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Opinion | How a truly ‘mega’ event in Hong Kong could silence Article 23 critics
- Hong Kong has a plethora of events lined up this year, but can any really be classed as blockbusters?
- A real show-stopper would lure people from around the world and counter the Western media narrative that the city is no longer safe for foreigners to visit
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Television viewers of a nervous disposition might have been shaken recently by local news coverage of two Michaels. I was one and the lead singer of the Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger, was the other. The contrast could not have been sharper: one in his mid-70s and retired into relative obscurity 15 years ago, the other turned 80 still strutting the stage and wowing audiences worldwide.
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What linked them was an event some 20 years ago, the entertainment spectacle known as HarbourFest. I represented the government in the role of sponsor, Jagger was the star of the show. The organiser was the American Chamber of Commerce.
What dragged the historical saga into current affairs was Singapore’s success in bringing modern pop music phenomenon Taylor Swift to perform in the city state, to the exclusion of all other locations in the region, including Hong Kong.
Local commentators and politicians have been quick to claim our rival was usurping Hong Kong’s role as an events capital. The annual Formula One grand prix held there was another example of Singapore eating our lunch. The local administration, always sensitive to any criticism it might be falling short, was quick to rush out a list of so-called mega events to prove we were still a major force.
One of the quoted items was the football match featuring Inter Miami, which starred the world’s top player Lionel Messi. Unfortunately, when the day came, he sat on the bench for the full 90 minutes looking bored and not even wearing his boots. At least Jagger performed.
While fans here howled for refunds, Swifties were preparing to fly in from far and wide to Singapore to watch her concerts. The contrast was just too much and revived memories of the 2003 events. An in-depth examination of all these aspects produces some interesting findings.
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