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Speech for Mr. Allan CHIANG, the Postmaster General, at the "Children Stamps - My Favourite Toys and Games" Special Stamps Issuing Ceremony

Leo, our four young stamp designers, distinguished guests and friends from the media.

Staggered with school holidays and festive occasions, April is most welcome among children. No sooner has the Children's Day gone than Easter shadows in. And, to us, the timing of the issue of "Children Stamps - My Favourite Toys and Games" special stamps is just right

Talking of children's favourites, our guest Mr. Leo KU who has published two comic books before, is not just talented in performing arts but also good at comic drawing. So are our four young stamp designers. The four special stamps we issued today are adopted from their winning entries. There is an old saying, "Like loves like", so when we fretted over who should be our officiating guest, Leo topped the list. Leo, thank you for being here with us. Our special thanks must also go to LEGO Hong Kong Ltd and Whiz-kids Express of South China Media for their promotional support.

"Our children hold our community's future in their hands", another saying goes. So, children's well-being and their healthy growth, both mentally and physically, are of consequence. Learning is important and so is playing. Now, let's take the four classic childhood games depicted on the stamps for examples as every of them is good for children in its own way.

• The $1.4 stamp features the game of "Scissors, Paper, Stone". This is a very simple game but it is also the world's most popular method of making decision or setting priority. To play, there must be at least two players in the field, so children who always engage in this game, imperceptibly become compliant and cooperative.
• The $2.4 stamp portrays a Chinese chess game, one of our treasured heritages. In the game, young players are trained to think logically and strategically.
• The $3 stamp gives a picture of "bubble blowing". To blow a run-of-the-mill bubble is not tricky at all but talking of a big round bubble, it is wholly different. So, we believe that children become unyielding to imperfection as they keep trying for the most beautiful bubble.
• The $5 stamp shows a hopscotch grid. Hopscotch is a game that requires a sound coordination of eyes, hands, and legs. Just take a look at the grid that children draw and the way they play the game, you have to admire their vigour and creativity. With a piece of chalk, they draw on the sidewalk. Without it, they take stones or even ropes for the grids and spend the rest of the day happily hopping on the ground.

Like the good games above, stamp collecting is a healthy pastime for children that cost them little. And as they turn into old hands, they become more broadminded, more creative and more uncomplaining. Aren't these the promises that modern all-round education aspires to? Since stamp collecting is such a good hobby, I therefore call on you, both parents and educators, to actively promote it among the youth.

Thank you.