Google has unveiled its annual Year in Search 2024 list, spotlighting the most-searched topics, events, and personalities in Singapore. This year’s trends reflect the nation’s passion for sports, entertainment, and timely local and global news.
Xiuxian Ho, Communications Manager at Google Singapore, shared, “Our goal since Google Search launched has remained the same: to deliver the highest-quality information to everyone. That work is never done. We are constantly reimagining what Search can do. As Singaporeans intuitively turn to Google to stay up to date with current affairs or latest trends, we will continue to help Singaporeans find information in more natural and intuitive ways, building on our work to help people Search through text, images, and voice.”
Sports and pop culture take the spotlight
Singaporeans displayed a strong passion for sports this year, with the Olympic Games Paris 2024 ranking as the second most-searched international news topic and third overall trending search. The nation celebrated Max Maeder, who won a bronze medal in kitefoiling, becoming Singapore’s youngest Olympic medallist. Maeder’s achievement made him the top trending local personality and sixth in local news searches.
Football fever also took hold, with fans following major tournaments such as the UEFA European Championship (#1 trending search), Copa América (#7), and AFC Asian Cup (#8).
Entertainment trends were equally dominant. Taylor Swift’s six sold-out Eras Tour concerts in Singapore solidified her position as the top trending international personality for the second consecutive year. Fans also took an interest in her relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce, who ranked tenth on the international personalities list. Meanwhile, Labubu, a beloved character from collectible art toys, surged in popularity, becoming the third most-searched local news topic and landing tenth overall.
Movies also struck a chord with Singaporeans, particularly How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, which topped the trending movies list and ranked sixth overall. The film resonated with audiences for its heartfelt exploration of family bonds within Asian cultures.
Local and global news that mattered
One of the year’s significant milestones was the inauguration of Lawrence Wong as Singapore’s fourth Prime Minister, a moment that ranked seventh in local news searches. Wong’s wife, Loo Tze Lui, also gained attention, landing fifth among local personalities.
Singaporeans were also focused on managing rising living costs. Financial support initiatives like CDC Vouchers (#2 local news, #5 overall searches) and GST Vouchers (#8 local news) were frequently searched.
Globally, Singaporeans kept an eye on major elections, including those in the United States, Taiwan, and India. The US presidential election emerged as the top international news topic and second overall trending search. High-profile candidates such as Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, and current president Joe Biden also featured prominently on the list of trending international personalities.
Love, tears, and TV hits
Singaporeans tuned in to celebrate local achievements at events like the Star Awards 2024 (#6 trending TV shows). Local filmmaker Jack Neo’s Money No Enough 3 also gained traction, becoming the highest-grossing film during the Chinese New Year period and ranking ninth among movies.
In the music scene, Benjamin Kheng’s National Day Parade theme song, Not Alone, touched the hearts of many, placing him tenth on the list of local personalities.
On the TV front, Korean dramas continued to captivate audiences. Queen of Tears ranked as the top trending TV show with its heartwarming portrayal of marriage, while Marry My Husband followed closely in second place, drawing viewers with its gripping revenge plot.