20 LUMEN | ALUMNI
In
Conversation Professor
Leo Tan with
By Johanna Lim
If there was a hashtag that best describes Professor Leo Tan ’ s experience in SJI , it would be : “ A very happy childhood with lots of friends ” # whysji
Stepping onto the new SJI campus , Professor Leo Tan , the Meritorious Service Medal ( highest award for civil servants ) recipient at the National Day Awards 2016 , relived his memories as an alumnus . SJI had paved the way for his future career , preparing him both academically and holistically . Prof Tan reminisces his days as a student and feels blessed to have been able to study in such a conducive school as SJI , then located in Bras Basah .
LIFE IN SJI From Prof Tan ’ s perspective , oddly enough , SJI was not so much about academic stimulation although as Josephians , all students had a sound scholastic grounding from their teachers who were very dedicated to their students , putting in their best effort to develop them . The Catholic essence of SJI , the warmth and brotherhood that staff and students shared , was deeply felt . Despite coming from different religious backgrounds , the students managed to see something in common with one another : braving the hardest exams together as one community . In those days , whether Josephians were academically inclined or averse to studies , it did not matter ; the top students would mentor the rest of the class , allowing them to progress through the year . These students were men for others , and constantly helping their peers whenever they could .
Visiting the new SJI , albeit in a different location from the school that he had attended , Prof Tan noted that the former facilities and amenities at the Malcolm Road campus have now been complemented by the new additions and refurbished blocks that will cater to the increased school population . Even though these tangible places or
facilities have been upgraded over time , one thing that remains the same would be the resounding school spirit and close-knit community that SJI has carved out for itself . The much referenced quote : “ You can take a boy out of SJI , but you cannot take SJI out of a boy ” emphasises Pro Tan ’ s observation that the Josephian spirit will never dampen , and Josephians will always remember their identity .
The experiences in SJI have shaped Prof Tan ’ s perspective of life and one of the key lessons he still resonates with up till this day is that it is through giving that you receive . In other words , as students , they were always encouraged to share whatever they had , and this was what struck the strong bond between them . The friends in SJI appreciated each other for who they were , not what they wished themselves to be . Being in a Lasallian school for 12 years , the culture that embodies SJI had also led to the influence of faith , service and community on Prof Tan ’ s life .
Prof Tan abides by , “ If you don ’ t believe in what you ’ re doing , don ’ t start the journey because you ’ ll never finish it .” He feels that one should always have faith , to steer her off to greater heights in life , to steer him on with emotion that will guide him . Even today , he still lives by the school motto Ora et Labora ( pray and work ); he believes in prayer but also regards hard work as essential too . He always aspires to do his best in whatever he does while leaving the rest in God ’ s hands .
LIFE AFTER SJI After his 12-year-long journey in SJI , Prof Tan then moved on to a profession in marine biology , where he pursued his passion for the sciences , as well as the environment . Hard work does not deter the
septuagenarian as he is currently involved in yet another project - an eco-tourism hub in Mandai , stipulated to be completed by 2023 . His project aims to reduce adverse impact on wildlife and vegetation , as well as place sustainability and conservation as a top priority . During the development period , buffer zones – where no construction or human activity will take place – of between 45m and 50m wide will be provided between development areas and the nature reserves , to minimise disturbance to flora and fauna .
Apart from his love for the environment , Prof Tan ’ s passion also extends to history . He was one of the pioneers instrumental in starting up Singapore ' s first natural history museum - the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum . When asked what inspired him to embark on this project , he underscored the importance of how the younger generation needs to know about past milestones that had shaped Singapore today . He also gave insights into the importance of educating them , such that they will be able to gain a better understanding of Singapore ’ s standing , with the intention of broadening their horizons to see the bigger picture . He envisions with this new found knowledge , people will be able to appreciate Singapore ’ s multi-racial diversity system and culture .
Prof Tan ’ s parting words to students in SJI : “ Enjoy your entire SJI journey while it lasts , work hard and play hard . Apart from the continuous run of studying , you should also participate actively in other events to fulfill your journey as sons and daughters of St Joseph who are valiant and true .”