Peter Lim's daughter a mini celeb in Spain
PUBLISHED ONJanuary 14, 2015 1:28 AMByJocelyn Lee
Billionaire businessman Peter Lim made headlines when he confirmed a 420 million euro (S$671 million) takeover of Spanish football club Valencia last October.
But the 61-year-old Singaporean tycoon is not the only one who has received a rousing welcome in the city of Valencia.
His 23-year-old daughter, Miss Kim Lim, has also been getting significant attention from Spanish fans - both online and on the streets.
With her slim 1.7m frame, luscious locks and pretty face, Miss Lim has been nicknamed "Valencia's Singapore angel" by the fans.
A typical post on her Instagram account, which has more than 70,000 followers, garners over 3,000 likes and around 50 comments.
Those which relate to the football club receive even more comments, many written by Spanish fans remarking how beautiful she is. Others ask for her mobile number or even go to the extent of proposing marriage.
Online user Cutegoldenseal wrote: "Amazing, you are their angel and booster! Well done Valencia! Keep up the good job!" Another commenter Jdiegosmith wrote: "I love you, really do."
Miss Lim's father is the ninth richest person in Singapore according to a ranking by Forbes. The veteran investor has a net worth of $2.5 billion, and is now married to former television actress Cherie Lim.
A recent report in The Straits Times said his daughter lives with a nanny in an apartment in the Orchard Road area, while her 21-year- old brother is studying psychology in Australia.
Miss Lim, a former SIM University business management student, will finish her degree in marketing overseas.
HONOURED
Miss Lim, who was in Spain with her family and close friends last week to watch Valencia CF in action, told The New Paper in an e-mail interview last Friday: "I didn't expect it (being called an angel). I felt very honoured. I know it sounds a bit weird but that's how I really felt."
She added: "Actually, after I got to know more Valencians, I'm not so surprised any more. They are just so genuinely friendly and warm."
Miss Lim, who is single, said she has also been recognised by passers-by in Valencia, some of whom approached her for photos together.
"On the streets, there are people who recognise me and call out my Instagram nickname 'kimmylecute'. But I never feel that they are intruding (upon) my privacy," she said.
"If they do come up to me, it's just to ask if they can take a photo with me. Most times, they just smile if they recognise me."
Miss Lim's celebrity status in the city is evident as pictures of her are also plastered on several Spanish media websites such as Plaza Deportiva and Valencia El Desmarque.
One website called her "a great ambassador" and a "talisman", as the Spanish club seek to revive their fortunes.
Another website credited her for expanding the Valencia brand overseas, after Miss Lim was pictured with Big Bang star Seungri during the Valencia CF-Real Madrid match last week.
It was also at this match at the Mestalla stadium that fervent fans tried to snap a shot of and with her as they watched their team end Real's 22-game winning streak with a 2-1 victory. Before this win, Real Madrid had been leaders in the La Liga league.
For Miss Lim, who has been to Valencia twice, watching the match at their home ground among 55,000 spectators was an exhilarating experience.
She said: "The roar of the crowd when we scored was really 'kua zhang' (Mandarin for 'out of this world'). Valencia has the best supporters!"
The Singapore It girl, who has made headlines here with her jet-setting lifestyle and her expensive collection of shoes and bags, also picked up a phrase from the fans - "Amunt Valencia!"
Explaining the term, she said: "It's our victory cry which means something like 'Go Valencia!' It became my catchphrase during our celebration party. It's just so catchy."
Right after the victorious match, Miss Lim posted a selfie with Valencia CF players Daniel Pajero and Antonio Barrangan, with words of encouragement: "WE WON OMG!!! & it's against Real Madrid OMG! It was a hard game. I am so happy. Well done all of you. You are the best. And our goalkeeper is amazing. I love every single one of you!!!! I AM SO HAPPY!!!!"
But Miss Lim admitted that before her dad took over the club, she was not so interested in football.
This, despite having met and lunched with international football stars like Luis Nani and David Beckham.
"With Valencia, there is a deeper level of excitement and interest for the game and the club. After the takeover, I was surprised by how quickly I became attached to something that I didn't use to pay much attention to," she said.
"My interest is definitely growing as I get to know more about the club and the game."
Her affection for Valencia CF is evident, as she tells this reporter about the club's store and the story behind the club's logo, without prompting.
She said: "The club's megastore has a really good selection of merchandise - jerseys, scarves, caps, tees. They make many good gifts. This trip, I picked up many pink scarves."
The jet-setting socialite also plans to visit Valencia more often, saying: "There is a lot to discover, like its history, architecture, tons of events and beautiful and long coastline.
"The city must be Spain's best-kept secret!"
'Seungri's a friend, I respect his privacy'
Miss Kim Lim also shares a close friendship with K-pop idol Seungri from A-list boy band Big Bang.
The duo were in Valencia together during the Valencia CF-Real Madrid match last week.
The well-connected socialite even sprang a surprise on 24-year-old Seungri at the Mestalla Stadium, arranging for Big Bang's hit song Fantastic Baby to be played at the venue.
Seungri, who appeared touched by the gesture, uploaded a video of it on Instagram with the caption: "Thanks for the surprise!"
The pair also posted photos of themselves together on their individual Instagram accounts, to the envy of many Big Bang fans.
When asked about their relationship, Miss Lim declined to comment, saying: "Seungri is a friend and I respect his and his band's privacy."
She added: "It's the same as with my true friends. They respect our friendships and my privacy.
"I have uploaded some of the photos we took in Valencia. You can check those out."
Does she know her stuff?
Her father may be the proud owner of a big Spanish football club, but how much does Miss Kim Lim really know about Valencia and football? We put her to a quick quiz, which she gamely accepted.
WHAT IS AN OFFSIDE POSITION?
Miss Lim: When the players are not in position when the ball goes into the goal post. I hope I'm correct!
Answer: According to football governing body Fifa, a player is in an offside position if he is nearer to his opponents' goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent.
WHICH YEAR WAS VALENCIA FOOTBALL CLUB FOUNDED?
Miss Lim: 1919! We are celebrating our 100th year in four years' time. Our new stadium will be open by then.
Answer: 1919
HOW MANY TEAMS ARE COMPETING IN THE SPANISH LEAGUE NOW?
Miss Lim: 20
Answer: 20
HOW MANY TIMES HAVE VALENCIA WON THE SPANISH LEAGUE TITLE?
Miss Lim: Six. Phew! I just went on a stadium tour. We have improved so much this season, so I know victory is coming soon.
Answer: Six
WHO WON THE EUROPEAN GOLDEN SHOE THREE TIMES?
Miss Lim: This is the first time I have heard of this. Please remember I'm new to this!
Answer: Lionel Messi (2009/10, 2011/12, 2012/13) and Cristiano Ronaldo (2007/08, 2010/11, 2013/14)
jocelee@sph.com.sg
This article was first publashed on Jan 12, 2015.
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