Matthew Tay: A Unique Journey

For most people, buses are just a means of transport, a tool for getting from point A to B. However, for 25-year-old Matthew Tay, the story is remarkably different. He has forged a career out of his lifelong love for buses, becoming the youngest bus interchange supervisor at Tower Transit.

Childhood Fascination

Matthew's fascination with buses began during his childhood. Growing up, he would watch them rush past his home, and his curiosity led him to sketch their designs on scraps of paper. His passion only grew stronger when his parents recognized his interest and dedicated their weekends to exploring various bus interchanges around Singapore together. This family activity not only nurtured Matthew's love for buses but also laid the foundation for a strong community connection.

Embracing the Community

Over the years, he found camaraderie among fellow bus enthusiasts and joined an online bus lovers Facebook group, where he made friends who shared his enthusiasm. By 22, Matthew took a leap and became a bus driver for a private company, immersing himself fully into the world of public transport while his peers were preoccupied with university applications.

Facing Societal Pressures

Despite graduating from polytechnic with excellent grades, Matthew faced societal pressures that dictated he pursue a traditional educational path. "It felt like a natural course for everyone around me. The idea was, if you don’t go to university, what options do you have?” he recalled. Wrestling with this dilemma was challenging, and convincing his parents to understand his passion was no small feat.

A Bold Decision

Ultimately, Matthew made the bold decision to forgo university and dive headfirst into the transport industry. His commitment to the profession hasn’t gone unnoticed; Tower Transit has since offered him a scholarship to study business, a step he eagerly accepted to enhance his career opportunities.

The Essence of Pursuing Dreams

Matthew’s journey is a testament to the power of following one's passion against the tide of conventional expectations. It’s a story of courage, sacrifice, and dedication—the essence of what it means to pursue your dreams. Listen to his captivating story featured on "A Letter to Myself," a popular podcast on CNA938, hosted by Joel Chua, which highlights individuals who have transformed their life experiences into valuable lessons.

Share Your Story

If you believe someone in your life has an incredible story worth sharing, don’t hesitate to reach out to the podcast team. This is not just Matthew's story; it could be the inspiration we all need to chase our own passions wholeheartedly. Tune into "A Letter to Myself" on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to join in on more inspiring tales!