Delegates start arriving in Singapore for APEC Summit

SINGAPORE: Delegates attending the 20th Asia—Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit starting Sunday have started arriving in Singapore.

Singapore’s Changi Airport started preparing for the APEC delegates months ago, with arrival halls decked out with various signages and banners.

With over 10,000 delegates expected, security is tight but there has been careful planning to ensure smooth traffic at transit areas and immigration counters.

Julia Jemangin, manager of corporate communications at Changi Airport Group, said: "We have dedicated 12 immigration lanes, as well as the deployment of more than 450 volunteers throughout the airport, to provide the necessary assistance to the APEC delegates.

"These volunteers have been stationed strategically at locations such as gate hold rooms, immigration counters, as well as the baggage claim belts."

The volunteers have been on duty since Wednesday, and they say traffic has been smooth and swift.

"So far, I have met Russian and Thai delegates. I put a sticker on them, and I basically take them to the immigration place, where they actually have a line of their own, where they pass through immigration at a faster pace than maybe a local tourist," said Liveina Kumar, an APEC volunteer.

Another 160 liaison officers are stationed at the airport’s VIP complex to welcome senior government officials.

Besides the official work, delegates can look forward to special tours to local attractions, and some of them will also be given a set of stamps to commemorate the event.

The public have also expressed interest in the stamps, with many advance orders received.

Singapore Post says the stamps showcase what Singapore has to offer — in terms of being an attractive business venue and a vibrant city.

The stamps are slated go on sale from Monday.

— CNA/yb