Description

Visionary leaders should seize opportunities from the Covid-19 crisis, beyond implementing measures to prevent the spread of the virus and minimise the economic and social impacts on their countries.

Digital transformation has never been more important now to prepare the country for the long haul in battling Covid-19 while a cure or vaccine is being developed.

We have seen many retailers and restaurants going digital during this Movement Control Order (MCO) period to reduce losses.

Some farmers and fishermen are even selling their produce online. But this only comprises a small number compared with the many who lack the technological know-how or expertise to venture into e-commerce.

Therefore, the relevant government agencies or government-linked companies should assist small businesses in digital transformation to weather the storm.

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) should be empowered to identify those that have fallen through the social safety nets, especially for the elderly, handicapped, helpless and illiterate in rural areas.

NGOs can organise crowdfunding to raise donations for those struggling. In education, e-learning is taking centre stage.

This crisis has forced educators to go online, video recording for asynchronous teaching or using Zoom for live discussion. If not for the MCO, these online classes or courses would have taken years for the educators to adopt.

Such digital footprints have expanded significantly out of necessity, some of which will persist. At the same time, not all learners have good quality Internet access or computers at home.

This crisis might widen the gap between the haves and have-nots. Providing free Internet access is a good initiative but still subjected to network coverage, which needs further improvement. For most of us who are lucky to be healthy and working from home (WFH), we should stay optimistic and maximise our capability to contribute to the society one way or the other.

Be grateful and acknowledge that WFH is a luxury not everyone can afford, especially those who survive hand to mouth.

It is time to be more productive by acquiring new skills, such as cooking, baking, handicraft, do-it-yourself home improvement, learning a new language or how to play a musical instrument.

We have seen tailors contribute in sewing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) gear for the healthcare frontliners, and artistes or YouTubers producing motivational music videos. Our director-general of health has been exemplary during this adversity.

However, you do not need to be a leader to show leadership in boosting morale. Lead in our own way.