Migrant Worker Shows Epic Reaction After Winning S$18,888 During Company Dinner

Last Updated on 2023-06-12 , 10:12 am

It’s always a wholesome sight seeing our migrant workers rewarded for their hard work after toiling away for so long.

Despite the mistreatment that some face from their employers, some companies see the value in their workers and ensure they are being recognised for their resilience.

You may tear up a little seeing this video of a migrant worker winning nearly $19,000 at a Squid Game-themed company event.

It’s safe to say that the money is well-earned and deserved.

‘Go Big or Go Home’

Pollisum Engineering, a heavy lift and transport company, held their company event entitled ‘Go Big or Go Home’ on 27 May, inspired by the hit Netflix series Squid Game, featuring games played in the show.

210 employees were present at the event, which included the game Red Light, Green Light, with some even wearing the red jumpsuits from the show and participants wearing tracksuits with name tags similar to those worn by the participants on the show.

Like the one on the show, the event even had a giant piggy bank attached to the ceiling containing specimens of Singapore dollars.

The most wholesome part of the day was when the game winner was announced, 42-year-old Mr Selvam Arumugam.

In a TikTok video, he was captured kneeling on the ground and thanking the rest onstage before being awarded a large money bouquet worth $18,888.

He was still in shock as the person holding the bouquet gestured for him to take a picture and cried of happiness upon receiving the award.

The video’s caption clarified that the money he won was equivalent to a year and a half’s salary.

@emceebotakkai *edit* 1.5 years of salary and not 2! 👍 Imagine winning $18,888 at your company’s dnd! one of the biggest I have ever given out and to a very deserving and sensible man who ask his boss to safekeep his money. Love it!! Kudos to @pollisumgroup ♬ original sound – emceebotakkai

Other prizes were also given out at the event, with the company giving out $100,000 worth of prizes.

The second-place winner won $8,888, while the third-place winner won $6,888. The best part was that everyone left the event with at least $188.

The company also gave out cash awards for long-term service to several employees ranging from $500 to $1,500.

Winner’s Plans

Mr Selvam, a heavy lift operator, plans to use the money to help his family.

Hailing from Tamil Nadu, India, he plans to buy land at home to build a house for his family members.

Now supporting 17 family members after his two older brothers passed away, he left his hometown to be the breadwinner for his wife and three children.

Pollisum Engineering also told MS News they had randomly selected 35 employees to participate in the game.

It’s very touching to see the company help Mr Selvam get a few steps ahead of achieving his dreams, and we hope that he can with this prize money.

How to Help Migrant Workers

There are many workers out there who could still make great use of our help. While they have done a lot for us, we must ensure that we give back to them in the ways we can.

Furthermore, they face many issues, such as long working hours in unfavourable conditions, which may take a toll on their physical and mental health.

To contribute, you can look at the Archdiocesan Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ACMI). You can participate in a number of volunteer activities with them, such as food and supplies distribution, language assistance and spending time with migrant workers.

ACMI also provides financial assistance to migrant workers and organises the Bread Basket programme, which provides meals and social interaction to needy workers.

To aid ACMI in its contributions to migrant workers, you can consider donating to Caritas Singapore.

There is also the Migrant Workers’ Assistance Fund (MWAF) of the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) to provide humanitarian and emergency assistance to migrant workers in need; you can donate here.

Furthermore, Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) is another organisation which directly assists migrant workers that you can volunteer with and donate to. Volunteers must be at least 21 years old and commit for at least three months.