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.

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Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4&ndash;8pm drive companion, guiding you through the day&rsquo;s biggest headlines, trending conversations and the issues shaping Singapore and the world.
From news and current affairs to lifestyle insights and generational perspectives, the show helps you make sense of what&rsquo;s happening &mdash; with clarity, context and a touch of personality.
Whether you&rsquo;re catching up after a long day or tuning in on the move, Your Way Home keeps you informed, engaged and connected &mdash; all the way home.
And she closes the day with a song that says it all.