Born August 22, 1947, in Tai San, Canton, China, Mr. Sing Chin embodied the Jamaican spirit of perseverance and gratitude. His father, Arthur Chin, born in Highgate, St. Mary, was sent to China as a child to learn the family culture-where he met his future wife. As a result, Sing and his two older siblings came to be born in China. His father returned to Jamaica the year Sing was born and sent for the rest of the family a few years later.

The People's Republic of China was established in October 1949. The country was still recovering from wartime devastation and in 1950, Mao Zedong's government began implementing land reforms-confiscating land from landlords and redistributing it to peasants. It was against this backdrop that his mother managed to escape under cover of darkness with her young sons from the mainland to British Hong Kong. From there they traveled by ship to Kingston and rejoined Arthur.

They arrived in Jamaica in 1951 only to be greeted by Hurricane Charlie one of the Atlantic's deadliest hurricanes of all time.

His father opened his first business by renting a shop on Waltham Park Road after working for several years at Lion's Bakery. Sing and his siblings would learn to work at an early age. They had shop duties after school: wrapping goods, stocking shelves, serving customers and whatever else their parents told them to do.

In 1959, young Sing became a "KC boy."

"I still break into a smile when I think back to my high-school days," he recalled fondly.

He vividly remembers Headmaster Douglas Forrest, Deputy Headmaster James Crick, and remarkable teachers like Professor Eddie Baugh (English), Carlyle Dunkley (Religion), and Marcus Garvey III (Mathematics).

"Garvey had the kind of voice that could read the Yellow Pages and have us listening in rapt attention," he said. "Not once did he mention his famous father-such humility earned our respect."

The Making of an Entrepreneur

Even as a student, Sing showed flashes of leadership and enterprise. As Class Planner, he organized trips to Hope Gardens and the beach, coordinating every detail "like a professional tour guide."

He soon turned that energy into enterprise, producing and selling purple-and-white KC buttons during Champs season.

"Those were life lessons disguised as fun," he said. "I learned early that I could make things happen."

A Journey Through Business

Leaving KC at 15, Sing's first job was at Joseph's Department Store on Orange Street-earning a promotion his very first week. He later joined Hand Arnold Ltd. and T. Geddes Grant, mastering sales and customer relations. His career-defining achievement came when he won the approval of Carl Chang, a major client known for his exacting standards.

By 1970, Sing leased a small shop in Havendale and stepped into business ownership. From there, he built a formidable retail group:

1974: Founded Super Valu Supermarket
1988: Established Manor Park Pharmacy
1998: Opened Super Valu Home Centre
2020: Launched Fresh Foods, expanding the Super Valu Group of Companies

Through discipline, integrity, and innovation, Mr. Chin transformed a single store into one of Jamaica's most trusted retail enterprises.

Quiet Philanthropist, Proud Fortis

A man of few words but generous deeds, Mr. Chin has consistently supported his alma mater. He has contributed to major projects such as the Douglas Forrest Building and the PA/Audio system in the school chapel.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Super Valu Fresh Foods donated gift baskets to KC teachers.

Principal Dave Myrie remarked, "Mr. Sing Chin is one of those Old Boys who has been quietly supporting the school over the years. His deep love for KC is not displayed by words but by actions.

Reynold Scott, chairman of the Kingston College Development Fund, said, "He was a good man and a faithful and significant contributor to our alma mater. He will be missed."

Sing partnered with community organizations, including The University of the West Indies Dialysis Centre, extending his generosity beyond North Street.

The Prime Minister of Jamaica, Dr. Andrew Holness, said Sing was "a visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist, and dedicated Jamaican who devoted his life to building both business and community…"

The Prime Minister also added, "Beyond his business achievements, Mr. Sing Chin will be remembered for his generous spirit and his commitment to national service. During the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl last year, he worked tirelessly to assist with the relief efforts, ensuring that essential supplies reached those most affected. His compassion and readiness to serve embodied the best of the Jamaican spirit."

Honored at Home

In 2019, the KC family surprised him with a symbolic "graduation ceremony," presenting an honorary diploma in recognition of his decades of support. Four years later, Jamaica itself bestowed a fitting tribute-the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) in 2023 for contributions to the business and economic development of Jamaica.

"My success reflects this country's determination to succeed," he said. "Being awarded the Order of Distinction affirms those same beliefs."

A Life Shaped by KC

Even after building an empire, the late Mr. Sing Chin remained grounded in the Fortis values of discipline, service, and faith. He would often smile when reminded that he once rode a motorcycle to school-an early sign of his daring independence.

Though he has passed on, Mr. Sing Chin, CD, is fondly remembered as a national honoree and respected businessman who exemplified the Kingston College motto:

"The brave may fall but never yield."

His life stands as a lasting testament to the enduring power of a Fortis education and the generous heart of a true KC Old Boy.

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