#21. Edwin Tan and his Values, Passion, and Purpose

Wantedly's SG60 stories series is about people who have been shaped by Singapore, and had made a difference in Singapore. This series aims to be a platform for individual reflection on what our own values are, and how we discover our passion and strive towards our purpose.

With our mission to create a world where work drives passion, no matter the industry you pursue, discovering and aligning your values, passion, and purpose will give you the best chance at having a fulfilling career, and more importantly, life. And when this alignment is in place it leads to something greater - organisations can achieve their mission, and your community and beyond will benefit in the long run.

Values are your non-negotiable foundation, passion is about what excites and motivates you, and purpose is your deeper reason for existence. - Harvard Business Review

As a nation, when we reflect on our shared values of multiculturalism, boldness, resilience and openness, we can build upon what drove our prosperity. SG60’s theme is a refreshed spirit, and by celebrating Singapore’s journey to date, Wantedly is proud to spotlight diversity, and how it has contributed in unique ways in the past and for the future.

Introducing Edwin

Edwin Tan is a Para-athlete in International Chess, being visually-impaired. In 2022, he founded Lion City Inclusive Chess (LCIC). LCIC is dedicated to building a vibrant and inclusive chess community in Singapore. What started as a casual meetup has grown into a dynamic platform that regularly organises chess events and tournaments. At the heart, it has a bold aspiration to create an inclusive platform for chess and to be the best place for chess. 

From representing Singapore, and also in his own work and recreation, Edwin likes to travel around the world. 

1. What are your top 3 values?

The first value is be kind to people. I treat everyone well unless they step over my red line. The second value is be committed. I give my best in everything I do. I will complete deliverables within deadlines. The third value is growth. I am always eager to learn new things and I believe in life-long learning.  

2. What keeps you up at night?

The thing that troubles me and makes me have sleepless nights is how can I sustain and grow my start-up, LCIC. It is always challenging to work with partners, acquiring and retaining customers. Also, with uncertain economic landscape, inflation and increase in cost is a great challenge. 

3. What is your proudest accomplishment to date?

My proudest accomplishment to date is being able to host successful inclusive chess tournaments on a monthly basis by working with partners. Also, I managed to successfully organise a notable Blitz Chess Tournament aboard the Genting Dream Cruise in November 2023. 

4. What fills your cup?

To me, fulfilment is doing what I like. Being the founder of LCIC, I have a meaningful career revolving around what I like which is chess. Also, I actively engage in projects that create impact in our society especially those about inclusion of underserved communities. 

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5. With Lion City Inclusive Chess, what is your vision and what does success look like?

LCIC's vision is to be the best place for chess. Success to me is consistently growing LCIC. I am working towards organising inclusive chess events more frequently, up to twice a month. Also, I hope that there will be an increase in number of participants. In terms of help needed, I need strategic venue partners and I need more outreach support. 

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6. Please leave us your hope/advice for PWD Inclusivity.

PWD Inclusivity is not just about saying it but to do it. I hope that there will be more opportunities for PWD to thrive in our career and lives.  

Edwin giving a talk with Social Collider for Wantedly's Inclusive Employment week, 2025

Come join our next chess event! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

And...if you can partner us, we would love to hear from you - lioncityinclusivechess@gmail.com.

Once again, in celebration of SG60, let us strive to be bolder and kinder to one another, wherever our travels take us.

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