Development Corporation (Kraftangan Malaysia); Fiona Liao, Group Chief Marketing Officer of Pos Malaysia; Muhamed Salim Mohd Ali, President of the Philatelic Society of Malaysia (PSM); Haji Khairul Anuar bin Abdul Azid, Assistant
Director, Student Talent Development Unit, Selangor State Education Department
Pos Malaysia Berhad (“Pos Malaysia”), Malaysia’s national post and parcel service provider, launched Sulaman Manik di Malaysia (Beadwork in Malaysia), a special stamp issue celebrating Malaysia’s beadwork heritage, at Amcorp Mall in Petaling Jaya on 6 November 2026.
The launch ceremony featured the unveiling of the stamp miniature sheet display and a symbolic signing ceremony to commemorate the release. Participating in the ceremony were Khairul Hafizi bin Naharuddin, Senior Director, Design and Research Division of the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (Kraftangan Malaysia); Haji Khairul Anuar bin Abdul Azid, Assistant Director, Student Talent Development Unit, Selangor State Education Department; Muhamed Salim Mohd Ali, President of the Philatelic Society of Malaysia (PSM), and Fiona Liao, Group Chief Marketing Officer of Pos Malaysia.
The launch was followed by a prize-giving ceremony for winners of the Kelab Setem & Filateli (KESEF) competitions. Both events were held in conjunction with Stamp Week and Siri Jelajah Kelab Setem & Filateli 2026. The KESEF prize-giving ceremony celebrated winners from competitions held throughout the year, including the Stamp Folio Competition, One-Page Exhibit Competition, Block Print Postcard Design Competition and Doodle Stamp Design Competition. Spanning primary, secondary and pre-university students, as well as teachers and special education students, the competitions recognised achievement and encouraged greater engagement with philately.
Beadwork has long been part of Malaysia’s craft heritage, adorning traditional attire, jewellery, bags, headdresses and decorative accessories, while continuing to find new expression in contemporary fashion and lifestyle products. Requiring patience, precision and skills honed across generations, the craft reflects the artistry and cultural traditions of communities across the country. The Sulaman Manik di Malaysia stamp issue celebrates this enduring heritage and the distinctive forms of beadwork found throughout Malaysia, inviting people to connect with one another’s cultural traditions and share them with future generations.
In Sarawak, beadwork is an important tradition among indigenous communities including the Orang Ulu, such as the Kayan, Kenyah and Kelabit, as well as the Iban and Bidayuh. Among the Iban, the marik empang, an elaborate beaded collar worn across the neck and chest, remains a distinctive feature of women’s traditional attire for ceremonies, dances and celebrations. In Sabah, the Rungus community of Kudat is renowned for the pinakol, a pair of broad beaded bands worn crossed over the chest and back and distinguished by colourful geometric patterns that reflect Rungus culture and symbolism.
The collection also highlights Malay bead embroidery, used to add colour, texture and lustre to traditional attire such as the baju kurung and kebaya, as well as the kasut manik of the Baba and Nyonya or Peranakan community. These intricately crafted beaded shoes feature fine glass beads embroidered into floral, bird and geometric patterns, reflecting the craftsmanship and cultural heritage associated with the Peranakan community.
The Sulaman Manik di Malaysia Collection comprises:
- Four stamp designs (in denominations of 50 sen and 60 sen)
- Miniature Sheet (RM5.00)
- First Day Cover with stamps (RM2.70)
- First Day Cover with Miniature Sheet (RM5.50)
- Commemorative Folder (RM7.00)
The complete folder set is priced at RM42.20 and is available from 6 November 2026 at 90 Philatelic Bureaus nationwide, including 13 General Post Offices, as well as selected post offices and the Pos Malaysia online store, while stocks last.
Stamp Week 2026 continues on 7 and 8 November at Amcorp Mall, Petaling Jaya with members of the public invited to enjoy stamp sales and hands-on Sulaman Manik craft activities by Kraftangan Malaysia.
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