Mr Lee Kuan Yew Plants Tree at Holland Village Park to Mark 50 Years of Greening Singapore

More than 6,000 planting 1,963 trees from June to November

Singapore, 16 June 2013 - To mark 50 years since the start of Singapore's greening efforts on 16 June 1963, Mr Lee Kuan Yew planted a Rain tree today at Holland Village Park. The event also signified the launch of "1963 Commemorative Tree Planting", a special initiative by the National Parks Board (NParks) and its registered charity and IPC, the Garden City Fund (GCF), involving the community to plant 1,963 trees from today to November. It is one of the key activities organised to commemorate 50 Years of Greening Singapore.

Strong support for Singapore's greening journey

Mr Lee has always been a strong supporter and advocate for Singapore's greening efforts. In the 1960s, he recognised that the introduction of greenery would soften the harshness of urbanisation and improve the quality of life in the city. On 16 June 1963, he planted a Mempat tree at Farrer Circus, marking the launch of an island-wide greening movement that has continued for five decades. Over the past five decades, Mr Lee has planted more than 60 trees in Singapore.

Holland Village Park was chosen as the tree planting site because of its close proximity to Farrer Circus. Holland Village Park is a new park developed to give Singaporeans a green space to use and enjoy at the popular Holland Village area.

More than 6,000 planting 1,963 trees from June to November

To commemorate 50 Years of Greening Singapore, more than 6,000 members of the public will be planting 1,963 trees from today till November. This "1963 Commemorative Tree Planting" activity has raised over $470,000 for the GCF. The amount raised will contribute to the cost of planting these trees, as well as enhance the biodiversity and heritage value of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. 

"We are very encouraged by the overwhelming response from the public for the planting of 1,963 trees to commemorate 50 Years of Greening Singapore. We look forward to the strong support from the community as we continue to co-create a greener and more vibrant City in a Garden," said Mr Poon Hong Yuen, Chief Executive Officer, NParks.

Individuals and organisations who are interested in planting trees can still participate and contribute to the GCF's Plant-A-Tree Programme.