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The breadth and depth of disruptions caused by COVID-19 caught many industries and businesses by surprise. It exposed the vulnerabilities of doing business and the need for enterprises to have inadequate business continuity plans to stay resilient in most unexpected times. For most part of the year, the Association stepped up its efforts to relay and support members with timely and expeditious dissemination of relevant advisories and to assist them on queries and provide feedback to the relevant government agencies.
When Dorscon Orange was announced on 07 February 2020, some businesses experienced difficulties in securing thermometers for screening their employees and visitors, as well as face masks for operations staff. Hence, the Singapore Business Federation partnered with several Trade Associations and Chambers, including SLA, to procure forehead sensor thermometers at cost price for respective association’s members. SLA was allocated 150 pieces. With a cap of 2 pieces per member, 75 members secured the purchases on a first come, first served basis.
Internally, the management stepped up precautionary measures and procedures in accordance to the latest advisories as part of its efforts to provide a safe and comfortable environment for all employees, visitors, trainers and trainees. Working from home remained the default arrangement for the rest of the year to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission.