Kian Ann Tan (Singapore)

Information Technology
– Software Applications

36th WorldSkills Competition
Seoul, Korea, 2001

Kian Ann (www.kianann.com) cuts a familiar figure in the local skills competition scene.  He is an ardent supporter of Singapore’s competitors taking part in the WorldSkills Competition (WSC) and has always been a strong encouragement to them.  Now, he plans to take on a bigger and more challenging role, as the designated first President of the Singapore WorldSkills Network (http://www.worldskills.sg/wsn/).  Let’s sound him out…

How was the experience of taking part in the WSC?

Besides honing my technical skills, training for the WSC helped me realise what it takes to be good at something – just how much time and discipline I must have!  The peak performance training assured me that I have what it takes to be a winner; it taught me that as long as I put in sufficient effort, the results will come.

So, ultimately, I think taking part in the WSC has changed my life for the better.  Over these few years, I faced a couple of setbacks, but the attitude I have when I face setbacks is so different now. I am much more positive now.

What have you been up to since taking part in the WorldSkills Competition?

After the competition, I was in military service for two and a half years.  In those days, I also did freelance projects in web and application design.  I’ve since started an adventure learning company (www.cynovate.com.sg).   At the same time, I’m now doing a full-time degree in Computing, with a major in E-Commerce, at the National University of Singapore.

I understand that you are the designated President of the Pro-tem Committee for the Singapore WorldSkills Network.  Why did you decide to contribute to this?  What do you hope to achieve with the alumni?

I think people who have experienced the WorldSkills Competition are very special people and I really want to see what can happen when we work together on a project!  I guess my main reason for wanting to contribute is that I’m really appreciative of ITE and my polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic, for grooming me.  I also hope to be able to mentor more ‘WorldSkills quality’ youth in Singapore - in terms of the competitive and quality perfection mindsets.

Besides being in the WorldSkills Network, we understand that you have helped out in other ways, such as giving coaching and moral support to your juniors.  Can you elaborate on what you do?

Well, my commitments to the military and my studies did not allow me to do much for the past two batches of WSC competitors, so joining the Network is my way of giving something back. I would drop by at the training sessions of my juniors occasionally, to provide moral support and share my personal experiences.  Training for the WSC, while enriching, can be mentally tough at times; sometimes you will ask yourself questions like "Why am I doing this, when all my other friends are out there having fun?" So I hope my little efforts can help them to banish such thoughts and focus on what they need to do!