Opposition to the Per-Household Subsidy Proposed by the Thai Prime Minister
As the Singapore concert of Taylor Swift, the world-renowned American pop star, has begun, the Prime Minister of Singapore has issued a statement regarding the government’s performance subsidy payment.
Global pop star Taylor Swift cheering for her boyfriend Travis Kelce's game at last month's NFL Super Bowl stadium. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]
On the 5th, local media CNA and major foreign news outlets reported that Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong admitted to signing an exclusive Southeast Asia concert contract with Swift. At a press conference for the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Australia Special Summit held in Melbourne, Australia, Prime Minister Lee stated, "The authorities agreed with Swift’s side that the performance in Southeast Asia would be held only in Singapore." He added, "It was a very successful negotiation, and we do not view it as a hostile act toward neighboring countries."
Prime Minister Lee continued, "The government provided financial support to Swift through a fund established to rebuild Singapore’s tourism industry, which was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. If Singapore had not secured the exclusive concert contract, another Southeast Asian country might have done so." He asserted, "Whether the performances are held only in Singapore or also in other Southeast Asian countries is entirely Swift’s decision." When asked at the summit whether he had heard complaints from other countries about Swift’s exclusive concert, he declined to answer.
Earlier last month, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin sparked controversy by claiming that the Singapore government provided financial support in exchange for exclusive Southeast Asia rights to Swift’s concert. Neighboring countries such as Thailand and Indonesia expressed regret regarding the subsidy. A Philippine lawmaker also voiced dissatisfaction, saying, "Good neighbors do not do that." Subsequently, Singapore’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism acknowledged that they had consulted with Swift’s concert organizer AEG and provided subsidies. However, they did not disclose conditions such as the inclusion of exclusive Southeast Asia performance rights.
There has been much speculation about the amount Singapore’s government paid to Swift. Thai Prime Minister Srettha claimed that the Singapore government provided $2 million to $3 million (approximately 2.67 billion to 4 billion KRW) per performance. However, local media reported that the total subsidy for all six performances was close to the per-show amount mentioned by Prime Minister Srettha. The Singapore government also stated that the circulating figures are not accurate. Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, said in parliament the previous day, "There have been various speculations online about the subsidy amount, but in reality, it is not that high," while also saying that the exact amount and conditions cannot be disclosed. He emphasized that considering tourist arrivals and spending generated by hosting Swift’s concerts, the economic benefits Singapore gains far exceed the subsidy amount.
Swift, who is conducting a world tour, will perform six times at the Singapore National Stadium from the 2nd to the 9th. As Prime Minister Lee mentioned, Singapore is the only Southeast Asian country hosting Swift’s world tour. All 300,000 tickets sold out early, and there have been numerous cases of scalping and fraud targeting fans who could not obtain tickets. However, the influx of fans from neighboring countries has also created a boom for the airline and hotel industries.
Singapore has even highlighted Swift’s family history in relation to the concert. Local media reported that Swift’s maternal grandparents immigrated to Singapore in the 1960s, and her mother was raised in Singapore. Swift herself said at the concert on the 2nd, "I have heard stories about Singapore all my life," and expressed, "It means a lot to come here and perform."
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