Singapore has been ranked first in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region for digital resilience, according to a report by Economist Impact, supported by Telstra International. Despite this top ranking, the report identifies significant gaps in leadership accountability and ecosystem coordination, which leave organisations vulnerable to disruptions.
The research, based on a survey of 1,420 senior executives across 11 APAC markets, shows that whilst Singapore excels in risk management and workforce agility, execution often falls short of intent. Only 12% of organisations mandate training for adaptability during live outages, and 71% of boards do not regularly review digital resilience plans, leaving these responsibilities siloed within specific functions.
Charles Ross, Head of Policy and Insights, APAC, Economist Impact, stated, “Singapore’s top ranking is a testament to its gold-standard regulatory environment. However, our research shows that strong compliance and operational discipline are not enough.”
The report also highlights that only 22% of Singaporean organisations have visibility into their suppliers’ digital resilience, indicating a weak link in ecosystem coordination. Roary Stasko, CEO of Telstra International, emphasised the need for shared accountability across partners and networks, stating, “Digital resilience today is no longer something any business can build alone.”
As Singapore continues to face rising digital risks, the report suggests that bridging the gap between compliance and operational agility is crucial for future resilience. This involves embedding digital resilience into strategy, governance, and ecosystem design to better prepare for disruptions.
