Village Lessons for City Living

Dr Tan and his family spent approximately 15 years living and working in Yunnan, China, focusing on village community development among minority ethnic groups in remote areas. In this talk, he will share valuable insights gained from his experiences with leprosy-affected individuals, hard-working farmers, and resilient village leaders, touching on themes of gratitude, vocational excellence, and lifelong learning.

Speaker Biography
Dr Tan Lai Yong is a medical doctor by training. He graduated from NUS in 1985. In 1996, he and his family relocated to Yunnan, China, where he was involved in poverty alleviation, community development, and the training of village health workers. As part of China’s National Day celebrations in 2004, Dr Tan was awarded the “Friends of China” accolade at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, in a ceremony attended by then-Premier Wen Jiabao. Upon his return, he received a scholarship to pursue a Master’s in Public Administration at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.