• In the early years, Singapore had three amusement parks: New World, Gay World and Great World. These amusement parks served as a one-stop entertainment, including dining and shopping spots, providing the public with entertainment and consumption. In 1942, in order to attract visitors, the New World Amusement Park became the first to launch performances in the form of getai. The amusement park hired singers to perform on stage, accompanied by live band music. There were also comedy shows in between the performances. These performances were well-received by the public and other amusement parks soon followed suit. Tables and chairs were usually available at the amusement parks during getai shows, so that the audience can enjoy the show with tea.
• Subsequently, to attract young people, groups organising activities for the Hungry Ghost Festival introduced getai shows to the festival, hence the name “七月歌台” (seventh-month getai). In the early days, opera troupes were usually hired to perform during the Hungry Ghost Festival in Singapore. These performances were known as “shows to entertain the gods”. However, operas were gradually phased out after the 1980s and were slowly replaced by getai shows as the main programme during the Hungry Ghost Festival.

Getai shows have become the box office success that “gathers popularity”. Organising getai shows during the Lunar New Year symbolises a smooth sailing year ahead. The momentum of getai shows during the Lunar New Year has surpassed those held during the Mid-autumn Festival, and the level of excitement in these getai shows only seconded that of the seventh-month getai shows. (Lianhe Wanbao, 10/2/2019)