They are your everyday Singaporeans, dealing with the demands of school and work. However, Sport Singapore’s newly appointed brand ambassadors and sport and fitness influencers all have something else in common – their belief in the importance of living better through sport. Get to know them in our eight-part series here!

Describing herself as a rather private person, Laura Tan never expected to become a brand ambassador, much less one for the organisation she works for, Sport Singapore (SportSG). What made the senior executive and TeamSG hockey player agree to the role was a desire to provide an alternative, yet positive view within the local sporting community.

“I’m not a person who’s very public in terms of my profile, and I don’t think growing followership was something I was particularly interested in or thought about,” the 27-year-old told ActiveSG. “One of my concerns [when considering becoming an ambassador] was coming across very unnatural because my general understanding and perception of influencers is that they may not come across as very genuine,” said Laura.

However, she was convinced to step out of her comfort zone once she understood the overall aim of the ambassador programme – to show others how she lives better through sport in her everyday life. “[It] was more about getting the right messages out through my lifestyle, [so] I thought [there was] no harm giving it a shot. If it serves a bigger purpose,” said Laura.

“I have to make sure I believe in [the messaging] before I’m able to share something about it,” she pointed out. Though she is still learning how to best fulfill her new role, Laura is looking forward to sharing her views as both a national athlete and a SportSG staff member.

“I see things in the bigger picture. I understand things both from the perspective of the national athlete and from someone working in SportSG. [I’m] able to then offer insights that nobody else can,” she related. “[My position] gives me the ability to explain, and I think [they’re] opinions and voices that very little people know of,” Laura continued.

With over 15 years of experience in the sport of hockey, she believes that she will be able to relate best to those who are passionate about their own sport. In fact, meeting the other seven SportSG ambassadors has shown her that people from different walks of life can all share a common passion.

“Seeing how we can come together - though we all have different passions, we [can] all have the same passion for sports and a healthy lifestyle,” she said. On that note, Laura also wishes to spread the awareness of hockey, in hopes of giving back to the hockey community.

“I thought this was the opportunity to get out there and let people know more about the sport. To know that the sport exists, it’s fun, and there are people who are working hard for [it],” she said.

“I want to be able to share more of our [the hockey team’s] preparation for the SEA Games, but at the same time show that it’s challenging, and hopefully people will support us!” she said.

Follow Laura’s journey towards the upcoming 29th SEA Games, or pick up hockey tips from her by following her on her Instagram space (@lauratsr)! Stay tuned also to more stories and videos of her on myActiveSG Facebook as well as the Sport Singapore YouTube channel!