For rare Malaya stamp collector it’s an investment

It’s been almost five decades since the stamp bug bit Joshua Ong Kuee Hong and it still refuses to let him go.

“Even back in secondary school, I was aware that stamps have value and can be bought and sold. I started off collecting stamps from all over the world, and Malaysian first day covers, too. It was only when I started working in 1983, and upon joining the Philatelic Society of Malaysia (PSM), that I became a serious collector or a philatelist, specialising in Malaya collection,” shares Ong, 57, the group human resources manager of a private limited company.

The Ong siblings used to collect stamps during their school days, but as time passed, they started pursuing other interests and ignored the stamps. Only Ong steadfastly continued.

He says, “All of them are aware of my passion in philately, though none of them share it. My mum still reminds me to sell them since I can make money out of them; to her, it is a ‘buy and sell’ business. Most collectors will not part with their prized items since once sold, there is practically no opportunity to buy them back later, even if one has the money.”

A fine strike of the very scarce temporary ‘triple ring oval rubber stamp’ of Rasa post office.

A rare usage of the newspaper stationery wrapper; one of the only two examples recorded. It was sent from Kuala Lumpur to the United States on ‘9-4-31’.

Quality is of utmost importance when Ong eyes a stamp.

“The stamp should be well-centered. For mint (unused) stamps, it must, preferably, not be hinged (gum is not disturbed) and fresh (no toning). Unfortunately, our humid climate is not too kind on mint stamps and will result in toning if the stamps are not well kept. For used stamps, the cancellation must be light and neat,” he says.

Ong’s passion lies in collecting postal history and he reckons his knowledge of Malaya stamps is among the best in the country.

“Postal history means collecting the complete envelope affixed with the stamp. We study the postmark (ie in which post office the letter was posted), the routes taken for the delivery of the letter and the postal rates.”

Stamps document history and contain a wealth of information. They are often issued to commemorate or celebrate a special occasion (present and/or historical) and/or the unique diversity of our country.

“It is also good for nation building. This is where cultivation of stamp collecting must be actively promoted in schools, perhaps as one of the curriculum activities. It is certainly heartening that over the last two years, both the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and Pos Malaysia have given PSM good support in our promotion of stamp collecting, especially at the international exhibition level.”

Often, Ong attends the annual international stamp auction held in Singapore. Or he gets friends to bid at auctions on his behalf.

The earliest recorded date of the Alor Star Post Office being opened in 1887.

Ong started collecting stamps while still in primary school.

“Nowadays, the auction house also provides direct live bidding through the phones. So, as long as the price is within my budget, I will go all out for an important item that is scarce or vital for my collection. Prices can also be subjective. If two collectors want an item, it can often go up to a ridiculous level!”

Over the past 30 years, and with “bits of luck at times”, Ong has acquired some unique and rare pieces. These items have appreciated in value over the years and are priceless as they are irreplaceable.

Serious philatelists take part in multiple exhibitions nationally, regionally and internationally, and Ong is no exception.

Initially, there were no separate exhibiting categories, but over time, certain aspects of philately were developed as separate categories, like traditional philately, postal history, postal stationery, thematic philately and more.

Among his prize-winning pride is the Siam 4 Atts Reply Stationery Card used in Alor Star on “27-10-1887”. This is the earliest recorded date of the Kedah post office being opened during the Siam administration.

“The card was used as illustration to the issuance of a miniature sheet in 2012, in conjunction with the 125 years of the opening of the Kedah post office. I acquired the card at an international auction in Singapore in 2001,” he says proudly.

Another item is the “Straits Settlements 2c brown value overprinted Selangor (SS2cS)” dated “29-8-1882”, a historical document as it is addressed to the second British Resident of Selangor.

The only recorded cover with the “Straits Settlements 2c brown value overprinted Selangor.” It travelled in 1882 from Kuala Lumpur – Klang – Malacca – Singapore.

Ong explains, “This is, so far, the only recorded example of the SS2cS used on (an envelope’s) cover and is thus unique! I acquired it on eBay many years ago when there were fewer active collectors. This would also be the jewel in the crown of any Selangor exhibit.”

His Kedah exhibit has won the “Gold” award three times – in Russia in 2007, Brazil in 2013 and Singapore in 2015, earning his prised possession international repute.

A fortnight ago, Ong participated in the 32nd Asian International Stamp Exhibition in Bangkok, Thailand. The same Kedah exhibit received the “Large Gold” award, much to his delight.

Two medallions Ong received at philately exhibitions.

“I believe this is an important milestone for Malayan philately as no “Large Gold” has been awarded before for an exhibition of a single Malayan state. Hopefully, with this breakthrough, the importance of Malayan philately will be better recognised.”

Stamps can fetch mind-boggling prices. The rarely seen, one-of-a-kind 1856 British Guiana One-Cent Magenta, was sold by Sotheby’s auction house in 2014 for a whopping RM38.3 million. Yes, Ong had a longing glimpse of it in New York.

“If by chance, one day I was presented with this unique stamp, I will gladly sell it and from the proceeds, build the best Malaya/Straits Settlements exhibit/collection ever assembled!” he exclaims.

Philately can be a good alternative investment, but Ong would not recommend it to anyone unless he or she has a personal interest. His prized collection is tucked safely in the bank, but Ong will part with it if an appropriate sum is offered.

He says, “I have invested a fair amount of my savings in building up a few top notch exhibits. And I believe that I will get more than a fair return when the time comes for me to sell. I will definitely have to dispose a portion for my children’s tertiary education. Whatever remains, I will leave it to my two daughters. Hopefully, in time, they will learn to appreciate the joys of stamp collecting.”

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Source : Star2.com