DPM Teo Chee Hean said that the costs of the Singapore Day celebrations in London this year should have come close to the original budgeted amount of $4.4million. He explained that the final costs are still being calculated and finalised.
The event was a big success with over 9000 people attending and a total of 182 people flown over from Singapore as part of the celebration. This included hawkers, performers, entertainers, public sector personnel and the production crew.
Singaporeans who attended the event were treated to local food, entertainment and were briefed on some of the recent happenings in Singapore. There was also an opportunity for guests to take selfies with PM Lee.
So far, it appears that the event came close to the budget and there is nothing worrying about the event.
DPM Teo was giving these explanations in Parliament in response to a questions from MP Faizah Jamal and also highlighted that those public sector leaders who were flown over were also attending to important business during their trip to London.
DPM Teo also pointed out that the kitchen equipment and other portable hardware is saved and re-used again at subsequent events where possible to cut costs and be environmentally friendly.