In a bid to resume international business meetings in Singapore amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Connect@Changi was launched today (Feb 18) to allow business travelers to meet at a designated facility at the Singapore Expo.
They would not need to undergo prior quarantining, but are required to remain within the facilities throughout their stay. They would also have to regularly take Covid-19 tests in lieu of quarantine.
Dubbed the first of its kind in world, Connect@Changi currently has 150 guest rooms and 40 meeting rooms of different sizes, which can accommodate from four to 22 people.
When it is fully operational later this year, it will be able to host up to 1,300 business travelers at any one time. It expects to receive its first guests in March.
The project is developed by a Singapore consortium led by Temasek, and includes The Ascott Limited, Changi Airport Group, Sheares Healthcare Group, SingEx-Sphere Holdings and Surbana Jurong.
How Much Does The Rooms Cost?
The four-star Connect@Changi facility offers rooms starting at S$ 384.
This is inclusive of three meals, mini-bar, toiletries, Wi-Fi connection, two-way airport transfer, as well as the Covid-19 tests required during the stay.
Those who opt to stay there will be transported from the airport to the Singapore Expo directly after they take a Covid-19 test at the airport.
They will have to stay in the room while awaiting their initial test result, which will take about six hours to process.
Those who test negative can then have meetings with local and international business with safe distancing measures in place. For one, the meetings will be done with floor-to-ceiling air-tight glass panels in place.
Additionally, the areas that local residents and business travellers can access are physically separated, and have different ventilation systems.
Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, who was present at the launch of Connect@Changi, noted that virtual meetings cannot fully replace face-to-face interactions.
“Face-to-face interactions are important for growing relationships, strengthening partnerships, and exploring new business opportunities,” he said.
“For some, physical meetings are still important for securing and closing business deals, and making important decisions.”
Rooms are now open for bookings at www.connectatchangi.sg, or through the Connect @ Changi mobile app.
Featured Image Credit: Connect@Changi
