Crisis management – A Singapore perspective (Lexology Panoramic Next 2025)

Through a series of interviews with expert legal practitioners, global guide Lexology Panoramic Next 2025: Crisis Management explores the key factors that businesses must consider when a crisis strikes, and provides practical insights on how best to resolve a crisis most effectively. 

Shashi Nathan, Amarjit Kaur, Jeremy Pereira and Jayna Tan have authored the Singapore chapter, in which they share their experiences of successfully navigating myriad crises and offer real-world advice for preventing crises from arising in the first place. 

Drawing from the Singapore chapter, here are eight key takeaways on how businesses can strengthen their crisis response and resilience.

Identify and understand risks

Crises, while unpredictable, are not inevitable. Start by identifying the types of risks your business may face – operational, financial, reputational, legal and compliance, cybersecurity, strategic, and environmental and social—and assess their likelihood and impact. 

Implement a comprehensive risk framework

• Build a framework tailored to your operations, industry and geography. 
• Model different crisis scenarios. 
• Set out chain of command, holding statements and viable response strategies. 

Establish a robust crisis management plan (CMP)

• Develop a formal written plan that is flexible and covers a range of crises.
• Set up a crisis management team (CMT) with key personnel from legal, communications, operations, IT and leadership. 
• Each team should have clear roles assigned in advance.
  

Plan for business continuity

Identify essential functions and create contingency plans—for example, backup IT systems, remote work arrangements, or alternate supply chain solutions. 

Set clear communication protocols

• Establish predetermined lines of communication with employees, customers, investors, regulators and media.
• Include designated spokespersons, prepared statements and clear guidance on disclosures. 

Strengthen board oversight and culture of resilience

Boards should integrate risk management into strategy and participate in scenario planning. Foster a culture where employees are trained to detect early warning signs and empowered to act. 

Continuously monitor and adapt 

The risk environment is evolving. Businesses must stay vigilant to emerging threats like AI, climate risk and new regulatory frameworks, and adapt their strategies accordingly.

How can we help? 

Our crisis management team stands ready to support businesses in navigating complex and high-stakes situations with confidence. Whether you are facing an emerging threat or seeking to strengthen your preparedness, we offer tailored legal guidance, strategic planning, and hands-on support across all stages of a crisis. Drawing on deep experience and multidisciplinary expertise, we help clients build robust frameworks, conduct simulations, and respond decisively when it matters most. Reach out to our experts listed below to explore how we can partner with you to safeguard your business and enhance resilience.

To read the complete Singapore chapter, please click here. 

To read the complete global guide accessible to Lexology PRO subscribers only, please click here.