“We should always give ourselves the space to reflect instead of reacting too quickly.” – Kelvin Tan
“My work spans teaching, research, and service to the community. My focus is on ageing, community care, and the use of technology to improve the quality of life and care for older persons and their loved ones.” That is how Kelvin Tan describes himself.
That description underpins a career spanning academia, technology, and industry. As senior lecturer in gerontology and head of the minor in applied ageing studies programme at SUSS, Tan specialises in humanising assistive technologies, social robotics, and intergenerational dynamics.
His path into gerontology began long before academia. “I have been volunteering in the community for more than 20 years,” he says. “My current role is an extension of that journey, allowing me to bring the knowledge and experiences I have gained into the classroom.” Before joining SUSS in 2020, Tan held various business, corporate and partnership roles that have led him to where he is today.
“At the heart of my work is a desire to improve the quality of life and care for older persons and their loved ones,” he says. “Every life is precious and everyone deserves to be included in their care journey.”
What has your career journey across so many different roles taught you?
I am grateful to have taken on a wide range of roles throughout my career, including working in a government agency and across research and development, marketing, sales, and education, and running my own start- up. Each stage has shaped who I am today. Transitions are never easy, but I owe much of my growth to the people who gave me opportunities and let me learn alongside them.
What has your work taught you about growth and letting go of old ways of thinking?
Always work hard, remain willing to learn, and keep an open mind towards new ideas. Change may be uncomfortable, but it can help us grow and become better people. Over the years, I have learnt to let go of old mindsets and be less rigid in my views. We should always give ourselves the space to reflect instead of reacting too quickly.
What helps you maintain your motivation and discipline?
Every stage of life comes with its own challenges, but I try to take them in my stride and focus on overcoming them one at a time. Exercise also helps me clear my mind, regain perspective, and reset. At the core of it all is discipline and focus. I believe in giving every task my full attention and seeing it through properly.
Why can’t community care and ageing work be measured purely by return on investment or key performance indicators?
Community care and ageing are ultimately about giving time and attention to every individual. This work should not be viewed solely through the lens of return on investment or treated as another key performance indicator. Creating meaningful change takes time, patience, and a genuine commitment to every life we touch.
What excites you most about the future of your industry?
I am excited by the opportunity to preserve and strengthen the human element as technology develops at an increasingly rapid pace. The future should be about co-creating solutions that combine technological progress with empathy, dignity, and genuine human connection.
How do you stay grounded when things feel overwhelming?
Exercise is one of the best ways for me to reset, and eating lightly, drinking less alcohol, and getting enough sleep also help me recharge and return with a clearer mind. The wisdom found in ancient Chinese philosophy has stayed with me over the years, particularly the teachings of great sages and the works of renowned calligraphers.
Photography by Eugene Lee of Enfinite / Hair & Makeup by Sveta Klyn of Suburbs Studio
