Life at RGE: Ryan’s Unconventional Journey

For the past six years, Ryan Tay has been on a journey defined by movement and learnings – across countries, cultures, and career milestones. Each stop along the way has shaped not only his professional career, but also his mindset as a future leader.

Ryan’s journey began when he joined Sateri, a part of the RGE group, in Singapore as a strategic planner. His analytical skills and strong work ethic quickly earned him a spot on the project team tasked to support the development of what would become the world’s largest and greenest pulp mill in Brazil.

The experience of working at Bracell, also a member of RGE, was eye-opening for Ryan, and came with its fair share of challenges. “Even a simple word like ‘anticipate’ caused confusion,” Ryan recalls with a laugh. “To us, it means waiting for something to happen. But for our Brazilian colleagues, it means speeding things up. That was a learning curve for sure!”

After his stint at Bracell, Ryan was chosen for a unique opportunity: a role in the Chairman’s Office with RGE’s Founder and Chairman Mr Sukanto Tanoto. It was a transformative chapter in Ryan’s career, one that offered a front-row seat to the strategic thinking that shapes the group’s long-term direction.

“Every decision that flows to the business groups is rooted in thoughtful deliberation,” Ryan shares. “Behind each decision is a process of thorough analysis and discussion. What many people do not see is the level of rigour that goes into even the smallest strategic move. Nothing is taken lightly.”

What left a lasting impression is the Chairman’s deep commitment to lifelong learning. “Despite his standing and success, Chairman is constantly seeking to learn from others, by attending courses, webinars, or seeking advice from experts within the industry. That taught me the value of dedication and to put in the hours to learn something new, no matter where I am in my career.”

Armed with new perspectives and a broader understanding of the business, Ryan took the leap in exploring his next move within the group. Leveraging the network he has built, he joined the Procurement department that led him to his current role as Procurement Manager, seconded at Woodfibre LNG, another sister company based in Canada.

As Procurement Manager, his responsibilities include bid evaluations, proposal reviews, and commercial negotiations, all important components of a high-value infrastructure project. “This role gives me full ownership of my workstream,” Ryan explains. “The flexibility helps as I balance the duties with my role as a new parent, and the support of my colleagues is greatly appreciated also.”

Ryan helping to plant a seedling in Brazil.

Outside of work and along with his colleagues, Ryan is involved in several community initiatives within RGE. One experience that stands out is volunteering with Willing Hearts, a Singapore-based community kitchen where volunteers cook, pack, and deliver meals to those in need.

“It was meaningful in so many ways,” Ryan reflects. “It’s one thing to donate money, but dedicating time to help prepare and distribute meals, that’s something else altogether. It shows a commitment to doing good for the community. Beyond social impact, it’s a great chance to bond with colleagues from different departments and whom I don’t typically work with, making the experience even more meaningful.”

Looking back, Ryan’s path has been anything but conventional. From navigating cultural differences in Brazil, to observing strategy at the highest level, to owning the workflow as a manager, his experiences have shaped him into a versatile leader, one who values continuous learning, meaningful connections, and making a lasting impact.

Through it all, one belief continues to guide him: that growth comes from stepping outside one’s comfort zone and embracing new challenges.

Discover more roles at RGE: A Career at RGE