When you first meet Calixto Tay, Managing Director of Originally US, you might see a calm, analytical leader with a deep passion for building products that make a difference. What you might not realise right away is that his approach to business — and even life — was forged from a childhood where every dollar mattered.
In a recent feature by Singapore Management University (SMU) titled “How a frugal upbringing became a business asset,” Calixto reflected on how growing up in a modest household became the unexpected foundation for his entrepreneurial success.
From Frugality to Foresight
For Calixto, frugality was never about deprivation. It was about discipline, creativity, and understanding value.
Every purchase was thoughtfully considered: “Do we really need this? Will it last? What’s the return?”
That habit of thinking critically about costs and outcomes translated seamlessly into how he later approached business and product design. Instead of chasing trends or spending recklessly, he learned to prioritise what truly matters — outcomes, efficiency, and impact.
Today, those same principles underpin the way Originally US builds digital and AI solutions for our partners. Whether we’re designing a nationwide public service app or crafting a bespoke enterprise system, our focus remains the same: deliver maximum value through thoughtful design and purposeful innovation.
Curiosity Turned Into Creation
Calixto’s entrepreneurial spirit surfaced early. As a teenager, he built The Wicked, a puzzle game that reached players far beyond Singapore. Later, in a moment of curiosity and determination, he created BookINBookOUT overnight — a service that streamlined logistics for Singapore’s book exchange community which was later acquired.
Both projects taught him one lasting truth: you don’t need massive resources to build something meaningful; you just need clarity, creativity, and execution.
That philosophy carried through into Originally US — a company that has since helped organisations like CPF Board, CIMB, Canon, AIA, and CASE transform their digital services while keeping user experience at the heart of technology.
Leading With Purpose
Calixto’s leadership reflects the same values that shaped his early years — clarity of thought, respect for resources, and a relentless focus on impact. Within Originally US, these values have become cultural cornerstones.
We don’t believe in flashy innovation for its own sake. We believe in useful, sustainable innovation — technology that solves real problems, improves lives, and stands the test of time.
This philosophy has earned Originally US a trusted reputation among clients leading to decade-long partnerships.
Back at Calixto Tay’s alma mater, Singapore Management University, we are proud sponsors of the Originally US Future IT Leader Awardand the Originally US Award for Top Computing Student — initiatives aimed at nurturing the next generation of tech leaders who think with both head and heart.
Full Circle
What began as lessons in frugality have evolved into guiding principles for growth, leadership, and impact.
Calixto’s journey is a reminder that great innovation doesn’t always start with abundance — sometimes, it starts with constraint. And when we learn to do more with less, we unlock a mindset that sees possibility everywhere.
We’re deeply thankful to Singapore Management University (SMU) for shining a light on this story, and even more grateful to see those same values continue to shape the way we work, build, and lead at Originally US.
Full Article Here: https://engage.smu.edu.sg/article/how-frugal-upbringing-became-business-asset
