To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Singapore's independence in 1990, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) launched a competition for a fabric design featuring orchids that could be used to create clothing and souvenirs for the nation. It was mooted by NTUC's then secretary-general Ong Teng Cheong, who was also Singapore's second deputy prime minister, as a first step to discovering a national dress after previous failed attempts to combine the styles of Singapore's different ethnic groups.

The Fabric Design Drawing Competition was launched in 1989 and open to Singaporeans and foreign artists working in the country. It eventually attracted over 400 entries from professional artists and designers, students and even maids. The winner was artist Ching Hing Kang's "Prosperous National Flower" motif that features red, white and yellow orchids against a sky blue background. He received $6,000 for his design, which was later used in the design of clothing as well as this aerogramme.

Besides Mr Ching's design, the second prize went to graphic designer Swee Khim Ann ("Resplendence") and fashion designer Zee Mei Chuen ("Orchids Fantasy").