Professor Tai Yong TAN

President, Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore

Biography

Professor Tan Tai Yong is President of the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). Before he joined SUSS, Professor Tan was President, Yale-NUS College. Prior to this, he held various academic and leadership appointments in the National University of Singapore (NUS), where he is now Emeritus Professor. These included Vice Provost (Student Life), Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and Head of the History Department. Professor Tan chairs the Management Board of the Institute of South Asian Studies (NUS). He is also the Chairman of the Asia Research Institute’s International Advisory Board.

From August 2018 to May 2019, Professor Tan was the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS)’ 6th S R Nathan Fellow for the Study of Singapore. He was a Nominated Member of Parliament from 2014 to 2015. He was awarded the National Day Administration (Silver) Award in 2009 and the Public Service Award in 2020.

Professor Tan is Honorary Chairman of the National Museum of Singapore. He is a member of the National Heritage Board and is co-chair of the Founders’ Memorial Committee. Professor Tan is also a member of the National Library Board.

Title

Building Agility in Universities: Meeting Lifelong Learning and Skills First Imperatives

Abstract

It explores how higher education institutions can adapt to a rapidly changing world of work and knowledge, heavily impacted by technology such as AI.

The talk examines how traditional academic structures must evolve to balance disciplinary rigour with flexible, skills-oriented pathways that support lifelong learning. It highlights emerging frameworks for embedding agility within governance, curriculum design, technology, and partnerships with industry and communities.

The talk argues that universities must reimagine their identities not merely as knowledge transmitters, but as dynamic ecosystems fostering adaptability, relevance, and shared responsibility for societal progress.

Speakers