Benjamin Tan

Photographer, Community Collaborator and Mental Health & Photography Advocate

Singapore

About

Community development is at the core of what I do. Always keeping an eye out for creative ground-up initiatives to keep the heartbeat of the community going. Experienced in stakeholder management in the social services sector. Always connecting-the-dots and synergising meaningful relationships between partners. Photography has been my hobby and interest for the past 9 years. Since 2020, it has been my goal to combine my passion in photography and my expertise in the social services sector for the good of the local community. I wish to increase awareness of mental health and wellbeing by using photography as a tool to encourage conversations and openness to the topic. 7 years in the social services sector with 4 more in others to broaden horizons.

Experience

  • Founder and Supreme Leader at Visuals & Stories
    Oct 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 9 mos

    Specialised photographer for events, portraits, products and documentary work. Experienced photography workshop facilitator who believes greatly in harnessing the unique and democratic power of photography for personal growth and healing.

  • Assistant Manager at Ministry of Social and Family Development, Singapore (MSF)
    Jun 2020 - May 2022 · 2 yrs

    Community development work which involved identifying needs in Bedok town through needs assessments with residents. Engaged and partnered stakeholders in creating localised programmes that meet specific needs on the ground. Co-organised virtual engagement with 200 participants from Public, People and Private sector for SG Cares Community Network in 2021. Managed cases facing complex issues and system barriers together with case managers and other care staff. Manage MSF-funded services within Bedok town to ensure that service outcomes are met.

  • Journalist at Mediacorp Pte Ltd
    Jan 2020 - Jun 2020 · 6 mos

    Produced news content and reporting local news on Singapore’s TV news station: Channel News Asia

  • Arts Programmes Assistant at NUS Centre For the Arts
    Aug 2019 - Jan 2020 · 6 mos

    Conceptualised and ran arts events in campus. Managed logistics for shows for 200 audience members. Engaged students, alumni, and staff to encourage appreciation and participation in the arts.

  • Assistant Language Teacher at Borderlink, Inc.
    Sep 2018 - Apr 2019 · 8 mos

    Assisted the Japanese English Teacher in lesson planning and engaged with students on matters relating to the English language or cultural knowledge.