LONDON, 13 September 2026 — High up in the AIA Suite and Hospitality Lounge of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, moments before kickoff in an English Premier League match between Spurs and Everton on a crisp Saturday afternoon, three Singapore sports media journalists took turns passing a single red microphone.
Photo: AIA Singapore
None of them bleed Tottenham's white. In fact, between an ardent Liverpool supporter and two Manchester United loyalists—both former Singapore Premier League commentators, with John having covered a season and Raushan calling matches over many—they brought a blend of professional broadcast insight and unapologetic football tribalism.
Yet, as part of an exclusive London media delegation hosted by AIA Singapore—Global Principal Partner of Tottenham Hotspur since 2013—Shafiq Apandi (AsiaOne), John Yeong (SportPlus), and Zia-ul Raushan (SPH Money FM 89.3) found common ground in something far richer than club tribalism: the sheer pulse of English football culture, the eye-opening machinery behind a Premier League juggernaut, and the urgent lessons waiting to be brought home to Singapore sport.
Photo: AIA Singapore
Here, in their own words, are their personal journeys, honest reflections, and candid takeaways from five days inside N17.
Shafiq Apandi (AsiaOne): The First-Timer Inspired by Organic Community
For AsiaOne’s Shafiq Apandi, this trip was a journey of firsts: his first time stepping foot in London, and his first-ever live English Premier League match.
While Shafiq was quick to laugh off any allegiance to the home team, his matchday loyalty on the afternoon was unmistakable:
"No, I’m not a Spurs fan! I’m more of a Liverpool fan. But I’m here to support Spurs because they are going against Everton—that’s a Merseyside derby, so I’m against Everton!"
Stepping into the 62,850-capacity arena, however, shifted his perspective entirely from casual TV spectator to captivated observer.
"It’s been a very, very interesting experience. I got to do the stadium tour, F1 London go-karting, and I was quite amazed by how big the stadium is and what they have inside—especially the press conference room, it’s like a theatre!
Photo: AIA Singapore
The thing is, I always watch football on TV. I don’t really go down to stadiums to watch games live. It was only after I joined the news industry and started covering sports that I began to truly appreciate local football. Now, seeing the vibe here in the Premier League, it’s a completely different level. I hope I can bring this excitement back to Singapore and hopefully start a chain reaction. Local football is rising back home, and I hope one day our fan vibe can reach this scale."
Shafiq also pondered why building that tribal loyalty back home requires time and deliberate connection:
"Compared to Europe where you don’t choose a club—you are born into a club—in Singapore it doesn't quite work that way. I stay in Bedok, and being born into a local club isn't the norm yet. The reason I became a Liverpool fan was less about gameplay and more about the fans: the singing, 'You’ll Never Walk Alone,' that sense of community. I’m still exploring my choices in the Singapore Premier League, but this experience makes you realize how vital it is for clubs to build that emotional connection."
Photo: AIA Singapore
John Yeong (SportPlus): Bridging the Hardware and the Software
Veteran sports presenter and Sport Plus Media founder John Yeong approached the trip through the lens of sports ecosystem development. Being a former athlete and having spent decades in Singapore’s media and sporting fraternity, Yeong viewed Tottenham Hotspur's operations as an essential masterclass in infrastructure and mindset.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed my experience so far here in London—thanks to AIA for the opportunity," Yeong reflected. "We didn't just rub shoulders with Spurs first-team players; we got to see what goes on behind the scenes. The amount of time and effort required to build this majestic stadium is extraordinary. It’s been an eye-opener in terms of both hardware and software—the physical infrastructure combined with the cultural framework needed to bring sporting culture to life."
For Yeong, the biggest lesson Singapore’s sports sector can extract from London is humility and an eagerness to learn:
"As a sporting community and a sporting nation, Singapore isn't as mature a market as those that have come before us. London is one of the most mature football hubs in the world. Singaporeans are massive football fans, but if we keep an open mind—regardless of how many years of experience we think we have in the industry—there is always plenty to learn."
Asked what he would share with Singapore football tacticians—specifically national team head coach Gavin Lee—Yeong highlighted relentless curiosity:
"Gavin is so plugged in; he’s one of the biggest students of the game. Despite his JSSL Arsenal history—the arch-rivals of Spurs!—I know he would soak up every detail of this atmosphere and take copious notes on every experience. As Singapore football fans, we’re all excited for this new generation and a new era, especially with major tournaments like the Asian Cup coming up. It won't happen overnight, but there’s plenty to be optimistic about."
Yeong couldn't resist a playful parting sign-off to his colleagues: "Thank you! Glory, glory Man United!"
Photo: AIA Singapore
Zia-ul Raushan (SPH Money FM 89.3): Discovering the Machinery and Passion Behind the Badge
Usually the one driving sports talk on the airwaves, SPH Money FM 89.3 presenter Zia-ul Raushan found the roles reversed as he stepped in front of his own station’s mic.
"We’ve gone from 'Raushan Says' to 'Raushan Answers' today!" Raushan quipped. "The biggest takeaway is how amazing this venue and this entire organization are. Spurs on the pitch might face challenges, but the machinery behind the scenes is incredible. We peeled back the curtains at the Hotspur Way training ground, spoke to club officials, and saw firsthand how much work goes into running a top-tier Premier League club. As a Singapore football fan, the gap in levels is night and day, but you dream and aspire for those standards to come closer to home."
Reflecting on what local football administrators and fans can replicate, Raushan pointed straight to organic matchday tradition:
"It starts with fan culture. Speaking to fans before the game and soaking up the matchday buzz was unforgettable. It’s in their blood. You see fathers bringing their sons, brothers, groups of friends, mothers, wives, girlfriends—everyone gathers to soak it all up together. That fan culture is so important. And hey, if you’re a Spurs fan, you need a whole lot of passion to put up with what they put you through!"
Photo: AIA Singapore
Behind the Scenes: The AIA London Experience
While the personal reflections took center stage on matchday, they were grounded in an intensive five-day programme curated by AIA Singapore:
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Tactical Immersion at Hotspur Way: On Thursday morning, the media delegation donned training gear at Spurs' Enfield training complex, taking part in an immersive coaching session alongside AIA Singapore leadership—including Chief Marketing & Healthcare Officer Irma Hadikusuma, whose interview with SportPlus is available here.
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Exclusive Access to De Zerbi & First-Team Stars: The journalists sat down for back-to-back group media interviews with head coach Roberto De Zerbi as well as key players Dominic Solanke, Omar Marmoush, Marcos Senesi, and Martin Dúbravka.
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Exploring N17’s Thrills: Beyond pitch-level tours and dugout access, the group experienced the stadium's multi-entertainment attractions—conquering The Dare Skywalk above the golden cockerel and racing electric karts at F1 Drive London, the world’s first in-stadium karting track.
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Matchday Stalemate: The trip culminated in the AIA VIP private box on Saturday afternoon, witnessing Tottenham’s battle against a resolute Everton side that ultimately ended in a hard-fought 0-0 draw.
Photo: AIA Singapore
Inspiring Healthier, Longer, Better Lives
The shared experience highlights why AIA’s partnership with Tottenham Hotspur extends well beyond pitchside branding. Through initiatives like youth coaching clinics in Singapore, the AIA Better Lives Fund supporting underprivileged children, and platforms empowering young footballers, the collaboration aims to inspire healthy living and lifelong sports participation.
As three distinct Singapore media voices fly home from London, they carry more than match highlights—they return with a deeper appreciation for what it takes to build a sporting culture that lasts.