In the blink of an eye, the year is coming to an end.
Before we begrudgingly turn a year older, we look back at the top 10 iconic moments that happened in Singapore (according to us, at least) from 2024.
1) Coldplay performed six nights in Singapore
In January 2024, British rock band Coldplay played six nights in Singapore, making them the first act to sell out six shows at the Singapore National Stadium.
Performing as part of the “Music of The Spheres” world tour, the string of concerts saw Chris Martin reminding Singaporeans to put away their phones and live in the moment.
All in all, an iconic concert.
2) Taylor Swift made her only Southeast Asian stop in Singapore
Yes, the only “The Eras Tour” stop in Asia (except for Japan) was in Singapore.
Held over six nights at the Singapore National Stadium, Taylor Swift put on a three-hour performance going through her nine different eras (before the release of “The Tortured Poets Department” album).
Fans were entertained by her surprise songs and Kam Saunders’ Singlish words during “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”.
@mothership.nova @Kam N. Saunders deserves a pink ic fr #taylorswift #taylorsversion #theerastour #taylornation #sgtiktok ♬ original sound - spedx8
Not forgetting the numerous Love Story proposals:
Those who didn’t get tickets to the concert also soaked in the Swiftie vibes at Sports Hub Library where there were free activities like friendship bracelet-making stations.
3) GST increased to nine per cent
The goods and services tax (GST) rate increased to nine per cent in 2024, from eight per cent in 2023.
This is part of a staggered increase announced by PM Wong in his Budget statement in 2022.
On the more wholesome side, some merchants decided they would absorb the GST hike for a period of time:
4) Lee Hsien Loong stepped down as prime minister
After 20 years, Lee Hsien Loong officially stepped down from his post as prime minister.
On May 15, 2024, SM Lee passed the baton to PM Lawrence Wong.
And in true Singaporean fashion, Singaporeans sold out the 4D number “1505” at Singapore Pools:
5) Tickets sold out for Singapore vs. South Korea rematch
South Korea’s national footballers, including Tottenham Hotspurs’ Son Heungmin were in town for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers rematch against Singapore.
In May 2024, the national teams played to a full house of around 50,000 spectators at the National Stadium.
Those who didn’t get a chance to watch the game also had the chance to join in the fun interactive activities around Singapore Sports Hub, including speed goal challenges and human foosball games.
6) A car crashed into Suntec City’s Fountain of Wealth
On Jul. 13, 2024, a car ended up overturned on its roof at Suntec City’s Fountain of Wealth.
Following the accident, the fountain was closed for maintenance from Jul. 5 to 25.
The driver was conveyed conscious to the hospital and was investigated for dangerous driving.
In true Singaporean fashion, again, Singaporeans went to bet on “4516” — the toppled car’s plate number.
Unfortunately, the accident didn’t yield any winning numbers.
7) Max Maeder won bronze at Paris Olympics 2024
Kitefoiler Max Maeder won Singapore’s only bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.
The KiteFoil World Series 2024 champion made it even sweeter, clinching the win on Singapore’s 59th birthday.
Maeder and other Singaporean Olympians returned to Singapore to much fanfare with a celebratory bus parade that kicked off at the OCBC Aquatic Centre on Aug. 14.
8) Yip Pin Xiu won gold at Paris Paralympics 2024
Shortly after, Singaporean swimmer Yip Pin Xiu brought home not one but two gold medals from the 2024 Paralympic Games.
She was crowned champion in the women’s 100m and 50m backstroke S2 events.
Slay.
9) Pope Francis visited Singapore
Pope Francis was in town in September 2024, making it the 87-year-old’s first time in Singapore.
In his three days in Singapore, the pope visited St Theresa’s Home and Catholic Junior College before having the papal mass with about 48,600 balloted congregants at the National Stadium.
A little fun fact: The pope’s official ride during his visit was a Singapore-made Hyundai Ioniq 5.
10) One Republic released a song called “Singapore”
OneRepublic is known for songs like “Counting Stars” and “I Ain’t Worried”.
But did you know they have a song called “Singapore” on their latest album?
Released in July 2024, OneRepublic said that they were inspired by the “beautiful juxtaposition of the modern and heritage buildings set in this cultural melting pot”.
Cool.
This sponsored article is brought to you by Singapore Sports Hub.
Top image from Taylor Swift’s Instagram page, PM Lee’s Facebook page and SNOC’s Facebook page.
