Tech-savvy approach to collecting

The Star

14-05-2025

COLLECTORS and enthusiasts were treated to an interesting showcase at the 8th Penang International Malayan Banknote and Stamps Fair, where a wide range of items – from vintage stamps to rare debenture certificates – were on display.
The event in George Town was touted as the largest in Penang.
Organised by Malayan Banknote Fair (MBF), the three-day fair featured 34 exhibitors from around the world including Australia, China, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Vietnam and the United Kingdom, as well as various states in Malaysia.
Richard showing the white paper sheet once used by the British to print currency for the Reserve Bank of India during the early 1900s.
MBF founder Richard Lim said one of the highlights was a piece from his personal collection – a copy of the front page of the Daily Mail continental edition dated Sept 28, 1944, featuring a striking image of an Allied soldier during World War II.
'I bought this newspaper several years ago from a shop at Chowrasta Market for RM10 each, and picked up several copies at the time.
'I later sold some to a collector for RM1,000 each, but I decided to keep one copy for myself and had it framed,' he said.
A visitor admiring Richard's framed copy of the front page of the Daily Mail Continental edition dated Sept 28, 1944 and other vintage items on display at the fair. (April 25, 2025) — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star.
Richard said another notable item on display was a white paper sheet once used by the British to print currency for the Reserve Bank of India during the early 1900s.
What made it particularly unique, he explained, was that the sheet had already received its first layer of currency print and was en route to India when the ship carrying it was bombed by German forces during World War I.
The 8th Penang International Malayan Banknote and Stamps Fair featured 34 local and international exhibitors. Some of the vintage stamps belonging to philatelist Beng Yeong. Among the prized pieces in his collection are the 1930 Malayan Tiger series. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star Some of the old coins on display and available for purchase at the fair held at the mall in Penang. A visitor taking a closer look at a framed copy of the front page of the Daily Mail continental edition dated Sept 28, 1944 and other vintage items.
Richard said his personal collection also included a debenture certificate from Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce, a 5,000 won banknote from North Korea and a RM2 Malaysian currency note.
Philatelist Lim Beng Yeong has amassed thousands of stamps over the past 40 years, dating from the British colonial era.
Penang International BanknoteStamp Fair at 2nd floor event hall, 1st Avenue Mall in George Town, Penang. (April 25, 2025) — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star.
Among the prized pieces in his collection are the 1930 Malayan Tiger series, 1948 British Malayan Administration issue, rare Johore Postage and Revenue stamps and Kelantan Postage and Revenue stamps dating back to the 1900s.
'I bought these stamps from other collectors; some were given to me as gifts,' said Beng Yeong, adding that the collection is kept at his house in Alor Setar, Kedah.
To preserve his stamps, especially the older and vintage ones, Beng Yeong stores them in albums and protective plastic sleeves to maintain their condition and ensure their longevity.
Some of the collectors' items on sale at the fair, including memorabilia of current US president Donald Trump and his wife Melania.
Collecting stamps is not an expensive hobby and can be a good starting point for children, he said.
'Sometimes, a set of stamps only costs around RM5 to RM10.
'Of course, rare and vintage ones are priced higher, but they are not overly expensive,' said Beng Yeong.
'I believe that stamp collecting not only preserves history, but also offers insights into a nation's identity and heritage.'
He encouraged the younger generation to take up the hobby, suggesting that schools and community centres host philately workshops or exhibitions to spark interest.
Beng Yeong lamented that children nowadays were more inclined towards video games, rather than hobbies such as stamp collecting.
'Stamp collecting teaches patience, research skills and an appreciation for culture.
Visitors and collectors browsing through items on display at the three-day event.
'It is more than a hobby; it is a journey through time,' he pointed out.
In addition to old coins, banknotes and rare stamps, the event also featured the world's first polymer banknote from Australia.
Australian exhibitor Rick Coleman said the banknote was released in 1988 to commemorate the bicentenary of the arrival of the First Fleet Down Under.
'The note is the AUD10 bill, which features an image of (18th century) explorer Captain James Cook,' he said, adding that the polymer banknote is now valued at around AUD50 (RM140).
A passionate collector for over 40 years, Coleman is a familiar face at international banknote fairs in Malaysia and around the world.
He also has a collector shop in his hometown of Bundaberg, Queensland.
Some of the old coins that were on display and on sale at Penang International BanknoteStamp Fair at 2nd floor event hall, 1st Avenue Mall in George Town, Penang. (April 25, 2025) — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star.
At the fair, collectors were introduced to the mobile technology behind a trusted coin and banknote authentication system – an app developed by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).
PCGS business development assistant manager Vincent Lee said the app marked a step forward in helping Malaysian collectors verify and manage their prized collections with ease and confidence.
'It is important for collectors to have their coins and banknotes graded and verified,' he said.
'With this app, people no longer need to second-guess the authenticity or market value of their collectibles,' said Lee.
Coleman holding the world's first polymer banknote from Australia. He was one of the international exhibitors at the three-day event.
The PCGS Cert Verification app allows users to scan a barcode or QR code on a PCGS label, or manually enter the seven- or eight-digit certification number, to instantly access critical information.
These include the item's denomination, date, mint mark, grade, mintage, holder type, PCGS population statistics and price guide value.
For an extra layer of security, the app also features C Gold Shield technology that allows collectors to securely verify the coin's details and makes it almost impossible to forge.
'Collectors spend years, sometimes decades, building their collections.
'Tools like the PCGS app help preserve that investment while enhancing its transparency, especially for buyers, sellers and even historians,' said Lee.
The event also featured a talk titled 'Scammers and Cyber Crime' by DSP Pang Meng Tuck, deputy head of the Penang police's Commercial Crime Investigation Department (Intelligence/ Operations).