Social Media Week hits Singapore

A recent study has revealed that social media is actually more addictive than cigarettes or alcohol.

In Singapore, Facebook and Twitter are now a daily staple for many with more than 2.5 million Facebook users and over a million twitter users in Singapore.

For the first time, social media fans will have a week to call their own as Social Media Week (SMW) hits Singapore next week (13 – 17 February). The five-day event, in which meet-ups and activities will be held all across Singapore,  will interest  social media veterans, marketers or people who are general Facebook or Twitter junkies.

Originally starting in New York in February 2009, Social Media Week has since spread to 21 cities in just under three years.

In Singapore, the aim of the event is simply to get people from all walks of life and industries to meet up and share their experiences about social media. Among the events planned are a food debate, a documentary on Twitter, tips on becoming a social media star and even a face-off between The Online Citizen and Temasek Review Emeritus.

One of the events will also showcase the results of a social experiment titled “Can Man Live on Social Media Alone” in which a Singaporean is sent to London – and a Londoner to Singapore – with no cash and simply the clothes on his back and a smartphone.

With independent trend firm, trendwatching.com, indicating that 2012 will be the Year of the People Power, the significance of social media has never been stronger.

“Social media is unlocking new ways to find the right products at the right time. The traditional model, where things were broadcasted, is not so effective anymore. People are very savvy now and know which bits are relevant to them,” explained Henry Mason, Head of Research and Analysis at trendwatching.com, who will also be giving a keynote speech to kick-off SMW next Monday.

So whether you’re a social media addict, a social media marketer or just someone who has a Facebook or Twitter account, next week’s just for you.

Events will be open and free to the public.

Key highlights:

Mon, 13 February, 6:00pm - 7:00pm -- How to be a trendspotter with trendwatching.com
Tues, 14 February, 9:00pm - 11:00pm -- Social Comedy Masala
Wed, 15 February, 2:30pm - 5:00pm -- Bosch presents 'The Great Food Debate: Food bloggers vs. Food Critics vs. the People'
Thurs, 16 February, 11:00am - 2:00pm -- Can Man Live on Social Media Alone?
Fri, 17 February, 3:45pm - 5:00pm -- Afternoon Speakeasy: SinemaTV

See the full event schedule.

Follow Social Media Week Singapore on Facebook.

For Twitter users, here are some hash tags you can follow for the event: #SMWSG #CanManSG #CanManLondon #afternoonspeakeasy