A tribute to Jordon Chin, Assistant Manager, Convention Services, Marina Bay Sands
A tribute to Jordon Chin, Assistant Manager, Convention Services, Marina Bay Sands

A tribute to Jordon Chin, Assistant Manager, Convention Services, Marina Bay Sands 

 

Honouring a creative force who orchestrated lightscapes for world-class events

Jordon Chin was many things – a sonic arts graduate, a quiet creative, a meticulous problem‑solver, and above all, a cherished colleague whose work illuminated countless moments at Marina Bay Sands. Since joining the Convention Services team in 2019, he brought extraordinary passion to his craft, shaping experiences that touched guests, partners and Team Members alike.

Though he described himself as an introvert, Jordon boldly traded the comfort of back-of-house work for a client‑facing role, guided by his personal mantra: “Never try, never know.” It was a leap that would define the next seven years of his life — years in which he mastered the art of transforming ambitious ideas into unforgettable global events through cutting-edge audiovisual solutions at Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre. Unfortunately, Jordon passed away suddenly in February 2026.

In this feature, we revisit an interview with Jordon from December 2025 as part of our series showcasing diverse career paths in hospitality and MICE at Marina Bay Sands.

1. How did you get started in this industry, and what drew you to Marina Bay Sands?

I initially considered a career in music recording, which led me to pursue a Diploma in Sonic Arts at Republic Polytechnic to sharpen my skills in writing, mixing and engineering songs. But during my first internship at The Show Company, I discovered the world of light programming – and how lighting could shape mood, direct attention and elevate an entire event experience. Since then, I’ve never looked back.

From working with a music and drama company during National Service to freelancing for various organisations, I built my expertise and network in the industry. In 2019, I took the leap to join Marina Bay Sands’ Convention Services team. Transitioning from back-of-house operations to a client-facing role was challenging but exciting. It meant building relationships, translating visions into reality, and managing complex event executions. What drew me in was the chance to work with Marina Bay Sands’ extensive AV inventory and high-quality lighting systems – tools that enable my colleagues and I to deliver extraordinary experiences for clients in the dynamic MICE, entertainment hospitality space.

2. Which projects have left a deep impression on you?

One standout project was the Disney APAC Content Showcase in 2024, a multi-day event that was both creatively and technically demanding. Months of planning went into rigging designs and equipment layouts before the client welcomed key regional media and KOLs across the property. This included a total of 24 actors and actresses from the US, Japan and South Korea, who were hosted from Sands Grand Ballroom to a blue carpet experience at The Shoppes leading to MARQUEE Nightclub. It was incredibly rewarding to see months of meticulous planning culminate in a seamless showcase.

Another memorable project was the World Architecture Festival, which championed sustainability through innovative design elements like inflatable igloos to segment spaces. This required meticulous planning to minimise sound leakage and ensure functionality across the event spaces. But the biggest challenge? Transforming the main plenary into a dinner setting within just 90 minutes. It was an elaborate process that took months of preparation, from designing rigs to coordinating with nearly 50 Team Members across pre-event, live, and post-event phases.

For me, the most exhilarating moment is always “show time” — that mix of adrenaline and relief when months of hard work pay off. Delivering awe-inspiring experiences that go beyond traditional setups, extending into restaurants and even MARQUEE, makes this role exciting. Ultimately, events are about enriching lives and creating moments worth celebrating.

3. What excites you most about the world of hospitality, events and technology?

While technology continues to evolve and simplify operations, what excites me is how it brings people together in new ways. In an industry where change is constant, I always ask myself three questions: What’s new? Is it implementable? Should we trial it for stability? Being practical is key.

But at its core, the MICE industry is about people connecting and supporting each other as event formats continue to transform. I’m proud that Marina Bay Sands continues to stay ahead of the curve by investing in training for its Team Members. From event management courses and digital event certifications to workshops on event design and sustainable management practices, these opportunities have made my colleagues more versatile and future-ready.

4. What advice would you give to someone considering a career in convention services in a hospitality setting?

Embrace problem-solving — every day brings new challenges that shape your growth. Stay open to learning on the job and always anchor yourself in the fundamentals. With this mindset, you’ll not just adapt but thrive wherever opportunities take you.

 

While Jordon has left us, his contributions continue to be felt across the world-class events that he helped shape and the people he worked alongside. He will be missed.