L.T. Lam, creator of Hong Kong’s beloved little yellow duck, dies at 105, leaving legacy of joy and peace

L.T. Lam, the pioneering designer known as the father of the iconic little yellow duck bath toys, passed away peacefully on November 10 at age 105, with his family scheduling a farewell ceremony for November 17 at the Nanhai District Funeral Home in his ancestral hometown.

Born in Hong Kong, Lam Leung-tim overcame wartime hardship to build a toy empire from scratch. 

In 1948 he personally designed the cheerful, lightweight, and flame-resistant rubber duck that quickly captured hearts across generations, becoming both a classic bath-time companion and a symbol of Hong Kong’s toy industry. 

The government recognized his contributions in 2019 by awarding him the Bronze Bauhinia Star.

Even in his later years, Lam remained active in public. 

In 2023 he joined his son, legislator Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung, at the launch of a Christmas multimedia exhibition titled “LT. Duck Fun” at Central Market. 

There he emphasized that the little yellow duck carried a deeper mission as an emblem of peace, urging people to avoid blame, foster mutual understanding, and live in harmony.

The toy holds historic significance as China’s first plastic plaything. Lam was also among the earliest Hong Kong industrialists to establish production lines in the mainland, helping shape the region’s manufacturing legacy. 

His gentle yellow creation continues to evoke childhood nostalgia and quiet messages of goodwill for millions.