When I chose our only
university over other
well-established ones
abroad for my graduate
studies in 1969, many
thought me foolish.
However, I believed that
this institution would
one day be counted
among the world’s best.
That faith was well
placed. Today I am
justifiably proud to be
an alumnus of this
highly respected, global
university centred
in Asia.
”
Prof Leo TAN Wee Hin
Hon DSc (Loughborough University); PhD, BSc (University of Singapore)
Professorial Fellow, Department of Biological Sciences; Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum
Chair, Advisory Committee, NUS-Science Centre Singapore, Science Communication Programme
Chairman, National Youth Achievement Award Council; Singapore Garden City Fund; Science Sub-Commission,
Singapore National Commission for UNESCO; Temasek Foundation Innovates
Vice-Chairman, Singapore Environment Council
Trustee, Wildlife Reserves Singapore Conservation Fund; Singapore University of Social Sciences;
Board Member, Mandai Park Holdings
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- A dedicated educator at heart, Prof Tan brought about transformational changes as
Director of National Institute of Education (NIE) through championing educational reform in teacher education, school leadership
and both content and pedagogical research. He played an instrumental role in growing NIE into an internationally acclaimed institute of education for teachers.
- As Director and CEO of Science Centre
Singapore, he revolutionised the Centre into
a vibrant institution for disseminating
knowledge in science and technology not only
to students and teachers but to all sectors of
the community. This was done through skilful
packaging of scientific concepts made
comprehensible to the public.
- His pivotal role in the establishment of the Lee
Kong Chian Natural History Museum
demonstrates his vision and leadership, as well
as the deep lasting impact he has created in
education and research. He supervised all
aspects of the project, including fundraising,
design and relocation of the existing collection
from the former Raffles Museum of Biodiversity
Research.
- Prof Tan was Chairman of the National Museum
Development Committee that saw the birth
of the National Heritage Board. During his term
as Chairman of National Parks Board, the
Gardens by the Bay was initiated. As a
passionate advocate for the environment, he
championed Encyclopaedia of Singapore
Biodiversity, a seminal compendium of the
nation’s biodiversity. He played an instrumental
role in the project, including securing $1.2
million in donations.
- Prof Tan was actively involved in two major
research projects — regeneration of mangroves
and undertaking surveys of the flora and fauna
of the mangroves, intertidal zone and seagrass
beds following the creation of Singapore’s first
landfill at Semakau; as well as a comprehensive
marine biodiversity survey of Singapore’s
coastal environment.
- Prof Tan is Board Member of Mandai Park
Holdings, which oversees the development of
a new eco-attraction for Singapore. As a
consultant for the Mandai Environmental
Impact Assessment Study, he evaluates the
project’s impact on the environment and
considers protective measures.
-
As the Asia-Europe Foundation Governor for
Singapore, Prof Tan upholds the aims of the
Foundation, which include strengthening Asia-
Europe ties and exploring opportunities for
cooperation. He is lauded internationally for
his expertise in science and education, and
was an Honorary Visiting Professor at the
National College for School Leadership in
Nottingham, UK. He has also been invited to
serve as Education Consultant by World Bank
and Madagascar’s Ministry of National
Education and Scientific Research.
- Meritorious Service Medal, Singapore (2016)
- President’s Award for the Environment, Singapore (2007)
- Public Administration Medal (Gold)(Bar), Singapore (2007)
- National Order of Merit (Officer), France (2002)
- Public Service Star, Singapore (2001)
- National Science and Technology Medal, Singapore (1999)
- Public Administration Medal (Gold), Singapore (1988)
"Universities must evolve to stay relevant to
society and I know NUS will persist in adapting
and changing to continually meet the aspirations
of our lifelong learning nation."