The winner of the ‘Be a Changi Millionaire’ 2014 draw wants to spend his million-dollar prize money on a holiday trip to Mexico and a brand new Porsche for his family. 34-year-old Mr Oiyama beat five other finalists from different countries such as China and Egypt to emerge victorious in front of an about 400-strong crowd at Changi Airport Terminal 3 today.
“I did not expect this,” the Japanese said, his lips wide. “I want to use this money and go overseas with my family … I want to go to Mexico as the sea is very beautiful!”
It was not colour or routine that played the role of a lucky charm for Mr Oiyama’s victory; it was his 4-year-old son Ritsu’s birth date that proved to be his lucky number. Participants had to undergo 4 grueling game rounds prior to the big reveal and in the final stage – in which finalists had to choose a jigsaw piece that best fits a world map – Mr Oiyama chose the piece numbered 12. Ritsu’s birthday falls on 12 March.
This Vulcan Post writer was standing right beside the wife, 35-year-old Ms Oiyama Reiko, and Ritsu. Round after round, Ritsu was consistently vocal in supporting his father while his mother could only afford to chuckle at his antics. In the final round, for example, Ritsu was seen instructing Mr Oiyama which jigsaw pieces to pick!
Mr Oiyama, a civil engineer, will be working in Singapore for about 10 years. Ms Reiko, on the other hand, is currently a housewife. Both of Mr Oiyama’s parents flew all the way from Japan and arrived in Singapore on Friday to witness the grand draw.
“I am very excited. I never imagined my husband to win this!” Ms Reiko exclaimed. “If he wants to go to Mexico, I want to follow him! And he really likes cars so I am not surprised (he wants to buy the Porsche).”
The ‘Be a Changi Millionaire’ draw was launched in 2010. Past winners include two Singaporeans – former deejay Mr Ivan Rantung (2010) and business development director Mr Peh Hock Peng (2012), Australian engineer Ms Jessica Down (2011) and Indonesian businessman Mr Irvung Tio (2013). Apart from the grand winner in the latest edition of the ‘Be a Changi Millionaire’ draw, the other finalists will also receive S$5,000 in cash.
Participants from more than 200 countries across the world participated in the 2014 draw, with the most number of entries hailing from Singaporeans, Chinese nationals and Malaysians. Changi Airport Group (CAG) will run the sixth installment of the draw this year. More details will be unveiled in the coming months, said the group.