Mr. Chee Tan | Social Sciences | Academic Endeavor Award

Mr. Chee Tan, University of Stirling, United Kingdom

Dr. Victor C. S. Tan is a responsible, adaptive, and motivated professional with over a decade of experience in special education and counseling. He began his career as a Teacher/Educator and Subject Head at Pathlight School for Autism, where he led curriculum development and managed multidisciplinary teams. Over the past three years, he has taught at the University of Stirling, contributing as a field research assistant, peer reviewer, and tutor in Sociology and Social Policy. He holds an Associate Fellowship with Advance HE (AFHEA) and is an allied member of the Singapore Association of Counseling. Dr. Tan is passionate about bridging research and practice to improve outcomes for individuals with special needs. His interdisciplinary approach combines behavior therapy, positive behavior support, and applied behavioral analysis, making him a sought-after researcher and educator. He actively collaborates with international colleagues, publishes in peer-reviewed journals, and mentors emerging scholars.

Professional Profile

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Suitability Summary for Research for Academic Endeavor Award

The candidate, Victor Tan, demonstrates a strong and well-rounded profile that aligns closely with the spirit of the Research for Academic Endeavor Award, which typically recognizes individuals who exhibit outstanding commitment, impactful research, and academic contributions in their field.

With over a decade of experience in special education, counseling, and therapy, combined with several years in higher education teaching, Victor has shown sustained dedication to advancing academic knowledge and practical applications within social sciences and education. His active engagement in research, highlighted by his current doctoral studies in Applied Social Research at the University of Stirling, further underscores his commitment to deepening understanding and expanding the boundaries of knowledge.

Victor’s research portfolio includes recent impactful publications that intersect technology, education, and social policy, showcasing his interdisciplinary approach and adaptability to contemporary academic challenges. His work on professional understanding in special needs education and the sociological implications of AI tools in language learning demonstrates a forward-thinking mindset and responsiveness to evolving educational landscapes.

Education 

Dr. Tan completed his Bachelor of Counseling (2010–2013) and Master of Counseling (2013–2015) at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), where he focused on therapeutic approaches for children with special needs. He then pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in Special Education (2016–2018) at the National Institute of Education (NIE), developing expertise in adapted physical education and inclusive teaching strategies. Currently, he is a Doctoral candidate in Applied Social Research at the University of Stirling (2021–present), investigating sociological perspectives on technology’s role in education and society. Throughout his studies, he has maintained high academic standing and contributed to research projects examining interdisciplinary interventions for individuals on the autism spectrum. His academic journey reflects a commitment to blending practical counseling skills with rigorous research methodologies. Dr. Tan’s educational background equips him to design evidence-based interventions and inform policies that enhance inclusion in educational settings.

Professional Experience 

From 2011 to 2020, Dr. Tan served as Teacher/Educator and Subject Head at Pathlight School for Autism, where he developed the Health and Outdoor Education curriculum, led a team of 12 staff members, and participated in the Crisis Response Team for student management. At Cheers Learning and Assessment (2015–2021), he worked as a Counsellor/Educational Therapist, delivering targeted therapy and counseling services for children aged 3–10 and adolescents aged 9–20, specializing in anxiety and anger management. Since 2021, he has been affiliated with the University of Stirling, initially as a field research assistant on the “Games of Stones” project (2022–2023), then as a peer reviewer for SPARK (Stirling International Journal of Postgraduate Research). Concurrently, he has tutored Sociology and Social Policy (SPCU901–SPCU9PA) and Criminology (CRMU9T4) modules (2021–2024), guiding undergraduate and postgraduate students in research and academic writing. His roles reflect a blend of hands-on therapeutic practice, curriculum leadership, and higher-education teaching.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Tan holds multiple certifications and honors recognizing his expertise and commitment to professional excellence. He earned a Certificate in Autism (CIA) and a qualification in Adapted Physical Education, underscoring his dedication to specialized instructional methods. He is First Aid trained and certified in the Management of Actual or Potential Aggression (MAPA), equipping him to handle crisis situations safely and effectively. As a Member of the Interdisciplinary Research Network, he collaborates with scholars across fields to advance inclusive research. He is also an Allied Member of the Singapore Association of Counseling (E0099), demonstrating his standing within the counseling community. In 2023, he was awarded Associate Fellowship (AFHEA, PR290136) by Advance HE, recognizing his contributions to teaching and learning in higher education. Dr. Tan’s memberships and credentials highlight his dual focus on evidence-based practice and academic leadership within the social sciences.

Research Skill On Social Sciences

Dr. Tan’s research expertise spans Behavior Therapy (BT), Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), and Positive Behavior Support (PBS), enabling him to design and evaluate interventions for individuals with developmental and behavioral challenges. He applies these methodologies in both educational and clinical settings, tailoring approaches to meet diverse learner needs. His leadership and organizational skills facilitate large-scale collaborative projects, such as the “Games of Stones” field research at the University of Stirling. He is proficient in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including survey design, thematic analysis, and statistical modeling. Dr. Tan’s experience as a peer reviewer for SPARK and contributor to interdisciplinary research networks reflects his ability to critically appraise and disseminate scholarly work. He leverages technology—such as language generative AI tools—in his investigations into educational innovations. His research portfolio demonstrates a commitment to translating empirical findings into practical strategies for inclusive education and social policy.

  Publication Top Notes

Education in the Technological Age: The Conflux of Technology, Education, and Science

• Author: Chee Shien Tan

• Year: 2025

A Sociological Take on Language Generative AI Tools

• Author: Victor Tan Chee Shien

• Year: 2024 (published on 2024-09-24)

Professional Understanding of a Special Needs Educator: Roles, Expectations, and Implications

• Author: Chee Tan

• Year: 2023 (published on 2023-06-07)

From The Future To The Present: Socioecological Transformation

• Author: Chee Tan

• Year: 2022 (published in October 2022)