This study aims to explore how China and Singapore can effectively respond to COVID-19 through emergency capacity building at the grass-roots and societal levels, and analyze the similarities and differences in response strategies of the two countries. First, the experience and lessons of China and Singapore in emergency management of public health incidents are analyzed. Secondly, it describes the model of analyzing the emergency response capacity of the grassroots and society, and explains the application measures of the theory. Thirdly, in the comparison of coping strategies, this paper analyzes the strategies of China and Singapore in social mobilization, information dissemination, resource allocation, social participation and technology application, and evaluates their effects and limitations. Finally, recommendations are made for future research on the economics of outbreak response and management, and the importance of building grassroots and social emergency response capacity is emphasized.