Champions Behind the Scenes - David Tan

Uniting the People and Athletes through Song

Profile Photo of David Tan (Law Professor, NUS) and song composer. Photo Credit : Sean Lee

For over 15 years, Professor David Tan has been a prominent figure at NUS Faculty of Law, pioneering courses in Freedom of Speech, Entertainment Law, and Fashion Law since 2008. His research spans freedom of expression, celebrity image rights, and copyright issues in popular culture. Beyond academia, David is an accomplished fine art and fashion photographer, with work featured in Vanity Fair, Time, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, and Marie Claire. He also served as Vice Dean (Academic Affairs) at NUS Law from 2015 to 2021.

Yet, David's talents extend beyond law and photography. Almost 20 years ago, he composed "Live Our Dreams," a national song that rallied Singaporeans to support their athletes at the 2005 SEA Games in Manila. Despite no formal musical training, David’s passion for singing began in childhood, inspired by eclectic influences from '70s and '80s TV shows and global artists like Whitney Houston. Whitney’s iconic “One Moment In Time,” performed at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, particularly resonated with David, embodying the spirit of perseverance and achievement that continues to inspire him today.

David Tan and singer songwriter Kit Chan, celebrating the release of the 25^th Anniversary recording of “Home” in 2023. Photo Credit : David Tan

“When I joined the Singapore Administrative Service in 2001 and became Director of Sports at the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports in 2004,” David recalled, “I wanted to unite the broader Singaporean community in supporting our athletes at major games. Ronald Susilo’s remarkable victory over world number one Lin Dan at the 2004 Olympics was a proud moment for Singapore, yet there was no unifying anthem that could rally the nation behind our athletes.”

Inspired by the way Kit Chan’s “Home” had become a beloved patriotic anthem after the 1998 National Day Parade, David saw a gap for the sports community. As the 2005 SEA Games in Manila approached, he envisioned creating a special anthem that could one day stand alongside “Home” in the hearts of Singaporeans. Knowing Kit Chan personally, David persuaded her to record “Live Our Dreams,” hoping it would become the inspirational song that every Singaporean could sing with pride during momentous sporting events.

Working on “Live Our Dreams” in 2005: David Tan (left() and Thomas Schönberg. Photo credit: Robert Vicencio

David's collaboration with his co-lyricist Robert Vicencio began in 2001 when Robert starred as Thuy in Miss Saigon at Kallang Theatre. Through Robert, David met Thomas Schönberg, son of Miss Saigon composer Claude-Michel Schönberg, and now a top executive producer at Cameron Mackintosh Ltd., overseeing major musicals like Hamilton and Les Misérables.

In 2005, David approached Thomas and Robert to create a sports anthem for Singapore. Inspired by songs like “One Moment In Time,” David wanted a rousing, memorable tune with mass appeal that all Singaporeans could sing. After hearing a workshop version of “Live Our Dreams” with Ima Castro and Thomas on piano, David brought the team to Singapore for a creative retreat to refine the song. He then enlisted the help of Dr. Sydney Tan, the producer of “Home,” to arrange the music for Kit Chan, and finally, the anthem was brought to life.

Reflecting on Singapore’s sports achievements over the last decade, David, now 54, believes they show that our national sport associations (NSAs) are on the right track. He wishes for all Singaporeans to rally behind our athletes, not just for their victories, but because they represent Singapore on the world stage. Singing a unifying anthem, like “Home” at the National Day Parade, makes these moments more special, and David feels it is important to have a rousing sports anthem that unites all Singaporeans as Team Singapore when the Major Games come around.

(L to R) Team Singapore badminton players Loh Kean Yew, Terry Hee, Jessica Tan and Yeo Jia Min, together with David Tan, ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Photo Credit : David Tan

Nearly 20 years after creating his sports anthem, David Tan remains deeply involved in Singapore’s sports scene. Despite his busy schedule at NUS, he continues to support the Singapore Badminton Association, photographing the national team and securing magazine features for top players. He also serves as the pro bono business manager for 2022 Commonwealth Games badminton gold medalists Terry Hee and Jessica Tan, helping them land sponsorships.

Since 2023, David has been collaborating with the National Museum of Singapore to collect memorabilia from iconic athletes who have shaped Singapore’s sporting history. His collection includes Joseph Schooling’s wetsuit from the 2016 Rio Olympics, Ronald Susilo’s jersey from the 2004 Athens Olympics, Shanti Pereira’s pink shoes from her 2022 Asian Games gold-medal win, and Remy Ong’s gold medal from the 2006 World Tenpin Bowling Championships. These items celebrate the athletes' achievements and highlight their role in Singapore’s cultural fabric.