Tributes, gifts pour in as Mr Lee turns 91
By Rachel Au-Yong, The Straits Times, 16 Sep 2014
By Rachel Au-Yong, The Straits Times, 16 Sep 2014
The birthday greetings on social media this year, numbering more than a thousand, are believed to be initiated by logo designer Catherine Leck.
On Aug 31, using the hashtag #happybirthdayLKY, she encouraged friends and followers to post online messages for Mr Lee, a founding father who was Singapore's first prime minister.
"I want him to know that even younger Singaporeans who didn't get to see him in action appreciate his efforts," the 32-year-old said.
Her birthday greeting to Mr Lee is an image of his face, made from confetti.
Meanwhile, the People's Action Party (PAP), which Mr Lee co-founded, added to the swell of wishes by creating a website for people to post greetings. It also collated the messages of netizens who had used the hashtag.
![]()
In response, Mr Lee said in a statement: "Thank you for your birthday greetings and good wishes. I cannot reply to each greeting individually. I wish you all the very best in return."
The Straits Times understands he celebrated his birthday with his family last week, before Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, his son, began a week-long trip to southern China last Thursday.
Often, the wishes on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter were a simple "Happy Birthday" greeting.
But many also wrote heartfelt messages of how their lives were changed by what Mr Lee achieved for Singapore.
One eye-catching post is a photograph of Mr Lee's visage done in embroidery. Illustrator Evon Lim, 34, took about 40 hours, over eight days, to sew it. "It would be a huge honour to be able to give my embroidery to Mr Lee," she said.
One eye-catching post is a photograph of Mr Lee's visage done in embroidery. Illustrator Evon Lim, 34, took about 40 hours, over eight days, to sew it. "It would be a huge honour to be able to give my embroidery to Mr Lee," she said.
Artist Ng Huifong, 33, who lives in Brunei, is putting the final touches to an oil painting of Mr Lee. She expects to finish it today. "There is no one else whose name is synonymous with Singapore," she said.
Several grassroots leaders also joined in the digital celebrations. Taking the lead from their MP Alex Yam (Chua Chu Kang GRC), several Yew Tee volunteers posted videos on their own Facebook page, showing them extending wishes with birthday cake in hand.
Greetings also popped up in various Facebook threads.
For instance, The Straits Times'Facebook post over the weekend about the PAP website for Mr Lee's birthday, drew more than 3,500 likes and about 400 well-wishes.
The flood of greetings has taken Ms Leck by surprise. Initially she feared some might misconstrue her move as an attempt to curry favour with the PAP.
“It’s really just my sincere appreciation for the man,” she said. “He has shown admirable qualities and there is no doubt he shaped Singapore.”