Second to weddings, we love how birthdays are given a very special treatment among society personalities. Be it in theme, scale or imagination, birthdays are a great way to be thankful for loved ones, and reflective of achievements thus far and to come. 2017 was a year of birthday jubilees – There were a host of 70th birthdays; namely Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam and Tunku Dato' Seri Utama Naquiyuddin, a fashionable birthday for Lee Jim Leng and Vivienne Cheng, and some significant numbers like dynamite duo Benjamin Yong’s 40th birthday bash and Elizabeth Lee-Yong’s big 3-0. A special tribute goes out to the 90-year-old Lilah Nathan’s longevity, and the youngest 1-year-old Tan Rue Mae. Here’s a roundup of the most meaningful birthdays of the year.
Tatler Asia

Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam – Jetting off to 70

In tribute to her former days with Malaysia Airlines, Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam took off to her 70th years with flair, thanks to a birthday planned by her daughter Shaline Gnanalingam and daughter-in-law Shirieene Hajamaideen. ‘Flight SY70’ on January 21 was a jolly ride of a bash, complete with loved ones and a video series starring the birthday girl.

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Tatler Asia

Tunku Naquiyuddin’s ‘Godfather’ themed 70th

Guests stepped into a scene out of ‘Godfather’ at Tunku Dato’ Seri Utama Naquiyuddin's 70th birthday at Shangri-La Hotel KL, on March 17. The birthday boy and his royal family and close friends donned tuxedos, fedoras, red flowers, and puffed on cigars, to an unforgettable evening spearheaded by his daughter-in-law Puteri Badrinise Zakuan-Alauddin. His children and grandchildren provided entertainment with touching speeches and performance.

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Tatler Asia

Fendi party for Lee Jim Leng & Vivienne Cheng

It was double the celebration for birthday girls Lee Jim Leng and Vivienne Cheng, which Fendi orchestrated in the pretty Orchid Conservatory of The Majestic Hotel. The ladies and their dearest friends savoured a leisurely afternoon on March 31 over a multi-course lunch, flowing conversations, and were thoroughly spoilt with 2 exquisite birthday cakes and exquisite flowers. 

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Tatler Asia

Dato’ Rosemarie Wee’s sumptuous birthday

Hostess with the Mostest Dato’ Rosemarie Wee, had many favours returned by 35 of her dearest friends and her husband Captain Wee Eng Lee, in the newly renovated Lemon Garden restaurant. The party on May 17 indulged guests in an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner culminating with longevity noodles. The highlight was a beautiful cake that took Dato’ Rosemarie pleasantly by surprise.

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Tatler Asia

A heartfelt 70th for Chan Mo Lin

Chan Mo Lin sure knows how to enter the milestone 7-0 with an energy that of a 27-year-old with her most sporting friends. On May 31, the vivacious lawyer celebrated her birthday at Shangri-La Hotel KL where she belted an impressive ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ rendition. Following suit were guests like Jeff Toh, Christina Ong and Dr Andreas Teoh, who took to the stage with their song dedications.

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Tatler Asia

Tan Rue Mae turns 1

The little Rue Mae was showered with a low-key but festive bash by her parents Tan Shen Wain and Lim Ai San, at their private residence on September 9. The family wore blue and white as the theme, as they partook of the monkey-zodiac-themed birthday. Guests felt right at home in the family-day affair, featuring a clown, games and a buffet lunch.

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Tatler Asia

Lilah Nathan strikes 90

In a lavish shower of affection, Datuk Dr Ravi Ponniah threw an idyllic birthday celebration for his mother Lilah Nathan’s 90-year milestone. The August 12 party launched with a scenic yacht ride that continued at Naam’s Paradise 101 Island. 500 over guests and VIPs enjoyed an evening of music, activities and live art demo, which culminated in a spectacular 3-minute fireworks show.

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Tatler Asia

Dato’ Sufian Majid’s ‘Rat Pack’ rendezvous 

Ever the affable host, Dato’ Sufian Majid celebrated his birthday in a fun-filled Rat Pack-themed birthday party at Shangri-La Hotel KL. On December 2, guests reprised Vegas characters with smart outfits, enjoyed dinner over entartaining performances courtesy of Dato’ Sufian’s pitch-perfect vocals, and his daughters’ gregarious stage talents.

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Tatler Asia

Benjamin Yong’s fabulous 40

If there’s anyone who can topple the scene’s biggest restaurateur extraordinaire, it’s Elizabeth Lee-Yong, who put together a full day of indulgences for husband Benjamin Yong’s 40th birthday, on November 19. The poolside party combined treats of Ben’s favourite dishes, massages, swimming and drinking, equally enjoyed by adults and children present.

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Tatler Asia

Elizabeth Lee-Yong takes on 30

Turning 30 had never looked as divine as this birthday bash for Elizabeth Lee-Yong, masterminded by her husband Benjamin Yong. Both their larger-than-life personas echoed throughout the July 1 celebration held at Beauty and the Beast, Plaza Batai, which consisted of dinner, a ‘Pass the Parcel’ game and a sumptuous dessert room surprise.

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Tatler Asia

YY Kwan’s glitzy 60

The beloved YY Kwan’s diamond jubilee was a joyous feat that each guest actively played a role in. The December 11 party was glitzy as it was personal, as demonstrated when the man himself greeted each well-wishee personally, and when his staff surprised him back with a touching video presentation. For his cake-cutting ceremony, the generous man invited 3 other guests to join him onstage.

See the story here.

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