Strengthening Contact Tracing Systems for Future Disease Outbreaks

Date: 13 Oct 2026 | Time: 1450 - 1510 | Venue: The NAK Auditorium, Academia (SGH Campus)

Track: Session 2.1 EPI - Contact Tracing, Data Management

Speaker: 

Overview:

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical gaps in public health systems' ability to rapidly identify and monitor exposed individuals at scale. Contact tracing – a cornerstone of outbreak response – was tested beyond its traditional limits, revealing the need for more resilient and adaptable approaches.

This presentation draws on lessons from global COVID-19 responses to propose a framework for next-generation contact tracing. It examines the role of digital technologies to augment contact tracing efforts and the need for sustained community engagement. Equally, it highlights persistent challenges including data privacy, digital equity, and workforce capacity.

The presentation also argues that effective contact tracing requires more than technological innovation—it demands a systems-level approach underpinned by clear legal frameworks, cross-agency coordination, and investment in public health infrastructure outside of crisis periods