For most, buses are simply a functional means of transport and we don’t even think twice about the person behind the wheel.
But for 25-year-old Matthew Tay, they’re a love affair that began when he was just a boy. As a bus interchange supervisor with Tower Transit, he’s the youngest in the role.
Matthew’s interest in buses began in childhood, sparked by the sight of them zipping past his house. He would sketch them on scraps of paper whenever he could and even started amassing a small collection of bus guides when these were still produced.
His parents soon noticed and began dedicating their weekends to exploring bus interchanges across Singapore together.
Young Matthew Tay. (Photo: Matthew Tay)
Matthew's love for buses began at a young age. (Photo: Matthew Tay)
From there, his passion grew. Over the years, he connected with other enthusiasts, joined a bus lovers Facebook group, and made friends who shared his interest.
By the time he was 22, Matthew had taken his first job as a bus driver with a private company.
But remaining true to his passion wasn’t always easy.
His peculiar interest often made him feel out of place, and he spent much of his teenage years concerned about fitting in.
"It also inspired me to just seek out more friendships that have mutual growth and understanding, and also to be true to yourself," Matthew (first from the right) reflects. (Photo: Matthew Tay)
While his peers focused on planning for university, he was immersed in bus interest groups and his part-time job as a private bus driver. And when he graduated from polytechnic with strong grades, he struggled with the expectation to pursue a more “conventional” pathway - pursuing a degree.
“It was only natural to go to university, because everyone around me was urging me to do so. And yes, if you don't go to university, what else would you do at that point (in) time? It was on everyone's mind,” he shared.
"It was a very difficult decision, partly because of the social norms and expectations we have in Singapore.”
It was toughest convincing his parents, but he did and now works with Tower Transit who has offered him a scholarship to study business, which he accepted quickly.
Matthew now works with Tower Transit and has accepted a scholarship to study business. (Photo: Matthew Tay)
Matthew with his colleagues. (Photo: Matthew Tay)
What would Matthew say to that young boy with a pencil and a head full of bus designs on taking the path less travelled?
Listen to Matthew’s story on A Letter to Myself, CNA938’s weekly podcast, where host Joel Chua talks to inspiring individuals who have turned their life experiences into extraordinary lessons.
If you know someone with a story worth sharing, please reach out to us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg.
Follow A Letter to Myself on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Source: CNA/ty
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But for 25-year-old Matthew Tay, they’re a love affair that began when he was just a boy. As a bus interchange supervisor with Tower Transit, he’s the youngest in the role.
Matthew’s interest in buses began in childhood, sparked by the sight of them zipping past his house. He would sketch them on scraps of paper whenever he could and even started amassing a small collection of bus guides when these were still produced.
His parents soon noticed and began dedicating their weekends to exploring bus interchanges across Singapore together.
Young Matthew Tay. (Photo: Matthew Tay)
Matthew's love for buses began at a young age. (Photo: Matthew Tay)
From there, his passion grew. Over the years, he connected with other enthusiasts, joined a bus lovers Facebook group, and made friends who shared his interest.
By the time he was 22, Matthew had taken his first job as a bus driver with a private company.
ON THE ROUTE LESS TRAVELLED
But remaining true to his passion wasn’t always easy.
His peculiar interest often made him feel out of place, and he spent much of his teenage years concerned about fitting in.
"It also inspired me to just seek out more friendships that have mutual growth and understanding, and also to be true to yourself," Matthew (first from the right) reflects. (Photo: Matthew Tay)
While his peers focused on planning for university, he was immersed in bus interest groups and his part-time job as a private bus driver. And when he graduated from polytechnic with strong grades, he struggled with the expectation to pursue a more “conventional” pathway - pursuing a degree.
“It was only natural to go to university, because everyone around me was urging me to do so. And yes, if you don't go to university, what else would you do at that point (in) time? It was on everyone's mind,” he shared.
"It was a very difficult decision, partly because of the social norms and expectations we have in Singapore.”
It was toughest convincing his parents, but he did and now works with Tower Transit who has offered him a scholarship to study business, which he accepted quickly.
Matthew now works with Tower Transit and has accepted a scholarship to study business. (Photo: Matthew Tay)
Matthew with his colleagues. (Photo: Matthew Tay)
What would Matthew say to that young boy with a pencil and a head full of bus designs on taking the path less travelled?
Listen to Matthew’s story on A Letter to Myself, CNA938’s weekly podcast, where host Joel Chua talks to inspiring individuals who have turned their life experiences into extraordinary lessons.
If you know someone with a story worth sharing, please reach out to us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg.
Follow A Letter to Myself on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Source: CNA/ty
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