Big-spender conferences: the silver lining to Singapore’s strengthening crypto connections

EVENTS bookending the Singapore Grand Prix this month have put to rest any doubts that the country remains a leading global cryptocurrency hub.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has been vocal about its intentions to toughen restrictions on cryptocurrency operations in the country. Yet, the number of people who descended on Singapore to see and be seen at some hot-ticket crypto events would suggest that most industry participants still see Singapore as a crucial centre.

Take the Token2049 conference held 2 weeks ago at Marina Bay Sands (MBS), for example. Individual tickets ranged from US$499 for an early-bird pass to US$4,999 for an all-access pass. About 7,000 people attended the event – more than twice the estimated number based on past iterations, according to the event prospectus – which also drew some 2,000 exhibitor companies and 250 sponsors.