PM Wong gets emotional reading letter from Singaporean on Middle East repatriation flight

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong became emotional at Singapore’s May Day Rally on May 1 after reading a forum letter from a Singaporean who had been repatriated from the Middle East.

The moment came during his keynote speech at the annual labour event, where he reflected on the country’s role in helping Singaporeans abroad during difficult periods. Local reports said Wong teared up while reading the letter, which described the writer’s experience on a repatriation flight home.

The scene linked a personal story to Singapore’s wider evacuation response in March 2026, when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Republic deployed an RSAF A330 MRTT to support the repatriation of Singaporeans in the Middle East. MFA later said four repatriation flights were mounted from Muscat, Riyadh and Jeddah.

The May Day Rally was held on May 1, 2026, with Wong as guest of honour and keynote speaker, according to NTUC. His speech also set out a broader warning that Singapore must brace itself for difficult times ahead, while saying the government would do more to help if needed.

CNA’s live coverage and The Straits Times both reported the emotional moment, making it one of the most widely noted scenes from this year’s rally.