Racial harmony is a cornerstone of Singapore's society - and that forms the inspiration behind two limited edition stamps, designed by a teenager, to be launched nationwide this October.

They are conceptualised by Institute of Technical Education (ITE) College Central visual communications student Mavis Tan, who beat over 90 entries in a competition jointly organised by the People's Association, Singapore Post and the college.

The stamps feature egg-shaped characters that represent the four main races here, waving the Singapore flag.

The 18-year-old, whose designs were yesterday unveiled by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at a ceremony held at Teck Ghee Community Club, said: "It was quite unexpected, but I'm happy for the opportunity for my work to be showcased to a wider public."

The contest was held to mark the 50th anniversary of the Citizens Consultative Committee (CCC).

PA chief executive director Ang Hak Seng said: "Since 1965, grassroots volunteers have helped to promote racial harmony and social cohesion, and connect the Government to our residents.

"We hope that through these stamps, the public would have a deeper appreciation of the CCCs' journey over the past 50 years and the important role they continue to play in nation-building."

SingPost chairman Lim Ho-Kee told The Straits Times the competition served to promote an inclusive society and to provide a platform for ITE students.

He also said in an address to about 600 grassroots volunteers, ITE staff and students, and SingPost employees of the need for innovation in the face of declining traditional mail volumes, saying SingPost is "on a burning platform".

As it moves towards e-commerce, however, he said stamps still play an important role - as "more than just the little adhesive labels one sticks on envelopes to pay for mail delivery. We also see them as an art form (that can) record significant events."