Malaysia, Myanmar and Singapore: common threads, divergences, and lessons learned in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Issue 1 (2nd January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wai, Kyaw San; Khine, Wai Yee Krystal; Lim, Jane Mingjie; Neo, Pearlyn Hui Min; Tan, Rayner Kay Jin; Ong, Suan Ee
• Is Part Of: Round table. Volume 110:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 84
• Page End: 98
• Publication Date: 2021-01-02
• Subjects: Malaysia -- Myanmar -- Singapore -- Southeast Asia -- COVID-19 -- health systems; Great Britain -- Politics and government -- 20th century -- Periodicals; Commonwealth countries -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; 909.0971241
• DOI: 10.1080/00358533.2021.1875693
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0035-8533

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The COVID-19 pandemic has served as a prolonged global stress test in 2020. Southeast Asia is geographically and economically close to China, where COVID-19 first emerged. The region is home to diverse populations, densely packed cities, and a varied assortment of countries all across the development ladder. This article explores the multi-faceted COVID-19 responses of three countries in Southeast Asia – Malaysia, Myanmar and Singapore – countries who share a common history of British colonisation. This article explores the three countries' overall responses to the pandemic, highlighting shared challenges and divergences based on their respective experiences: Singapore as an advanced, highly urbanised city-state; Malaysia as an advanced developing country; and Myanmar as a lower-resourced developing country.