Prof Leo TAN: A luminary in science education

Professor Leo Tan has served as the director of the Science Centre, was the founding dean of NIE and helped to set up the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY

Professor Leo TAN, professorial fellow and Director of Special Projects at the faculty, retired in December 2022 after 50 years in science and education.

Prof Tan is well known as an outstanding science educator and a passionate advocate for the environment. As Singapore’s first locally trained marine biologist, he was instrumental in numerous conservation initiatives in Singapore, championing and advocating the protection of our natural resources and vast biodiversity.

As Chairman of the National Parks Board (NParks) (1998 to 2007), Prof Tan helped to lay the foundations of nature conservation in Singapore. This included the designation of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and Labrador Nature Reserve as Nature Reserves in 2002. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve was also designated as Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park in 2003.

In 2007, Prof Tan received the President’s Award for the Environment, the highest accolade for individuals who have made outstanding contributions towards environmental sustainability in Singapore. He was acknowledged for his leadership at NParks, growing NParks from a green infrastructure builder to providing exciting lifestyle and recreational experiences amidst our parks and greenery.

He gave the Singapore Science Centre a new life in the 1980s as its Director. He also set up the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) together with Prof Peter NG to showcase the plants and animal specimens in the Raffles Collection, and set up the Bachelor of Environmental Studies programme. His contributions towards establishing various interdisciplinary environmental programmes in Singapore have placed NUS on the map for environmental and sustainability education internationally.

He will be spending more time with his wife and grandchildren after his retirement and he hopes to make their learning fun by taking them outdoors and telling them fun facts.

Prof Tan will also continue to serve as LKCNHM’s adviser and continue to advocate the greening of Singapore.

Find out more about Prof Tan’s inspiring journey here:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/titan-of-singapore-science-education-retires-after-50-years

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/listen/daily-cuts/professor-leo-tan-local-science-legend-3187991