Meet Jack, the founder of Happy Sparrow, who channels his passion for creativity, community, and human interaction into unforgettable team-building experiences tailored for the corporate world. After a successful career in the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), Jack took a leap of faith to pursue something deeply personal—bringing people together.
In an era dominated by screens and digital tools, Jack’s mission stands out: to reignite meaningful human connection through customised programmes that go beyond icebreakers. From toilet paper games that went viral to cardboard boat races that built real bonds, he proves that team-building can be fun, impactful, and deeply human.
What inspired you to leave a promising military career in the RSAF and take the leap into entrepreneurship with Happy Sparrow?
I’ve always felt that there was more I could do. As a creative individual, I enjoy variety and dislike routine. I’m not saying the RSAF is mundane, but I wanted to pursue something where I could call the shots—create programmes that truly engage and unite people.
I’m a people person and love meeting individuals from all walks of life. The best way for me to make a difference was to build a career where I could design games that connect people. That’s why I made the bold decision to leave the force and founded Happy Sparrow.
How has your Air Force background influenced the way you design and run your team-building programmes?
My time in the Air Force, my alma mater, instilled a strong sense of discipline. Without it, I wouldn’t have survived as an entrepreneur. In this journey, no one reminds you what to do—you must be self-driven.
The military also taught me to think in a structured way and plan for contingencies. If something doesn’t go as expected, I can think on my feet. These skills have been incredibly valuable in my current role.
Happy Sparrow is known for customising every team-building experience from scratch. What’s your creative process like when developing new programmes for clients?
I don’t follow a fixed process—it’s very organic. I gather feedback after every programme and listen to what people are saying, including what’s missing in the market. After my workouts, I often sit with a coffee and reflect.
That’s usually when the ideas come—sometimes something big or unique just pops into my head. It’s now a habit: drink coffee, think of new concepts, and find ways to implement them.
You were featured twice on Channel 8 for your innovative virtual programmes. Can you share more about the first time you were featured and what made it stand out?
The first time I was featured on Channel 8’s Prime Time News was when I designed a game involving toilet paper during the circuit breaker period. At the time, everyone was hoarding toilet rolls, and the rest of the world was laughing at us.
As a proud Singaporean, I wanted to respond in a fun and creative way. So, I created a game where participants used toilet paper rolls to connect with one another—across countries, cultures, and backgrounds.
It became a symbol of collaboration and positivity in tough times, which is why I believe the media found it so compelling.
If I could have one superpower—though it might sound a bit extreme—I’d remove social media for a day. I miss the days of honest, face-to-face conversations.
What is the most memorable or impactful event you’ve planned that left a lasting impression on you and your clients?
One standout experience was the “Roll Your Paper Boat” programme. Teams had to build boats out of cardboard and race them. If the design wasn’t sealed properly, the boat would sink. This was created for a precision engineering firm, and I tailored it with an engineering twist.
Beyond the laughter and fun, it really fostered teamwork and bonding. Watching participants race boats they built themselves was both hilarious and meaningful—it’s one of my proudest moments.
What do you think makes a good entrepreneur?
In my view, it’s all about discipline and consistency, coupled with the ability to think on your feet when things don’t go as planned. Without those traits, you can’t stay the course.
When the pandemic hit, I knew our business couldn’t survive with only physical events. So we quickly pivoted to virtual team-building on Zoom. That ability to adapt under pressure made all the difference.
What’s your vision for Singapore in the next five years?
That’s a deep question! While AI and social media are on the rise and shaping how businesses operate, I still believe human-to-human interaction is irreplaceable. That’s why I started Happy Sparrow 15 years ago.
As humans, we are social creatures. Even with AI advancing, people will still need to connect—and our company can help nurture those essential social skills. I hope Happy Sparrow will not only be known for team-building, but also for teaching people how to communicate meaningfully with one another.
If you could have a superpower for one day, what would it be and why?
If I could have one superpower—though it might sound a bit extreme—I’d remove social media for a day. I miss the days of honest, face-to-face conversations. Today’s digital tools have created a false sense of connection.
In the past, if you agreed to meet at 12pm at the bus interchange, everyone would turn up. It taught us commitment and patience. I’d love for people, especially the younger generation, to experience that kind of simplicity and sincerity again.
Connect with Jack: HappySparrow, Instagram and Facebook.
Jack 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).
