'He sang with zero hesitation': Influencer brings migrant worker to celebrate National Day
He had worked on her Build-To-Order (BTO) flat.
As Singaporeans gear up for National Day, clad in red and white and belting out patriotic tunes, one TikTok influencer brought an unexpected guest to experience the festivities up close - the contractor who worked on her Build-To-Order (BTO) flat.
Nicole Liel (@lielnicole), who has more than 200,000 followers, shared a heartfelt video of her bringing Hridroy, a migrant worker she had befriended during her home renovation, to watch a National Day Parade (NDP) rehearsal at the Padang.
The subtitle read: "POV: I found out my contractor helping with my BTO flat helped build the Padang last year for NDP."
Hridroy was seen waving at the camera, exploring the grounds with excitement, and proudly pointing out the structures he helped build.
Ms Liel said he told her he had contributed to the "jacketing" process - strengthening the structural components of the stage - but mentioned he had not been allowed to watch the parade.
"Not anymore, I'll make sure you can," she recalled telling him.
According to the NDP 2025 website, ticket balloting is open only to Singaporeans and permanent residents. However, foreigners may attend if invited by a successful applicant.
In the video, Hridroy can be seen soaking in the celebration - waving flags, grinning as he held up fun packs, and staring in awe at the performances. He pointed out where he and his crew once slept, saying: "We were sleeping here!"
"Without you, we wouldn't even have a platform to perform on," Ms Liel told him.
The emotional peak came during the national anthem and pledge, when Hridroy was shown standing at attention, with his hand over his heart.
She wrote in the subtitle: "I started getting emotional here because it's really so sad to see how they are treated as outsiders on a daily basis in a world they have helped build.
"I think it hit even harder when he sang the national anthem and pledge with zero hesitation."
Earlier, she had asked if watching the parade would make him "like Singapore more". Hridroy replied with a smile: "Yes of course. Actually I like Singapore. Almost 14 plus years (since I've been here)."
Netizens respond with warmth
The video garnered more than 137,000 views, 12,000 likes and 180 comments, with many expressing appreciation for Hridroy and other migrant workers.
"They deserve so much more", said one netizen. Another added: "I'm tearing up watching this! This is so sweet!"
Many were especially touched by Hridroy's sincerity. One user commented: "He's more Singaporean-spirited than most of us Singaporeans. Thank you, all foreign workers."