Goh: We want to encourage children to collect stamps so as to reduce their over indulgence in handphone.
SIBU: The Sarawak Philatelic & Numismatic Society plans to introduce stamp and coin collecting to schools across the state to inspire educational hobbies among children and reduce their reliance on mobile phones.
Society chairman John Goh highlighted health concerns related to children's increasing screen time.
"I recently saw a video by an eye specialist warning that children who stare at phones for more than four hours a day risk developing serious eye problems by the age of seven or eight," he said on Wednesday (May 7).
"Many parents are working, and children are often left with grandparents. Phones are given to keep them quiet. But we need healthier alternatives," he added.
Goh, who owns a large collection of old stamps, coins, currency, and phone cards, said their initiative combines education, family bonding, and meaningful pastimes for the younger generation.
"We plan to visit schools and organise exhibitions, provided we get the necessary permissions from the education department and school authorities," he said.
He explained that the aim is to spark students' interest in history, culture, and science through philately and numismatics, which are accessible and intellectually enriching hobbies.
Goh added that the society hopes Pos Malaysia will support their plan.
There are currently two active societies in Kuching—one for stamps and another for currency.
While most members are older, their children and grandchildren sometimes join in. "That’s how this passion is passed down," he said.
"In Kuching, Pos Malaysia has already shown support. They often provide free gifts for young participants, which is a great way to draw their interest," he added.
He encouraged children to start collecting stamps first as they are more affordable.
Goh said that while currency collecting can be too costly for many school students, stamp collecting is much more accessible.
“I started as a stamp collector myself before moving on to coins,” he added.
According to Goh, stamp and coin collecting can become family activities, similar to the phone card collecting craze of years past.
"Japanese phone cards featured beautiful series of trains, birds, and fish. Families collected them together and bonded over a shared hobby," he said.
He shared that several teachers have joined their group and are reaching out to schools and education departments to see if they can organise exhibitions in primary and secondary schools.
"We want to bring this idea to more families, schools, and students. Together, we can inspire the next generation of collectors—and perhaps even future scientists, historians, and educators," he concluded.
Meanwhile, the society will organise an exhibition sale from June 6 to 8 at Delta Mall.
