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The Star
6 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Can Singapore maintain its ‘exclusive' concerts going forward?
IN the snaking lines for Lady Gaga merchandise at the Singapore Sports Hub's foyer in May, one could hear a smattering of Tagalog and Vietnamese, Thai and Hindi, and mainland Chinese Mandarin among the chatter. It was a smorgasbord sampling of fans from Asia and beyond, who had descended on Singapore for Lady Gaga's only shows in the region. As with Taylor Swift's runaway success of sold-out shows in March 2024, the Republic had once again managed to work out such a deal – making sure that Lady Gaga performed only there. Besides the economic boost, this strategy of securing international superstars for Singapore-exclusive shows could fuel the country's aspirations of being a global entertainment epicentre – and is one that should be pursued for as long as possible. Swift set a high bar, With six shows that sold over 300,000 tickets, Swift's concerts – combined with British band Coldplay's six shows in January 2024 – injected up to S$450mil (RM1.5bil) into the Singapore economy, bringing in high international visitor arrivals, hotel occupancy rates and tourism revenue, according to private-sector estimates. Economists estimated that Gaga's concerts have generated as much as S$150mil in tourism receipts but it appeared that tickets took longer to sell. The rise in business during the week of the Gaga shows was far less pronounced than when Coldplay and Swift were in town in 2024. While Gaga also has a smaller and niched following, 2025 has also been a slow year for business due to the shaky global economy. Still, paradoxically, tourism experts say the climate of global economic uncertainty could encourage spending on such one-off events. Associate Professor Kuan-Huei Lee, director of programmes, business, communication and design at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), said: 'During periods of crisis and economic uncertainty, individuals may increase their spending on emotional or aspirational goods and experiences that they perceive as 'once-in-a-lifetime' events, such as a Lady Gaga concert.' Can the formula be repeated? Lady Gaga's recent run of shows marks the second time in two years that a major international act has chosen Singapore as its only regional stop. However, pulling off such 'once-in-a-lifetime' events on a regular basis could be a challenge. Not only is it contingent on mega artistes' touring schedules and attracting them to Singapore, but other countries in the region could also emulate the Republic's strategy. But observers agree that Singapore is well placed to keep the momentum going. Several key factors make it a preferred choice in the region, noted tourism expert Benjamin Cassim, senior lecturer at the School of Business at Temasek Polytechnic. These include the availability of hospitality and tourism infrastructure for travelling artistes, their teams and visitors attending the concerts, as well as venues with a proven track record that are equipped to deliver in terms of size and technical support. Accessibility is another element, including the ease of getting to Singapore, and travelling within it safely, with an efficient public transport system that is close to venues. Cassim noted that the Republic has already established itself as a premier entertainment and sports events destination, not just within the Asia-Pacific region, but also globally. 'A major catalyst for this transformation is probably the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix event that Singapore started hosting in 2008,' he said. The F1 Singapore GP's consistently stacked and high-quality off-track entertainment line-ups – with concerts by A-listers, built around the marquee race event – have been a template that has since been imitated by other F1 races around the world. 'The more concert and entertainment events Singapore hosts, the more experience the relevant stakeholders get at honing their craft,' said Cassim. 'This increases our levels of expertise to successfully deliver top-notch events.' For concert promoters as well, Singapore is a reliable choice, though it is the most expensive in the region. It costs about 25% to 30% more to stage a concert here, compared with other places in the region such as Seoul, Bangkok and Jakarta, noted Zaran Vachha, co-founder of independent touring company Collective Minds. 'Bringing someone like Lady Gaga here costs millions of dollars, and at that level, they don't want things to go wrong,' he said. 'And in the region, despite it being the most expensive, Singapore is the least risky place to do that – in terms of everything from securing venues, licensing, approvals and visas (for artistes and crew), to (ensuring) ticket demand. 'It's a safety net for both promoters and artistes.' Securing the next big fish While Singapore has a first-mover advantage in this space, and the ability to make it happen again, it should pursue this 'Singapore-exclusive' strategy for as long as it can before others catch up. 'Replicating Singapore's advantages as a tourist destination is challenging,' said SIT's Prof Lee, noting that organising such events involves well-oiled coordination between the public and private sectors – the government, venue operators, lodging and logistics. She added: 'As neighbouring countries continue to lag behind in competing with Singapore, it is crucial for Singapore to secure exclusive agreements. 