The Singapore Philatelic Museum (PSM) presented a new exhibition on Friday to usher the Year of the Monkey. The exhibit will feature monkey-themed stamps, philatelic materials and interactive experience from pop culture to literary masterpieces.

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The exhibit entitled "More than Monkeys" with include more than 300 stamps on display coming mostly from Asia, Africa, Central and South America which narrate a story, according to Xinhua. Visitors may not only find the newly issued Chinese zodiac stamps, they will also find well-preserved ones issued in the past with the oldest stamp dating back to 1947.

The newly issued Zodiac Monkey stamp by Singapore Post Limited (SingPost) has been one of the highlights of the exhibit. The new set of stamps are composed of three stamps in various denominations; 1^st Local, 70 cents and 1.30 Singapore dollars.

Designed by Leo Teck Chong, the stamp set is the ninth in the second 12-set second zodiac stamp series issued by SingPost. Each stamp presents a colourful illustration of the monkey. The monkey is the ninth animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle.  

Japan was the first country in the world to introduce the zodiac theme on stamps in 1950. At the time, it was the Year of the Tiger. One of the four stamps with monkeys Japan issued this year will be featured in "More than Monkey" exhibit. An estimated 54 stamps with monkeys from China are being displayed. The famous "Red Monkey" stamp which shows a black monkey on a dark red background is among the most sought after zodiac stamps.

Besides spreading knowledge about Chinese astrology, the exhibit may also encourage awareness to protect the primates. Information about deforestation, poaching and conservation will be featured.

The exhibit is specially designed for children and families with many interactive activities. It will run from Jan. 29 until Sept. 25.

TagsYear of the Monkey, Chinese New Year 2016, Singapore Post Limited, Zodiac Monkey, Art Exhibit