“Creating Lasting Memories: Singapore Mint to Issue Coin Honoring Lee Kuan Yew’s 100th Birthday”
Labor Minister Tan See Leng said the commemorative coin is a reminder of Mr. Lee’s values and vision. (PHOTO: Associated Press)
SINGAPORE – The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) will issue a commemorative coin later this year to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Singapore’s first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew.
The announcement was made in Parliament on Tuesday (February 7) by Labor Minister Tan See Leng, who was responding on behalf of Culture, Community and Youth Minister Edwin Tong.
Tan said the coin is a reminder of the values and vision of the former prime minister, who was born on September 16, 1923.
Other agencies have also planned initiatives for this year
Responding to a parliamentary question from Potong Pasir MP Sitoh Yih Pin, Tan said a touring exhibition is currently on view at the Singapore Founder’s Monument as part of the National Heritage Board’s public call for artifacts and stories from Singapore’s nation-building period.
Later this year, the National Museum will host a “more comprehensive” exhibition on “major historical milestones through which our founding leaders brought our people together,” Tan added.
The National Parks Board will also host various activities to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Singapore’s Greening Campaign, which Lee started with the first tree planting campaign in 1963.
Lee died on March 23, 2015 at the age of 91.
Memorial efforts should serve as a reminder of Lee’s values and ideals
Tan said, “Lee had a special place in Singapore’s history, and many community groups, such as business leaders, the grassroots, academia and the media, have come up with ideas to pay tribute to Lee and his ideals.”
These groups aim to raise awareness of Lee’s contributions among Singapore’s youth, as they are too young to experience them, the labor minister added.
Different groups have also proposed different ways to commemorate Lee’s legacy, values, and life. This includes youth work and engagement with Lee’s role in Singapore’s history, such as through conferences, publications and activities.
“Some business leaders have proposed a fund for private donations that would support educational purposes. Education was a cause close to Mr. Lee’s heart and they felt the fund would be a fitting tribute to him,” Tan said.
“The government is working with these parties to coordinate these efforts. We applaud these fundamental initiatives and the spirit in which they were conceived.”
Tan said efforts to commemorate the anniversary should serve as a reminder of the values and ideals that Lee and his co-founders stood for and fought for.
“We hope that the new generation of Singaporeans will be inspired and continue the work of our Pioneer and Merdeka generations in nation building,” Tan concluded.
Do you have a story tip? E-mail: [email protected].
You can continue to follow us Facebook, Instagram, Tick tock And Twitter. Check out ours too South East Asia, EatAnd Play Channels on YouTube.
Yahoo Singapore Telegram
Don’t miss interesting posts on Famousbio
