Meet Derek Yap, founder of Around The Corner, a travel platform that blends travel with hobbies, wellness, and community experiences. Rather than focusing purely on destinations, Derek believes the most meaningful journeys are the ones that create emotional connections, shared memories, and authentic cultural exchanges.
From organising cycling adventures to bringing Singapore pickleball communities overseas to connect with locals, Derek is redefining how people experience travel. In a fast-paced and technology-driven world, he hopes to create journeys that help people slow down, reconnect with themselves, and build genuine human connections through shared passions.
What inspired you to start Around The Corner, which focuses on experiences rather than just destinations?
I realised that people may forget certain landmarks, but they always remember how a trip made them feel and who they shared it with. That is why Around The Corner focuses more on experiences and communities rather than just sightseeing alone.
We incorporate hobbies such as cycling, wellness, and pickleball into travel experiences. One thing I am particularly proud of is that we were among the first to bring Singapore pickleball groups to play with locals in places like Mongolia and Kunming, China.
Those trips became more than just holidays; they became meaningful cultural and friendship exchanges.
Building a travel business after the pandemic was not easy. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced starting Around The Corner?
One major challenge was starting with very little industry experience. I entered the travel industry completely from scratch in a highly competitive post-pandemic environment. I learned everything hands-on by personally joining tours as a tour manager. I handled sales, marketing, customer service, and operations largely on my own. That experience taught me a lot very quickly.
Another challenge was differentiating ourselves in the market. That is why I focused on creating unique experiences instead of offering standard travel itineraries.
Wellness travel is becoming increasingly popular. Why do you think so many people today are searching for healing, balance, and reflection?
Life today is very fast-paced and stressful. Many people are no longer looking purely for sightseeing. Instead, they want opportunities to slow down, reconnect, and recharge mentally.
That is why experiences such as wellness retreats, cycling trips, nature experiences, photography tours, and even vegetarian food tours are becoming more popular. Sometimes healing comes from very simple moments such as having meaningful conversations, movement, nature, and genuine human connection.
What has travel taught you about yourself over the years?
Travel has taught me adaptability and humility. Things rarely go perfectly during trips, so I learned how to stay calm and adjust quickly when challenges arise.
It also taught me that relationships matter most. Through organising cycling and pickleball tours, I realised that shared hobbies naturally connect people across different cultures.
I hope more Singaporeans become open to exploring less-travelled destinations and experiencing different cultures more deeply instead of always visiting the same places. Some of the most meaningful experiences happen when we step outside our comfort zones and connect with people from different backgrounds.
What is one travel trend you believe is underrated right now?
I believe hobby-based and passion-based travel is still underrated. More people are starting to travel around interests such as cycling, pickleball, photography, wellness, or food instead of simply sightseeing.
That is something we focus on strongly at Around The Corner, by creating experiences around shared passions and communities. Travellers do not just visit places; they bring their hobbies along and connect with local communities who share similar interests.
In this age of AI and technology, where many things are being handed over to machines, what do you believe humanity must never lose?
I believe humanity must never lose genuine human connection.
Technology can definitely improve efficiency, but empathy, sincerity, trust, and relationships cannot be replaced. Ironically, I think that as technology becomes more advanced, authentic human experiences will become even more valuable.
What is your vision for Singapore in the next five years?
I hope Singapore continues growing not just economically, but also in areas such as wellness, creativity, and community.
I hope more Singaporeans become open to exploring less-travelled destinations and experiencing different cultures more deeply instead of always visiting the same places. Some of the most meaningful experiences happen when we step outside our comfort zones and connect with people from different backgrounds.
If you could have a superpower for one day, what would it be and why?
Probably teleportation. As someone in the travel industry, being able to instantly explore different countries, cultures, and communities in one day would be amazing.
Connect with Derek: AroundTheCorner, Instagram and Facebook.
Derek is a member of Rainmaker, a revolutionary movement that rallies like-minded people together based on the values of Love, Authenticity, Respect, Kindness and Youthfulness (LARKY).
