‘I find fulfilment in enabling people to view life from various perspectives’

Life goes beyond the digits on the scale and your body is capable of so much more! Yahoo’s #Fitspo of the Week series is dedicated to inspiring Singaporean men and women who lead active and healthy lifestyles. Do you have someone to recommend? Hit Cheryl to the instagram either Facebook!

Name: Scott Tay (@scottiehottie92)

Age: 31

Height: 1.80m

Weight: 80kg

Occupation: Founder of adventure travel company. Beyond expeditions

State: Married

Food: I follow a vegetarian diet and honestly, mushrooms and eggs are not my favorites. Tofu is a staple in my meals and I love to indulge in daal and chapati – they are my favorite comfort foods.

Exercise: During my free time, when I’m not on assignment, whether I’m out of town on client expeditions or reconnaissance trips, my goal is to stay active. This means going to the gym or going for a run at least six times a week in Singapore.

Q: What sports did you play when you were younger?

A: I used to have a real passion for a variety of sports like badminton, volleyball, basketball – basically anything dynamic.

Instead of focusing on one sport competitively, my mindset growing up was to explore as many sports as possible. I found it fascinating to try different activities and see what resonated with me.

How has your exercise regimen evolved as you’ve gotten older?

I have come to understand the importance of commitment, consistency and making fitness a priority. Given the many aspects I handle in my business, maintaining discipline and pushing myself, whether on the track or in the gym, is crucial to staying in shape.

Maybe, once things become more routine, I can tap into that “beast mode” energy that reminds me of my younger days.

You started backpacking when you were 17 years old. How did you start?

I left Polytechnic when I was 18, and even before that I had immersed myself in the world of backpacking. From the time I left polytechnic until my university graduation, I embarked on numerous backpacking adventures. It became a kind of obsession for me. I had this intense desire to explore the world, to get a real sense of what’s out there. For me it was the most authentic way to learn and grow beyond the limits of the classroom.

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Throughout this journey, I have had the incredible opportunity to visit places like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Mongolia and many more.

What led you to start Beyond Expeditions?

After graduating from college, I continued my backpacking adventures for six months. Somewhere along the way, in the sixth month, I felt drawn back to Mongolia. Browsing social media and seeing friends frequenting popular destinations for food and shopping several times a year, I felt a strong urge to reveal Mongolia’s untouched beauty to them.

That’s when I came up with a compelling idea: promote Mongolia as the next unconventional vacation destination, a place where one can experience transformation and personal growth that lasts long after returning home. That was the beginning of Beyond Expeditions.

What is your favorite part of your job? On the contrary, what are the challenges?

One of the aspects I value most about my career is the creative freedom it offers. I particularly enjoy the autonomy of being able to execute great ideas without having to seek approval from anyone. It’s liberating to just dive in and make it happen.

However, challenges arise when trying to break down these ambitious concepts with the team. At times, they can be quite abstract, scattered in little fragments here and there. The real task lies in transforming these ideas into tangible work or results that our clients can truly connect with.

You are also very active in charity work.

We have been raising funds for various charities through our expeditions since 2018. Once, we carried a tire each while trekking through the unforgiving heat of the Gobi Desert.

I am excited to share that earlier this year we concluded our sixth charity expedition in the taiga region of Northern Mongolia. It was an incredible trip, a three-day hike in frigid -40°C temperatures to raise money for the Children Cancer Foundation.

Looking ahead, our next adventure is planned for July 2024 in Kyrgyzstan, where we will support the Breast Cancer Foundation. I can’t wait for the meaningful experiences that await us.

You served in the Singapore Civil Defense Force for national service. How did that experience help you in your current job?

For me, it’s all about the people. Over the years, I have gained valuable knowledge on how to communicate effectively with people of diverse characters and personalities.

The best part is realizing that each person I meet gives me the opportunity to improve my problem-solving skills, especially when they are outside their comfort zone during an expedition.

Traveling is a big part of your life, personal and professional. What does it mean to you?

It is no longer just about reaching a destination; it’s about leveraging travel as a means to guide people through their personal transformation. I find satisfaction in allowing people to see life from diverse perspectives and appreciate the small moments, like savoring a steaming bowl of noodle soup to ward off the cold in a humble hut.

I don’t keep track of the countries I’ve visited; That is of no importance to me and does not contribute to the purpose I seek in life.

When you were younger, did you experience any incidents that made you feel insecure about yourself?

Absolutely. I used to feel the need to constantly be in the spotlight. However, I have realized that I am actually happier adopting a more low-key lifestyle. What matters most to me now is not comparing myself to others, recognizing that there will always be someone who seems to have it better.

When did you feel least confident in yourself?

During my journey from childhood to college, I discovered a significant shift in my thinking. As I completed my studies and embarked on backpacking adventures, I began to cultivate a strong sense of self-confidence.

This transformation involved prioritizing my inner growth, a path that turned out to be more satisfying than worrying about the opinions of others.

Are you satisfied with your body now?

Feel good! If my schedule allows, I might consider gaining an additional 10kg of muscle.

Do you receive any comments about your body?

People wonder if I’m on a bike or something sometimes when they see me at the gym.

If you could change something about yourself, would you?

We are constantly evolving with each passing moment, so let’s embrace and savor the journey.