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 ?

Markets are volatile, interest rates remain uncertain, and global risks keep shifting. At the same time, investors are faced with a growing mix of traditional assets and newer alternatives, making it harder to know what truly works in different market conditions.

How should seasoned investors balance these options? What do they have to consider when structuring wealth across borders, including the practical risks and trade-offs that don’t always get the spotlight?

On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Tanaporn “Giig” Yowa, Founder & CEO of Unique Prime Group, to find out more.

Markets are volatile, interest rates remain uncertain, and global risks keep shifting. At the same time, investors are faced with a growing mix of traditional assets and newer alternatives, making it harder to know what truly works in different market conditions.
How should seasoned investors balance these options? What do they have to consider when structuring wealth across borders, including the practical risks and trade-offs that don&rsquo;t always get the spotlight?
On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Tanaporn &ldquo;Giig&rdquo; Yowa, Founder &amp; CEO of Unique Prime Group, to find out more.

Wealth Tracker: What seasoned investors should know about building resilient wealth today

The US has announced a potential 15% across-the-board tariff on imports, prompting Singapore to seek urgent clarity from its US counterparts on how the measures will be implemented.

Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said the key concern is uncertainty, especially as details remain unclear following recent US court rulings and policy changes.

What could the new tariff proposal mean for Singapore’s exports, competitiveness and economic outlook?

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Jayant Menon, Senior Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, to find out more.

The US has announced a potential 15% across-the-board tariff on imports, prompting Singapore to seek urgent clarity from its US counterparts on how the measures will be implemented.
Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said the key concern is uncertainty, especially as details remain unclear following recent US court rulings and policy changes.
What could the new tariff proposal mean for Singapore&rsquo;s exports, competitiveness and economic outlook?
On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with&nbsp;Dr Jayant Menon, Senior Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, to find out more.

The Big Story: Is Singapore prepared for the ripple effects of a 15% US tariff?

First, a sign at the Kampong Glam Ramadan Bazaar is making waves, with a direct message to food influencers asking for kindness before criticism. Is it a fair request in the age of viral reviews, or are public opinions simply part of running a business? 

Then, we turn to Japan, where a seven-month-old baby monkey named Punch has captured global attention. From clinging to a stuffed orangutan for comfort to inspiring a viral social media moment, Punch’s story has even sparked brand responses and a sell-out of plush toys. How did one emotional video turn into an internet sensation and what does it say about the power of social media today?

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh break down the headlines, the reactions, and the bigger questions behind the trends.

First, a sign at the Kampong Glam Ramadan Bazaar is making waves, with a direct message to food influencers asking for kindness before criticism. Is it a fair request in the age of viral reviews, or are public opinions simply part of running a business?&nbsp;
Then, we turn to Japan, where a seven-month-old baby monkey named Punch has captured global attention. From clinging to a stuffed orangutan for comfort to inspiring a viral social media moment, Punch&rsquo;s story has even sparked brand responses and a sell-out of plush toys. How did one emotional video turn into an internet sensation and what does it say about the power of social media today?
On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh break down the headlines, the reactions, and the bigger questions behind the trends.

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

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