Tay graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree (summa cum laude ) from Arizona State University & subsequently attended the University of California, Los Angeles, where she obtained her master's degree in Business Administration, majoring in finance.

When Tay was six years old, she started competing in diving and swimming competitions with her brother and sisters at the Royal Selangor Golf Club.

Tay participated at her first British Commonwealth Games in 1970 where she failed to qualify from the heats of the 100m and 200m butterfly events.

Tay was a member of the SSA Legacy Council, which was established in 2015 to highlight and showcase the aquatic fraternity's achievements.

[13][3] Tay was named Singapore's Sportswoman of the Year in 1973, and received the Individual Meritorious Award in 1971 and 1972.