Desmond John Chin Kong Thai

Desmond Chin's family is in the jewellery business. He has a passion for metals, and his areas of specialisation include sculpture and jewellery design, silversmithing and enamelling work. One of his sculptures, A Place in Time was commissioned by MGS as a historical site marking and unveiled by Mrs Lee Kuan Yew on 15 August 1998.

Desmond has been with the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts as a lecturer since 1999. Prior to that, he was with LASALLE-SIA College of the Arts for 14 years, where he set up the Jewellery Department, became Head of Department, and subsequently, Head of 3D Fine Arts Department.

He believes in taking students through the process of designing and making jewellery - which encompasses basic techniques, repairs and finishes  to help them develop their interests and skills.  Students are encouraged to master special techniques such as enamelling, repousse and casting, as well as to understand gems through gemological studies. During their studies, students are also exposed to working with different media besides precious metals and gems. These mixed media include fabrics, resins and polymer clay.

His full-time and part-time students have shown great enthusiasm in exhibiting their pieces, and they welcome feedback on their works. They are also greatly encouraged by the public's interest in acquiring some of their works.

Desmond is a keen supporter of anyone interested in jewellery design and who wishes to set up their work studio, as this will allow him to collaborate on promoting and establishing a vibrant and creative jewellery artist community.