Tan Chuan Jin Wife, Girlfriend, Children, Age, Net Worth, Family, Biography & More

Tan Chuan Jin is a Singaporean former politician and brigadier-general who served as Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore between 2017 and 2023. He has been serving as President of the Singapore National Olympic Council since 2014. He resigned from his political positions on 17 July 2023 after revelations of an extramarital affair.

Wife, Kids, and Marriage

Tan is married to Lik Ling and they have two children, a son and a daughter named “Sheena“. He is a Christian and attends Bethesda Frankel Estate Church. He is also an avid photographer and has published several photo books featuring his works.

Early Life and Education

Tan was born on 10 January 1969 in Singapore. He attended Anglo-Chinese School and Raffles Junior College before graduating from the London School of Economics with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics under the Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Scholarship.

He also completed a Master of Arts degree in defense studies at King’s College London, and a Master of Public Administration degree at the National University of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.

Physical Appearance

In terms of his physical attributes, he stands at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 centimeters) tall. Tan Chuan Jin possesses a slim physique, with a body weight of around 68 kilograms.

Parents

His parents have played an influential role in his life. His father embarked on a journey from being a clerk to becoming an accountant, showcasing a strong work ethic and determination. Meanwhile, his mother served as a schoolteacher, contributing to the education and development of young minds. He also has an elder sister whom he earlier shared on social media.

BIO/WIKI

Military career

Tan enlisted in the Singapore Armed Forces in 1987 and was commissioned as an officer in the Singapore Army. He rose through the ranks and held various command and staff appointments, including Commander of the Army Training and Doctrine Command, Commander of the 3rd Division, Assistant Chief of the General Staff (Plans), Commander of the 7th Singapore Infantry Brigade, Army Attaché in Jakarta, and Commanding Officer of the 3rd Guards Battalion. He attained the rank of Brigadier-General in 2009 and retired from the military in 2011.

Political career

Tan entered politics in 2011 as a member of the governing People’s Action Party (PAP). He contested in the Marine Parade Group Representation Constituency (GRC) in the 2011 general election as part of a five-member PAP team led by former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong. The team won 56.65% of the vote against a team from the opposition Workers’ Party. Tan became a Member of Parliament (MP) representing the Kembangan–Chai Chee division of Marine Parade GRC.

In August 2012, Tan was appointed Senior Minister of State for National Development and Acting Minister for Manpower by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. In September 2013, he gave up his portfolio at the Ministry of National Development and became Senior Minister of State at the Ministry of Manpower while continuing to serve as Acting Minister for Manpower. In May 2014, he was promoted to full Minister for Manpower.

In April 2015, Tan was appointed Minister for Social and Family Development as part of a Cabinet reshuffle. He oversaw policies and programs related to social welfare, family development, community engagement, and sports development. He also chaired several inter-ministerial committees on aging, disability, social service delivery, and youth issues.

In September 2017, Tan was nominated by Prime Minister Lee to be Speaker of Parliament, following the resignation of Halimah Yacob who ran for President. Tan accepted the nomination and resigned from his Cabinet roles. He was elected unopposed as Speaker by Parliament on 11 September 2017. As Speaker, he presided over parliamentary debates and proceedings, enforced rules and order, and represented Parliament in official functions.

Tan contested in Marine Parade GRC again in the 2020 general election as part of a five-member PAP team led by former Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean. The team won 57.76% of the vote against a team from the opposition Workers’ Party. Tan continued to serve as Speaker after the election.

Resignation

On 17 July 2023, Tan announced his resignation as an MP and from the PAP after admitting to having an extramarital affair with fellow politician Cheng Li Hui since at least 2020. He also resigned as Speaker and President of the Singapore National Olympic Council. He apologized to his family, constituents, colleagues, and supporters for his “grave mistake” and said he would “face the consequences” of his actions.

Net Worth

While specific information regarding Tan Chuan Jin’s net worth, salary, and earnings is not publicly disclosed, it is estimated that his net worth falls within the range of $1 to $3 million USD.

Throughout his professional journey, Tan Chuan Jin has held significant positions in both the military and political sectors. As a brigadier-general in the Singapore Armed Forces, he would have earned a respectable salary befitting his high-ranking role. Additionally, his tenure as the Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore from 2017 to 2023 would have provided him with a government salary and benefits.

Facts/Trivia

• Tan Chuan Jin was the first Speaker of Parliament to be elected from a GRC, as previous Speakers were elected from single-member constituencies.
• He was the first Speaker of Parliament to have a Facebook page, which he used to interact with the public and share his views on various issues.
• Tan was the first Minister for Social and Family Development to launch a national movement called SG Cares, which aimed to promote a culture of care and volunteerism in Singapore.
• Tan was the first Minister for Manpower to introduce a mandatory rest day for domestic workers, which took effect in 2013.
• Tan was the first Minister for Manpower to implement a progressive wage model for low-wage workers in various sectors, such as cleaning, security, and landscaping.
• Tan was the first Senior Minister of State for National Development to launch a public consultation exercise called Our Singapore Conversation on Housing, which sought to gather feedback and ideas from Singaporeans on housing issues and policies.
• Tan was the first Army Attaché in Jakarta, where he served from 2003 to 2005. He helped to strengthen bilateral defense ties between Singapore and Indonesia after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
• Tan was the first Commander of the Army Training and Doctrine Command, where he oversaw the development and implementation of training and doctrine for the Singapore Army.
• Tan was the first Commander of the 3rd Division, where he led the division in various exercises and operations, such as Exercise Wallaby in Australia and Operation Flying Eagle in Aceh.
• Tan was the first Commander of the 7th Singapore Infantry Brigade, where he transformed the brigade into a motorized infantry formation with enhanced mobility and firepower.
• Tan was the first Commanding Officer of the 3rd Guards Battalion, where he introduced innovations such as the Guards Combat Skills Badge and the Guards Fitness Test.
• Tan was one of the founding members of the PAP Policy Forum, a platform for PAP members to discuss and contribute ideas on policy issues.
• Tan was one of the co-authors of The Leader, The Teacher & You, a book that shared leadership lessons from former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and former Senior Minister S. Rajaratnam.
• Tan was one of the photographers who contributed to Majulah! 50 Years of NDP Parades, a photo book that captured the history and spirit of Singapore’s National Day Parades.
• Tan was one of the recipients of The Outstanding Young Persons of Singapore Award in 1996, which recognized his achievements and contributions in the military.