Tan Kin Lian started his insurance career in 1966 in a local insurance company. He qualified as a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries in 1975.

Tan Kin Lian joined NTUC Income in 1977 as its Chief Executive Officer. Over a period of 29 years, Tan Kin Lian built up its business, assets and sphere of influence. From a base of S$28 million, the total assets of NTUC Income increased to over S$17 billion as at end 2006, making it the leading Life & General Insurance Co-operative in Singapore.

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