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Student Stories

Dr Ivan Tan

Class of 2003
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours), The University Of Newcastle, Australia

School of Engineering and Technology

“Instead of telling people that you are very good, let your work do the talking.” – Dr Ivan Tan


Could you share with us about your current role as Head of Soft Materials Department at the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) at A*STAR?

As a Head of Department, I have assembled eight interdisciplinary research groups with total manpower strength of 48 staff within the Soft Materials Department. Our primary focus is to advance fundamental new materials discoveries and develop advanced materials that can lead to new commercial products and solutions.  Our material scientists worked closely with other departments within IMRE and other A*STAR research institutes, local and overseas universities, and industries. We emphasize on synergistic, multi-disciplinary, and collaborative mindset toward materials research and developmental work. I always emphasise to my department that the overarching goals of A*STAR researches are to help the Singapore economy by creating scientific values.

Besides ensuring the smooth running of the department in terms of logistics (labs, fundings, and manpower) and administration (safety, procurement, and staffs wellbeing and benefits), my duty as the HoD encompasses long-term career progression planning for everyone in my department who holds different qualifications ranging from Bachelor and Master’s Degree to even Ph.D. In addition, together with the management team, I am also in charge of keeping an eye on suitable new talents to continually enhance the ranks within the department.

What is one key accomplishment you have achieved in your job / what is fulfilling about doing your job?

While there are many milestones within my 15 years career, one key recent accomplishment that made me proud as a scientist is my involvement in the research on mitigation measures for Covid-19.  During the circuit breaker period due to Covid-19 outbreak in early 2020, I have been actively involved in planning and working on various Covid-19 mitigation projects together with several scientists within and beyond our institute. We provided tiered risk assessment of public places for helping safe re-opening of Singapore. We have also recommended potential solutions to businesses and contributed to formulating safe guidelines for policymakers.

These works have given me great exposure to work with many different ministries and agencies such as Ministry of Health, Singapore Tourism Board, Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth, Land Transport Authority, National Heritage Board, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, and Temasek Foundation. I am glad for my team and partners that recently, some of our works have been reported in Channel 5, Channel 8, Channel U, Suria, Vasantham, Capital 958, Oli 96.8, showing our fighting spirit to stop Covid-19 transmission.

What inspired you to pursue your dream as a researcher?

Most importantly, my dream as a researcher will not come true without my father’s love and support because he had always wanted the best for me and always encouraged me to get a degree. After my National Service, as a diploma holder back then, it is quite tough to get a local university placement. After serious discussions with my parents, I decided to continue my studies with PSB academy to embark on my first degree. I remembered life was tough for me because I had to juggle between a day job as an AutoCAD drafter and attending night classes for my part-time degree. I studied hard and finally graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) 1st class honours.

My father was a lab manager in the Physics department at the National University of Singapore (NUS) for 40 years. He has greatly influenced me to pursue a career in research after my graduation. In 2005, I landed a job in A*STAR, IMRE as a research officer. Under the A*STAR Scientific Staff Development Award, I pursued my Ph.D. study with Nanyang Technological University and continued my dream as a scientist/researcher. I finally graduated with my Ph.D. in 2013 and have been an active scientist until now.

You played an active role as a mentor in our PSB Academy Mentoring programme. Why do you think it is important for students to participate in Mentoring Programme and seek guidance?

During my time in PSB academy, I have personally benefitted from my mentors’ mentorship and guidance. I believe that paying it forward is the best way to keep the chain of goodwill alive.  I believe that my students will gain a lot from the mentoring programme by learning and drawing inspiration from my past experiences. It is also useful for the students to learn about the successes and failures from mentors to not repeat the pitfalls in their future career paths.

Now that we are living in a new norm, what do you think are the biggest changes that you have observed in your industry that our students need to know?

Due to the technological advancement, current generation students’ thinking and education values have drastically changed compared to my time as a student. Nowadays, many students live in a much-improved environment, with relatively less socioeconomic hardship. However, as students, one crucial thing to always keep in mind is to never take things for granted. It is vital to know what you need for your career as early as possible and always have a growth mindset to keep improving and challenging your limit.

Giving stiffer competition today, what would be your advice for students to stand out?

My advice for students is to stimulate their own awareness in terms of personal strengths and weaknesses so that they can grow their confidence steadily for future career advancements. There is nothing wrong with being ambitious and dare to dream. The students’ ability to cultivate a growth mindset in themselves is the best tool to springboard and secure their future.