Nicholas Tan, Member, IT Planning & Enterprise Architecture, has accumulated vast experience in IT Governance and Knowledge Systems, having worked in the National Computer Board (now known as Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore), various Ministries, start-ups and in the private sector.
Having joined NUS-ISS last year, Nicholas is currently teaching courses on IT Governance, Data Governance and Enterprise Architecture.
INNOVATE@ISS speaks to Nicholas to learn about what drives him in his work.
1. Please tell us about your professional background
I graduated in 1989 and started work in the National Computer Board. I spent the first few years doing applied research in Knowledge Systems, followed by several stints in various Ministries. After about eight years, I ventured into the private sector. During the dot.com heyday, I was with a couple of start-ups. Since then, I have progressively worked in / with local, regional and global enterprises which are respective leaders in their individual fields of logistics, defense, pharmaceuticals, premium spirits, personal care and hospitality.
2. Could you share more about the modules / courses which you teach at NUS-ISS?
My focus is on IT management; At present, I teach IT Governance, Data Governance and Enterprise Architecture.
3. Why did you choose to teach at NUS-ISS?
I read an article in a blog which spoke about daring to teach and never ceasing to learn. Teaching a concept requires me to communicate clearly and be easily understood. I cannot ‘sort of' or 'kind of’ know it. I need to grasp the concept, so I can answer any ‘Who What Where When Why How’ questions. NUS-ISS offers an environment to learn, practise and teach. So it is not just that I chose to teach, but also to learn at NUS-ISS.
4. What do you enjoy most about your work?
The learning, not just from literature, but from each and every question from participants of my modules / courses.
5. How do you keep up with the industry?
The NUS-ISS environment encourages learning from literature and practising with projects. Every interaction with course participants is also an opportunity to understand what is needed and what is effective in practice.
6. What are your favorite activities when you are not working?
It will involve a combination of nice beverage, nice food, a nice book and nice music.
7. Tell us something about yourself that very few people know.
If I tell you, then there will be more than very few people who know.
The IT Planning & Enterprise Architecture Executive Education Programme is designed to equip IT professionals with the skills and tools for strategic insight and implementation, leading to increased business value from IT expenditure.Click here to find out more