SINGAPORE — A migrant worker in Singapore instantly became S$18,888 richer after clinching the top prize at his company’s annual dinner and dance (D&D) event last Saturday (May 27).

Mr Selvam Arumugam, 42, from India earned the prize money after outplaying other contestants in a game inspired by the award-winning Netflix series Squid Game.

Just like in the show, players had to beat each other in a series of matches, including the infamous "red light, green light" game, to snag the grand prize.

Mr Selvam was among 35 employees of heavy lift and transport company Pollisum Engineering who were randomly selected to participate in the game.

According to a press statement by the company, Mr Selvam “showcased determination and perseverance and successfully won all the games until the finish line”.

The father of three was clearly overcome with emotion when he was announced as the grand prize winner on stage.

In a TikTok video shared by user “emceebotakkai”, Mr Selvam is seen falling onto his knees and prostrating in front of the company’s managing director and group chairman as his name is called out.

The heavy-lift vehicle operator shed tears of joy as the cash prize was presented to him in the form of a massive cash bouquet.

The S$18,888 is reportedly equivalent to one and half years’ worth of Mr Selvam’s salary.

With this windfall, Mr Selvam plans to purchase some land to build a house back home in Tamil Nadu, the company statement said.

Hailing from an impoverished village, Mr Selvam is responsible for 17 family members, including his wife, three children as well as the families of his older brothers who have passed away.

The unexpected fortune will help him to fulfil his “lifelong dream of providing a stable and secure home” for his loved ones.

Pollisum Engineering’s other employees, however, did not leave empty handed.

The game’s second and third place winners walked away with S$8,888 and S$6,888 respectively.

A total of S$100,000 worth of prizes was given out to employees during the event.

Pollisum Engineering is the latest company in Singapore to generate buzz over its generous gifts to employees.

In March, Singapore-based restaurant operator Paradise Group drew praise from online users after it rewarded 330 of its employees with expensive gifts, including Rolex watches and Suisse gold bars at its D&D.

The luxury watches of various models were reportedly awarded to 98 employees who have served the company for 10 years or more, regardless of their position.

A check online revealed that one of the models, Datejust 31 (Oyster, 31mm, Oystersteel), retails for about S$9,800.