Educational Qualifications

2015 - 2020
Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work and Administration, The University of Hong Kong
Thesis: The role of humanoid social robot in nursing home for cognitively impaired seniors

2012 - 2014
Master in Gerontology, Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)

1995 - 1996
Master in Business Administration, Oklahoma City University

1990 - 1992
Bachelor in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Top Second Upper), University of Manchester Institute Science and Technology, UK

Academic and Professional Experience

2022 - Present
Head of Programme, Minor in Applied Ageing Studies

2020 - Present
Senior Lecturer, Master/PhD in Gerontology Programmes and Impact Startup Challenge Programme, SUSS
Domain Expert/Mentor, Venture Builder, SUSS

2012 - 2020
Director, Corporate Partnership, NUS Enterprise
Director, Business Development, NUS Smart Systems Institute

2004 - 2012
Snr VP, ServTouch-Wywy Pte Ltd
Co-founder, Eyemail Inc Pte Ltd

2000 - 2004
Director, Mobile E-Services Bazaar, HP Asia Pac

1997 - 2000
Senior Manager, M1

1994 - 1996
Technical Consultant (Telecommunication), AT&T Asia Pac

1992 -1994
Engineer, Technical Standards, Telecommunication Authority Singapore

Awards and Honours

2024
Special Contributor Award, International Alliance of Innovation and Invention Association

2023
Fellow, Taiwan Fellowship Programme

2022
Merit Award, People’s Association Community Spirit Awards

Selected Publications

Journal Articles

Bai, D., Chiu, H. L., Lin, S.-C., Tan, C. K. K., Hsu, Y.-L., & Lin, G.-H. (2025). Enhancing empathy and attitudes toward dementia among formal caregivers through virtual reality: A randomized controlled trial. Innovation in Aging, igaf145. https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igaf145

Tan, C. K. K., Ying Mor, M. Y., & Cheng, G. (2025). A scoping review of a multidisciplinary approach to the care of community-living older adults. Asia Pacific Journal of Social Work and Development, 35(4), 436–464. https://doi.org/10.1080/29949769.2025.2572638

Bai, D., Tan, C. K. K., Chen, P.-Y., Hsu, Y.-L., & Lin, G.-H. (2025). Comparing caregiver perceptions of a social robot and tablet for serious game delivery in dementia care: Cross-sectional comparison study. JMIR Serious Games, 13, e76209. https://doi.org/10.2196/76209

Kim, D., Tan, C. K. K., & Takahashi, A. (2025). Converging in companionship, diverging in interaction: A comparative study of Korean and Japanese social robots. In Proceedings of the 34th IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (RO-MAN).

Tan, C. K. K., Cheng, M. G., Liu, C., & Chang, M. S. (2025). The role of information and communication technology in the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren in Asia: A review of literature. Asia Pacific Journal of Social Work and Development, 35(4), 400–418. https://doi.org/10.1080/29949769.2025.2516223

Tan, C. K. K., & Cho, I. (2025). Effects of virtual reality and music therapy on the psychosocial outcomes of adult cancer patients: A systematic review. Annals of Geriatric Medicine and Research. https://doi.org/10.20900/agmr20250007

Hung, L., Wong, J., Wong, K. L. Y., Tan, C. K. K., & Lou, V. W.-Q. (2025). “It’s always happy to see me”: Exploring LOVOT robots as companions for older adults. Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering, 12. https://doi.org/10.1177/20556683251320669

Tan, C. K. K., & Chang, S. (2025). Groove into ageing: Exploring the effects of rhythmic exercise on the well-being of older adults. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus, 2(1), 100111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aggp.2024.100111

Wen, M.-H., Chen, P.-Y., Lin, S., Lien, C.-W., Tu, S.-H., Chueh, C.-Y., Wu, Y.-F., Tan, C. K. K., Hsu, Y.-L., & Bai, D. (2024). Enhancing patient safety through an integrated Internet of Things patient care system: Large quasi-experimental study on fall prevention. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 26(1), e58380. https://doi.org/10.2196/58380

Tan, C. K. K., Lou, V. W. Q., Cheng, C. Y. M., He, P. C., & Khoo, V. E. J. (2024). Improving the social well-being of single older adults using the LOVOT social robot: A qualitative phenomenological study. JMIR Human Factors, 11, e56669. https://doi.org/10.2196/56669

