Dr Kelvin Tan (PhD) is the Head of Programme of the Minor in Applied Ageing Studies, and a Senior Lecturer of the Master/PhD in Gerontology Programme, SUSS.

He has extensive experience in technology and open innovation work with corporates and startups. Prior to joining SUSS, he was Director of Corporate Partnership in NUS Enterprise and Business Development in Smart Systems Institute. He has co-created many corporate innovation and transformation programmes with Singapore Airlines, Bayer, Loreal, Mercedes and Kuok Group. He has also launched multiple start-up initiatives with Tencent, SCS (NYK), Huawei, Shell and Ikea to support entrepreneurs and students.

In 2015, he established the Modern Aging Singapore Accelerator program with Access Health International which was funded by the Ministry of Health. It is a community, accelerator and education platform which has inspired startups to improve seniors’ well-being and quality of life. The programme has expanded to China and Japan.

Dr Tan has moderated and presented in local and international conferences in areas of innovation and ecosystem building. He is active in mentoring startups and has been invited to judge in startup pitches/competitions in Asia.

In the area of research and studies, his current focus is centered on bringing technology and innovations to the seniors and their frontline workers/caregivers. His recent works include joint published articles relating to social robots for dementia seniors in nursing homes and Asia Pacific countries report on “Healthy Hearts, Healthy Ageing” with Bayer. Among his experiences, he has founded a startup in interactive multimedia solutions and held senior positions in HP, AT&T, M1, ServTouch-WyWy and Telecoms Authority of Singapore.

Currently, Dr Tan holds advisory roles in Japan East JR (One&Co), People’s Association Chingay, Ageing Asia and Modern Ageing. He also a fellow in The University of Hong Kong Sau Po Center on Ageing.