The Macao 2018 - 35^th Asian International Stamp Exhibition (hereinafter called “Macao 2018”) had held an Opening Ceremony at Sicily Meeting Rooms at The Venetian Macao on 21^st September, 2018. Opening Ceremony officiating guests included Mr. Raimundo Arrais do Rosário, Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr. Sun Da, Deputy Director of Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr. Yang Chun Guang, Deputy Director-General of State Post Bureau of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Zhang Jian, Head of the Division of General Affairs of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Ms. Lau Wai Meng and Mr. Io Hong Kuong, Chairmen of “Macao 2018” Organizing Committee, Mr. Tay Peng Hian, President of Federation Internationale de Philatelie, Dr. Prakob Chirakiti, President of Federation of Inter-Asian Philately, Mr. Gordon Leung, Postmaster General of Hong Kong Post, Mr. Gao Shan, General Manager of Department of Stamp Issuane of China Post Group, and Mr. Zhang Yu Hu, Vice President and Secretary General of All-China Philatelic Federation. They had also officiated at the Opening Ceremony for the Treasure Gallery.

Ms. Lau Wai Meng, Chairman of “Macao 2018” Organizing Committee said during the Opening Ceremony that from 1997 to 2017, Asia International Stamp Exhibition had been held in various countries or regions of Asia. After the exhibition was held in Nanning, Guangxi Province last year, the 35^th Asian International Stamp Exhibition relocate in Macao this year, which shows that stamp has been playing an important role in improving cultural understanding between different countries throughout the world. Although the size of stamp is quite small, it serves as a carrier of promoting cultures. The Macao 2018 Organizing Committee hopes that through the “Macao 2018”, a “bridge” will be built to further enhance cultural and economic exchanges among countries and regions, to further achieve synergy effects, and further maximize stamp collection’s unique advantage with an aim to enable cultural practices passed on from generation to generation.

“Macao 2018” is held at Cotai Expo Hall A at The Venetian Macao from 21^st to 24^th September and there is a total of 23 countries or regions participating in the event according to the report. And there are 42 booths of overseas postal administrations or stamp dealers and of local cultural and creative industries entering into this exhibition. Approximately 1000 frames of the FIAP members' philatelic collections are on display. “Macao 2018” is co-organized by Macao Post & Telecommunications Bureau and the Macao Philatelic Club and it is classified into four different thematic days including Postal Savings Day, Stamps Day, Letters Writing Day and Festive Day. Moreover, there are distributions of commemorative envelope free of charge according to different thematic days, and arrangements of relevant symposiums and award ceremonies. Different sessions are set including Treasure Gallery, Exhibition Area (Competitive Classes, Court of Honour, and Universal Postal Union Competitive Class), Pillar Boxes, Sales Booths, Sales Booths of Macao Cultural & Creative Industries, Macao Post & Telecommunications Bureau Booth (Philatelic Sales, Personalized stamps, Postmark Cancellation and Mail Acceptance), Postal Savings Booth, DIY Postcard Vending Machine, Stamp Vending Machines and Mailing Preparation Area for the public, etc. It is a great opportunity for philatelists and general public to view the precious exhibits and meanwhile buy, mail or DIY their own stamps.

Admission to four-day “Macao 2018” is free of charge, free parking is provided, souvenirs are prepared for every attendee, and lucky draws are held. All are welcome to join this event!