Overview:
Jackie is a Singaporean one-handed magician, cardist, motivational speaker and active runner whose journey is defined by resilience and determination. A road accident at the age of six affected the use of his right hand and leg, and his childhood was marked by exclusion, bullying and a lack of confidence. Rather than allowing these experiences to define him, Jackie eventually transformed them into motivation to challenge assumptions about disability and demonstrate what is possible through creativity, perseverance and self-belief.
Industry:
Entertainment | Magic & Cardistry | Motivational Speaking | Personal Development
Professional Experience:
Jackie’s interest in magic began as a teenager. At 17, he started teaching himself magic through online videos and experimentation, adapting tricks traditionally performed with two hands to suit his own abilities. Two years later, he took up cardistry, mastering intricate card flourishes through repeated practice and developing his own techniques. Beyond performing, Jackie has built experience as a motivational speaker, sharing his story with schools, institutions and other organisations. He is also active in sports and has completed numerous races, including a 73-storey vertical marathon.
Turning Point:
Jackie’s transformation did not happen through one defining event but gradually as he met more people and began challenging his own beliefs. He realised that encouragement from others could only go so far if he continued to believe he was not good enough. This change in mindset helped him move beyond worrying about how others judged his disability. Instead of continuing to ask, “Why me?”, he adopted a new attitude: “Try me.” Magic and cardistry subsequently became powerful ways for him to turn a perceived limitation into creativity and possibility.
What He Does Now:
Today, Jackie performs one-handed close-up magic and cardistry while working as a motivational speaker. His performances go beyond entertainment: he hopes audiences initially drawn to his disability leave recognising determination, creativity and resilience instead. Through speaking engagements and performances, he encourages people to overcome fear of failure and judgement, take the first step outside their comfort zones and recognise their own potential. His broader vision is for a more inclusive Singapore where people with disabilities are recognised for their abilities and contributions rather than defined by their limitations.
SGVisionaries Interview:
LinkedIn Profile:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-chionh-8a250b1a9
Website:
Profiles of Singapore’s Creators, Entrepreneurs, Leaders and Professionals. Powered by SGVisionaries.com 
Leave a comment