One of the most anticipated concerts of the year is Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Singapore, in March 2024.

Performing six shows from Mar. 2 to Mar. 9, Singapore is Swift's only stop in Southeast Asia.

In response to a query from Mothership, the Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth (MCCY) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) referred to a joint statement released Feb. 20 about the government's support for Swift's shows in Singapore.

MCCY said it worked with AEG Presents for Swift to perform in Singapore and STB supported the event through a grant.

Support

The statement said that since the government assumed control of the Singapore Sports Hub, the Kallang Alive Sport Management (KASM), which is a wholly-owned entity under MCCY, has been working to make it accessible and vibrant for Singaporeans.

Under the new management, the Sports Hub has since hosted programmes, including live sport and entertainment events to create a "uniquely Singaporean experience" for visitors, in part due to its "strong global relationships".

"In the case of Taylor Swift, MCCY and KASM recognised that there will be significant demand from Singaporeans as well as fans across the region for her to perform in Singapore, and worked directly with AEG Presents for Taylor Swift to perform in Singapore. STB also supported the event through a grant."

Over 300,000 tickets have been sold, with a "significant number of fans" travelling to Singapore from other countries to watch Swift perform.

The statement added that this is likely to bring about benefits to the local economy, especially for tourism-related activities like hospitality, retail and dining.

"Singapore has much to offer as a destination for large-scale international events, with our strategic location, quality infrastructure, safety, efficiency and diverse cultural offerings," it said.

Claim from Thailand prime minister

The statement came after Thailand's Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, claimed that the Singapore government "financially supported" Swift's concert.

Sky News reported Srettha calling the Singapore government "astute":

"If she came to Thailand, it would have been cheaper to organise it here, and I believe she would attract more sponsors and tourists to Thailand. Even though we would have to subsidise at least 500 million baht (S$18.7 million), it would be worth it."

According to the Bangkok Post, Srettha alleged at a business forum that Swift was offered US$2 million to US$3 million (S$2.69 million to S$4.04 million) to perform in exchange for exclusivity in Southeast Asia.

Srettha stated that his information came after he talked to global concert promoter Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) about why Swift was not performing in Thailand, although he did not provide evidence for his claim.

He told the forum that he invited AEG executives for talks at the Government House on Feb. 12, reported Bangkok Post.

"If I had known this, I would have brought the shows to Thailand," he said in a keynote speech at the forum.

He added that concerts generate added value for the economy, Bangkok Post also reported.

Srettha also stated that such financial support was worth spending as it would draw foreign concertgoers to the country who would spend money on businesses.

The prime minister told AEG executives that the Thai government was ready to provide tax incentives and other "attractive measures" to attract concerts and festivals to Thailand.

Swift's 2014 Thailand concert was cancelled following military coup

On Jun. 9, 2014, Swift was scheduled to perform in Thailand during her Red Tour.

It would have been Swift's first performance in the country, said the Hollywood Reporter.

However, the concert was cancelled on May 27, 2014, following a military coup in Thailand on May 22, 2014.

A nationwide curfew was imposed from 10pm to 5am, TV broadcasting was suspended, and political gatherings were banned, BBC reported.

The local concert organiser, BEC-Tero Entertainment, said the cancellation was "due to recent events".

The Hollywood Reporter stated Swift tweeted that she was sending her love to her fans in Thailand and was sad that the concert was cancelled.

Top photos via Taylor Swift/Instagram & Singapore Sports Hub/Facebook