This is the English version. Watch the Mandarin or French version below ↓
A funny exchange in Malaysia’s Parliament. A concert remembered in Kuala Lumpur. Six huge shows in Singapore. And a business story that reaches across the Causeway.
Who does Taylor Swift like — Malaysia or Singapore? That playful question opens this FindingOut Malaysia film about the excitement, rivalry and economic pull surrounding a global superstar. From the “Swifties / striptease” confusion to Singapore’s exclusive concert arrangement, there is more here than a catchy headline.
This is the refreshed English edition, with smoother narration, updated visuals and a revised edit. The original video remains available on our YouTube channel. Running time: approximately 2 minutes 11 seconds.
“Swifties” or “Striptease”? A Moment in Parliament
“Swifties” is the familiar name for Taylor Swift’s fans. During a Dewan Rakyat exchange on 13 March 2024, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil referred to them, prompting Deputy Speaker Ramli Mohd Nor to respond with “Striptease?” Fahmi clarified that he meant Taylor Swift’s fans, and laughter followed. The exchange is recorded in the official parliamentary transcript, printed page 73.
The film revisits that brief misunderstanding before turning to the larger question: why can a pop concert become a matter of national conversation?
Malaysia Has Its Own Taylor Swift Memories
Taylor Swift’s connection with Malaysia did not begin with the 2024 debate. She brought The RED Tour to Kuala Lumpur in June 2014. Concert sponsor AIA’s contemporary account describes a sold-out show at Putra Indoor Stadium, with nearly 8,000 people singing along. The refreshed film looks back at that visit and the enthusiasm of Malaysian fans. Read AIA’s concert account.
Why Was Singapore the Only Southeast Asian Stop?
The Eras Tour played Singapore’s National Stadium on 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 and 9 March 2024. Singapore was the tour’s only Southeast Asian stop, as confirmed by official presenting partner Marina Bay Sands.
At a press conference on 5 March 2024, then-prime minister Lee Hsien Loong explained that Singapore’s agencies had negotiated an arrangement supported by incentives from a post-pandemic tourism recovery fund. He described it as successful and did not regard it as unfriendly to neighbouring countries. That explanation is available in the official PMO transcript.
The arrangement helps explain the tour itinerary. It does not establish which country Taylor Swift personally prefers.
More Than Tickets: The Economic Pull
Travelling fans need accommodation, meals, transport and places to shop. The video follows those connections beyond the stadium. Three figures help explain the scale, provided their definitions stay clear:
- S$300–400 million: DBS economist Chua Han Teng’s estimated contribution to Singapore’s economy in the first quarter of 2024, as reported by CNA. This was an estimate, not an audited profit figure.
- 90.8% hotel occupancy: the average across Singapore’s six concert nights, according to CoStar hospitality data. This is an occupancy level, not a percentage increase.
- Over 35% higher merchant billings: UOB reported this rise for its acquired merchants in Singapore during 4–10 March 2024 compared with the preceding week. It describes that merchant sample, not all spending across Singapore.
Across the Causeway
Some of the benefits also reached Johor Bahru. In its 15 April 2024 research report, RHB described concert-related business for local hotels, retailers, food and beverage outlets, and transport operators taking fans across the Causeway. Singapore hosted the performances, while nearby Malaysian businesses could still participate in the travel surrounding them.
Smart Business or an Unfair Advantage?
That is the question the film leaves with viewers. An exclusive deal can help a destination attract visitors and spending, while fans elsewhere face extra travel and expense. Taylor Swift’s drawing power turned a series of concerts into a discussion about tourism strategy, competition and the ties between neighbours.
For the wider relationship behind this episode, explore Malaysia vs Singapore: A War Without Bullets? For another look inside the Dewan Rakyat, see They Really Said It: Awkward Malaysian Parliamentary Moments.
Visual note: the cover and supporting cards are AI-generated illustrations. The video combines commentary, archive material and illustrative scenes; the full production credits are in the YouTube description.
Watch the French version
Prefer to watch in French? Enjoy the French edition below.
French · 2 minutes 11 seconds
Watch the Mandarin version
Prefer to watch in Mandarin? Enjoy the Mandarin edition of the same story below.
Mandarin · 2 minutes 12 seconds
Watch next
Malaysia vs Singapore: A War Without Bullets?
Malaysia’s Funniest Parliament Moments
Malaysia vs Singapore: A Fishy Situation
Enjoy looking a little deeper? Subscribe to FindingOut Malaysia on YouTube for new videos.