Covid-19 pilot for Mice events kicks off with Milken Institute Asia Summit; Bloomberg forum, JJ Lin concert to follow

SINGAPORE — Concert-goers heading to Singaporean singer JJ Lin’s charity gig in Marina Bay Sands at the end of the month will need to show proof that they have taken a polymerase chain reaction or antigen rapid test and have the results reflected on their TraceTogether mobile application. 

Otherwise, they will have the tests performed or supervised by the event organiser or venue operator either in person or virtually.

This will be part of a new pilot scheme for participants of meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (Mice), as well as musical and sporting events.

This is following an announcement by the Government last week to trial more activities involving those who are less vulnerable and are fully vaccinated, subject to an added requirement of testing before the event. 

The Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a media release on Monday (Nov 15) that the pilot kicked off on Monday with the Milken Institute Asia Summit, a two-day hybrid virtual and in-person event that has attendees and leaders from around the world.

The pilot scheme will also apply to the Bloomberg New Economy Forum from Wednesday to Friday, among others. 

More details on the conditions and infection controls will be released by the respective event organisers, MOH said.

“The outcomes of these pilots will be assessed before deciding how to expand the protocol to more events and settings, as part of our broader plan to allow safe resumption of further activities as we move towards being a Covid-19-resilient nation,” it added. 

Transport Minister S Iswaran, Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, said on Monday that the Government is in talks with race organiser Singapore GP on a contract for a new term of the Singapore Formula 1 night race, following the phased resumption of international events here. 

The F1 race here had its last two editions cancelled due to Covid-19. 

Speaking at a press conference by the national task force on Covid-19, Mr Iswaran said: “As we’re well aware, our tourism and lifestyle sectors have been hard-hit by Covid-19 and many events including the past two editions of the Formula One race in Singapore have been cancelled or postponed. 

“Yet, I think we all recognise that events such as the Formula One generate significant economic benefits and global branding value for Singapore. They invigorate Singapore's events calendar, they build our international demand and also support job creation of businesses.”