Dr. Kelvin TAN, Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore
Dr. Kelvin Tan is a distinguished academic and senior lecturer in Gerontology at the S R Nathan School of Human Development. As the Head of the Minor in Applied Ageing Studies, he is an expert in humanising assistive technologies, social robotics, and innovations in gerontology. Dr. Tan’s work, spanning both academia and industry, has significantly contributed to enhancing the well-being of older adults through technology, particularly social robots and intergenerational dynamics. He has held several leadership roles in business development and corporate partnerships, including his time as Director at NUS Enterprise and VP at ServTouch-Wywy Pte Ltd. With extensive experience in both research and executive leadership, Dr. Tan is deeply committed to advancing gerontology in both academic and practical settings.
Professional Profile
Scopus
Suitability of Dr. Kelvin Tan for the ‘Research for Best Researcher Award’
Dr. Kelvin Tan stands out as a highly qualified candidate for the ‘Research for Best Researcher Award,’ given his extensive background in gerontology, a field at the intersection of technology, aging, and social welfare. As the Head of the Minor in Applied Ageing Studies and Senior Lecturer in Gerontology at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), Dr. Tan brings a combination of academic expertise, groundbreaking research, and impactful professional engagement to the table.
His research interests focus on humanizing assistive technologies for older adults, addressing aging-related challenges through innovations such as social robots and virtual reality (VR). Notably, his work in social robots for cognitively impaired seniors, funded by prominent organizations like Temasek Foundation and the Ministry of Education Singapore, highlights his commitment to improving the lives of elderly individuals through technological advancements.
Education
Dr. Kelvin Tan’s educational background is extensive and diverse. He completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work and Administration from The University of Hong Kong in 2020, with a thesis exploring the role of humanoid social robots in nursing homes for cognitively impaired seniors. Prior to this, he earned a Master’s degree in Gerontology from the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), laying the foundation for his career in aging studies. Dr. Tan’s academic journey began with a Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma City University, followed by a Bachelor’s in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Top Second Upper) from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology in the UK. This diverse education equips him with the interdisciplinary knowledge necessary for his work in gerontology and human-technology interaction.
Professional Experience
Dr. Tan has a vast professional portfolio. Since 2022, he has served as Head of the Minor in Applied Ageing Studies at SUSS, and from 2020 onwards, he has been a Senior Lecturer in Gerontology. He plays a significant role as a mentor and domain expert for the Master/PhD in Gerontology Programmes and the Impact Startup Challenge Programme. Dr. Tan’s career in business development began in 2000, where he served as Director at HP Asia Pac, focusing on mobile e-services. Before entering academia, he held senior positions at NUS Enterprise and NUS Smart Systems Institute, where he was involved in fostering corporate partnerships. Dr. Tan also co-founded Eyemail Technology Inc. and has vast experience in both the public and private sectors, including at M1 and AT&T Asia Pac. His career spans a unique blend of industry leadership and academic contributions.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Tan’s contributions to gerontology and assistive technology have earned him numerous accolades. He is an Honorary Fellow at The University of Hong Kong, recognized for his pioneering work in aging and technology. Additionally, Dr. Tan has been a Fellow of the Taiwan Fellowship Programme and a Visiting Professor at the National Taiwan Normal University. His research in social robotics and gerontechnology has garnered attention worldwide. He is also actively involved in various professional bodies, including as a Subcommittee Member of the Korean Society for Immigration Policy and an Advisor to Alphind Healthcare, USA. Dr. Tan’s work has been recognized in major international forums, such as the 14th World Conference of Gerontechnology and AI4Science.
Dr. Kelvin Tan’s research expertise is centered around humanising assistive technologies for older adults, particularly focusing on the use of social robots in eldercare. His research interests also extend to the impact of intergenerational dynamics, longevity economy, and innovations in technology for aging populations. Dr. Tan has successfully led numerous projects, including funding initiatives aimed at improving the independence of seniors through innovation and technology. His work explores the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and virtual reality (VR) in enhancing the well-being of older adults. With his extensive experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, Dr. Tan is skilled at leading multidisciplinary teams and collaborating with international research institutions to explore the intersection of technology and aging.
Publication Top Notes
- Article: Impact of music on wellbeing of older persons and their technology acceptance of IoT Ring as the measuring device
- Authors: Tan, C.K., Hsu, Y.S., Tsai, M.
- Journal: Gerontechnology
- Year: 2024
- Volume: 23
- Issue: 1
- Pages: 1-1
- Article: Technology Acceptance of a Social Robot (LOVOT) Among Single Older Adults in Hong Kong and Singapore: Protocol for a Multimethod Study
- Authors: Tan, C.K.K., Lou, V.W.Q., Cheng, C.Y.M., He, P.C., Mor, Y.Y.
- Journal: JMIR Research Protocols
- Year: 2023
- Volume: 12
- Article ID: e48618
- Article: A functional approach to measuring acceptance of social robots among elderly singletons in Hong Kong and Singapore: protocol review of a purposeful sampling study
- Authors: Tan, C.K., Lou, W.Q., Man, C.Y., Mor, Y.Y.
- Journal: Gerontechnology
- Year: 2022
- Volume: 21
- Article: Role of technology in the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren in Asia
- Authors: Tan, C.K., Liu, C.
- Journal: Gerontechnology
- Year: 2022
- Volume: 21