Singapore witnessed the dawn of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's social media journey precisely 12 years ago on April 20, when he ventured into the realms of Facebook and Twitter (now known as X). Since then, Mr. Lee has amassed an impressive following, with over 1.7 million on Facebook, 890,000 on X, and 729,000 on Instagram, making him Singapore’s most digitally connected politician. In comparison, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, slated to assume the nation's leadership on May 15, commands around 440,000 followers across all three platforms combined.

Media experts consulted by TODAY attribute much of Mr. Lee's social media success to his authenticity. Unlike the polished, professionally crafted posts common among public figures, Mr. Lee often shares personal snapshots, fostering a genuine connection with his audience. Charu Srivastava, co-founder of TriOn & Co., notes that Mr. Lee's habit of signing off with "LHL" underscores the personal touch, reassuring followers that the messages originate directly from him.

Chloe Lim, an account director at DSTNCT, observes that Mr. Lee's hands-on approach contrasts with the conventional perception of politicians outsourcing their social media presence. This direct engagement adds an extra layer of authenticity and fosters deeper connections with his audience.

As Mr. Lee's 20-year tenure as prime minister draws to a close, TODAY revisits 20 of his most resonant and memorable social media moments:

• National Day Reflection: In a poignant post following National Day in 2020, Mr. Lee shared a masked photograph capturing the somber national sentiment amidst the ongoing challenges. With a simple caption, "Photo by me," the image resonated widely, accumulating over 169,000 likes and 7,300 comments.

• Cross-Border Collaboration: Mr. Lee's camaraderie with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was on full display in a snapshot from January 11, showcasing them donning safety helmets at the completion ceremony of the RTS Link. The accompanying selfie garnered over 1.4 million views on X, reflecting the significance of bilateral partnerships in regional development.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's impactful journey through social media has not only bridged the gap between leadership and the public but has also set a precedent for authentic engagement in the digital age. With his tenure drawing to a close, the legacy of his candid and personable approach to social media will continue to inspire future leaders to foster genuine connections with their constituents. As Singapore transitions to new leadership, the enduring impact of Mr. Lee's digital presence serves as a testament to the power of authenticity in shaping public perception and fostering trust in governance.