ETHOS Issue 22
June 2021
Last updated 30 July 2026
ETHOS Issue 22, June 2021
COVID-19 has had a far-reaching impact on the economy and society, and remains a clear and present challenge. In this issue, ETHOS takes stock of the pandemic's socioeconomic, governance and geopolitical implications, and reflects on how Singapore and other governments have responded to the crisis of a generation.
Editorial
by Alvin Pang
This issue of ETHOS takes stock of the COVID-19 pandemic to date including some of its socioeconimic, governance and geopolitical implications and reflects on how Singapore and other governments have responded to the crisis of a generation.
Singapore and COVID-19: In-Perspective
An infographic on COVID-19.
Taking Stock of an Unprecedented Pandemic
by Ong Toon Hui and Danny Quah
COVID-19 has tested societies like never before: but good governance, agile policymaking, social cohesion and broad collaboration remain vital in facing the crisis of a generation.
Learning from Crisis
by Tharman Shanmugaratnam
The following remarks-drawing lessons on governance from the ongoing COVID-19 crisis-were abridged from a speech given by the Senior Minister at the Administrative Service Appointment and Promotion Ceremony on 29 March 2021.
Fiscal Responses to COVID-19 in Singapore and Hong Kong
by Alfred M. Wu
Deploying judicious pandemic support measures, Singapore and Hong Kong have sought to stabilise their economies and societies, while laying a foundation for post-pandemic growth.
Supporting Jobs and Livelihoods during the Pandemic
by Terence Ho
LKYSPP’s Terence Ho surveys the Singapore Government’s multi-pronged approach to supporting businesses, incomes and households—for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis, and beyond.
Strengthening Mental Wellbeing in a Pandemic
by Rianne Karthikayen
Measures to ease financial strain, support families and protect work-life balance can relieve key stressors during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Can we Nudge the Pandemic Away?
by Do Hoang Van Khanh and Mervin Loi
While nudges cannot and should not replace mandatory health measures and lockdowns in the COVID-19 crisis, they can be used to complement regulations, especially in helping communities cope with the long-drawn measures and negative consequences of the pandemic.
Contact Tracing Tech Across the Data Life Cycle
by Vernie Oliveiro
To maintain public trust and uptake and effectively curtail the spread of COVID-19, digital contact tracing apps should have a robust data governance policy
The Role of Public Communications and Engagement in a Pandemic
by Heather Humphries
Clear messaging, credible information, timely updates and meaningful collaboration can increase public trust in a government’s ability to manage a crisis, and promote social responsibility and resilience.
Leadership at a Time of (Another) Crisis
by Peter Shergold
Strong, nuanced communication and the ability to seize opportunities have emerged as attributes of effective public sector leadership in a COVID-disrupted world.
Transformation in the Singapore Public Service: Emerging Stronger from the Pandemic
by Ang Hak Seng and Sueann Soon
Drawing lessons from its past experiences with disruptive and transformative change, the public sector has helped steady and bring together Singaporeans in a turbulent post-COVID world.
COVID-19 and Singapore's Health Diplomacy
by Gianna Gayle Amul and Tikki Pang
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, Singapore’s health diplomacy initiatives have sought to reaffirm its relevance to the regional and international community.
The Global Pandemic, US-China Relations, and implications for Singapore and ASEAN
by Khong Yuen Foong
Geopolitical rivalries will continue to shape a post-COVID world, confronting smaller states with strategic choices that may be challenging to balance.
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