"We cannot see how a tagline calling for inclusion and love can be seen as undermining the concept of family or disrespecting the individual," wrote the Pink Dot organizers.

"We must honor and respect the feelings of those who suffered terribly and lost family members during the Japanese Occupation," said the country's minister for communications and information.

Local observers argue that real policies to protect migrant workers' rights are still absent in the wealthy Asian city state, however.

"Purple symbolizes solidarity for people with special needs. The square logo of the Purple Parade symbolizes equality (equal length on all sides), inclusiveness and strong building blocks."

"If we throw away ugly food just because it doesn’t look nice, then I think we are wasting these resources," a participant in Singapore's new food conservation movement said.

Singapore and Vietnam have bagged their first ever Olympic golds in Rio, Thailand has topped the podium twice and the Philippines has ended a two-decade medal drought.

"Sorry your wife is Indian, landlord won’t rent to you. Next time please indicate earlier, so we both don’t waste time."