Whither the Red Dot? Does Sustainability Matter?
Professor Leo Tan
PhD, Hon DSc, JP, PPA(E)(L), PBM, BBM, PJG
Professor Leo Tan is Director (Special Projects), Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore and Advisor to the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum which opened on 28 April 2015.
Prof. Tan is a marine biologist by profession (with research interests in ecology, mangrove regeneration, taxonomy and aquaculture) but has deep interest in youth outreach and education. He chairs the NParks Garden City Fund, National Youth Achievement Award Council, Temasek Singapore Technologies Endowment Programme, Science Sub-Commission of the Singapore National Commission for UNESCO and Temasek Foundation Innovates. He is a Justice of the Peace, Singapore Governor to the Asia-Europe Foundation and member of the Government Parliamentary Committee Resource Panel for Environment and Water Resources.
He was Director/CEO of the Science Centre, Singapore (1982 – 1991) where he promoted science & technology and environmental awareness/action among school students, tertiary students and the general public. He was Director of the National Institute of Education (1994 – 2006) responsible for educating teachers and leaders for the Singapore School System. As an academic at NUS and NIE he advocated social and environmental stewardship among his students. As Chairman of National Parks Board (1998 – 2007), he championed the concept of living, working and playing in a ‘Garden in the City’ and the Gardens By the Bay project.
For his efforts in promoting science, education and the environment, he has been awarded the National Science & Technology Medal, President’s Award for the Environment, National Day Public Administration Medal (Gold), Public Service Star, Meritorious Service Medal, ASEAN Biodiversity Hero Award and the French Government National Order of Merit (Officer) among others.