Migrant workers in Westlite dormitories join in island-wide 'Home' karaoke session

All together now.

Joshua Lee | April 26, 2020, 12:47 AM

Singaporeans across the island took part in a mass karaoke session, singing the classic National Day song "Home" today (April 25).

The initiative, called "Sing Together Singapore!" called on residents to sing along to a recording of "Home" on television while waving a torch from their windows and balconies.

But Singaporeans weren't the only one singing. Joining in the fun were migrant workers in dormitories as well.

Most were cheering and whooping as the song "Home" played in the background. Many also waved their torches enthusiastically.

Here are some clips of migrant workers from Westlite Toh Guan, Juniper, Papan, and Woodlands taking part in the fun:

The Migrant Workers' Centre said in a Facebook post:

"Cheering, clapping and the glare of torchlights filling the night sky in the usually subdued Jalan Papan area, means only one thing to us — that our migrant brothers want to be counted, they have heard our song, and that they send us their love and gratitude in return."

This nationwide “karaoke” initiative is a collaborative effort led by the media industry and is also supported by Gov.sg and Nexus MINDEF.

It aims to rally everyone in Singapore in expressing their thanks and appreciation to frontline workers and migrant workers.

It also aims to encourage all Singaporeans to keep their spirits high and stay united during the circuit breaker.

Number of Covid-19 cases involving Work Permit Holders on the rise

On the same day, the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced 618 new cases of Covid-19. Most of them are migrant workers living in dormitories.

The number of new cases amongst Work Permit holders (both inside and outside dormitories) has continued to increase.

The ministry also said that most of cases from the dormitories have a mild illness and are being monitored in the community isolation facilities or general ward in hospitals.

Top screengrab from video courtesy of MCI.