Dr Chekfoung Tan

Dr Chekfoung Tan is an Associate Professor in Transformational Leadership at the Department of Space and Climate Physics, and the Programme Lead for MSc Management of Complex Projects.

When did you join UCL and where were you before?

I joined UCL in June 2021. Before that, I held an academic and programme leadership role in a postgraduate programme in project management, which was my first official academic role. In addition to teaching project management-related modules, I also led modules focused on technology and digital business management.

Prior to academia, I worked in the IT sector, specialising in managing and implementing digital solutions across industries such as manufacturing, retail, healthcare, higher education, public, and non-profit. These experiences have significantly enriched my teaching, enabling me to provide students with practical insights and real-world examples.

Tell us about your work at UCL - how do you spend your days, and what makes your role different to similar positions elsewhere?

My days at UCL are varied, spanning teaching, research, and collaborative enterprise activities. Apart from teaching duties, I spend time working on student-staff partnership projects, such as the ChangeMakers initiative, where we explored the use of AI, resulting in two case studies: 1) Embracing AI: transforming teaching with responsible prompts, and 2) The use of AI tools in the Department of Space and Climate Physics. 

This work has also contributed to my educational leadership, with some outcomes being trialled this academic year to enhance teaching and learning practices. Supporting tutees is another rewarding aspect of my role, as I guide them through their academic journeys.

As Programme Lead for the MSc Management of Complex Projects, I oversee operational improvements and programme development. I’m also involved in the MSc Transformational Leadership Apprenticeship programme, supporting apprentices through quarterly reviews and end-point assessments. These interactions provide invaluable insight into the sector and help bridge the gap between academia and industry.

Research-wise, my focus lies in information systems, an inherently multidisciplinary field where I explore sociotechnical design, technology adoption, and sustainability. When time permits, I engage with industry by attending events and occasionally delivering talks, fostering collaborations that bridge academia and practice. I am particularly keen on establishing knowledge exchange activities that promote mutual learning and innovation. Supervising MSc and PhD students remains a central and highly rewarding part of my work.

What sets my role at UCL apart is the opportunity to balance teaching, research, and industry engagement, all within an environment that champions innovation and interdisciplinary approaches, which is something I truly appreciate.

What are some of your favourite things about working at UCL? How have you found it different to previous jobs?

What I appreciate most about working at UCL is the people and their openness to ideas. While there’s naturally a hierarchy, as in any institution, it’s balanced by a refreshingly flat structure that promotes collaboration across all levels within the subject group and department.

This openness fosters an environment where innovation flourishes and ideas are genuinely valued, no matter where they come from. UCL stands out for its dynamic culture, a place where academic rigour is seamlessly combined with inclusivity, and where diverse perspectives are embraced. It’s a community where I feel inspired to contribute meaningfully and grow alongside an exceptional group of colleagues and students.

Can you tell us about any upcoming research, or future projects that you're looking forward to working on?

With my interdisciplinary research background in sociotechnical design and technology adoption, I’m particularly excited about applying this expertise to the space sector. I am currently supervising a PhD project examining the environmental and economic impact of low Earth satellite constellations. This work has the potential to contribute significantly to ESG goals and to promote the principles of a circular economy within the space industry, an area I’m passionate about.

In addition to this, I have several ongoing initiatives in the realm of Generative AI adoption in higher education, including projects developed through UCL’s ChangeMakers projects. These ventures explore how AI can enhance learning and teaching experiences, and they represent another area where I see potential for significant impact.

Have you always been based in London? If not, when did you move here, and how did you find adapting to living in London?

I first came to London many years ago for a role in IT service management improvement. Although I now live in the South East and commute into the city for work, London still holds a special place in my heart. I love its vibrant energy and diverse culture. As someone originally from Malaysia, which is a multicultural society, adapting to London life felt natural, albeit on a much larger scale!

Finally, tell us about your non-work life. Do you have any hobbies, or favourite places to go in London?

Outside of work, I enjoy cardio exercises and yoga to stay active. I also like playing the piano by ear and singing along with simple chords, which I find incredibly relaxing. 

Recently, I’ve picked up Spanish and Japanese again, and it’s been an exciting challenge. I love learning languages, as I feel it’s a wonderful way to connect with people and gain a deeper understanding of different cultures.

In London, I love watching musicals in the West End and occasionally catching a ballet. There’s always something spectacular to experience. 

I’m also a passionate foodie, constantly seeking out exceptional vegetarian and pescatarian options. London’s rich diversity offers endless opportunities to discover new cuisines, and I thoroughly enjoy exploring its hidden culinary gems.