Limited edition stamps to mark United Nations IYC 2012

SINGAPORE: Singapore will mark the United Nations International Year of Co—operatives (IYC) 2012 with the launch of five legal tender, limited edition stamps on June 9.

The stamp series, the first of its kind, will be unveiled by President Tony Tan Keng Yam at the Marina Barrage in a large—scale event known as "Co—opalicouz".

15,000 members of the co—operative movement, along with their families and the public, will also join in the celebrations.

Commissioned by the Singapore National Co—operative Federation (SNCF) and issued by SingPost, the stamps trace the milestones of the co—operative movement in Singapore.

That includes the birth of Singapore’s First Co—operative, the Singapore Government Servants’ Co—operative Thrift and Loan Society in 1925, and that of the NTUC Co—operatives in 1969.

Winning entries from a SNCF photo competition will also be displayed at the event.

Attendees can also take part in a mass reading activity of one of the Co—operative Children’s Books.

SNCF chairman Mr Chan Tee Seng said the launch is an important step towards raising awareness for Singapore’s co—operatives.

"In Singapore, more than one in three Singaporeans are members of co—operatives. The IYC is an opportunity to bring people together, raise public awareness for our cause, and demonstrate that by coming together as one, we can do much more for ourselves and for Singapore," he said.

Singpost assistant vice president (Philatelic & Stamps) Peggy Teo added, "We hope that stamp collectors and the general public will be inspired by the principles of the co—operative movement and its national contributions to Singapore."

The Limited Edition First Day Covers are available to the general public at local post offices on May 31, and during the official launch on June 9.

Pre—orders can also be made online at shop.vpost.com.sg.

— CNA/cc