Singapore Prepares for the Grand Media Showdown
Singapore is buzzing like a beehive right now. The tiny island nation is set to become the unlikely showdown stage for one of the most high‑profile geopolitical events ever, the US‑North Korea summit between President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un.
Why All the Hype?
- Over 3,000 media requests are piling up—more than the whole press corps that covered the 2015 Xi‑Ma meeting.
- Police have already been mobilised for a blanket sweep of the city, with traffic snarls expected around the summit venues.
- Hotel rooms are flying off the shelves; the Shangri‑La, where the Chinese meeting took place, is close to full.
The Media Monster
Reporters have already started staging out in luxury hotels, hoping for a glimpse of Kim Chang Son—the Korean chief of staff on the ground. The city‑state’s clean image is getting a test drive, with ordinary Singaporeans worried about the “inconveniences” the summit might bring.
Local Reactions
- Chang Anthony suggested a public holiday simply to appease the crowds.
- Timothy Klein rubbed his hands together, musing on “two of the world’s most unpopular leaders landing in the calmest city.
Not All Trouble
Security is tight, but the city’s seasoned experience hosting US Presidents and the 2015 Xi‑Ma event eases some fears.
Businesses see a silver lining: The famous Singapore Sling can shine again. The local bar Escobar has crafted two cocktails in honor of the summit:
- The “Trump” – a blue, bourbon‑based drink.
- The “Kim” – a red, soju‑centered mix.
Both cost $12.60—a playful nod to the meeting’s scheduled date.
Special Summit Perks
At the bar, participants can shuffle “rock, paper, scissors” while wearing gloves emblazoned with their country’s flags. The owner, Stan Sri Ganesh, promised a free round of drinks for anyone who can prove they’re a summit delegate.
The Bottom Line
While the world watches, Singapore stands ready to host a diplomatic spectacle that could alter the global balance. Meanwhile, its residents and local businesses brace for a flurry of journalists, tight security, and, hopefully, a dash of flavourful cocktails.
