Three Canadian names are among the nominees for the 2025 Philatelic Traders’ Society Ltd. (PTS) Awards, with recognition spanning institutional collaboration and individual advocacy on the international stage.
The Vincent Graves Greene Philatelic Research Foundation has been shortlisted for the PTS Collaboration of the Year Award, while Toronto philatelist Sam Chiu and Langley, B.C.–based collector Harold Krische are both nominated for Philatelic Ambassador of the Year.
Voting information and full nominee details are available through the PTS website.
The Vincent Graves Greene Philatelic Research Foundation (VGG), Canada’s national centre for philatelic research and expertizing, was nominated for its long-standing collaborative role within the hobby. The Foundation supports expert committee examinations, maintains the Harry Sutherland Philatelic Library, oversees digitization initiatives that expand access to research materials nationwide, and provides administrative support to several Canadian philatelic organizations. Its work has positioned the VGG as a central hub linking collectors, researchers, dealers and societies across Canada and abroad.
The nomination is tied in part to an international collaboration marking the Foundation’s 50th anniversary. To commemorate the milestone, the VGG partnered with the Royal Philatelic Society London to present “A Day of Philately,” a full-day event featuring lectures and displays by Canadian and international philatelists. The program concluded with the 10th Harry Sutherland Philatelic Lecture, delivered by David R. Beech, MBE, FRPSL, former curator of the British Library’s philatelic collections, highlighting the global importance of institutional research libraries.
Toronto philatelist Sam Chiu has been nominated for the Philatelic Traders’ Society’s 2025 Philatelic Ambassador of the Year Award.
Toronto philatelist Sam Chiu was nominated for Philatelic Ambassador of the Year in recognition of his international exhibiting, judging and editorial work. Chiu is editor of the Journal of Chinese Philately, the publication of the China Philatelic Society of London, and has been credited with revitalizing the journal as a research and engagement platform. He is widely known as an award-winning exhibitor, a Fédération Internationale de Philatélie–accredited juror with cross-accreditation in the postcard class, and a prolific writer. His contributions have been recognized nationally, including with the Royal Philatelic Society of Canada’s Geldert Medal.
Also nominated in the Philatelic Ambassador category is Harold Krische, of Langley, B.C., for his efforts to promote collaboration and shared learning across philatelic societies. Krische leads the Collaboration Crew and has been a vocal advocate for cooperation and digital innovation in the hobby. He has written on the subject, appeared in online presentations and hosted a session on digitalization in philately at the Great American Stamp Show, emphasizing the benefits of societies working together and sharing ideas.
Harold Krische, of Langley, B.C., is a nominee for the 2025 PTS Philatelic Ambassador of the Year Award.
The PTS Awards recognize excellence across the philatelic trade and related fields, with categories including Collaboration of the Year, Campaign of the Year, Publication of the Year and Philatelic Ambassador of the Year. Awards are decided through a combination of public voting and an independent judging panel.
Voting closes at 11:59 p.m. (UK time) on Dec. 29, with winners and runners-up to be announced on Dec. 30.