Singapore’s DBS Bank has launched
a Visa prepaid card which allows spectators to gain entry,
purchase goods and access free public transport for the country’s
Youth Olympic Games.

When the Games end on the 26 August, users can
reload funds onto the prepaid card by topping up online at the DBS
site, at ATMs, selected SingPost branches and at AXS’s top-up
terminals across Singapore.

“This is the first time spectators to any
Olympic event are using a Visa Prepaid card as an entry ticket,”
said Meranda Chan, country manager of Singapore and Brunei for
Visa.

“Visa worked closely with the Singapore 2010
Youth Olympic Games Organizing Committee, DBS Bank, EZ-Link and
Watchdata to develop this truly innovative technology. It’s a
landmark moment which we’re proud to share with some 25,000
spectators from around the world.”

Visa is the official payment services sponsor
and the only card accepted at Singapore’s Youth Olympic Games.
Visa’s deal with the Olympics Committee preventing the use of other
cards to buy tickets has caused controversy among some industry
bodies. The UK’s Office of Fair Trading revealed in June they were
considering action against a similar agreement ahead of the 2012
Olympics in London.

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