President's Collection - Ong Teng Cheong (1936 - 2002)

First day cover, Metrication 1979

For the first time, 1 May to 30 November 2003, the life and contributions of Singapore's first elected president, Mr Ong Teng Cheong (1936-2002) will be showcased through his personal collection of philatelic material and other collateral at the Singapore Philatelic Museum.

The 200-item exhibition consists of the late former president's own collection of stamps, first-day covers, personal documents and artefacts, as well as archival collateral and gifts from foreign diplomats. Some of these materials were donated to the Singapore Philatelic Museum and the Singapore History Museum while Mr Ong was still in the Presidential Office.

First day cover, Art Series - Local Artists, 1993

Mr Ong was an avid collector of first day covers since he was a boy. While pursing his studies in architecture abroad, he continued his hobby, exchanging stamps and first day covers, with his then girlfriend Ling Siew May. Love blossomed as they continued to write letters to each other, they eventually married in 1963.

Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay stamp, 2002 This performing arts centre was established as part of the Renaissance City plan

Mr Ong started his political career in the 1970s. Many of the Singapore stamps issued during the period reflect Mr Ong's efforts in his capacity as Minister for Communications, Culture, and Labour. These include the 1979 Metrication, 1977 10^th Anniversary of ASEAN, and 1982 Productivity Movement. From the 1980s, Mr Ong personalised his first day cover collection by autographing them, documenting the stages in his political career.

Mr Ong's passion for culture is marked by his vision for Singapore as a centre for the arts, later known as Renaissance City. This led to the establishment of organisations promoting Singapore's artistic, cultural and historical heritage, like the National Heritage Board and National Arts Council. As an arts patron, Mr Ong initiated the President's Charity Art Exhibition and Concert, and President's Star Charity. Mr Ong's artistic and cultural contributions as an active arts practitioner, is demonstrated by his own calligraphy works, which are featured in the exhibition.