A graduate of Temasek Polytechnic, he first came into prominence through his short films: Sons (2000), Hock Hiap Leong (2001), and 48 on Aids (2002). Royston has since directed four features and has won over forty international and local film awards. His works largely focus on social issues and seek to challenge the boundaries of societal expectations. He has made much effort to reach out to the less fortunate and to inspire them, by teaching troubled youths film-making and assisting them with their film productions. Tan has also helped to raise money for non-profit organisations and foundations such as The Business Times Budding Artists Fund, which supports the artistic pursuits of upcoming local artists.