Singapore Defends Exclusive Taylor Swift Concert Amid Neighboring Countries' Protests

Singapore's prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong, have made conflicting statements regarding the cost of subsidies given to Taylor Swift for her six sold-out shows in Singapore. According to Prayut Chan-o-cha, the price was up to $3 million per show. However, Lee Hsien Loong defended the incentive, stating that the figure was between US$2m-$3m (£1.6m-£2.4m) as part of an exclusivity agreement with concert promoter AEG. The shows in Singapore have attracted fans from all over Southeast Asia and beyond, leading to some annoyance from neighboring countries. Filipino lawmaker Joey Salceda expressed his disapproval of exclusive deals, stating that "good neighbors don't do this." Swift's Eras Tour is currently taking place in the region, with all shows sold out.