Keynote SpeakerWilliam Tan

Neuroscientist and Medical Doctor - World Record Holder, Paralympian

Topics

Request Fees & Availabilities for William Tan

One of our consultants will get back to you soon

Watch William Tan in action

Beyond the Wheelchair | Dr. William Tan | TEDxSIM
William Tan, Neuroscientist and Medical Doctor — A Fireside Conversation at Harvard with HPAIR
Dr. William Tan | Against The Odds | Channel NewsAsia Connect

Popular Talks by William Tan

Turning Adversity Into Advantages

No one seems to be spared from challenges, adversities, setbacks, obstacles, defeats, downfalls or whatever form it may take. Growing up with poliomyelitis which paralyzed me from the waist down at the age of two, I crawled everywhere as my parents could not afford the leg braces, crutches or wheelchair.…

No one seems to be spared from challenges, adversities, setbacks, obstacles, defeats, downfalls or whatever form it may take. Growing up with poliomyelitis which paralyzed me from the waist down at the age of two, I crawled everywhere as my parents could not afford the leg braces, crutches or wheelchair. I was regarded by many as one without any hope. My parents taught me what it means to have self-belief, to win with less and to maximise my potential with what I have ie good arms and brain. Repeated rejections by medical school admission boards invigorated me to work harder and never to give up no matter how long it takes. I was finally accepted into medical school after 21 years. I became the first and only person on wheelchair who is a physician in Singapore (just as rare an achievement elsewhere).
The Power Of Possibility Thinking

Some push the boundaries, some are bound by boundaries, some disappear from boundaries. They see no limits to what they can accomplish except for the limits they place on themselves. The word “impossible” becomes “I M Possible”. To survive in these circumstances, companies need some of the skills and mind…

Some push the boundaries, some are bound by boundaries, some disappear from boundaries. They see no limits to what they can accomplish except for the limits they place on themselves. The word “impossible” becomes “I M Possible”. To survive in these circumstances, companies need some of the skills and mind set of those who have truly faced life and death decisions. My unique struggle, personal survival and success to beat extreme odds reaffirms the messages about goal setting, risk management, about teamwork, hope, and the art of the possible.
Turning Setbacks Into Comebacks

For individuals and organisations, the ideal destiny for any undertaking is a good finish like in a marathon race. In the context of many uncontrollable factors, the reality is very different. For some, a setback kills the dreams, for others, the setback is transformed into a comeback. I chose to…

For individuals and organisations, the ideal destiny for any undertaking is a good finish like in a marathon race. In the context of many uncontrollable factors, the reality is very different. For some, a setback kills the dreams, for others, the setback is transformed into a comeback. I chose to believe that “tough times never last but tough people do”. My focus was on finding solutions rather than on problems. I harnessed the support of family and friends. I survived the treatment and returned to sports and to medical practice looking after other cancer patients.

More talks

Neuroscience
Motivation
Leadership

Biography

Dr William Tan is the personification of both passion and compassion. He contracted polio at the age of two and is paralysed from the waist down. Notwithstanding his disability, he has shown outstanding strength in overcoming adversities. Upon graduation from the National University of Singapore and joining the Civil Service, he ventured abroad for postgraduate studies, with dreams of becoming a scientist and medical doctor. He graduated from Harvard University with a First Class Honours in Physiology, and trained at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic.

Tan is also an accomplished sportsman. An Asian-Pacific Games triple gold medalist, he has also competed in the 1988 Seoul Paralympics, the World Games as well as the Commonwealth Games. He holds six endurance marathon world records including the “Fastest time to complete Three marathons in Three Consecutive Days in Three countries”. However, upon realising that, “winning medals, trophies or prize money should not be an end to itself. It should be a means to further goodness and to help people.” Since then, he has devoted to championing as well as fundraising for needy causes in worldwide. He has skydived, water-skied, sailed and even climbed a 14-storey building to raise money. He has helped raised more than $18 million on a voluntary basis for charities locally and internationally, over the last 22 years. Some of his humanitarian efforts include Polioplus for the worldwide eradication of polio and Operation Smile.

In 2007, Tan became the first person in the world to accomplish a marathon in a wheelchair in the North Pole inn 21 hours and 10 mins despite overwhelming obstacles and extreme conditions of –25 deg C to raise funds for Global Flying Hospitals. The very same year, he became the fastest person in the world to complete 7 marathons across 7 continents in 26 days to raise funds for international charities on 7 continents.

In 2009, Tan was diagnosed with Stage 4 (end-stage) leukemia. True to his fighting spirit, he turned this adversity into opportunity. Throughout his 6 months of toxic chemotherapy followed by bone marrow transplant, he championed for needy cancer patients who cannot afford the high cost of cancer treatment in Singapore. On 26 September 2010, he achieved his best time ever in para-cycling at the Berlin Marathon. One year after his bone marrow transplant, he accomplished two full marathons back to back with finishing times better than his pre-leukemia days.

In 2014 and 2015, he hand-cycled from London to Paris over a distance of 500 km in four days to raise funds for lymphoma and leukemia research in USA, UK, New Zealand and Singapore. His battle against end-stage leukemia however, has been his longest and most painful race. It has transformed him into a more compassionate physician and invigorated him to dedicate his new lease of life to doing more for humanity. His journey of resilience and reinventing oneself to scale greater heights in the face of adversity continues to inspire many individuals and corporate leaders.

Ready to invite William Tan to your event?

Tell us about your event, one of our consultants will reach out within 24 hours.

What clients say about William Tan

“I want to emphasise how valuable was the elucidation, motivation, and take-out value your core messages have contributed to the lives of all who had the wonderful opportunity to hear and see you. Yours is an extraordinary message. You are an extraordinary person. I am very privileged to have met you and I can only hope that I have the chance to work with you again.” Errol, Fujitsu Summit

“It was breath-taking to hear your extraordinary story and inspirational presentation at our annual event. The value you shared would not only help guide people through uncertain changes but also give us strength to confront surrounding world and our own soul. Your personal story will always remind me to cherish life and reflect upon myself in good and tough times.” David Wang, Sanofi China

How to book William Tan as a keynote speaker

How do I book William Tan for a keynote speech?

You can book William Tan through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with William's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are William Tan's speaking fees?

William Tan's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for William tailored to your event.

What topics does William Tan speak about?

William Tan speaks on Health, Leadership & Motivation, Motivation, Neuroscience. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with William to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is William Tan available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book William Tan for events worldwide, subject to William's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does William Tan deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether William Tan is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by William Tan?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what William can accommodate.

Can William Tan tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief William Tan on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what William can offer.

What languages does William Tan present in?

William Tan delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes William Tan a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

William Tan's areas of expertise include Health, Leadership & Motivation, Motivation, Neuroscience. To get a clear sense of William's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can William Tan speak at?

William Tan can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Health, Leadership & Motivation, Motivation, Neuroscience is relevant. Details of William's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does William Tan offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what William Tan is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book William Tan?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with William Tan, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check William's current availability for your dates.