Suu Kyi urges Myanmar nationals in Singapore to return home
During a visit to Singapore Noble Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi urged Myanmese expatriates to return and help build the future in their homeland
Thousands of Myanmar nationals living in Singapore gave Aung San Suu Kyi an emotional welcome on Sunday as the democracy icon urged them to consider coming home to help rebuild the impoverished nation.
The two-hour event, held on the third day of opposition leader Suu Kyi’s first visit to the city-state, saw Myanmar nationals working or studying in the wealthy city-state turn-up in traditional attire and t-shirts emblazoned with her portrait to hear her speak and put questions.
The crowd, estimated at 5,800 by organisers Myanmar Club Singapore, gave Suu Kyi a prolonged standing ovation as she entered a convention hall.
“Of course it is an emotional moment for many of us. Today, after seeing The Lady in Singapore for the first time, I feel proud to be [from] Myanmar,” said 28-year-old nurse Zaw Lei Win.
Student Myat Kaung Min said Suu Kyi in her speech in the Myanmar language urged her compatriots in Singapore to consider returning home or to “find some way” to give back to Myanmar.
“She said everyone is waiting for her to become president before returning to Burma, but that she cannot become president if we don’t come back and help,” said the 21-year-old, who has permanent residency in Singapore.