Devadas Krishnadas - Confronting Covid-19: A Strategic Playbook for Leaders and Decision Makers

Published in 2020 by Marshall Cavendish Editions

An imprint of Marshall Cavendish International

2020 Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Pte Ltd

Text 2020 Devadas Krishnadas

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National Library Board Singapore Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

Name(s): Krishnadas, Devadas.

Title: Confronting COVID-19: a strategic playbook for leaders and decision makers/Devadas Krishnadas.

Description: Singapore: Marshall Cavendish Editions, 2020.

Identifier(s): OCN 1198018763 | eISBN 978-981-4928-48-9

Subject(s): LCSH: COVID-19 (Disease)--Government policy. | COVID-19 (Disease)--Prevention. | COVID-19 (Disease)--Epidemiology. | Epidemics--Government policy. | Epidemics--Prevention.

Classification: DDC 614.592--dc23

Printed in Singapore

Quality of governments, governance, civil society, the private sector, and the people all play a critical role.

Countries and governments that did not focus on evidence-based policies saw disastrous results. Nations with weak leaders, ineffective civil society, a weak private sector and apathetic societies failed to rise to the occasion. USA lost its shine and is no longer seen as a world leader. Some nations passed with flying colours, some failed badly, and some are still finding their way. In this book, Devadas Krishnadas studies many countries and analysed the good and the bad of each. This is a useful reference for all to learn lessons for future incidences of similar disruptions, particularly being prepared for Disease X.

Based on extensive studies and analysis, Devadas has suggested a masterplan a playbook of sorts and recommendations that governments, societies, and all people should study carefully if we want to emerge stronger from not only COVID-19, but any future pandemic we will face. It is critical that all sectors of society and nations learn and be prepared for the new normal the world will see soon a very different world that will shape how future generations live and govern the world.

Prof Inderjit Singh Dhaliwal
Entrepreneur and former Member of Parliament, Singapore (1996 to 2015)

In this Age of Uncertainty, nation states need to be very aware of the fast changing environment in order to prepare the required capacity in a timely manner to prevent and/or lessen the effects of these high impact driving forces, trends and events especially with the example of a black swan type of event like the COVID-19 pandemic, which is upon us and with no end in sight. Governments need to understand the future scenarios of new normals that will happen after COVID-19 and plan accordingly. This book is very relevant, providing information, insights and analysis about the challenges that are facing us today and will do in the future. Devadas suggests future scenarios, which can be the basis for understanding and for planning at global, regional and national levels. I would recommend that all analysts and strategists, as well as planners and CEOs, read this book.

General Jerdwut Kraprayoon
Special Advisor, Royal Thai Armed Forces;
Advisor to Senate Committee on Military and National Security

This book further cements Devadas Krishnadass position as one of Singapores most insightful business owners and public intellectuals. He captures very clearly the enormity of the economic, political and societal challenges faced by all countries as they respond to the pandemics onslaught on public health and on their economies. He demonstrates how effective, selfless leadership at all levels providing clear, timely communication makes all the difference. He argues convincingly that our planet and species need the glue of multilateralism to make our interconnected and interdependent world function optimally and ensure its and our survival. Devadass analysis makes for compelling and instructive reading because it is always insightful.

Victor Mills
Chief Executive, Singapore International Chamber of Commerce

This is an important and timely book. It lucidly makes the critical point that variance in the quality of governance explains the wide difference in COVID-19 outcomes evident around the world. The author has not pulled his sparkling intellectual punches on the challenges leaders everywhere now face in trying to address the institutional weaknesses exposed by the pandemic. Its consequences will be with us for decades to come, so the authors clear and practical guidance for surviving the crisis is a must-read for policymakers everywhere.

Max Everest-Phillips
Former Director of the UNDPs Global Centre for Public Service Excellence, Singapore

This book personifies Devadas Krishnadas a man who is not only an intellectual heavyweight but someone who has also built a successful global business from the sweat of his brow. He is an authentic voice that will add to the conversation we need to have as a global community facing increasingly global challenges. Confronting COVID-19 is a guidebook which gives anyone in a leadership position or anyone aspiring to be in leadership the tools to come out on top in what is the most systemic threat to the world since the Great Depression. A must-read.

Gerard L Pennefather
Chairman, Huntington Partners LLP

Devadas Krishnadas has in his characteristic style pointed out how COVID-19 has and still is affecting all segments of societies and economies across borders. This is by far one of the best attempts at making sense of the world in the aftermath of the pandemic. It is a meaningful read not just for policymakers and corporate strategists but for anyone seeking to understand and position themselves to cope with the changes that lie ahead.

Lee Kok Fatt
Chairman, Chandler Institute of Governance

COVID-19 is an unprecedented pandemic of the modern world, with repercussions affecting every country in unforeseen ways. This book, which is well-researched, well-written and easily understood, gives a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the effects of the pandemic, as well as an honest review of the response by individuals, societies and governments. Readers are made aware of the broader consequences of the pandemic, which, as individuals, we are unable to fathom due to our limited exposure. Policymakers, key opinion leaders, economists, entrepreneurs and even students will benefit from the insights promulgated. As the COVID-19 situation is constantly evolving, the contents of the book will provide us a framework to build on so that global societies will come together in a concerted effort to aid all those affected, so that none are left behind.