Published on Sep 20, 2013
SINGAPORE: Myanmar's democracy icon
Aung San Suu Kyi arrived in Singapore on Friday to a warm and boisterous
welcome from some 200 Myanmar nationals gathered at Changi Airport.Suu Kyi is in Singapore for a five-day visit. This is the her first visit to Singapore.
Armed with all things related and representing Suu Kyi, many Myanmar nationals gathered at Changi Airport to greet her.
Many waited hours just to show their appreciation for her and most of them took time off from work and school just to be at the airport.
"This is my first time in my life to see our hero, our leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. She's our hope," said Myanmar national Zayar Phyo.
Many were so excited that they cheered at cars passing by as well.
After waiting under the blazing sun, Suu Kyi was given a rock-star's welcome when she finally emerged from the airport's VIP complex.
For some lucky Myanmar nationals who were able to spot her amid the confusion, Suu Kyi's arrival made their day.
"I saw her, just one glimpse... I was trying to go in front but the police was there. I was quite scared of them," said David Nyan Wai Phyo.
Most of the Myanmar nationals working and living here have never seen Suu Kyi in person so it wasn't surprising that her appearance brought a flood of emotions for some.
"The sacrifices that she's made, I don't think anybody else can do. I really do respect her for that," said Khant Kyi Lin Thant, a Myanmar national, as she broke down in tears.
Many of the people who came earlier to see Suu Kyi had already left, with just a few remaining to go through some of the photos they've taken earlier and also to talk about the brief moment that they saw her.
Many of them said that even though the moment lasted barely five minutes, it was all worthwhile.
While in Singapore, Suu Kyi is expected to meet Singapore leaders including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.
She will also be speaking at the Singapore Summit on September 21, and will meet the Myanmar community in Singapore on September 22.
www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/w
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