North Borneo stamp collection earns Malaysian philatelist international recognition with rare gold awards

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 14 — William Wang, a 67-year-old North Borneo stamp collector, has garnered international recognition for his philatelic hobby. His passion, which began at the age of ten, offers a unique way to explore history, knowledge, and the evolution of society. Wang's collection includes stamps issued between 1883 and 1963, as well as old envelopes, postcards, postmarks, and a pre-stamp issued in 1845.

He believes that philately provides a therapeutic escape from digital fatigue by enabling focused attention, patience, and curiosity in studying history without digital distractions.

As a member of the Malaysian Philatelic Society (PSM), Wang has participated in exhibitions across several countries, including Indonesia, New Zealand, Uruguay, China, Brazil, and Thailand, all funded by himself. In August 2022, he received a Large Gold Medal for his exhibit, "The Postal History of Labuan & North Borneo Before and Under Chartered Company Rule," at an exhibition in Bangkok, Thailand.

He was also honored with a Large Gold and Special Award in Uruguay, becoming the first Malaysian to receive such recognition under the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP). The achievements have gained the attention of Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, who congratulated Wang through a 45-second video message.

Wang explains that determining a stamp's authenticity involves examining its color and perforations, or "stamp teeth." His collection has also been authenticated by The Royal Philatelic Society London. He sources items for his collection through auctions and carefully assesses each piece's condition, history, and authenticity. To maintain the collection, Wang replaces stamp hinges every ten years to prevent color fading due to weather conditions.

With fewer than ten Malaysian collectors attending international exhibitions, Wang hopes to inspire more young people to discover philately as a hobby with historical value, and to encourage more stamp exhibitions in Sabah.