Air Force One with Mr Obama on board touched down at the Paya Lebar airbase at close to 8pm Saturday.
Mr Obama brought forward his departure from Japan to arrive in Singapore just in time to join the APEC leaders at the Singapore Evening at the Esplanade.
Mr Obama was greeted at the Esplanade by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Here, the leaders donned Peranakan—inspired APEC attire specially created by local designer Wykidd Song.
Taking a break from their meetings, the leaders were earlier treated to a half—hour multi—media show, featuring local artists such as Singapore Idol winner Taufik Batisah and homegrown songbird Kit Chan.
After the show, they enjoyed their evening by the Marina Bay waterfront, tucking into local and Western dishes that represent multi—cultural Singapore — made less spicy and pungent than usual to cater to the foreign taste buds.
The leaders’ group photo—taking ceremony will take place on Sunday at the Istana, where they would be dressed in their business suits. The change was made on Friday due to the change in Mr Obama’s schedule.
The annual APEC photo has seen leaders in a variety of costumes, from leather bomber jackets in Seattle in 1993 to calf—length silk tunics in Hanoi in 2006 and Peruvian ponchos in Lima last year.
— CNA/ir
~Raymond Lim
