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Explore the captivating world of Taylor Swift’s concerts in Singapore and their unexpected impact on Southeast Asia. This story isn’t just about music; it’s about cities competing for the spotlight and the mixed feelings of fans and governments alike. As we delve into this real-world saga, we invite adult English learners to improve their language skills while examining the intriguing interplay between entertainment, economics, and international relations. Join us for a narrative that promises to be as engaging as it is educational, perfect for those looking to broaden their horizons in English comprehension and cultural awareness.

Taylor Swift’s Singapore leg spurs bad blood in SE Asia. Neighbors can’t shake it off

Warm-Up Questions: 

Have you ever traveled to another city or country specifically to attend a concert or event?

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LEILA FADEL, HOST:

Taylor Swift is in the middle of a six-show run in Singapore. But what the government did to get those concerts is causing some, shall we say, “Bad Blood” with Singapore’s neighbors. Sherisse Pham reports.

SHERISSE PHAM, BYLINE: For some Southeast Asian nations, it’s been a cruel case of missed opportunity for Taylor Swift. Here’s how Philippine broadcaster ANC put it.

UNIDENTIFIED NEWS ANCHOR: And Swifties, listen up. A Philippine lawmaker wants Singapore to explain a reported exclusivity clause that barred pop superstar Taylor Swift from performing anywhere else in Southeast Asia.

PHAM: The outcry prompted Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, to defend the exclusive deal at a press conference this week.

LEE HSIEN LOONG: A deal was reached, and so it has turned out to be a very successful arrangement. I don’t see that as being unfriendly.

PHAM: Some neighboring Southeast Asian officials disagree. So why does all this matter? Because event tourism, like Swift’s concerts, brings in a lot of money for cities. Research firm Business Market Insights expects the Asia Pacific events market to grow to nearly $550 billion by 2028.

ERICA TAY: Younger travelers crave experiences, so they’re more likely to travel to a city just to attend a concert or to watch a sporting event and throw in a side of tourism. So by hosting Taylor Swift and other A-list acts, I think Singapore is building its credentials to be an event tourism hub.

PHAM: That’s Erica Tay. She’s an economist with Maybank in Singapore. She estimates Swift’s concerts will bring in $370 million U.S. dollars in tourism spending to the country. It explains why, when nearby cities see the kind of eye-popping boost they’re missing out on, it prompts some soul searching.

PHAM: Last month, Hong Kong’s chief executive, John Lee, was asked about Singapore’s efforts to get Swift and whether Hong Kong is being ambitious enough when it comes to securing big events.

PHAM: “We know we’ll be competing with different cities,” he said, “and will ensure we’re attractive enough and competitive enough.” Until that happens, Hong Kong is losing out on fans spending big bucks to see performers like Coldplay, Ed Sheeran and now Taylor Swift – all A-list acts who skipped Hong Kong but played in Singapore.

ANOUSHKA: So on piano, “Clean” from “1989.” I think it sounds really good acoustically, as well, so I’m quite excited to hear that.

PHAM: That’s 13-year-old Anoushka talking about the song she hopes to hear at the concert. For her and her mom, Neha Malik, the cost of traveling from Hong Kong to see Swift is well worth it. Neha used loyalty points for their flights to offset the steep price they paid – about $750 U.S. dollars for each ticket.

NEHA MALIK: It is a big splurge, but it’s kind of like birthday, Christmas, everything rolled into one.

PHAM: Getting nearby Swifties to fly in and splurge on her Singapore concerts is exactly what officials are aiming for. Beyond an economic boost, Swift’s endorsement puts the country on the map for hundreds of millions of her fans. For Singapore, it seems it was worth sparking a little “Bad Blood” in the region.

Vocabulary and Phrases:

1. Exclusivity clause: A part of a contract that prevents someone from making similar deals with others, especially in business.
2. Barred: Prevented or forbidden from doing something.
3. Outcry: A strong public expression of protest or disapproval.
4. Throw in a side of: To add something extra to what is already being provided or planned.
5. Credentials: Qualifications, achievements, personal qualities, or aspects of a person’s background, typically used to indicate they are suitable for something.
6. Eye-popping: Astonishing or shocking; usually because of being impressive or extremely large.
7. Soul searching: Deep and serious thought about one’s feelings and beliefs.
8. A-list acts: Top-level performers, usually celebrities or highly renowned artists.
9. Offset: Counteract (something) by having an equal and opposite force or effect.
10. Steep price: A high cost, usually referring to money.
11. Splurge: Spend money freely or extravagantly.
12. Put (something or someone) on the map: To make a place famous or recognized, typically because of one significant event or person.

Comprehension Questions:

1. Why was there an outcry from neighboring Southeast Asian countries regarding Taylor Swift’s concerts in Singapore?
2. What was Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s response to the criticism of the exclusivity clause?
3. How does Erica Tay justify Singapore’s strategy of hosting A-list acts like Taylor Swift?
4. What are the estimated tourism spending benefits from Swift’s concerts for Singapore?
5. Why do Neha Malik and her daughter Anoushka think attending the concert in Singapore is worth the expense?

Discussion Questions:

1. Discuss the impact of exclusive events like concerts on a city’s tourism and economy. Can you think of similar events in your area?
2. How important are international events in promoting a city’s global image? Share any examples you know.
3. Reflect on the idea of “exclusivity clauses” in contracts. Do you think they are fair, or can they be considered monopolistic?
4. Have you ever made a significant splurge on an entertainment or cultural event? Share your thoughts and whether it was worth it.
5. In what ways can cities balance the desire to attract big events with the need to be inclusive and considerate of neighboring regions?