A 38-year-old air-conditioning technician, Sugumar Surendran, has made a striking public declaration of his admiration for Singapore by getting a tattoo of the nation's founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, emblazoned on his neck. Surendran, who is a migrant worker, views Singapore as a 'golden country' and sought this permanent form of tribute to express his profound gratitude and respect for the nation and its visionary leader.

The decision to get a tattoo of Lee Kuan Yew, a figure highly revered in Singapore for his role in transforming the nation into a prosperous global hub, is a deeply personal one for Surendran. He visited a tattoo studio along North Bridge Road on April 12 with this specific request, indicating a well-thought-out and deliberate act of commemoration. The placement of the tattoo on his neck signifies its prominence and the artist's commitment to detail, ensuring that the likeness of Lee Kuan Yew is clearly visible.

Surendran's sentiment reflects a common feeling among many migrant workers who find opportunities and a stable environment in Singapore. The country's reputation for economic prosperity, safety, and efficient governance, largely shaped during Lee Kuan Yew's tenure, attracts a significant number of foreign workers. For individuals like Surendran, Singapore represents a land of opportunity, a place where hard work can lead to a better life, and where the principles of meritocracy and order, championed by Lee Kuan Yew, are seemingly upheld.

This act of personal tribute is more than just ink on skin; it symbolizes the deep appreciation and sense of belonging that some migrant workers develop towards their host country. It highlights the positive impact that Singapore's development and policies have had on individuals from diverse backgrounds. While Lee Kuan Yew passed away in 2015, his legacy continues to inspire and shape the nation, and for some, like Sugumar Surendran, his image serves as a powerful reminder of the foundations upon which Singapore's success was built.