The Singapore Tourism Board and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth said on Feb 20 that Taylor Swift’s sold-out concerts in Singapore in March had received support from the authorities in the form of a grant. This comes after Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's comments on Feb 16 that the Singapore Government offered subsidies in exchange for Swift agreeing not to perform elsewhere in South-east Asia.

Is paying for concert exclusivity a common practice? How does it benefit Singapore's economy and does it make financial sense to give a grant?

Dr Kevin Cheong, Managing Partner, Syntegrate LLP weighs in. 

The Singapore Tourism Board and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth said on Feb 20 that Taylor Swift’s sold-out concerts in Singapore in March had received <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/stb-gave-grant-for-taylor-swift-concerts-event-likely-to-generate-major-benefits-for-s-pore-economy-govt">support from the authorities in the form of a grant</a>. This comes after Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's comments on Feb 16 that the Singapore Government offered subsidies in exchange for Swift agreeing not to perform elsewhere in South-east Asia. Is paying for concert exclusivity a common practice? How does it benefit Singapore's economy and does it make financial sense to give a grant?
Dr Kevin Cheong, Managing Partner, Syntegrate LLP weighs in.

Money Matters is your guide to navigating the day's most important topics, from politics and current affairs to wealth management and trending issues. Every evening, the team delivers insightful discussions on business news, market movements, and the latest in alternative assets. Whether navigating the political landscape, understanding the economy, or uncovering emerging investment opportunities, Money Matters keeps you informed and ahead of the curve. Tune in daily to Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian from 4 pm to 7 pm on MONEY FM 89.3.

Money Matters is your guide to navigating the day's most important topics, from politics and current affairs to wealth management and trending issues. Every evening, the team delivers insightful discussions on business news, market movements, and the latest in alternative assets. Whether navigating the political landscape, understanding the economy, or uncovering emerging investment opportunities, Money Matters keeps you informed and ahead of the curve. Tune in daily to Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian from 4 pm to 7 pm on MONEY FM 89.3.

Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

A recap of the biggest news stories so you do not miss a thing, even while you were busy working.

A recap of the biggest news stories so you do not miss a thing, even while you were busy working.

The Weekly Wrap-Up

MONEY FM 89.3 is Singapore’s first and only Business and Personal Finance station. MONEY FM is a 24-hour English talk format station featuring local and international business and financial news. We provide you with financial market and currency updates and insights from analysts, economists, policy makers, industry experts and business owners.

In the lighter hours, listen to discussions on social issues and features on topics that include health, education, arts and music.

MONEY FM 89.3 is Singapore&rsquo;s first and only Business and Personal Finance station. MONEY FM is a 24-hour English talk format station featuring local and international business and financial news. We provide you with financial market and currency updates and insights from analysts, economists, policy makers, industry experts and business owners.
In the lighter hours, listen to discussions on social issues and features on topics that include health, education, arts and music.

MONEY FM 89.3 is Singapore’s first and only Business and Personal Finance station.

MONEY FM 89.3

Your evening guide to the day's most important topics — navigate the key events in politics, business, markets, wealth management, and top investment opportunities. Keeps you informed and ahead of the curve, daily.

Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian (4pm - 7pm)

Weekly Wrap Up: How much will Singapore make from Taylor Swift's concert exclusivity ?

Singapore shares dipped today in line with movements seen in the region. 

The Straits Times Index was down 0.23% at 4,996.10 points at 3.27pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$1.35B seen in the broader market.

In terms of counters to watch, we have Yangzijiang Maritime, after the maritime investments company said yesterday that it has signed contracts to acquire eight very large crude carrier newbuilds and sell four medium-range tankers. 

Elsewhere, from how Singapore’s key exports expanded by a stronger-than-expected 15.3 per cent year on year in March, to how Netflix chairman Reed Hastings is quitting the streaming service he co-founded 29 years ago, more economic and corporate headlines remained in focus.

On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Benjamin Goh, Head of Research and Investor Education, SIAS.

Singapore shares dipped today in line with movements seen in the region.&nbsp;
The Straits Times Index was down 0.23% at 4,996.10 points at 3.27pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$1.35B seen in the broader market.
In terms of counters to watch, we have Yangzijiang Maritime, after the maritime investments company said yesterday that it has signed contracts to acquire eight very large crude carrier newbuilds and sell four medium-range tankers.&nbsp;
Elsewhere, from how Singapore&rsquo;s key exports expanded by a stronger-than-expected 15.3 per cent year on year in March, to how Netflix chairman Reed Hastings is quitting the streaming service he co-founded 29 years ago, more economic and corporate headlines remained in focus.
On Market View, Money Matters&rsquo; finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Benjamin Goh, Head of Research and Investor Education, SIAS.

Market View: Netflix shares fall on downbeat forecast, departure of co-founder; Apple’s iPhone shipments in China surge 20% in Q1 per data; Asian stocks down but oil prices below US$100 on peace deal hopes; Singapore’s key exports up 15.3% in March, exceeding forecasts; OpenAI reportedly set to spend more than US$20 billion on Cerebras chips; Yangzijiang Maritime to watch

Geopolitical tensions in Iran are shaking markets once again, sending oil soaring and investors scrambling.

But instead of rushing into gold, many are heading for cash, so what does that really signal? Is cash king again? 

On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Gautam Chadda, Executive Director at RBC Wealth Management Asia, to find out more.

Geopolitical tensions in Iran are shaking markets once again, sending oil soaring and investors scrambling.
But instead of rushing into gold, many are heading for cash, so what does that really signal? Is cash king again?&nbsp;
On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to&nbsp;Gautam Chadda, Executive Director at RBC Wealth Management Asia, to find out more.

Wealth Tracker: Is cash king again amid geopolitical shock?

Singapore’s schools are set for a major shake-up in how they deal with bullying. By 2027, all schools will adopt standardized disciplinary measures — including detention, suspension, and in some cases caning — alongside a new online reporting system for students to flag incidents directly.

The Ministry of Education says the changes are meant to create greater consistency, improve transparency, and strengthen trust between schools, students, and parents.

But the new framework has also sparked debate: while some welcome clearer rules and stronger deterrence, others question whether punishment alone can address the root causes of bullying.

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Jean Liu, Associate Professor of Psychology at the Singapore Institute of Technology, to find out what these changes mean, and whether schools are moving toward meaningful long-term change or simply tougher penalties. 

Singapore&rsquo;s schools are set for a major shake-up in how they deal with bullying. By 2027, all schools will adopt standardized disciplinary measures &mdash; including detention, suspension, and in some cases caning &mdash; alongside a new online reporting system for students to flag incidents directly.
The Ministry of Education says the changes are meant to create greater consistency, improve transparency, and strengthen trust between schools, students, and parents.
But the new framework has also sparked debate: while some welcome clearer rules and stronger deterrence, others question whether punishment alone can address the root causes of bullying.
On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Jean Liu, Associate Professor of Psychology at the Singapore Institute of Technology, to find out what these changes mean, and whether schools are moving toward meaningful long-term change or simply tougher penalties.&nbsp;

Weekly Wrap Up: How much will Singapore make from Taylor Swift's concert exclusivity ?

In 3 playlist(s)

Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian (4pm - 7pm)

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips