By 
When Australian engineer Jessica Down bought perfume for her sister at Changi airport last year in September, little did she expect to become a millionaire four months later.
The 26-year-old was in town for a business trip and her purchase allowed her to participate in the lucky draw organised by Changi Airport.
The “Be a Changi Millionaire Draw”, which started in May last year, culminated in the finale on Sunday. A cash prize of S$1 million dollars was given away to one of the seven finalists, who had qualified through monthly draws.
Among the seven final contenders, three were from Singapore, while the rest were from Australia, Holland and Thailand. They were put through a series of games which eliminated all but two – Ms Down and 35-year-old Mohamed Reda Akdim, from Holland.
Lady Luck was smiling on Down as she prevailed, while the rest walked away with a cash prize of S$5,000 and a 3D/2N stay in a luxury hotel in Singapore.
“This is the second time we are making a Changi shopper an overnight millionaire, and we are all very excited about it. Through the Millionaire Draw, we hope to convey the message that shopping at Changi Airport is not only exciting and enjoyable, it can also be very rewarding,” said Mr Lee Seow Hiang, Chief Executive Officer of Changi Airport Group.
In 2011, Changi Airport’s retail business hit a record high, with sales of over S$1.5 billion, placing Changi firmly among the top four airports in the world in terms of annual sales.
The top five customer groups were nationals from Singapore, Australia, China, Indonesia and the European Union, with sales from Singaporeans and Chinese nationals accounting for 20 per cent each.
The 26-year-old was in town for a business trip and her purchase allowed her to participate in the lucky draw organised by Changi Airport.
The “Be a Changi Millionaire Draw”, which started in May last year, culminated in the finale on Sunday. A cash prize of S$1 million dollars was given away to one of the seven finalists, who had qualified through monthly draws.
Among the seven final contenders, three were from Singapore, while the rest were from Australia, Holland and Thailand. They were put through a series of games which eliminated all but two – Ms Down and 35-year-old Mohamed Reda Akdim, from Holland.
Lady Luck was smiling on Down as she prevailed, while the rest walked away with a cash prize of S$5,000 and a 3D/2N stay in a luxury hotel in Singapore.
Said Down: “It was unbelievable. You don’t think this can happen to you and then it does, and everyone has been so great… It’s great, I’m speechless, and I’m laughing so much I’ve got a sore tummy already.”
When asked about her plans for the windfall, the materials engineer said: “I’ll definitely take my family for a holiday, they need it. And I guess invest a little? And do all the sensible things. And there will be a party.”
“This is the second time we are making a Changi shopper an overnight millionaire, and we are all very excited about it. Through the Millionaire Draw, we hope to convey the message that shopping at Changi Airport is not only exciting and enjoyable, it can also be very rewarding,” said Mr Lee Seow Hiang, Chief Executive Officer of Changi Airport Group.
In 2011, Changi Airport’s retail business hit a record high, with sales of over S$1.5 billion, placing Changi firmly among the top four airports in the world in terms of annual sales.
The top five customer groups were nationals from Singapore, Australia, China, Indonesia and the European Union, with sales from Singaporeans and Chinese nationals accounting for 20 per cent each.
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