How a Simple Flyer Changed Hans Tan’s Career Path
Picture this: Hans Tan, a 41‑year‑old business student, scrolling through the National University of Singapore’s prospectus while on National Service. He spots a flyer on industrial design—and it’s like the universe waved a red flag.
The Leap of Faith
“I had no idea what design even meant,” Hans says. He’d been crunching numbers his whole life—his dad was an accountant, and he’d thought a career in business was the natural next step. But the flyer planted a seed. He realized he wanted something far from spreadsheets.
Drawing? No, Thanks
Fast forward to today: Hans runs his own design studio, founded back in 2005. He’d once admitted he couldn’t hold a pencil without making a mess. Thankfully, his mentors at NUS didn’t squash that vibe. “Design is so much more than drawing,” they explained.
Triple Wins at the President’s Design Award
Now Hans is a triple champion of Singapore’s President’s Design Award—the country’s biggest nod to design excellence. His work is everything cute and functional.
Spotted Nyonya
- Series of ceramic pots that channel Peranakan charm.
Pour
- A side table that looks like a candy‑pop puddle of resin, inspired by kueh lapis sagu, a traditional Malay pastry.
Where the Craft Comes From
Hans dived into ceramics and resin courtesy of a master’s stint at the Design Academy Eindhoven in the Netherlands—thanks to the DesignSingapore Scholarship that launched in 2005. It was the first scholarship of its kind, letting him study at a school that was reshaping the design landscape and tap into mentors like Gijs Bakker of Droog Design.
Skills, Not Only Art
His bigger lesson? A designer’s talent isn’t about flawless sketches. It’s about making things that feel alive and sparking joy. Hans’s path—from numbers to design—shows how a flyer can be a life‑changing wink.
Going beyond design
Meet Hans: The Professor Who Turns Fear Into Fuel
Beyond his bustling design studio, Hans dons a very different hat—a professor at NUS’s Industrial Design Division. His teaching wizardry hasn’t gone unnoticed, earning him accolades such as the Outstanding Educator Award.
Beyond the Blueprints: Core Lessons for Every Student
Hans doesn’t just sweep students into the world of neat visuals; he dives deep into the essence of design and shares life‑skills that linger long after the lecture bell rings.
Day One: Fear of Failure – The Ubiquitous “It’s Got to be Me”
On the first day, he asks new recruits: “What’s your biggest fear about stepping into industrial design?” The answer? ‘Failure.’
Lesson #1 – Distinguish Self‑Doubt from Idea Doubt
Hans draws on insights from Adam Grant to teach students: “Linking your self-worth to your output is a recipe for disaster.” Yet, questioning your ideas isn’t a flaw—it’s a productivity catalyst. Constantly refining your concepts keeps your creative engine humming.
Lesson #2 – Embrace the Beauty of Failure
He reminds us that design is a merry dance of iteration: create, test, learn, redesign. Nothing springs fully formed— mistakes are merely stepping stones. And that philosophy doesn’t just belong to the workshop; it’s a life mantra.
Ready to plunge into design brilliance? Explore scholarship opportunities now and turn those fears into new possibilities!
