ASEAN-Suzhou people-to-people exchange stamp exhibition opens

Suzhou Museum witnessed the opening of the ASEAN-Suzhou People-to-People Exchange Philatelic Exhibition and the launching ceremony of the commemorative envelope of the exhibition today. The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of consuls general of ASEAN countries in Shanghai, representatives of students from ASEAN countries in Suzhou. 

Suzhou is a renowned cultural city with a history of more than 2,500 years. Though separated by mountains and seas, Suzhou and ASEAN have established profound cooperative relations, robust economic ties, and close people-to-people exchanges. Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), a governmental cooperation project between China and Singapore, has transformed from a low-lying field to an innovation hub over the past 30 years. It has become a vivid example of deepening opening-up and cooperation between China and ASEAN. The China-Europe (Asia) Railway Express from Suzhou to Laos, Vietnam, and other ASEAN countries stands as a testament to Suzhou's endeavors in continuously expanding economic cooperation.At the opening ceremony, Mr. Chua Teng Hoe, Consul General of Singapore in Shanghai, said, "Just last year, the SIP marked its 30th anniversary through a series of events, including the launch of stamps and postal envelopes. I am happy to see that the stamps marking the 10th anniversary of the SIP are also on display today. "

Ms. Prinat Apirat, Consul General of Thailand in Shanghai, remarked, "This year also marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China. We are happy to share with you a special collection of commemorative postcards featuring locations across Thailand, from Bangkok's historic Chinatown, the Wehart Chamrun Throne Hall in Bang Pa-In Palace, and Ayutthaya to Sino-Portuguese architecture in Phuket's Old Town. These sites, shaped by Chinese influence, reflect our deep-rooted cultural and people-to-people ties."

During the event, performances of Suzhou Kunqu Opera "The Peony Pavilion: Visiting Garden" captivated the audience, while Indonesian international student Maradonna Talu Leyn shared his story of searching for the "Door Gods" in Suzhou. The commemorative envelope of the ASEAN-Suzhou People-to-People Exchange Philatelic Exhibition was launched on site. The envelope embodies the friendship between the two sides, symbolizing the opening of a new chapter in cooperation between Suzhou and ASEAN.

The exhibition features over 1,000 well-chosen philatelic items, including commemorative stamps on China-ASEAN cooperation and the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and 10 member states of ASEAN, joint stamp issues, and thematic stamps released by ASEAN member countries. The exhibition will last through May 18.

In May and June, two Suzhou-ASEAN Youth Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Dialogue and Exchange workshops will be held. Young people from ASEAN countries will share ICH skills representing their countries and experience Suzhou's traditional culture. The events will help deepen interactions and exchanges between the youth of Suzhou and ASEAN countries.
Source：iSzhou