THE HONG KONG postal service issued its first postage stamp in 1862. Back then, figureheads were in fashion and the stamp bore a portrait of Queen Victoria engraved by Jean Ferdinand Joubert and printed in Britain.
In the intervening 143 years, however, much about Hong Kong's postal service has changed, especially in the decade since it became an independently run trading fund.
In the days when Hongkong Post was still managed by the government, stamps were viewed very much for their functional value and designs were conservative. Stamps were issued with little or no public involvement.
It is only in the past decade that people have begun to voice their opinions and suggestions on stamp designs and themes. And, with its new-found focus on the market, Hongkong Post has been listening to its customers.
'We conduct research annually and invite suggestions on stamp themes from the public and government departments
such as the tourism commission as well as universities,' said Amy Ng, general manager of stamps and philately.