WEF event to have measures in place to limit contact with locals

Singapore

ATTENDEES of the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Special Annual Meeting in Singapore in May will have limited interactions with the local community, as part of Covid-19 preventative measures for the international gathering of political and business leaders, Minister of State for Trade and Industry Alvin Tan said in Parliament on Tuesday.

This is in addition to having attendees adhere to strict public health requirements and safe-management measures, including pre-departure and on-arrival testing, he said in response to a question from Member of Parliament from Yio Chu Kang, Yip Hon Weng.

"To minimise the risk of seeding local transmissions, we will also put in place measures to manage the interactions between the local community and the event attendees," he added, without giving further details.

"The specific public health requirements and contingency plans are being worked out, and will take into consideration the latest Covid-19 situations in Singapore and also globally.

"The health requirements developed for this event could also serve as a reference for subsequent events that are going to be held in Singapore."

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Usually held in the Swiss ski resort of Davos, the meeting was moved to Singapore this year in light of the Covid-19 situation in Europe. Scheduled for May 13 to 16, it will include a virtual component for the first time.

Mr Tan said that the WEF intends for the meeting to have a greater focus on Asia. "We are looking forward to the opportunity for Singapore to contribute to the programme and discussions at the meeting."

The government has also been introducing interested local companies and service providers to the WEF and their contracted event organiser, PublicisLive, to explore potential partnerships, he added. "It will also be a good chance for us to showcase how Singapore has made it possible through our efforts to maintain robust health protocols while sustaining important economic and business activity amid the Covid-19 pandemic."