Eric Tan

I aspire to broaden my exposure and assume a creative, challenging, and rewarding position that offers opportunities for advancement within a reputable organization of high quality. Eric Tan is a strategic and purpose-driven leader with more than 20 years of cross-sector leadership experience spanning higher education, government-linked institutions, social services and the private sector. His expertise encompasses strategy, organisational growth, philanthropy, stakeholder engagement, communications, governance, people leadership and financial sustainability.

He currently leads LKCMedicine Advancement at NTU, providing strategic direction across fundraising and alumni relations while driving institutional partnerships, donor stewardship, organisational capability and sustainable philanthropic growth. He oversees people, resources, governance and operational effectiveness, ensuring the department remains aligned with institutional priorities and delivers measurable outcomes. Under his leadership, LKCMedicine has achieved record fundraising results and strengthened its advancement and alumni engagement capabilities.

Previously, as Director of Advocacy, Communication and Engagement at Samaritans of Singapore, Eric provided organisation-wide leadership across strategy, fundraising, communications, partnerships and stakeholder engagement. He led teams and resources, strengthened organisational capabilities and translated the organisation’s purpose and values into high-impact initiatives. His earlier leadership roles with the President’s Challenge Secretariat and Singapore Community Chest involved national-level fundraising, donor engagement, strategic communications and major stakeholder initiatives, including the President’s Star Charity and President’s Challenge.

These roles required close collaboration across agencies and sectors, strong stakeholder relationships and disciplined execution of large-scale initiatives. Eric’s leadership experience also spans the Singapore Institute of Technology, Social Service Training Institute, Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Republic Polytechnic, covering programme development, partnerships, business growth, people management, curriculum development and institutional initiatives. He received the Ngee Ann Polytechnic Teaching Award in 2011.

Beginning his career as a Creative Director, Eric developed award-winning branding and communications solutions for government agencies and major organisations, establishing a strong foundation in strategic thinking, innovation, storytelling and audience engagement. Eric brings together strategic leadership, organisational development, philanthropy, people management and communications—enabling him to build capable teams, strengthen organisational systems, mobilise stakeholders and translate purpose into sustainable growth and measurable impact.

Head Advancement - NTU LKCMedicine

(2022)

Provides visionary leadership and strategic direction to the institution, ensuring the fulfilment of its mission and values. Ensuring growth, programme effectiveness, governance, stakeholder engagement, and long-term financial sustainability—while inspiring and managing high-performing teams.

• Define and drive the department’s strategic vision.
• Lead and develop a high-performing, inclusive leadership team.
• Champion staff well-being and talent development.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships and serve as a key ambassador for LKCMedicine with donors, funders, volunteers, and public agencies.
• Oversee daily operations, ensuring alignment with best practices in the sector.
• Evaluate and adapt strategies for continued impact and relevance.
• Provide timely, accurate updates to the Board, enabling sound governance and compliance.
• Lead financial strategy and planning to ensure organisational resilience.
• Manage budgeting, internal controls, and risk oversight.
• Ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements and transparent reporting to the Board.
• Develop and implement a communications strategy that elevates the LKCMedicine profile and impact.
• Complying and ensuring consistent branding and values alignment across all platforms.
• Maintain effective internal and external communication channels to engage all stakeholders meaningfully.

Director - Samaritans Of Singapore

(2020 - 2022)

As Head of Advocacy, Communication, and Engagement at Samaritans of Singapore, held full accountability for strategic direction, organisational growth, initiative performance, governance, stakeholder engagement, and financial sustainability. Led the A.C.E. team across marketing, fundraising, events, and programme delivery to drive suicide prevention advocacy and deepen donor engagement.

• Develop and execute integrated strategies to maximise reach, visibility and philanthropic support.
• Establish robust donor management frameworks and oversee grant proposals for strategic initiatives.
• Lead donor relations and partnership marketing, with clear performance tracking and reporting.
• Ensure all communications and digital materials meet organisational standards, approval requirements and regulatory obligations.
• #HowRU Walkathon (2020–2022)
• SOS Symposium (2021)
• Charitrees (2020–2022)
• ISOSLOSS Day (2020–2022)

Deputy Director - National Council of Social Service (President’s Challenge and Community Chest) (President’s Challenge Secretariat Office and Relationship and Engagement)

(2017 - 2020)

• Advise on communication strategy and messaging to drive effective public outreach on key regulations and national initiatives.
• Oversee strategic planning, resources, people, budgets, performance and delivery against organisational goals.
• Lead cross-sector outreach, build strategic relationships with stakeholders, opinion leaders and agencies, and identify opportunities for growth and greater impact.
• Oversee new media, branding, marketing collateral, advertising and publicity initiatives.
• Ensure timely and effective communications and marketing support for major President’s Challenge initiatives, including the President’s Star Charity TV Show, President’s Challenge Appreciation Dinner, Heart Bus and Istana Open House.

Senior Associate Director - National Council of Social Service (President’s Challenge and Community Chest) (President’s Challenge Secretariat Office and Relationship and Engagement)

(2014 - 2017)

Assistant Director - National Council of Social Service (Social Service Training Institute) (Business Development and Marketing)

(2012 - 2013)

Programme Manager - Singapore Institute of Technology (Academic Programme Department)

(2011 - 2012)

Associate faculty (Part-Time) - SIM University (School of Business)

(2009 - 2011)

Lecturer / Module Leader - Ngee Ann Polytechnic (School of Info-communication Technology)

(2007 - 2011)

Manager (Media) - Republic Polytechnic (School of Info-communication Technology)

(2004 - 2007)

Managing Director - Partners Associate

(2003 - 2007)

Lecturer (Part-Time) - Nanyang Technological University (School of Communication and Information)

(2003 - 2005)

Lecturer - Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (School of Visual Arts)

(1998 - 2004)

Deputy Director - National Council of Social Service – Community Chest

(2013 - 2020)

Relationship and Engagement Team

• Plan fundraising activities.
• Develop innovative strategies that create distinctive and meaningful donor and stakeholder experiences.
• Build strategic partnerships and collaborations to advance organisational objectives and expand impact.
• Lead donor engagement and cross-functional initiatives to strengthen relationships and maximise key touchpoints.
• Partner with the Board and senior leadership to develop and execute sustainable fu

Master’s Degree - Master of Arts, Specializing in Advertising (2000 - 2002)

Bachelor of Arts (with Distinction) (1997 - 1998)

Diploma (with Distinction) (1994 - 1996)