This is a BNM contest suggestion for all Malaysian. Yesterday, I am reading Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Official Facebook fanpage and one of its reader asking if BNM will organize a contest. BNM official in that Facebook page asked people to give suggestion. For me, this is about time BNM interact online with Malaysian. It will be easy for us asking about anything related to BNM. I am not sure since when the page has been created but looking at the page, I had seen a Facebook notes created since March 2009. Currently the page has 5,999 likes.
My suggestion for BNM Contest:
1. BNM Coin Design contest
I know BNM has been doing this before but why don't you do it yearly? It will help Malaysian participating on the design of their Malaysian coin. In December 2010, I already suggest Malaysia Commemorative coin that BNM should consider to mint. You don't need to give people high amount of money as a gift. A special coin with the designer name is already enough. Try to look at other countries Mint that had been organizing this kind of contest before will also be helpful. Kilang Wang should also have its own website to promote the contest (its about time BNM separate the Mint page, to help people understand better about Kilang Wang).
2. BNM Blogger Contest
To help promote a new commemorative coin or BNM Coin Design contest, BNM should try spreading their news in blog-sphere. I know many Malaysian blogger will love to join the contest. As a try, BNM can give free Malaysia 3rd series commemorative coin as a gift. Maybe asked blogger to write their 1st visual perception of the coins. Its cheaper nowadays to promote your product in blog then mass media.
3. Essay writing for school & IPT
BNM can also organize an Essay writing contest for schools & IPT students. Maybe the topic will be more about the new coins. BNM microsite on the new coins don't give enough information for foreigner. A good essay maybe can be display and help enhance the reading experience about the new coins. A topic about BNM past governor are also something that BNM should look at. Or maybe a topic on how to make sure our notes and coins last longer in our pocket.
4. BNM Drawing competition
Drawing competition for schools & IPT students also a good way to promote better knowledge about our Malaysian money. Maybe a drawing contest about a Malaysian experience in using Malaysia coins and banknotes. The winning entry maybe can be used to raised money for charities fund.
5. BNM Youtube video competition
We in Malaysia Numismatic world are very glad that BNM has produced your own Youtube video. We were hoping many video will be coming in the near future. I also suggest that BNM organize a video contest about Malaysia coins experience; How Malaysian can help our money last longer or How to detect a counterfeit coins or banknotes. Many people are looking for this kind of information but its a little bit hard to find it out there in the web.
Anyone want to add to the suggestion?
You can find BNM Facebook fanpage here: Bank Negara Malaysia Official Fanpage.
