Tan Kin Lian - Perspectives SMU Career Guidance
My career approach is quite different from that pursued by most young people today. I want to offer a different perspective to you.

Career Experience

I left school after secondary four at the age of 18. I worked as a clerk in an insurance company. Later, I worked in three other jobs, continued to study part time and qualified as an insurance actuary at the age of 25.

I was approached to be the general manager of NTUC Income and was offered a monthly salary of $3,000, which was probably less than half of that offered for a similar job. I accepted that salary without negotiation and did not ask about the benefits.

After I joined, I learned that the cooperative was financially weak and that salary was probably the best that they could afford.

I gave full attention to growing the business. I used my actuarial and computer system expertise to design suitable products and market them to the ordinary people. The cooperative was able to operate efficiently and at low cost. My job was re-designated as chief executive officer when the cooperative grew to a certain size.

During my tenure of 30 years, from 1977 to 2007, the assets grew 600 times from $28 million to $15 billion. This was partly due to the economic growth during that time, but also to the business strategy adopted.

Post Retirement

After my retirement at the age of 59, I set up a small consulting firm to provide insurance consultancy and develop computer software. I was an adjunct professor in Singapore Management University and taught “Risk Management and Insurance” for four years.

I participated in the presidential election in 2011 and 2023 and lost on both occasions.

Lessons

I wish to share the following lessons from my career experience.

1.         Look for an employer who needs you more than you need the job. Be willing to accept a job that most people do not want. You will have the opportunity to grow your career.

2.         Put the interest of your employer above your personal interest. You will be recognized, appreciated and rewarded.

3.         Keep up to date with the latest developments. Over the years, I harnessed the opportunities provided by the Internet and social media platforms.

4.         Be ready to implement changes. It may be risky and you will make mistakes. You can correct them and succeed eventually.
 
Tan  Kin Lian 
CEO, NTUC Income (1977 to 2007)
 

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Factual and inspiring. Thank you for sharing

RTay  08 Sep 2023  

Dear Mr Tan Kin Lian I can relate to your life and experiences. I too left school at the age of 16 and started to work at the age of 17 in a bank as a bank teller. At a later age, I switched to marketing and at the age of 32+ I got my Masters in Marketing from an Australian university. However, I was under a spell and my money was swindled right under my nose even when this "thief" spouse stole from me! I am pissed!

Cheated  07 Sep 2023  

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