Recognising Mr Tan Yong Kwang – Workplace Safety & Health (WSH) Officer Awards 2025
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Mr Tan’s journey with MSE spans over 22 years, marked by diverse responsibilities that reflect his versatility and commitment. He has managed laboratories, co-authored journal publications, presented at local conferences, overseen the Maintenance and Repair Office, spearheaded the Central Store, and served as an Energy Officer for the School.
His path into safety leadership began in 2009 when he joined the MSE Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Committee, building on his earlier experience as an HSE committee member in the manufacturing sector. By 2013, he took on the responsibility of leading safety at MSE, where he has since overseen regulatory compliance, maintained the School’s BizSAFE STAR certification -- Singapore’s highest workplace safety accreditation, and cultivated a strong safety culture across faculty, staff, and students. He was also formerly the secretariat of the WSH Council (Higher Education and Research) Working Group and actively contributed to advance safety standards across the higher education sector.
In his words:
MSE’s advanced research environment, with its use of specialised materials and state-of-the-art equipment, presents unique challenges that demand strong safety frameworks. These challenges have driven my professional growth, particularly in developing tailored safety frameworks, comprehensive risk assessments, and targeted training programmes that balance innovation with workplace safety.
From WSH training courses and workshops, one lesson has stood out strongly for Mr Tan: the central role of risk assessments.
Risk assessment is the foundation of workplace safety, as it enables us to identify hazards early and implement measures to prevent accidents. NTU provides e-learning modules such as Introduction to Risk Management and Risk Management at the Workplace, making these skills accessible to everyone.
Beyond the Role
Mr Tan firmly believes that workplace safety is not only about compliance but about professionalism and trust.
A strong safety culture demonstrates to students, staff, collaborators, and industry partners that our research is conducted responsibly and sustainably. Safe and well-managed laboratories reduce risks, protect valuable research work, and instil confidence in stakeholders. Prioritising safety enhances our credibility and strengthens MSE’s position as a trusted leader in research and education.
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