Tan, C. K. K., Lou, V. W. Q., Cheng, C. Y. M., He, P. C., & Mor, Y. Y. (2023). Technology acceptance of a social robot (LOVOT) among single older adults in Hong Kong and Singapore: Protocol for a multimethod study. JMIR Research Protocols, 12, e48618. https://doi.org/10.2196/48618

Chen, K., Lou, V. W., Tan, C. K. K., Wai, M., & Chan, L. (2021). Burnout and intention to leave among care workers in residential care homes in Hong Kong: Technology acceptance as a moderator. Health & Social Care in the Community, 29(6), 1833–1843. https://doi.org/10.1111/hsc.13294

Chen, K., Lou, V. W., Tan, C. K. K., Wai, M., & Chan, L. (2020). Effects of a humanoid companion robot on dementia symptoms and caregiver distress for residents in long-term care. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 21(11), 1724–1728.e3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2020.05.036

Ke, C., Lou, V. W., Tan, C. K. K., Wai, M. Y., & Chan, L. L. (2020). Changes in technology acceptance among older people with dementia: The role of social robot engagement. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 141, 104241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2020.104241

Tsoi, K. K., Chan, T. K., Cheung, R. S., Wong, Y. S., Wai, M. Y., Chan, L. K., Tan, C. K. K., & Lou, V. (2020). Companion robot for elderly residents with dementia: A cognitive behavioral analysis for neuropsychiatric symptoms. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 16(S7). https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.036453


Edited Books and Book Chapters

Cheng, K. (2024). Use of senior technology acceptance model (STAM) for social robots studies. IntechOpen EBooks. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.1007144


Conference Proceedings

An exploratory study on the use of immersive virtual reality to train students in eldercare community. (2025, December 10). https://ctlt.nus.edu.sg/hecs-2025/abstracts/hecs2025-lt-kelvin-t/ 

Reimagining the future of ageing with technology and innovation. (2025, October 1). https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/whats-on/events/Seniors/events-and-resources-for-seniors/events-for-seniors/TOYLC/programmes 

Gerontology: Leveraging digital technology to improve well-being in an ageing population. Digital Health Asia 2025. (2025, September 10). https://www.timeshighered-events.com/digital-health-asia-2025/agenda/session/1639313 

Smart aging: Caring for our elderly in AI cities. Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur. (2025, September 17). https://www.smartcityexpokl.com/speakers/ 

Lifecourse in online narrative. Refocus on Recovery 2025 International Conference. (2025, November 11). https://www.researchintorecovery.com/ronr2025/ 

Opportunities in the care economy. Skills Future Festival. (2025, July 13). https://www.suss.edu.sg/news-events/happenings/webinars-on-campus-events/detail/2025/07/13/default-calendar/opportunities-in-the-care-economy 

Building more climate resilient health systems in Asia. (2024, November 12). https://summit2024.askhealthasia.com/static/upload/file/20241111/1731293522485353.pdf 

Groove into ageing: Exploring the effects of rhythmic exercise on the wellbeing of older adults. (2024, November 18). https://blog.nus.edu.sg/hecs/hecs2024-ktan-schang/ 

Impact of humanoid robots on elderly. Aibotics @ Robot World 2024. (2024, October 24). https://www.aibotics.tech/aib-partner-2024-rw.html 

Impact of music on wellbeing of older persons and their technology acceptance of IoT ring as the measuring device. Gerontechnology Journal. (2024, September). https://journal.gerontechnology.org/pastIssuesList.aspx?iid=136 

Innovations and challenges in active ageing communities. International Conference on Design for Aging Society. (2024, August 9). https://dfas2024.framer.ai/ 

規律運動習慣對中高齡女性在主觀幸福感及科技接受度的影響－以社交型陪伴機器人為例. (2023, November). https://researchoutput.ncku.edu.tw/en/publications/規律運動習慣對中高齡女性在主觀幸福感及科技接受度的影響-以社交型陪伴機器人為例/ 

The use of social robot. SingHealth Duke-NUS Education Conference 2024. (2023, September 23). https://www.singhealthdukenus.com.sg/conference/sdc2023/programme/the-use-of-social-robot 

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