'These should align with fan travel patterns, capitalise on logistical strengths, integrate additional activities for tourists to enjoy outside the concert, and closely observe emerging competitors in the region to adapt and adjust.' In 2024, Singapore hit a record S$29.8bil in tourism receipts, driven largely by visitors from markets such as China, Indonesia and Australia, said the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). Between January and September 2024, tourism receipts showed that spending grew across all categories, led by the sightseeing, entertainment and gaming category, which increased by 25 % to S$4.6bil. STB's outlook for 2025 is even more bullish, with expectations of receiving 17 million to 18.5 million international visitors, bringing in S$29bil to S$30.5bil in tourism receipts, surpassing 2024's numbers. After 2024's sold-out shows by Taylor Swift and 2025's run of shows by Lady Gaga, perhaps Singapore should angle for its next big fish in 2026. With such marquee concert events in the year attracting top tourism eyeballs and dollars, and with Singapore shifting priorities to quality tourism instead of quantity in terms of visitor numbers, the Republic must strike while the iron is hot – and continue on its rodeo run to lasso the highest stratosphere of superstars in the world. There is a very limited list of such stars, and one Beyonce Knowles-Carter – currently on her reportedly 94% sold-out run of Cowboy Carter shows around the US and Europe for 2025 – happens to be on it. — The Straits Times/ANN
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
YSRCP MP arrested in ₹3,200cr liquor scam in Andhra
YSRCP MP PV Midhun Reddy (File Photo) VIJAYAWADA: YSRCP MP P V Midhun Reddy was arrested by Andhra SIT late on Saturday after nearly seven hours of questioning in the alleged Rs 3,200 crore liquor scam. The arrest comes after the anticipatory bail petitions of Mithun Reddy were rejected by AP high court and Supreme Court, reports Madhu Rasala. He is the second politician to be arrested in the alleged scam that took place during the previous YSRCP rule. With the latest arrest, the number of accused arrested so far has increased to 12. Earlier, Midhun Reddy arrived in Vijayawada from New Delhi amid heightened security. Krishna district police, under the supervision of Gannavaram DSP, ensured a tight security cordon around the airport. All vehicles entering the premises were thoroughly inspected, and the MP was escorted by police to the SIT office. Police had earlier issued a lookout notice and alerted immigration authorities. The SIT, constituted to investigate alleged irregularities in the liquor policy during the previous YSRCP regime, has been probing alleged illegal financial transactions, policy manipulation, and the misuse of official machinery in the framing and implementation of the state's liquor policy. Sources close to the probe said Reddy was allegedly involved in key decision-making meetings regarding the state's liquor procurement and distribution mechanisms. The SIT has reportedly tracked a Rs 5 crore fund transfer from a third-party company to a firm linked to the MP, raising suspicions of money laundering and quid pro quo arrangements. Officials believe Midhun Reddy possesses crucial information about the ultimate beneficiaries of the proceeds generated through the liquor policy.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
SIT to probe alleged corruption at Nagpur APMC, report in 1 month
Nagpur: The Maharashtra govt has constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to investigate alleged corruption and malpractices at the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), Nagpur. The three-member SIT will be chaired by district collector Vipin Itankar, along with superintendent of police, Nagpur rural, who will serve as a member, and divisional deputy registrar of cooperative societies, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, will function as member secretary. The SIT was directed to probe not just procedural irregularities, but also potential criminal misconduct, with powers to recommend filing of criminal cases if offences are confirmed. The decision was taken during the recently concluded Maharashtra Legislature session, following a question raised by MLA Krishna Khopde. During the discussion, the minister for marketing assured strict action if corruption or irregularities involving APMC's board of directors were proven. The SIT's mandate includes investigating whether APMC Nagpur followed the Maharashtra agricultural produce marketing (development and regulation) Act, 1963, and its associated rules in its operations. Allegations of irregularities in shop allotments by the board members are central to the inquiry. Importantly, the SIT was asked to examine charges of criminal misconduct, forgery, conspiracy, and other offences, and initiate criminal proceedings against board members and officials wherever offences are established. The SIT will also scrutinise two earlier reports: PL Khandagale committee report on revenue losses to the govt, and 2017 inquiry report by AD Patil regarding shop allotment irregularities. The SIT was directed to fix responsibility based on these findings and investigate whether corruption occurred during both current and previous tenures of board members and officials. A comprehensive examination of APMC Nagpur's overall functioning forms part of the inquiry. The govt has granted special powers to the SIT, which was authorised to requisition staff from the offices of the divisional deputy registrar of cooperative societies at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Nagpur to assist the investigation. The SIT was given a strict deadline of 30 days to submit its final report to the state govt.
