Global success for stamp designers
Four YOUNG Hong Kong artists' work will soon be seen worldwide - and none of them are more than 11 years old. They are the winners of the 2003 Children Stamps Design Competition.
Tsoi Ka-lai, Belinda Chan Hoi-yan, Yuen Nga-pui and Liu Chap-yin - aged between nine and 11 - were selected from 5,200 entrants who submitted drawings on the theme of 'My Favourite Toys and Games'.
Postmaster General Allan Chiang Yam-wang said the competition was beneficial for many reasons.
'The objective of this competition is to encourage children to express their passion for their favourite toys and games through drawings and to provide an opportunity for them to demonstrate their talent in design,' Mr Chiang said.
'This is also part of Hongkong Post's continuous effort to stimulate an interest in stamp collection among children. It is best to develop the hobby at an early age.' The winning entries depict popular children's games - stone, paper, scissors; Chinese chess; bubble blowing and Hopscotch.
Last week, Hongkong Post launched the four designs on a first day cover.
Stamps with a value of $1.40, $2.40, $3 and $5 have also been issued.
In addition to having their designs recognised worldwide, the children also received cash prizes of $2,000 and a trophy.
At the ceremony, the four young artists fixed their designs on to a backdrop while the Mr Chiang and Canto-pop singer Leo Ku Kui-kei added other elements such as place of issue and value. Mr Chiang presented framed stamps and first day covers to the winners and Ku.
To promote the special stamp issue, Hongkong Post has launched the Great Bricks Count game for customers who spend $11.80 or more on the children's stamps. The game involves guessing how many Lego bricks it takes to make a life-size post box and post van.
The contestant who guesses correctly will win Lego toys worth $10,000.
The deadline for the Great Bricks Count game is May 15.
