IT WAS no easy feat, making sure that Taylor Swift’s only Southeast Asian concert was The Best Day for everyone involved. But take a bow, Singapore. Long Story Short, we all did good together hosting this past week of Swiftie Sessions (Singapura’s version).
There were the hardworking SMRT and other security staff who made it easy for Swifties to get to the sold-out 55,000-seater Singapore National Stadium concerts every single session — and who kept the rest of Singapore’s commuters journeying on smoothly through our world-class transport system.
There was the Singapore National Stadium itself, which was built over the site of the old National Stadium less than ten years ago. It’s where so many stadium ushers, guards, cleaners, maintenance workers and other event crew keep the location fit for its long-term purpose — as a place that repeatedly brings in big world-class events to our little island. Just as importantly, they kept the thousands of Swifties camped outside the concert every night safe, occupied, and euphoric.
Then there were the ground-up efforts which made people feel welcome. From Swifties swapping friendship bracelets with each other, the hawker who gave away chicken rice to people caught in the pouring rain pre-concert and the conversations shared between local and foreign Swifties over the fact that yes, This is What You Came For. Not to forget the kind boy who gave up his tickets for the two fans who got scammed.
Source: The Straits Times© Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission.
Make no mistake: Heaps of tourists came over to Singapore to experience Taytay perform The Eras and Singapore does have a lot of financial benefits from that big week. These tourists coming here for the concert means them spending on accommodations, food, concert souvenirs, tourist attractions and shopping. That translates into a $300-$400 million boost for Singapore’s economy, tens of millions from GST alone which will go into public coffers for improving Singapore. And there is so much free publicity Singapore is getting worldwide from all the social media posts showcasing the spectacular sights of the Republic.
So be proud and happy, Singapore. The Eras was a big, nationwide event to pull off — and we did.
Success did not happen overnight
The material benefits of The Eras aside, there’s the fact that the show generated international goodwill for Singapore.
Thailand’s Prime Minister admires and compliments us for our dealmaking and feels that it’d be worthwhile for Thailand to follow suit.
“Singapore was very smart, I would do the same,” he told TIME earlier this week.
Over on the other side of the Causeway, the former UMNO Youth chief and the former UMNO information chief both think Malaysia can follow Singapore’s example too. They also respect how Singaporeans can work together (and not in silos) to bring in big concerts while promoting our country at the same time.
We had international stars drop by as well: BLACKPINK’s Lisa was the one that raised most eyebrows, and there was also SHINee’s Minho, Hong Kong actress Carina Lau and Filipino personality Heart Evangelista.
Then there were the social media tributes which touring Swifties gave Singapore — these are still up, like how a Malaysian Chevening scholar in climate change gave props to our public infrastructure and overall connectivity:
Source: Muaz Mohd / Twitter
And another, this time a 45-second sample of a Filipino Swiftie’s happiness:
We are feeling proprietary pride here. We do like her shout-out to our transport system and crowd control measures — as well as the fact that integrity and a good Government are the way things work in Singapore.
That’s because all these systems take time to build up. A smooth experience for this many people just doesn’t happen overnight; we’ve attended enough concerts to know this all too well.
And for now, we have gained the Invisible String of positive mindshare — and good vibes — regionally and globally. We can steward these social reserves well for the next act. Basically, the Singapore leg of The Eras shows that we’ve got all our stuff together.
We can always do an encore. Now on to Bruno Mars.
Cover photo: The Straits Times© Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission.
