In the initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the growing technological capabilities and innovative methods in Asia, particularly the use of digital and mobile technologies, helped the region cope more effectively with the impact of the crisis. Research by the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) shows that governments and businesses in Asia adopted six key technology-based interventions to address the early stages of the pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed enormous challenges worldwide. In this highly interconnected world, the unprecedented level of human mobility facilitated the rapid spread of the virus, reaching every continent except Antarctica. Containing the virus has become a crisis management task requiring the participation of all sectors of society. In Asia, this has been achieved through the enhancement of technological capabilities and innovation, especially through the application of digital and mobile technologies.
Asian countries are leveraging their growing technological capacities to fight the pandemic, and in this article, we outline six different approaches. These measures highlight four characteristics of Asia's technological development. Across much of Asia, technology has enhanced the speed and effectiveness of pandemic response. Our aim is not to evaluate the actions taken by governments and businesses but to briefly explore some of these practical measures, hoping that this information can guide Asian and other countries in better handling current and future pandemics.
It is important to note that while this article focuses on technology, it is not the sole solution but part of a broader set of measures to address this global humanitarian challenge. We also recognize that in the unique context of a pandemic, the use of technology comes with certain risks. In the short term, these risks include data loss, data breaches, and technology misuse. In the long term, risks include the deepening of the existing digital divide, where those with access to technology benefit, while those without access are left behind. Businesses and policymakers need to be aware of these risks and actively manage them to ensure technology has a positive impact on society as a whole.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve. In terms of the most effective ways to combat the virus, the data we have at the time of writing is insufficient to draw definitive conclusions. We also acknowledge that due to significant economic and social differences among countries, successful cases in some countries may not be replicable in others. Additionally, given limitations in technology and infrastructure, measures such as contact tracing and the distribution of essential goods may be challenging to implement in certain regions. Asia is a highly diverse region, with countries at varying levels of healthcare service and digitalization capabilities, and some nations may struggle to contain this pandemic. As the pandemic crosses borders, the global community is collectively taking action. In facing a common enemy, we must share best practices and experiences.
The use of technology is one key reason Asia has been able to respond relatively quickly to protect lives and livelihoods (see diagram below). In the following sections, we discuss the contributions of technology in three areas related to health protection, and three areas in which it has helped sustain livelihoods.
These six types of technological interventions include:
1. **Strict implementation of quarantine cycles including tracking, tracing, and testing.** Public and private institutions are collaborating to control the pandemic through the large-scale use of digital technologies and data deployment. Across Asia, governments have established tracking and tracing systems, mainly using mobile applications for monitoring. Mass testing has played a critical role. In just 17 days, South Korea launched drive-through testing at 50 government-approved sites nationwide. The testing process was greatly simplified, taking only 15 minutes, with drivers remaining in their vehicles to minimize the risk of cross-infection. Quarantine measures have been strictly enforced. Governments and businesses have been working hard to support the execution of quarantine measures through various digital and mobile tools. In China, internet and digital companies Alibaba and Tencent promoted a nationwide health code system that quickly collects personal travel data to determine if and to what extent individuals need to be quarantined.
2. **Enhancing medical capacity with technological resources.** Many countries have rapidly pooled resources, adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance healthcare capabilities and treatment methods to protect the public. In Wuhan, a 5G-enabled remote online diagnosis center was operational by February 27. Innovations have shortened the time from laboratory research to the market for critical medical technologies. In South Korea, Seegene developed an AI-based big data system that, using a unique method, was able to obtain genetic details without samples, allowing it to design a COVID-19 diagnostic test within 2-3 weeks.
3. **Providing transparent and timely information to the public.** In Singapore and Australia, governments have used official WhatsApp channels to deliver the latest updates on the COVID-19 pandemic. Singapore's Ministry of Health provided daily updates on confirmed cases, including patient ages, travel histories, and connections to previously confirmed cases.
4. **Developing digital products and services at full speed.** Businesses in Asia have driven the shift online by offering deeper and expanded digital services. Within days, Lazada, Southeast Asia's leading e-commerce platform, opened channels for farmers and wholesalers to sell directly to consumers online. These new sellers saw a 4-5 times increase in orders.
5. **Adapting to remote work to sustain economic activity.** Across Asia, the use of online communication tools, such as teleconferencing, has surged. In China specifically, downloads of the DingTalk app increased by 1.446% year-over-year. By February 2020. Tencent Meeting had over 10 million daily active users.
6. **Effectively protecting and redeploying the workforce.** Across Asia, businesses and governments have used technology to protect and redeploy the workforce. Grab provided free masks to its food delivery partners and introduced mandatory policies for hand sanitization and sealed packaging. Freshippo, Alibaba's grocery delivery subsidiary, recruited workers from restaurants and retail stores that had shut down. The company simplified operational procedures, allowing newly hired workers to use their existing supply chain and logistics skills in an e-commerce setting after just two hours of training.