‘Just in case’, not ‘just in time’: That’s how S’pore deals with vulnerabilities, says Chan Chun Sing

Singapore's approach to dealing with potential crises is based on a "just in case" philosophy, rather than reacting in "just in time" mode, Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing stated. This approach involves investing ahead of time in capabilities that may not be immediately apparent, as highlighted by former US defence secretary Donald Rumsfeld's categorization of "known knowns," "known unknowns," and "unknown unknowns."

Chan emphasized that while preventing crises involving "known knowns" is essential, dealing with "known unknowns" and "unknown unknowns" – such as disease outbreaks or unforeseeable events – is far more challenging. For example, the Covid-19 pandemic was an "unknown unknown," as the world was unprepared for its scale, nature, and timing.

The minister also discussed the concept of "unknown unknowns," which can range from geopolitical factors to medical and public health situations. He stressed that systems built "just in time" – meaning resources deployed only when needed – are not sufficient to address vulnerabilities in public health and defence. Instead, a "just in case" philosophy is required, which is exemplified by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) medical system.

The SAF's medical system is built on upstream processes, including pre-enlistment medical examinations and medical classifications that match servicemen to roles suited to their health profiles. This approach continues throughout their service, incorporating vaccination, heat injury prevention, and follow-up of medical issues that could impact their training and deployment. The objective is to keep servicemen healthy, safe, deployable, and capable of contributing to Singapore's defence.

Chan highlighted that Singapore's strategic investments in national stockpiles of masks, antivirals, and operational medical stockpiles during the 2003 SARS crisis led to a stronger footing when faced with the Covid-19 pandemic. He emphasized that "just in case" investments provide capabilities that are not fully appreciated until they are needed, underscoring the importance of investing ahead of time to prepare for future challenges.

Beyond these upstream efforts, Chan stressed the need for the entire system, not just individual sectors, to be prepared for future challenges. The SAF medical services cooperate closely with public healthcare institutions on specialist care, vaccinations, infectious disease management, and continuity of care. The SAF is also integrating with the Health Ministry's electronic medical record system to enhance healthcare resilience, encompassing secure data systems, interoperable platforms, cybersecurity, and continuous operations.

Chan concluded that people remain Singapore's decisive advantage, asserting that investing in people – their ingenuity and determination – is the most crucial "just in case" investment. He emphasized the need for interdisciplinary training, where doctors, nurses, public health practitioners, psychologists, exercise scientists, commanders, and data specialists work together as one team before the next crisis arises.

Chan urged that beyond level 101 basic competency, Singapore must consider how to build its systems and teams to address "unknown unknowns" in a complex world.