Singapore Launches New Tourism Campaign: 'Come Launder Your Money Here!'
SINGAPORE - On the heels of shocking reports that over $1.5 trillion in illicit funds from China flowed through Singapore in 2022 alone, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has launched an innovative new tourism campaign aimed at capitalizing on the city-state's newfound reputation as Asia's premier money laundering hub.
"We're always looking for ways to attract more tourists and their money to Singapore," said STB spokesperson How Lee Phok Yu. "Rather than let this CNBC report tarnish our image, we've decided to proudly embrace it! Singapore promises a laundering experience like no other."
The campy ads feature Singaporeans grinning widely while literally scrubbing huge piles of cash in washing machines, hanging money from clotheslines to "dry," and dumping sackfuls of bills into rivers and reservoirs. The slogan reads: "Singapore: Where Your Dirty Money Comes Out Sparkling Clean!"
Local businesses are also getting in on the laundering theme. The two glitzy casino resorts have added "Complimentary Money Laundering" to their list of amenities, while local banks tout discretion and secrecy when helping you sanitize suitcases full of cash. Even the humble hawker centers are not immune, with stalls offering "Money Lobang Prata" and "Laundered Hokkien Mee."
Of course, not all Singaporeans are thrilled with this new portrayal of their country. Financial regulator MAS has stressed that money laundering is still illegal, even if it does prop up the GDP. And the PAP government keeps insisting that Singapore has "robust controls" to detect illicit funds, despite little evidence supporting that claim.
Still, most citizens seem content to accept the shady money inflows, as long as they get their share of the laundered loot. As local blogger Lee Kayu put it: "Wah lao eh, why you care where money come from? As long as gahmen give us more GST vouchers, can already lah!"
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