S'pore takes a revolutionary cultural step

Lai See's column in the Business Post section.

SINGAPORE yesterday took a revolutionary cultural step: busking was officially made legal again, although such performances will have their own peculiarly Singaporean flavour.

Members of the public apparently will not be allowed to join in the acts, because this might lead to rowdiness, and buskers must donate their coin and note collections to charity or art groups after deducting expenses.

Buskers also will be required to obtain licenses and must undergo auditions before being granted the precious right to perform.

Additionally, they must perform in designated parks and open spaces, avoiding pedestrian malls, underpasses, overhead bridges and places of worship. Wonder how many budding street-singers will take up the challenge.