Mr Tan Kin Lian started his insurance career in 1966 in a local life insurance company. He has also worked in various positions as a computer programmer, organisation and methods officer and consulting actuary. Mr Tan qualified as a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries in 1975.

He joined NTUC Income in 1977 as the chief executive officer. For the past 29 years, he has built up the business, assets and sphere of influence. From a base of $28 million (SGD), the total assets increased to over $18 billion at the time of his retirement. NTUC Income was a leading life and general insurance co-operative in Singapore.

During this period, Mr Tan has served on many boards and committees in Singapore and internationally.

From 1992 to 1997, he was Chairman of the International Co-operative and Mutual Insurance Federation (ICMIF), an international organisation representing 123 insurance groups in 65 countries.