From Singapore’s experiences during the SARS crisis, we have learnt that the
strength of a national command structure lies in its flexibility to link relevant
ministries on the same platform. These linkages ensure a timely, coordinated
response and service delivery. Having a flexible structure was not the only reason
behind the successful defeat of SARS. In Singapore’s case, we also notice the
success of containing an uncertain, high-impact disaster has to rely on surge capacity.