circulation for over ten years. Themed ‘Distinctively Malaysia’, the banknotes feature intricate illustrations of the nation’s culture and traditions. In this series, the RM 2 banknote was no longer issued, while a new RM 20 banknote was included in the line-up.

The fourth series of Malaysian banknotes consists of six denominations, including RM 1 (Traditional Pastimes: Wau Bulan), RM 5 (Wildlife: Rhinoceros Hornbill), RM 10 (Flora: Rafflesia Azlanii), RM 20 (Marine Life: Hawksbill, Leatherback Turtle), RM 50 (Agriculture and Technology: Oil Palm, Biotechnology) and RM 100 (Natural Wonders: Mount Kinabalu, Gunung Api Valley).

The obverses of the banknotes retain the portrait of the first Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Tuanku Muhammad. In addition, other common motifs on the banknotes include Malaysia’s national flower (Rosa-sinensis hibiscus) and patterns of traditional songket weaving in the background.

The smaller denominations of banknotes (RM 1, RM 5) are more commonly used in day-to-day transactions and printed on polymer to increase their level of durability. The larger denominations remain printed on paper.

Incorporating modern printing technology and security features, the fourth series of Malaysian banknotes contains a pixel watermark portrait with highlight numeral, as well as the use of micro lens thread and iridescent patch. Existing security features which are retained in the fourth series include perfect registration, multicolour latent image, intaglio printing, microprinting, colour shifting security thread, holographic stripes and UV elements.

Bank Negara Malaysia has also released a commemorative folder containing the fourth series of Malaysian banknotes on 22 December 2011. The complete set, limited to 50,000 sets and priced at RM 300, consists of six banknotes of the same serial number. Currently, low serial numbers – AA0001500 and below – have not been observed, except for AA0000001 which is used throughout BNM’s website. Two smaller folders, one containing the RM 20 banknote (sold for RM 30) and another containing the RM 1 and RM 5 banknotes (sold for RM 15) were also available, with a more generous supply of 500,000 sets.

If you have been to Malaysia in the past few years, you would have already noticed the new RM 50 note in circulation. This banknote was first introduced in December 2007 to commemorate Malaysia’s 50th Anniversary of Independence. The first 50 million pieces (AA0000001 to AE9999999) of the note is overprinted with the logo of the 50th Anniversary of Independence on the reverse, including 20,000 sets sold in a limited edition folder. A number of these overprinted notes continue to exist in circulation alongside those which does not contain the overprint (AF0000001 onwards). The new RM 50 banknotes released in December 2011 have 3-letter prefixes (AAA0000001 to AAA0050000).

Image: Bank Negara Malaysia Website

Wet markets are a common sight in many neighbourhoods around Singapore, and is part and parcel of the weekly routine of a number of residents they serve. It is said to meet the basic needs of the community, providing a convenient space for interaction among members of the public. The stallholders would use ice to ensure that the seafood is fresh, and from time to time, clean their stalls with water. Due to the wet floors, these markets are commonly known as wet markets.

Four new stamps featuring common sights in wet markets were released on 18 April 2012.

Back in the 19th century, markets used to comprise loose clusters of vendors and peddlers with their wares spread out neatly on the ground or in baskets. In 1822, a market was constructed near the north end of Market Street, under the order of Sir Stamford Raffles. In the 20th century, more wet markets were developed to house street hawkers.  Many of these markets were integrated with the development of public housing in the 1950s and 1960s, as part of a neighbourhood centre, gathering residents around the area.

Today, there 107 markets cum hawker centres located across Singapore. Over the next decade, 10 more hawker centres will be built, with emphasis on hygiene and cleanliness. Eventually, wet markets will be drier and their existence will be very much a part of history.

Denomination: 4 designs of 80 c
Stamp size: 40 mm by 30 mm
Perforation: 16
Sheet content: 10
Designer: Andrew Tan (Drewscape)

Images and adapted text: Singapore Post