The Hindu
10 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Andhra Pradesh liquor scam: CID police file chargesheet in ACB Special Court
The Crime Investigation Department (CID) that is probing the multi-crore liquor scam filed the chargesheet in the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Special Court here on Saturday. Investigation officers had so far arrested 11 persons. They included Kessireddy Rajashekar Reddy, former IT Adviser to former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy; K. Dhanunjaya Reddy, Secretary in the Chief Minister's Office; Krishna Mohan Reddy, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to then Chief Minister; director of Bharati Cements Balaji Govindappa, former MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy, Rajashekar Reddy's personal assistant Dilip Kumar, Chanikya, and Sajjala Sridhar Reddy. In the chargesheet, the SIT mentioned about key issues, including seizure of cash from the bank accounts of the accused, evidences gathered, confessional statements, details of the witnesses, and remand reports of the accused. The police also mentioned about the involvement of 40 accused, including officers of the A.P. State Beverages Corporation Limited, Prohibition and Excise, YSR Congress Party leaders, and public representatives in the scam. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had filed a case under the Money Laundering Act in the multi-crore scam and took up investigation. The police also searched the premises of the accused in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Meanwhile, the SIT summoned former Deputy Chief Minister and former Excise Minister K. Narayana Swamy on July 21 (Monday). SIT's Additional Superintendent of Police asked Mr. Narayana Swamy, to appear before the police at 10 a.m. on that day as part investigation of the liquor scam.
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
8-member SIT to probe into 34cr stamp duty scam
Vasai: An 8-member special investigating team (SIT) has been formed by the Inspector General of Registration and Stamps against Dipak Patil, joint district registrar, Palghar, after allegations surfaced that he gave a waiver in stamp duty by undervaluing a few proposals of huge land parcels causing a loss to the government. The SIT order, dated July 14, mentions that the inquiry has to be conducted by July 21. The order also says that all proposals approved by Patil while he was functioning as a JDR have to be scrutinised. These 8 members have been chosen from registrar offices spread across Maharashtra. The complainant in this case, Dhananjay Gawade, former Shiv Sena corporator, Nalasopara, and currently head of Vasai Virar for Swarajya Abhiyan, said Patil undervalued three transactions, causing losses of around Rs 34 crore to the state and loss of revenue of the respective income tax returns to the Centre. He alleged that a land parcel in Achole, Vasai east, was given a waiver in stamp duty in spite of the fact that the purchaser was a firm/company and not an individual/person. Gawade said he is happy that probe has commenced. Speaking to TOI, Patil said the 8-member SIT is part of departmental internal inspection done by higher authority/office and it is supposed to be done in each and every office of the department. He also said that as far as the complaint is concerned, it is made with malafide and malicious intention. "I have never met the complainant. Also, since the complainant has tried to malign me, I am in the process of seeking legal opinion to file a defamation case against him. " You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai
