SINGAPORE, 2013-07-23 — /travelprnews.com/ — A Russian engineer has become Changi Airport’s first lucky shopper to qualify for the ‘Be a Changi Millionaire’ 2013 Grand Draw – Changi Airport Group’s (CAG) fourth run of its biggest retail promotion, boasting Singapore’s biggest prize-purse of S$1million.
Mr Valeriy Val’Chun, 52, was transiting via Changi Airport on his way home from Bangladesh to Vladivostok in May, where a watch purchase paved his way to possibly becoming the next Changi millionaire. As a finalist, Mr Val’Chun bags a holiday to Singapore and a one-in-six chance to win the grand prize of S$1 million in cash.
When making travel plans, Mr Val’Chun will always make a conscious decision to fly through Changi. “This, to me, is easily the most beautiful airport in the world. My children frequently advise me to choose Changi Airport as a transit point, not only because of safety and efficiency, but it truly is a wonderful experience”, said Mr Val’Chun.
On his third and most recent transit via Changi on 2 May 2013 with his colleagues, he had a nine-hour layover during which he spent most of his time shopping for gifts for the family and himself.
“I frequently travel to Europe and I feel that prices are better here as compared to many European cities. Shopping is also more affordable here than in Russia with a huge variety of products”, Mr Val’Chun said. In May 2013, he bought two smart phones, some perfumes and a Tissot watch for S$675 from Gassan Watches at Terminal 1’s transit mall– the winning purchase that secured his place in the Grand Draw.
The ‘Be a Changi Millionaire’ promotion is Singapore’s largest retail promotion. Since the campaign’s debut in 2010, ‘Be a Changi Millionaire’ has made three lucky shoppers at Changi Airport overnight millionaires with its grand prize of S$1 million. Past winners consist of two Singaporeans and an Australian.
The promotion has gained much momentum with more than double the number of entries from 830,000 in 2010 to 2.1 million for 2012 and is now regarded as one of Singapore’s most successful retail promotions.
Come early 2014, Mr Val’Chun will be one of six finalists to take centre stage at the ‘Be a Changi Millionaire’ Grand Draw – to determine who among them would walk away a millionaire. He will be bringing along his wife for support as well as a lucky charm – his granddaughter’s beloved teddy bear, which he incidentally, won at Changi Airport during his previous trip.
During the six-month ‘Be a Changi Millionaire’ promotion which runs from 1 May to 31 October 2013, one finalist will be drawn each month for participation in the Grand Draw. Each finalist wins a cash prize of S$5,000 each[1] and a three-night stay in Singapore. For more details of ‘Be a Changi Millionaire’, please visit www.changiairport.com/millionaire.
When asked about his plans if he bags the million-dollar fortune, Mr Val’Chun has simple dreams: he will take his family on a vacation and build a children’s playground for his two young granddaughters where they can play with their friends.
[1] Five finalists will get S$5,000 while one wins the grand prize of S$1 million
About Changi Airport Group
Changi Airport Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd (CAG) (www.changiairportgroup.com) was formed on 16 June 2009 and the corporatisation of Singapore Changi Airport (IATA: SIN, ICAO: WSSS) followed on 1 July 2009. As the company managing Changi Airport, CAG undertakes key functions focusing on airport operations and management, air hub development, commercial activities and airport emergency services. CAG also manages Seletar Airport (IATA: XSP, ICAO: WSSL) and through its subsidiary Changi Airports International, invests in and manages foreign airports.
Changi Airport (www.changiairport.com) is the world’s most awarded airport with more than 430 accolades received since it opened in 1981. To serve passengers and visitors from the world over, there are over 330 retail stores and 120 F&B outlets across the airport’s three terminals. Changi handled more than 51 million passenger movements in 2012, an annual record. Today, it serves some 110 airlines flying to over 250 cities in about 60 countries and territories worldwide. A flight takes off or lands at Changi roughly once every 100 seconds.
Russian engineer Valeriy Val’Chun is Changi Airport’s first lucky shopper to qualify for the ‘Be a Changi Millionaire’ 2013 Grand Draw