With the prospect of strong aviation growth in Singapore and the region, the Changi East development project is vital in securing Changi’s position as a leading air hub.

Slated for completion in the 2030s, the Changi East development site spans a massive 1,080 hectares, which will eventually be home to Changi Airport’s Terminal 5 (T5). The development also includes a three-runway system and the Changi East Industrial Zone, among others.

The project is also Changi Airport Group’s (CAG) largest expansion project to-date.

In order to secure the longer-term success of the Changi East development and create a vibrant aviation community, CAG is taking a collaborative approach to realise these future possibilities. To this end, CAG hosted an event in October 2019 for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) at the Raffles City Convention Centre. The event, hosted in partnership with the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and the Singapore Contractors Association Ltd (SCAL), supported by Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and Enterprise Singapore (ESG), attracted more than 250 attendees from various SMEs.

Besides being able to network with other companies at the session, SMEs got the chance to learn about the opportunities for early-stage innovation as part of the Changi East development plans. These include exploring how green technologies can be used to allow T5 to be more environmentally friendly, as well as which manpower-saving technologies can increase productivity.

SMEs exchanging views during the networking tea-break session

Collaboration necessary for a stronger air hub

CAG’s Chairman, Mr Liew Mun Leong said, “As a result of this programme, we want Singapore industries to build up their capabilities, Singapore workers to be skillfully trained, and the economy to benefit from it. We are here today to make sure that our local industries will benefit from it. Therefore, we are giving the local industry players information on  what is involved.”

CAG, together with SBF will be conducting a series of SME sessions for Singapore firms to provide local partners with a head-start to help them grow.  Through this, local companies can start to think about how to secure the supply chain for materials and equipment, and they can play a more active role in Changi Airport’s future development. 

Mr Teo Siong Seng, SBF’s Chairman said, “We value such partnerships between CAG and SBF, as this gives our SMEs an opportunity to contribute to the project, while building up their track record along the way. This partnership also helps to promote and create an open and competitive environment for SMEs to bid for the projects either on their own or in collaboration with other companies.”

Going local, growing global

Through the years, SMEs and local businesses have always partnered CAG in Changi Airport’s journey to grow the air hub. For instance, projects that were run as part of the construction of the three-runway system were awarded to joint ventures formed by Samsung C&T Corporation and Koh Brothers, as well as another joint venture comprising Hock Lian Seng Infrastructure and Sembcorp Design and Construction.

These efforts are just the tip of the iceberg as CAG continues to look for ways to engage and work together with other local companies to realise new possibilities at Changi East.