He grew up around carnivals - and spent 40 years keeping childhood magic alive

Key Concepts

• JK’s Amusement: A carnival ride and inflatable playground business founded in 2002.
• Tikam Tikam: Traditional carnival game popular in the past.
• Operational Costs: High costs associated with transportation, setup/teardown, and rental spaces.
• COVID-19 Impact: Significant disruption requiring business model adaptation (transport services).
• Ride Longevity: Carnival rides have a long operational lifespan with minimal mechanical changes over decades.
• Generational Appeal: The enduring popularity of classic carnival rides across generations.

The Founding and Early Years of JK’s Amusement

Eddie, founder of JK’s Amusement, entered the carnival business at a young age, spending his childhood around Kalang Wonderland, where his father operated “Tikam Tikam” game stores. This early exposure instilled a lifelong passion for the industry. He formally established JK’s Amusement in 2002, initially facing financial constraints. He financed the startup by selling his flat for $15,000, which allowed him to purchase three kiddy rides and six inflatables. His target demographic was children 12 years and below, aiming to provide a physical, engaging alternative to screen-based entertainment. He specifically notes the appeal to families wanting to recreate experiences they enjoyed as children.

Operational Challenges and Financial Realities

Running a mobile amusement business presents significant operational and financial hurdles. Eddie highlights the substantial costs associated with frequent relocation. The business must be dismantled and re-established at new locations – currently Pongo, with upcoming moves to Ishun and Jurong – resulting in periods with no income. Rental costs have dramatically increased over time; what once cost $2,000 per week for atrium space now exceeds $15,000. This escalating cost structure represents a major ongoing challenge.

Adapting to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic posed an existential threat to JK’s Amusement. To survive, Eddie strategically pivoted the company’s resources to provide transport services. This involved transporting bait cabinets and facilitating quarantine facilities for foreign workers. He credits government support and the gradual reopening in 2022, specifically securing events at Gardens by the Bay, with enabling the business to recover. Revenue has since rebounded to near pre-pandemic levels.

The Timeless Appeal of Classic Carnival Rides

Despite decades of technological advancement, the fundamental nature of carnival rides has remained remarkably consistent. Eddie observes that core rides like teacups and horse carousels haven’t undergone substantial mechanical changes in the past 30 years. Improvements are primarily aesthetic – enhanced lighting and improved paintwork – rather than functional. He estimates a ride’s operational lifespan can be 10-20 years, with the core mechanisms remaining reliable. He emphasizes that “Teacup still spinning around. Horse carousel is still going up and down.” A Viking ride still swings in the same manner.

Generational Connection and Passion for the Business

A key driver of the carnival’s enduring success is its ability to connect generations. Eddie notes that grandparents (“Akong Amma”) still desire to share the experience of classic rides, like the horse carousel, with their grandchildren, recreating their own childhood memories. His personal connection to the industry spans from age 7 to 14, where he began part-time work, learning the intricacies of ride maintenance and carnival operation. He concludes by stating his dedication: “All I know is carnival…I don't know how to do any other things besides making all the kids happy.”