At ELLE Singapore, we're all about championing women, but this February, we're showing some love to the guys of Singapore. For the hottest men of the moment (literally and figuratively), they're carving their own paths when it comes to life, work, and love. From content creators and music producers to models, chefs, and actors, these are the heartthrobs of the Lion City.
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In an oversaturated content creation scene, RYOT is in a league of their own. Short for 'Run Your Own Thing', the creative collective—made up of longtime friends Gabriel Lim, Jonathan Cheng, Matthias Selvam, Noah Elisha Yeoh, Sashwin Sashi, and Srri Ramm Dayanithy—isn’t here to follow trends, but rather to inspire those who watch them with their innate creativity and zest for life.
With their off-beat challenges and vlogs documenting their adventures in Singapore and beyond, they've racked up over 19 thousand followers on TikTok and have collaborated with brands such as JD Sports and Footlocker—and they're just in their second year. The sextet sat down with ELLE Singapore to talk about their brotherhood, turn-offs, and hidden talents.
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What are your most admirable traits or features?
Gabriel Lim (GL): I'm reliable, open-minded and creative.
Jonathan Cheng (JC): I'm curious, creative, and loyal.
Matthias Selvam (MS): I'm optimistic, confident, and a visionary.
Noah Elisha Yeoh (NEY): I'm hardworking, determined, and positive.
Sashwin Sashi (SS): I'm honest, loyal, and always bring good vibes.
Srri Ramm Dayanithy (SRD): I'm creative, respectful, and grateful.
What are your most attractive traits?
GL: I’m trustworthy, funny, and empathetic.
JC: I'm not sure just yet.
MS: My smile, energy, and maybe my confidence.
NEY: My laughter as well as being joyful and jolly.
SS: My chivalry, style, and body build.
SRD: I'm quiet, honest, and kind.
@ryot______ IG: @runyourownthing
♬ original sound - RYOT
What is your most unattractive trait?
GL: Being impatient.
JC: Laziness.
MS: Maybe my attention span—I get bored of things easily.
NEY: Sometimes, I have the smelliest farts.
SS: I'm a slow texter.
SRD: I would say my mischievousness.
What are your hobbies?
GL: Collecting unique hats (he has an Instagram dedicated to it).
JC: Playing the drums.
MS: Watching YouTube, working out, and reading when I'm in the mood.
NEY: Cooking cuisines from different cultures, mixing songs, and reading.
SS: Playing football.
SRD: Playing Fortnite and cycling.
What do you think women notice first when they meet you?
GL: My smile.
JC: I would say they notice my height.
MS: Honestly, I have no clue. I might need to ask some people.
NEY: Probably my smile.
SS: My style.
SRD: I have no idea, to be honest.
What's your most complimented body part?
GL: My calves.
JC: My height.
MS: My smile.
NEY: My smile as well.
SS: My shoulders.
SRD: My eyelashes.
@ryot______ underrated
♬ Originalton - mo_chamali
If you had to choose an animal that you are most like, what would it be?
GL: A koala 'cause I'm an introvert.
JC: A meerkat.
ML: I would say a horse 'cause I love being a free spirit.
NEY: Grizzly bears 'cause I love how chill they are.
SS: A monkey 'cause I'm playful.
SRD: A panther probably. For some reason, a few people have told me this.
Do you have a successful pickup line?
MS: It doesn't matter what you say, it's how you say it.
NEY: Sadly, I don't have any.
SS: I just simply compliment the person.
What is something you look for in an ideal partner?
GL: Someone with good taste and a passion for something.
JC: Honestly, someone who's hot.
MS: Someone who's passionate, confident, loyal, and adventurous.
NEY: Probably how they carry themselves in different situations.
SS: Someone who's respectful, caring, and has a good heart.
SRD: Someone who can cook.
What's something embarrassing about yourself?
GL: I once injured myself from laughing too hard.
JC: I once broke both my arms from falling off the swing.
MS: I’m a heavy sleeper, so I have to set 30 alarm clocks every morning.
NEY: I drove against traffic during my first driving test.
SS: I was shocked by a light bulb in front of the boys.
SRD: It’s too much for the world to handle I fear.
@ryot______ Bros > everything
♬ chest pain by malcolm todd - Sir Malcolm Tott
Describe the perfect first date.
GL: Dinner followed by a visit to a jazz bar.
JC: It could be anything as long as there's tons of laughter.
MS: Dinner and doughnuts.
NEY: Going skydiving.
SS: Just a simple dinner is great for me.
What are your three pet peeves?
GL: When someone touches things with their hands after eating, when someone's phone or laptop screen hasn't been cleaned in days, and ringtones that are better off as alarms.
JC: Loud chewers, gossipers, and talking during a movie.
MS: Constant complaining, self-absorbed people, and people who constantly touch me when the vibe isn't checked between us.
NEY: Rudeness, littering, and burping too much.
SS: Rude people, slow walkers, and loud chewers.
SRD: Talking with your mouth full, noisy eaters or breathers, and someone emotionally immature.
What's your biggest turn-off?
GL: Excessive swearing.
MS: When someone talks only about themself and doesn't give any space to listen to you.
NEY: When someone talks about themself way too much.
SS: Excessive swearing.
SRD: If they're super pampered.
After the first date, how long do you wait before calling or texting?
GL: An hour.
JC: Right after.
MS: If I like her, straightaway.
NEY: Probably when I get back home.
SS: Two hours.
SRD: Depends on how the date went.
@ryot______ Time to cuddle
♬ stir fry by migos sped up - 🔮🌃🍬☔️💧
What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
GL: Go on a European trip with the boys with zero plans.
JC: Snowboarding.
MS: Cliff diving into the ocean.
NEY: Climed a mountain.
SS: Went bungee jumping.
What is your hidden talent?
GL: I can snap four fingers at once.
MS: I can burp on command.
NEY: I'm good at Just Dance.
SS: I'm good at parallel parking.
SRD: It's a secret for a reason.
What are you most proud of?
GL: I designed a store activation for JD x Nike last November. I did an animation, a custom bag, a graphic for bags and badges, and an EZ link card.
JC: I'm proud of the brother I built with the boys.
MS: Creating RYOT and building it into something inspiring and impactful with my brothers.
NEY: Completing a 21km race.
SS: Completed a half marathon with the boys.
SRD: Achieving personal happiness.
If you guys had to write a short profile about RYOT for a dating app, what would it say?
We're better in real life.
*The interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Photographed by JAYA KHIDIR
Styled by JEFFREY YAN
Producer NAVIN PILLAY
Hairstylist GREGO using Keune Haircosmetics
Make-up Artist WEE MING using NARS
Photographer’s Assistant NOWO KASTURI
Stylist’s Assistant VALECIA LEE