The Changi East Business and Leisure District is set to transform the area near Changi Airport’s T5 into a vibrant hub, strengthening Singapore’s role as a regional gateway with potential multimodal links such as “sea-air” connectivity via the nearby Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan said that the potential for sea-air transport depends on the development of nearby Indonesian and West Asian islands. He added that some of these islands have the potential to compete with islands in the Indian and South Pacific Oceans. Asst Prof Fan posited that destinations offering natural beauty are generally smaller and less able to support frequent flights, making connections to Singapore's aviation hub valuable.
