{
  "id": 1044035,
  "title": "Can Singapore's young stamp collectors keep the 'king of hobbies' alive?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/can-singapores-young-stamp-collectors-keep-the-king-of-hobbies-alive",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-15T13:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Channel News Asia",
    "slug": "channel-news-asia",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/in-pixels/stamp-collectors-hobby-young-alive-6316866"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Once renowned as the \"king of hobbies,\" stamp collecting was once a beloved pastime among Singapore schoolchildren. However, in today's fast-paced digital world, fewer individuals are captivated by its slower, more contemplative nature. Despite this shift, Mr. Sim Jen Lun, a 25-year-old enthusiast, is challenging the trend. Since 2015, he has accumulated a collection of over 4,000 stamps, ranging from commemorative Singapore issues to stamps from North Korea and other East Asian nations.\n\nFor seasoned collectors like 59-year-old Mr. Victor Lau, the allure extends beyond the stamps themselves. The old postmarks, postal slogans, and envelopes provide glimpses into Singapore's social history, from the now-defunct post office on Pulau Bukom to campaigns promoting the consumption of frozen fish.\n\nGau Poh Teck, the principal of Sengkang Green Primary School, shares a similar vision. By incorporating the study of stamps into the school's curriculum, he hopes to ignite curiosity and learning in the next generation.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Singapore once a stamp collecting hub for schoolchildren",
    "Enthusiast Sim Jen Lun amasses 4,000+ stamps since 2015",
    "School integrates stamp study into curriculum to engage youth"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}