Crowd gathers to catch a glimpse of Suu Kyi as she arrives in Singapore

SINGAPORE - A CROWD of Myanmar nationals waited for hours in the searing heat outside Changi Airport yesterday afternoon, all to catch a glimpse of their country's charismatic opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Many were carrying signs and wearing T-shirts bearing the Nobel Peace laureate's photograph. Ms Suu Kyi touched down in Singapore shortly after 1pm to begin her five-day visit here.

This is her first visit to Singapore and the reception so far is an indication of the level of interest in the Myanmar democracy icon.

Later in the afternoon, Ms Suu Kyi, who heads the committee on rule of law, peace and tranquillity of Myanmar's Lower House of Parliament, called on Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Grace Fu.