Singapore's agreement to ensure singer Taylor Swift does not perform anywhere else in Southeast Asia is not a hostile act, the Prime Minister of Singapore said.
Swift played six sold-out shows at the 55,000-seat National Stadium, and she won't be stopping in the region again thanks to an exclusive deal with… Singapore.
The Singaporean government did not reveal the details of the deal, however Thailand's Prime Minister claimed last month Swift was offered up to £2.4 million per show for exclusivity.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Tuesday that an “arrangement” had been agreed for SWIFT to make its only performer in the region.
“It has turned out to be a very successful arrangement, and I don't see it as unfriendly,” he said at a press conference in Melbourne, where he is attending a regional summit.
The Singapore government previously said it had awarded Swift a grant to play, without mentioning conditions.
This announcement angered neighboring countries in the region.
A couple of Swifties stand outside the National Stadium before one of the star's concerts in Singapore. Photo: Reuters
Last month, Thai Prime Minister Sritha Tavsin said promoter AEG had informed him of the agreement that Swift would not participate in any further shows from The Eras Tour in ASEAN.
“Not what good neighbors do.”
“The Singaporean government is smart,” Sreetha said, adding that he had long wondered why Swift had not performed in Thailand.
“If it came to Thailand, it would be cheaper to organize it here, and I think it would be able to attract more sponsors and tourists to Thailand.
He added, “Concerts can generate added value to the economy.”
This is “not what good neighbors do,” said Joey Salceda, a Philippine lawmaker.
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“Our two countries are good friends, which is why such actions hurt us,” he said, according to The Straits Times, which added that he claimed Singapore's move was hurting relations with Manila.
Last month, Singapore's Tourism Board and Ministry of Culture cited the economic benefits that Swift's concerts have brought worldwide due to her popularity.
