Gan explains easing of dine-in rules for Bloomberg forum

BUSINESS networking is a key objective of the Bloomberg New Economy Forum (NEF), which is why Singapore authorities have decided to relax dine-in restrictions for forum delegates that do not extend to locals, Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong said.

"Many of them travel from many different places, from faraway places, and they do want to maximise the value that they can get while they are here," Gan told reporters at the sidelines of the Singapore International Energy Week.

"They can talk business with one another, and not just one to one, sometimes they need to discuss in a group setting and therefore, we allow them to have a larger group and when they are dining," he said.

"Eating is a one of the key features in such events - it is part of the necessity that they need to eat, and at the same time, and they actually want to continue the discussion and the interaction and networking with other participants," he added.

Singapore thus needs to create a safe environment for such activities, by ensuring all delegates are vaccinated and have also gone through daily testing.

Gan's explanation follows mounting unhappiness among local residents who have been subject to a cap of two vaccinated diners when eating out.

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On Sunday (Oct 25), The Straits Times reported groups of up to five may dine together at NEF venues and other designated restaurants in the city, and that guests can include non-NEF delegates, according to a note from Economic Development Board (EDB) chairman Beh Swan Gin.

Gan said organisers are still in discussion on where the restaurants are, but they are "likely to be restaurants in hotels in the vicinity" of Capella Singapore hotel, where the forum is held, so that it is easier for them to travel there.

He also noted NEF participants are subject to very strict protocols and they must undergo daily pre-event testing, although they will be exempted from quarantine if their on-arrival polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is negative.

Gan said the Bloomberg forum is not just important for the recovery of Singapore's meetings, incentives, conferencing and exhibitions industry, but also critical for the Republic's strategic position as a business hub.

"The Bloomberg forum is a vote of confidence for Singapore and our ability to manage Covid-19 and our journey to living with Covid-19," said Gan.